{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"categoryState":{"relatedCategories":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2023-05-15T12:01:10+00:00"},"categoryId":33964,"data":{"title":"Pets","slug":"pets","image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964}],"parentCategory":{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","slug":"home-auto-hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"}},"childCategories":[{"categoryId":33965,"title":"Birds","slug":"birds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33965"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":34,"bookCount":4},{"categoryId":33966,"title":"Cats","slug":"cats","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33966"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":24,"bookCount":2},{"categoryId":33967,"title":"Dogs","slug":"dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":442,"bookCount":23},{"categoryId":33984,"title":"Fish","slug":"fish","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33984"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":24,"bookCount":3},{"categoryId":33985,"title":"Ferrets","slug":"ferrets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33985"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":8,"bookCount":2},{"categoryId":33986,"title":"Horses","slug":"horses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33986"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":22,"bookCount":2},{"categoryId":33987,"title":"Rabbits","slug":"rabbits","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33987"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-2.fabfbd5c.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":10,"bookCount":1},{"categoryId":33988,"title":"Reptiles","slug":"reptiles","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33988"},"image":{"src":"/img/background-image-1.daf74cf0.png","width":0,"height":0},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":15,"bookCount":2}],"description":"With easy-to-follow advice about our feathered fliers, furry friends, canine companions, and cuddly cats, Dummies has the info you need to take the best possible care of your pet.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33964&offset=0&size=5"},"hasArticle":true,"hasBook":true,"articleCount":580,"bookCount":40},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":580,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:04:16+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-05-03T21:00:30+00:00","timestamp":"2023-05-03T21:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Breeds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33968"},"slug":"breeds","categoryId":33968},{"name":"Terriers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33974"},"slug":"terriers","categoryId":33974}],"title":"Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a Rescue Group","strippedTitle":"adopting a yorkshire terrier from a rescue group","slug":"how-to-adopt-a-yorkshire-terrier-from-a-rescue-organization","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Many Yorkshire Terriers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a rescue organization is a great way to ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Many Yorkshire Terriers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go.\r\n\r\nYorkshire Terrier rescue groups are organizations made up of Yorkie owners, breeders, and others who love the breed and want to help and protect its most vulnerable dogs: those dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or displaced for whatever reason.\r\n\r\nIf you're interested in adopting an older Yorkie, consider contacting one of the following organizations:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Yorkie Rescue, Inc.</b></a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.yorkshireterrierrescue.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, Inc</b></a>.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.unitedyorkierescue.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>United Yorkie Rescue</b></a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">For information about other rescue groups devoted to Yorkshire Terriers, contact your local breed club or veterinarian and ask for rescue groups in your area.</p>\r\nRescue groups are a great option when you're considering adopting a Yorkie. Unlike animal shelters, rescue groups have an extensive knowledge of the breed. Consequently, they can usually provide information about the dog's history and the challenges (medical, behavioral, and so on) that you may face.\r\n\r\nRescue groups provide a number of services for abandoned Yorkies, such as\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Foster care: </b>By fostering the dogs in their homes, volunteers learn the temperament and behaviors of the dogs up for adoption.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Veterinary care for abandoned dogs:</b> Rescue groups usually give the dogs thorough Vet checkups and take care of outstanding medical issues.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Spaying and neutering: </b>Before the Yorkies can be adopted, they're spayed or neutered in an attempt to stop the proliferation of unwanted and homeless animals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Microchipping or tattooing for identification: </b>Many rescue organizations microchip or tattoo the dog to ensure that the dog will make it back home safely if it gets lost.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLike adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Yorkie.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">These organizations are manned by people who work long hours, usually for no pay, to find a good home for every Yorkie they believe would make a good pet. Because rescue workers are usually unpaid volunteers, remember that they work out of their home. Be considerate when calling and don't be surprised if they call you collect when returning your phone calls.</p>","description":"Many Yorkshire Terriers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go.\r\n\r\nYorkshire Terrier rescue groups are organizations made up of Yorkie owners, breeders, and others who love the breed and want to help and protect its most vulnerable dogs: those dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or displaced for whatever reason.\r\n\r\nIf you're interested in adopting an older Yorkie, consider contacting one of the following organizations:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.theyorkshireterrierclubofamerica.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Yorkie Rescue, Inc.</b></a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.yorkshireterrierrescue.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, Inc</b></a>.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.unitedyorkierescue.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>United Yorkie Rescue</b></a></p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">For information about other rescue groups devoted to Yorkshire Terriers, contact your local breed club or veterinarian and ask for rescue groups in your area.</p>\r\nRescue groups are a great option when you're considering adopting a Yorkie. Unlike animal shelters, rescue groups have an extensive knowledge of the breed. Consequently, they can usually provide information about the dog's history and the challenges (medical, behavioral, and so on) that you may face.\r\n\r\nRescue groups provide a number of services for abandoned Yorkies, such as\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Foster care: </b>By fostering the dogs in their homes, volunteers learn the temperament and behaviors of the dogs up for adoption.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Veterinary care for abandoned dogs:</b> Rescue groups usually give the dogs thorough Vet checkups and take care of outstanding medical issues.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Spaying and neutering: </b>Before the Yorkies can be adopted, they're spayed or neutered in an attempt to stop the proliferation of unwanted and homeless animals.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Microchipping or tattooing for identification: </b>Many rescue organizations microchip or tattoo the dog to ensure that the dog will make it back home safely if it gets lost.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLike adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Yorkie.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">These organizations are manned by people who work long hours, usually for no pay, to find a good home for every Yorkie they believe would make a good pet. Because rescue workers are usually unpaid volunteers, remember that they work out of their home. Be considerate when calling and don't be surprised if they call you collect when returning your phone calls.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9542,"name":"Tracy L. Barr","slug":"tracy-barr","description":"Tracy Barr has been an editor, editorial manager, writer, and consultant on several Dummies books.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9542"}},{"authorId":10579,"name":"Peter F. Veling","slug":"peter-f-veling","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10579"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33974,"title":"Terriers","slug":"terriers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33974"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209445,"title":"Yorkshire Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"yorkshire-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209445"}},{"articleId":209323,"title":"Boston Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"boston-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209323"}},{"articleId":208710,"title":"Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"jack-russell-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208710"}},{"articleId":201551,"title":"The Long and the Short of Coat Styles for Your Yorkshire Terrier","slug":"the-long-and-the-short-of-coat-styles-for-your-yorkshire-terrier","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201551"}},{"articleId":201172,"title":"Identifying Health Problems Common to Jack Russell Terriers","slug":"identifying-health-problems-common-to-jack-russell-terriers","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201172"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;breeds&quot;,&quot;terriers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6452cb90119dc\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;breeds&quot;,&quot;terriers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-6452cb901208e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-05-03T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":195943},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2021-01-30T03:17:23+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-03-22T15:17:17+00:00","timestamp":"2023-03-22T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Birds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33965"},"slug":"birds","categoryId":33965}],"title":"10 Disaster-Planning Tips for Bird Lovers","strippedTitle":"10 disaster-planning tips for bird lovers","slug":"10-disaster-planning-tips-for-bird-lovers","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Your bird’s chances of surviving any kind of crisis still depend mostly on you. Don’t put off preparing for the unexpected.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire, flood — if you were faced with any of these and had to leave your home, would you know how to help your bird? Disaster-planning experts advise you to take your pets with you when told to evacuate, but that plan isn’t as easy as it sounds.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275986\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275986\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/birds-macaw.jpg\" alt=\"pet Macaw\" width=\"556\" height=\"417\" /> 500px/Getty Images<br /><br />The strikingly beautiful blue and gold macaw hails from South and Central America. With proper care, they can live 70 years or more.[/caption]\r\n\r\nSandwiched between the idea of taking your pets with you and the reality of accomplishing a safe evacuation is a lot of thought and planning. To help you prepare for all sorts of unplanned events, this article walks you through the process of being ready for the worst — and hoping for the best.\r\n\r\nThe good news: When it comes to disasters and pets, consideration for preparedness has changed a great deal in recent years — all for the better. Once left to their own survival instincts in times of calamity, animals today are the focus of a lot of planning, with organizations in place to complement those caring for human victims.\r\n\r\nIn fact, a model program started by the California Veterinary Medical Association positions a veterinarian in each county to help coordinate animal relief efforts. Other states are starting to see the light, too, with veterinarians, shelter groups, and specially trained disaster teams from the Sacramento, California–based United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Response Service prepared to do for animals what the Red Cross does for people — on an international basis!\r\n\r\nThese positive developments are the result of a growing realization that animals need help, too, and that some people choose to put their lives in danger rather than abandon their pets.\r\n\r\nDespite all of this progress, your bird’s chances of surviving any kind of crisis still depend mostly on you. Don’t put off preparing for the unexpected. No one likes to think about the possibility of catastrophe, but your pets are counting on you.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Consider the possibilities</h2>\r\nDisaster preparedness starts with a simple question: What if? Ask yourself that question, and then consider not only the kind of crisis you’re most likely to face, but also special challenges such as your being away from home when disaster strikes.\r\n\r\nPeople need to rely on each other during emergencies, and this fact is just as true when it comes to your pets. Get to know your neighbors and talk about how you might help each other out. Find out from local shelters and veterinary organizations what their emergency response plans are.\r\n\r\nVeterinary connections can be tricky for bird owners. Because you need someone experienced in avian care, your veterinarian may not be located anywhere near you. Brian’s clients, in fact, come to him from all over Northern California, and some drive for hours to bring their birds to him. In a disaster, you may not have the luxury of relying on a veterinarian who’s nearby. Make sure you’re familiar with nearby veterinary hospitals, especially those offering round-the-clock and emergency care.\r\n\r\nKeep a current list of local veterinarians willing and able to provide care or board your birds in an emergency situation. Know who’s agreeable to consulting with your regular veterinarian by telephone or online, if needed, to coordinate and possibly enhance the level of care your birds receive. Make note, too, of shops with a special interest in or focus on birds, particularly those that board birds.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">A crisis isn’t always a community-wide event. When considering your options, think about what would happen if you were suddenly injured or hospitalized from a car accident, say, or a heart attack or stroke.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Make a contact list</h2>\r\nAll you really need is a sheet of paper or two, slipped into a plastic page protector you can pick up at any office-supply store. Handwrite the info or print it out from your home computer. (If you keep the master list on your computer, you can update it easily and print out a current version every so often. Beats cross-outs and erasures!)\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Your wisest move is to have a list of emergency contacts to cover everything for you and your family, including your pet bird(s).</p>\r\nList the name, location, and phone number of your regular veterinarian, and then the same information for nearby backup hospitals and emergency clinics. Same goes for local humane societies and animal-control shelters, animal groups, and bird shops. Include friends and neighbors, as well as your local office of emergency services.\r\n\r\nThe final step: Put the list where you know you can find it (attach it to the refrigerator with a magnet, for instance). Better yet, make a few copies — one for the house, one for the car, one for work, and so on.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You can also keep this information on your phone, but having a hard copy is wise in case your battery dies.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Make sure your bird carries ID</h2>\r\nMany <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/birds/birds-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">birds</a> survive disasters, but too many will never see their families again unless there’s a way to determine their identity and family connections. Although you may be lucky enough to avoid being separated from your bird, you need to be ready for that possibility. One way to contribute to a continued connection is to ensure your bird has identification.\r\n\r\nYour bird may have a leg band already. If so, be sure to note the identifying letters and numbers. Whether your bird is banded or not, we highly recommend you have your bird microchipped. This simple procedure provides permanent identification for your beloved companion.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Make and trade bird-care files</h2>\r\nPrepare a couple of files with up-to-date veterinary records, your bird’s microchip or leg band numbers, your veterinarian’s phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, recent pictures of your bird, and written descriptions noting any unique markings or other physical details.\r\n\r\nTalk to other animal-loving friends, ask them to do the same for their pets, and then trade files. The more people who know about your bird and how to care for him, the better.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Collect food and supplies</h2>\r\nAt the top of the list of disaster gear is a travel cage or carrier for any bird whose regular lodgings aren’t portable — anything bigger than a finch or budgie, in most cases. You probably already make use of a travel cage or carrier for trips to your veterinarian or for any other travel outside the home. The key, in a time of crisis, is to make sure you know where the cage is and how you can get to it easily — an emergency isn’t the time to look for a ladder or dig through junk in the basement or attic. Before an emergency strikes, make sure you can get your bird to enter the cage without a great deal of effort on your part or trauma to your bird.\r\n\r\nAlso keep a few days’ supply of food on hand, along with bottled water. Our recommendation for a pelleted diet lends itself well to feeding your bird on the run. Pack some of your bird’s favorite dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, too. Don’t forget to rotate disaster supplies on a regular basis, so they’re always fresh.\r\n\r\nInclude any medication your bird takes regularly. Get an extra supply of maintenance medication and put it in rotation — use it after your current medication runs out, and put the refill in the disaster kit. That way, your “disaster” medicine is always current. And finally: Toys! Your bird will need to take out her stress on something, and better it be toys than you or her own body.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Keep a first-aid kit fully stocked</h2>\r\nEvery bird-lover needs basic first-aid supplies packed into a neat, portable kit. Make sure the kit includes scissors, cloth towels, and paper towels. Don’t forget styptic powder for cauterizing bleeding nails or beak tips, if needed. If your kit doesn’t have a first-aid booklet, tuck one inside. Consider keeping two kits — one for home, and one for the car. It’s also a good idea to take a pet first-aid course so you’ll feel confident in the event of an emergency.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">One of the problems with first-aid kits is that you’re always picking at them in everyday life — a little ointment here, some gauze there, and where did the scissors go? Be sure to promptly replace any supplies you use. Otherwise, when you really need your kit, the cupboard may be bare.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Plan, plan, plan, and practice</h2>\r\nWith your research done and your supplies assembled, the next logical step is a real plan for what to do “in case.” Design strategies for what to do if you’re home, or if you’re at work, and make sure everyone in the family knows about them — children included!\r\n\r\nRehearsals are a great idea. If you’ve been through something once or twice, the act has a better chance of becoming second nature — get the travel cage, get the bird, get the supplies, get everything in the car, and let’s go! A dry run can also point out any problems with your plan, which you can then remedy.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Keep your bird secure — and separate</h2>\r\nDisasters can bring out the best in people and pets — but they can also bring out the worst. Your bird is bound to be scared, stressed, and disoriented, and he’s likely to feed off your uncertainty as well. Keep your bird secure in his travel cage, and keep handling to a minimum. Be alert to your bird’s body language — even sweet-natured pets may strike out in fear. Try to maintain as regular a schedule as possible, feeding at normal times if you can.\r\n\r\nTo help your bird maintain his good health, keep him away from other pets if at all possible, especially other birds who may be carrying heaven-knows-what diseases.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >Keep a “lost bird” kit ready</h2>\r\nThe onset or aftermath of a disaster isn’t the best time to get flyers printed up, so make up some generic ones and keep them with your emergency supplies. In the biggest type size you can manage, center the words <em>LOST BIRD,</em> along with a clear picture of your feathered friend. Beneath that, include a description of your bird, including identifying marks or colors, and a space to add the phone number where you can be reached, as well as backup contacts, friends, relatives, neighbors, or your veterinarian. Print up a hundred copies and keep them in a safe, dry, and accessible place.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">A staple gun enables you to post your notices; keep one loaded and tucked in with a supply of thumbtacks and electrical tape.</p>\r\nIf your bird becomes lost, post flyers in your neighborhood and beyond, as well as distributing them at veterinary hospitals and shelters. Relying on the kindness of strangers is nice, but offering a reward may inspire some folks to be just a little bit kinder.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >Be prepared to help others</h2>\r\nYou may survive a disaster nearly untouched, but others in your community may not be so fortunate. Contact your local humane society and veterinary organization now to train as a volunteer so you can help out in an emergency. Disaster-relief workers do everything from distributing food to stranded animals to helping reunite pets with their families — and helping find new homes for those who need them.\r\n\r\nNot only is volunteering a good thing to do, but it’s also the right thing for anyone who cares about animals and people.","description":"Tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire, flood — if you were faced with any of these and had to leave your home, would you know how to help your bird? Disaster-planning experts advise you to take your pets with you when told to evacuate, but that plan isn’t as easy as it sounds.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_275986\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"556\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-275986\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/birds-macaw.jpg\" alt=\"pet Macaw\" width=\"556\" height=\"417\" /> 500px/Getty Images<br /><br />The strikingly beautiful blue and gold macaw hails from South and Central America. With proper care, they can live 70 years or more.[/caption]\r\n\r\nSandwiched between the idea of taking your pets with you and the reality of accomplishing a safe evacuation is a lot of thought and planning. To help you prepare for all sorts of unplanned events, this article walks you through the process of being ready for the worst — and hoping for the best.\r\n\r\nThe good news: When it comes to disasters and pets, consideration for preparedness has changed a great deal in recent years — all for the better. Once left to their own survival instincts in times of calamity, animals today are the focus of a lot of planning, with organizations in place to complement those caring for human victims.\r\n\r\nIn fact, a model program started by the California Veterinary Medical Association positions a veterinarian in each county to help coordinate animal relief efforts. Other states are starting to see the light, too, with veterinarians, shelter groups, and specially trained disaster teams from the Sacramento, California–based United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Response Service prepared to do for animals what the Red Cross does for people — on an international basis!\r\n\r\nThese positive developments are the result of a growing realization that animals need help, too, and that some people choose to put their lives in danger rather than abandon their pets.\r\n\r\nDespite all of this progress, your bird’s chances of surviving any kind of crisis still depend mostly on you. Don’t put off preparing for the unexpected. No one likes to think about the possibility of catastrophe, but your pets are counting on you.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Consider the possibilities</h2>\r\nDisaster preparedness starts with a simple question: What if? Ask yourself that question, and then consider not only the kind of crisis you’re most likely to face, but also special challenges such as your being away from home when disaster strikes.\r\n\r\nPeople need to rely on each other during emergencies, and this fact is just as true when it comes to your pets. Get to know your neighbors and talk about how you might help each other out. Find out from local shelters and veterinary organizations what their emergency response plans are.\r\n\r\nVeterinary connections can be tricky for bird owners. Because you need someone experienced in avian care, your veterinarian may not be located anywhere near you. Brian’s clients, in fact, come to him from all over Northern California, and some drive for hours to bring their birds to him. In a disaster, you may not have the luxury of relying on a veterinarian who’s nearby. Make sure you’re familiar with nearby veterinary hospitals, especially those offering round-the-clock and emergency care.\r\n\r\nKeep a current list of local veterinarians willing and able to provide care or board your birds in an emergency situation. Know who’s agreeable to consulting with your regular veterinarian by telephone or online, if needed, to coordinate and possibly enhance the level of care your birds receive. Make note, too, of shops with a special interest in or focus on birds, particularly those that board birds.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">A crisis isn’t always a community-wide event. When considering your options, think about what would happen if you were suddenly injured or hospitalized from a car accident, say, or a heart attack or stroke.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" >Make a contact list</h2>\r\nAll you really need is a sheet of paper or two, slipped into a plastic page protector you can pick up at any office-supply store. Handwrite the info or print it out from your home computer. (If you keep the master list on your computer, you can update it easily and print out a current version every so often. Beats cross-outs and erasures!)\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">Your wisest move is to have a list of emergency contacts to cover everything for you and your family, including your pet bird(s).</p>\r\nList the name, location, and phone number of your regular veterinarian, and then the same information for nearby backup hospitals and emergency clinics. Same goes for local humane societies and animal-control shelters, animal groups, and bird shops. Include friends and neighbors, as well as your local office of emergency services.\r\n\r\nThe final step: Put the list where you know you can find it (attach it to the refrigerator with a magnet, for instance). Better yet, make a few copies — one for the house, one for the car, one for work, and so on.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">You can also keep this information on your phone, but having a hard copy is wise in case your battery dies.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" >Make sure your bird carries ID</h2>\r\nMany <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/birds/birds-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\">birds</a> survive disasters, but too many will never see their families again unless there’s a way to determine their identity and family connections. Although you may be lucky enough to avoid being separated from your bird, you need to be ready for that possibility. One way to contribute to a continued connection is to ensure your bird has identification.\r\n\r\nYour bird may have a leg band already. If so, be sure to note the identifying letters and numbers. Whether your bird is banded or not, we highly recommend you have your bird microchipped. This simple procedure provides permanent identification for your beloved companion.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab4\" >Make and trade bird-care files</h2>\r\nPrepare a couple of files with up-to-date veterinary records, your bird’s microchip or leg band numbers, your veterinarian’s phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, recent pictures of your bird, and written descriptions noting any unique markings or other physical details.\r\n\r\nTalk to other animal-loving friends, ask them to do the same for their pets, and then trade files. The more people who know about your bird and how to care for him, the better.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab5\" >Collect food and supplies</h2>\r\nAt the top of the list of disaster gear is a travel cage or carrier for any bird whose regular lodgings aren’t portable — anything bigger than a finch or budgie, in most cases. You probably already make use of a travel cage or carrier for trips to your veterinarian or for any other travel outside the home. The key, in a time of crisis, is to make sure you know where the cage is and how you can get to it easily — an emergency isn’t the time to look for a ladder or dig through junk in the basement or attic. Before an emergency strikes, make sure you can get your bird to enter the cage without a great deal of effort on your part or trauma to your bird.\r\n\r\nAlso keep a few days’ supply of food on hand, along with bottled water. Our recommendation for a pelleted diet lends itself well to feeding your bird on the run. Pack some of your bird’s favorite dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, too. Don’t forget to rotate disaster supplies on a regular basis, so they’re always fresh.\r\n\r\nInclude any medication your bird takes regularly. Get an extra supply of maintenance medication and put it in rotation — use it after your current medication runs out, and put the refill in the disaster kit. That way, your “disaster” medicine is always current. And finally: Toys! Your bird will need to take out her stress on something, and better it be toys than you or her own body.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab6\" >Keep a first-aid kit fully stocked</h2>\r\nEvery bird-lover needs basic first-aid supplies packed into a neat, portable kit. Make sure the kit includes scissors, cloth towels, and paper towels. Don’t forget styptic powder for cauterizing bleeding nails or beak tips, if needed. If your kit doesn’t have a first-aid booklet, tuck one inside. Consider keeping two kits — one for home, and one for the car. It’s also a good idea to take a pet first-aid course so you’ll feel confident in the event of an emergency.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">One of the problems with first-aid kits is that you’re always picking at them in everyday life — a little ointment here, some gauze there, and where did the scissors go? Be sure to promptly replace any supplies you use. Otherwise, when you really need your kit, the cupboard may be bare.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2 id=\"tab7\" >Plan, plan, plan, and practice</h2>\r\nWith your research done and your supplies assembled, the next logical step is a real plan for what to do “in case.” Design strategies for what to do if you’re home, or if you’re at work, and make sure everyone in the family knows about them — children included!\r\n\r\nRehearsals are a great idea. If you’ve been through something once or twice, the act has a better chance of becoming second nature — get the travel cage, get the bird, get the supplies, get everything in the car, and let’s go! A dry run can also point out any problems with your plan, which you can then remedy.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab8\" >Keep your bird secure — and separate</h2>\r\nDisasters can bring out the best in people and pets — but they can also bring out the worst. Your bird is bound to be scared, stressed, and disoriented, and he’s likely to feed off your uncertainty as well. Keep your bird secure in his travel cage, and keep handling to a minimum. Be alert to your bird’s body language — even sweet-natured pets may strike out in fear. Try to maintain as regular a schedule as possible, feeding at normal times if you can.\r\n\r\nTo help your bird maintain his good health, keep him away from other pets if at all possible, especially other birds who may be carrying heaven-knows-what diseases.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab9\" >Keep a “lost bird” kit ready</h2>\r\nThe onset or aftermath of a disaster isn’t the best time to get flyers printed up, so make up some generic ones and keep them with your emergency supplies. In the biggest type size you can manage, center the words <em>LOST BIRD,</em> along with a clear picture of your feathered friend. Beneath that, include a description of your bird, including identifying marks or colors, and a space to add the phone number where you can be reached, as well as backup contacts, friends, relatives, neighbors, or your veterinarian. Print up a hundred copies and keep them in a safe, dry, and accessible place.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">A staple gun enables you to post your notices; keep one loaded and tucked in with a supply of thumbtacks and electrical tape.</p>\r\nIf your bird becomes lost, post flyers in your neighborhood and beyond, as well as distributing them at veterinary hospitals and shelters. Relying on the kindness of strangers is nice, but offering a reward may inspire some folks to be just a little bit kinder.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab10\" >Be prepared to help others</h2>\r\nYou may survive a disaster nearly untouched, but others in your community may not be so fortunate. Contact your local humane society and veterinary organization now to train as a volunteer so you can help out in an emergency. Disaster-relief workers do everything from distributing food to stranded animals to helping reunite pets with their families — and helping find new homes for those who need them.\r\n\r\nNot only is volunteering a good thing to do, but it’s also the right thing for anyone who cares about animals and people.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9573,"name":"Brian L. Speer","slug":"brian-l-speer","description":"<p><b>Brian L. Speer, DVM,</b> is the owner and director of the Medical Center for Birds in Oakley, California, and an active member in and former president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9573"}},{"authorId":33510,"name":"Kim Campbell Thornton","slug":"kim-campbell-thornton","description":"<p><b>Kim Campbell Thornton</b> has been writing about animals since 1985 and is a recipient of multiple awards from the Cat Writers Association, Dog Writers Association of America, and American Society of Journalists and Authors.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/33510"}},{"authorId":9572,"name":"Gina Spadafori","slug":"gina-spadafori","description":" <p><b>Gina Spadafori</b> is the award-winning author of <i>Dogs For Dummies</i> and <i>Cats For Dummies</i>. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9572"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33965,"title":"Birds","slug":"birds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33965"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Consider the possibilities","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Make a contact list","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"Make sure your bird carries ID","target":"#tab3"},{"label":"Make and trade bird-care files","target":"#tab4"},{"label":"Collect food and supplies","target":"#tab5"},{"label":"Keep a first-aid kit fully stocked","target":"#tab6"},{"label":"Plan, plan, plan, and practice","target":"#tab7"},{"label":"Keep your bird secure — and separate","target":"#tab8"},{"label":"Keep a “lost bird” kit ready","target":"#tab9"},{"label":"Be prepared to help others","target":"#tab10"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":288501,"title":"Finches For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"finches-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","birds"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/288501"}},{"articleId":286362,"title":"Parakeets For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"parakeets-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","birds"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/286362"}},{"articleId":284772,"title":"10 Things Every Parrot Should Know","slug":"10-things-every-parrot-should-know","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","birds"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/284772"}},{"articleId":284762,"title":"Adopting a Rescue Parrot","slug":"adopting-a-rescue-parrot","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","birds"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/284762"}},{"articleId":284757,"title":"Parrot Species' Characteristics to Keep in Mind","slug":"parrot-species-characteristics-to-keep-in-mind","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","birds"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/284757"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;birds&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-641b425ea8784\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;birds&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-641b425ea954c\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-03-22T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":275985},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:04:13+00:00","modifiedTime":"2023-02-22T16:24:42+00:00","timestamp":"2023-02-22T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Breeds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33968"},"slug":"breeds","categoryId":33968},{"name":"Beagles","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33969"},"slug":"beagles","categoryId":33969}],"title":"How to Adopt a Beagle from a Rescue Organization","strippedTitle":"how to adopt a beagle from a rescue organization","slug":"how-to-adopt-a-beagle-from-a-rescue-organization","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Many Beagles are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Beagle from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable compani","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Many Beagles are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Beagle from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion if you don't mind getting an adult dog. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go.\r\n\r\nBeagle breed rescue is a multifaceted enterprise that aims to place homeless Beagles into permanent adoptive homes. Beagle rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — look for Beagles who need help at shelters and from individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Beagle rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected.\r\n\r\nAfter the Beagle enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home, or what rescuers call a <i>foster home</i>. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues.\r\n\r\nAs the Beagle's rehabilitation progresses, the foster-care provider — with the help of other volunteers — begins to look for a permanent home for the dog. The group's aim is to find a happy ending for each rescued Beagle: placement in a loving forever home.\r\n\r\nIf you're interested in adopting an older Beagle, consider contacting one of the following organizations:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/beagle_rescue\"><b>National Beagle Club of America</b></a><b>:</b> The club's Web site includes a page of links to Beagle rescue groups from all over the United States.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://brfoa.tripod.com/brfoaorg.html\"><b>Beagle Rescue Foundation of America</b></a><b>:</b> This organization raises money to assist Beagle rescue groups throughout the country. This site also contains a page of links to local rescue groups, some of which aren't listed on the National Beagle Club of America's Web site.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.petfinder.com\"><b>Petfinder</b></a><b>:</b> This national online database of pets that need homes lists Beagle and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder Web site also allows you to search directly for a Beagle by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be Beagle mixes.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLike adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Beagle.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">No rescue Beagles nearby? Not to worry. Some rescue groups can help you find a dog that lives outside your local area and arrange to have the animal transported to you. If you're interested in this possibility, ask the rescue coordinator about whether the group operates a \"Canine Underground Railroad,\" or whether she can help you find out more about rescue dogs who live beyond your local area.</p>","description":"Many Beagles are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Beagle from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion if you don't mind getting an adult dog. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go.\r\n\r\nBeagle breed rescue is a multifaceted enterprise that aims to place homeless Beagles into permanent adoptive homes. Beagle rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — look for Beagles who need help at shelters and from individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Beagle rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected.\r\n\r\nAfter the Beagle enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home, or what rescuers call a <i>foster home</i>. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues.\r\n\r\nAs the Beagle's rehabilitation progresses, the foster-care provider — with the help of other volunteers — begins to look for a permanent home for the dog. The group's aim is to find a happy ending for each rescued Beagle: placement in a loving forever home.\r\n\r\nIf you're interested in adopting an older Beagle, consider contacting one of the following organizations:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://clubs.akc.org/NBC/beagle_rescue\"><b>National Beagle Club of America</b></a><b>:</b> The club's Web site includes a page of links to Beagle rescue groups from all over the United States.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://brfoa.tripod.com/brfoaorg.html\"><b>Beagle Rescue Foundation of America</b></a><b>:</b> This organization raises money to assist Beagle rescue groups throughout the country. This site also contains a page of links to local rescue groups, some of which aren't listed on the National Beagle Club of America's Web site.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><a href=\"http://www.petfinder.com\"><b>Petfinder</b></a><b>:</b> This national online database of pets that need homes lists Beagle and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder Web site also allows you to search directly for a Beagle by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be Beagle mixes.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nLike adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Beagle.\r\n<p class=\"Tip\">No rescue Beagles nearby? Not to worry. Some rescue groups can help you find a dog that lives outside your local area and arrange to have the animal transported to you. If you're interested in this possibility, ask the rescue coordinator about whether the group operates a \"Canine Underground Railroad,\" or whether she can help you find out more about rescue dogs who live beyond your local area.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10543,"name":"Susan McCullough","slug":"susan-mccullough","description":" <p><b>Susan McCullough</b> is the author of the bestselling <i>Housetraining For Dummies</i> and the award&#45;winning <i>Senior Dogs For Dummies.</i> 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If you’re in the market for a Chihuahua puppy, you need to know how to identify a healthy, happy animal — and then know what items to stock up on at the pet store.\r\n\r\nGoing to the veterinarian is something you and your pup will do regularly, so tips on finding a good vet and how to prepare for your dog’s first visit count as valuable info.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_291630\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-291630 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/alicia-gauthier-KJDhTtPCveI-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Chihuahua puppy on sofa\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©Alicia Gauthier / Unsplash.com[/caption]","description":"As endearing and expressive as Chihuahuas are, it’s no wonder they’re a popular toy dog breed. 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The tips in the following list can help you bring home a puppy you’ll be happy to raise:</p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Trust your instincts.</strong> Does one puppy catch your eye immediately? First impressions are important, and love at first sight can last a lifetime. But take time to ensure that your furry favorite is healthy and has a pleasant personality.</li>\n<li><strong>Observe carefully.</strong> Watch the puppies play together for several minutes without human interference. Your best bet is a middle-of-the-road puppy — not the one who plays too rough and not the one who hides in a corner.</li>\n<li><strong>Eye the eyes.</strong> They should be bright, alert, and clear of mucus. (Don’t mistake clear tears for mucus, though.)</li>\n<li><strong>Check the coat.</strong> A healthy coat is smooth to the touch and glossy, with no bare patches. No puppy should have skin showing through on the back or sides.</li>\n<li><strong>Know the nose.</strong> Breathing should be quiet and rhythmic, and the nostrils should be free of mucus.</li>\n<li><strong>Note how puppies move when they play.</strong> Despite a bit of puppy clumsiness, they should appear quick, bouncy, and agile, standing straight on legs that look strong enough to carry their bodies.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Shopping for gear for your Chihuahua","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re introducing a Chihuahua to the household, you can make your new furry friend feel welcome by purchasing items to meet a small canine’s needs. The following shopping list offers the essentials:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Two dishes — one for water and one for food</li>\n<li>Puppy (or dog) food</li>\n<li>Collar — flat, not a chain</li>\n<li>Leash — leather or nylon</li>\n<li>Natural bristle brush</li>\n<li>Hard rubber comb and a mat splitter if you have a long-coated Chihuahua</li>\n<li>Nail clippers — guillotine style</li>\n<li>Toothbrush and doggie toothpaste</li>\n<li>Doggie shampoo (long-coated Chihuahuas also need a coat conditioner)</li>\n<li>Three or four toys</li>\n<li>Dog crate</li>\n<li>Dog bed</li>\n<li>Warm sweater (if it&#8217;s chilly outdoors)</li>\n<li>Poop bags or scooper</li>\n<li>Identification tag</li>\n<li>An excellent veterinarian</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"How to find a veterinarian for your Chihuahua","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Bringing a Chihuahua into your life means taking responsibility for your dog’s health, so you need to have a vet lined up before your pooch comes home. Sharpen your search for a good vet with one or more of the tactics in the following list:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ask your Chihuahua’s breeder. Even if the breeder lives far away, he or she may have sold pups to people in your area who can recommend a vet.</li>\n<li>When you see people walking Toy dogs in your neighborhood, ask them what vets they use and if they’re satisfied with the quality of care.</li>\n<li>Check the website of the American Animal Hospital Association for practices with AAHA certification.</li>\n<li>Look for a member directory on the website of your state’s veterinary association.</li>\n<li>Seek out clinics or practitioners with Fear Free certifications or certifications in Low Stress Handling.</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"What to do before your Chihuahua's first visit to the vet","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Just as you have an annual checkup with your doctor, your Chihuahua should see the vet regularly. Once you get the hang of them, they’re no big deal, but you can use the tips on the following list to help get you through your Chihuahua’s first checkup:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Withhold food a couple of hours before the car ride to reduce the likelihood of carsickness.</li>\n<li>Take along a roll of paper towels and a container of wet wipes in case a quick cleanup is necessary.</li>\n<li>Take a copy of your dog’s health record.</li>\n<li>Transport your dog in a crate or soft carrier. Secure the crate so it won’t tumble if you have to swerve or make a quick stop.</li>\n<li>Make a list of your dog care questions and bring it along. Vets are glad to answer appropriate questions about feeding, grooming, toenail trimming, and anything else related to your Chihuahua’s health.</li>\n<li>Take notes when the veterinarian gives instructions.</li>\n<li>Follow the instructions exactly. Medications must be given at the right time and in the correct dosage or they won’t work.</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2023-02-06T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":208994},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:02:42+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-11-08T15:41:21+00:00","timestamp":"2022-11-08T18:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Breeds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33968"},"slug":"breeds","categoryId":33968},{"name":"Terriers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33974"},"slug":"terriers","categoryId":33974}],"title":"Characteristics of Teacup Yorkies","strippedTitle":"characteristics of teacup yorkies","slug":"characteristics-of-teacup-yorkies","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Listen to the article: Download audio Some breeders have begun producing \"Teacup\" Yorkies that weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Compared to true Yorkshire Terriers, which w","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/characteristics_of-teacup-yorkies.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/characteristics_of-teacup-yorkies.mp3\">Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\n\r\n<p>Some breeders have begun producing \"Teacup\" Yorkies that weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Compared to true Yorkshire Terriers, which weigh in at about 7 pounds, Teacup Yorkies are truly tiny. Before considering purchasing one, you need to be aware of some characteristics of Teacup Yorkies.</p>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:323px;\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/139531.image0.jpg\" width=\"323\" height=\"400\" alt=\"Teacup Yorkies aren't true Yorkshire Terriers. They can also require specialized medical care.\"/><div class=\"imageCaption\">Teacup Yorkies aren't true Yorkshire Terriers. They can also require specialized medical care.</div></div>\r\n<p>Now there's nothing wrong with having a smaller Yorkie, as long as the breeder was using ethical breeding practices. Periodically, and for no apparent reason at all, some dogs are born very small; and they steal your heart because they're so in need of love and care.</p>\r\n<p>Some unscrupulous and unethical breeders, however, deliberately try to produce these little dogs and call them “Teacup” Yorkies, leading unwitting buyers to believe that Teacups are an actual variety of the Yorkshire Terrier breed. They're not.</p>\r\n<p>But be wary of any breeder who advertises or supposedly “specializes” in Teacup Yorkies. Here's why:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>There's no such thing as a Teacup Yorkie. </b>A Teacup Yorkie isn't an officially recognized by the AKC. It is simply too small to be a true Yorkshire Terrier. Anyone who tells you (or implies) otherwise either doesn't know what she's talking about or is lying.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>A Yorkie who weighs 3 pounds or less often requires special care. </b>Extra-small Yorkies are more prone to serious health problems and birth defects (like portosystemic shunt or small kidneys — which you won't know about until much later).</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Although extra-small Yorkies are occasionally born, no responsible breeder breeds for this trait. </b>Because the breed standard is for 4 to 7 pound dogs, responsible breeders should only breed dogs that fall within this weight range. Breeding very small dogs is not safe for the mothers.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Small size does <i>not </i>make these dogs more valuable. </b>A small Yorkie shouldn't cost more than a healthy, normal-sized one. In fact, it should cost less because it is not up to the breed standard. They should also only be sold after being neutered or spayed.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>","description":"<figure style=\"margin: 0;\"><figcaption style=\"margin-bottom: 10px;\">Listen to the article:</figcaption><audio src=\"/wp-content/uploads/characteristics_of-teacup-yorkies.mp3\" controls=\"controls\"><a href=\"/wp-content/uploads/characteristics_of-teacup-yorkies.mp3\">Download audio</a></audio></figure>\r\n\r\n<p>Some breeders have begun producing \"Teacup\" Yorkies that weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Compared to true Yorkshire Terriers, which weigh in at about 7 pounds, Teacup Yorkies are truly tiny. Before considering purchasing one, you need to be aware of some characteristics of Teacup Yorkies.</p>\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width:323px;\"><img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/139531.image0.jpg\" width=\"323\" height=\"400\" alt=\"Teacup Yorkies aren't true Yorkshire Terriers. They can also require specialized medical care.\"/><div class=\"imageCaption\">Teacup Yorkies aren't true Yorkshire Terriers. They can also require specialized medical care.</div></div>\r\n<p>Now there's nothing wrong with having a smaller Yorkie, as long as the breeder was using ethical breeding practices. Periodically, and for no apparent reason at all, some dogs are born very small; and they steal your heart because they're so in need of love and care.</p>\r\n<p>Some unscrupulous and unethical breeders, however, deliberately try to produce these little dogs and call them “Teacup” Yorkies, leading unwitting buyers to believe that Teacups are an actual variety of the Yorkshire Terrier breed. They're not.</p>\r\n<p>But be wary of any breeder who advertises or supposedly “specializes” in Teacup Yorkies. Here's why:</p>\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>There's no such thing as a Teacup Yorkie. </b>A Teacup Yorkie isn't an officially recognized by the AKC. It is simply too small to be a true Yorkshire Terrier. Anyone who tells you (or implies) otherwise either doesn't know what she's talking about or is lying.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>A Yorkie who weighs 3 pounds or less often requires special care. </b>Extra-small Yorkies are more prone to serious health problems and birth defects (like portosystemic shunt or small kidneys — which you won't know about until much later).</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Although extra-small Yorkies are occasionally born, no responsible breeder breeds for this trait. </b>Because the breed standard is for 4 to 7 pound dogs, responsible breeders should only breed dogs that fall within this weight range. Breeding very small dogs is not safe for the mothers.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n <li><p class=\"first-para\"><b>Small size does <i>not </i>make these dogs more valuable. </b>A small Yorkie shouldn't cost more than a healthy, normal-sized one. In fact, it should cost less because it is not up to the breed standard. They should also only be sold after being neutered or spayed.</p>\r\n </li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9542,"name":"Tracy L. Barr","slug":"tracy-barr","description":"Tracy Barr has been an editor, editorial manager, writer, and consultant on several Dummies books.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9542"}},{"authorId":10579,"name":"Peter F. Veling","slug":"peter-f-veling","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10579"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33974,"title":"Terriers","slug":"terriers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33974"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209445,"title":"Yorkshire Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"yorkshire-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209445"}},{"articleId":209323,"title":"Boston Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"boston-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209323"}},{"articleId":208710,"title":"Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"jack-russell-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208710"}},{"articleId":201551,"title":"The Long and the Short of Coat Styles for Your Yorkshire Terrier","slug":"the-long-and-the-short-of-coat-styles-for-your-yorkshire-terrier","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201551"}},{"articleId":201172,"title":"Identifying Health Problems Common to Jack Russell Terriers","slug":"identifying-health-problems-common-to-jack-russell-terriers","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201172"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;breeds&quot;,&quot;terriers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-636a995f00b8b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;breeds&quot;,&quot;terriers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-636a995f0133d\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-11-08T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":195783},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2019-12-17T19:57:44+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-07-15T15:49:16+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:45+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Horses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33986"},"slug":"horses","categoryId":33986}],"title":"Mind Games: Getting into the Horse Psyche","strippedTitle":"mind games: getting into the horse psyche","slug":"mind-games-getting-into-the-horse-psyche","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn about the world that horses live in—how they perceive the world around them through their senses—to understand and properly care for your horse.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"You need to comprehend the world that the horse lives in to be able to understand and properly <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/horses/horse-health-nutrition-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">care for the horse</a>. Think about it: The world of horses is not composed of fast-food joints, unbalanced checkbooks, and vacations to far away countries. Instead, horses live in a world made up of hay and grass, buzzing insects, and assorted horsy politics.\r\n\r\nLooking at the world through a horse’s eyes can open up all sorts of avenues for communication between you and the horse. A good horse trainer or handler is a good <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/horses/horse-terminology-describing-horses-correctly/\">horse communicator</a>. When you finally connect with your horse, you’ll find that suddenly, this huge, four-legged alien is very special.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc105382480\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661911\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661645\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661588\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424820\"></a>Equine instincts</h2>\r\nHorses have a way of thinking about and viewing things that is uniquely their own. The evolution of horses as prey animals gives them a special viewpoint that helps them survive.\r\n\r\nThe components of this perspective (such as viewing the world as a series of threats, finding safety in numbers, and looking to an authority figure for guidance) make up the essence of the horse’s being. The human who understands and sympathizes with these sometimes unhuman-like ways of looking at the world is the person who becomes most adept at conversations with the horse.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382481\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661912\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661646\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661589\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424821\"></a>Prey, not predator</h3>\r\nThe first thing you need to know about horses to really get into their heads is that horses are prey animals, not predators. (The one interesting exception to this fact is in Iceland, where Icelandic Horses have been seen catching and eating fish from the ocean.) In the wild, horses are at the top of most large predators’ dinner menus. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, evolved to be hunters. Consequently, the horse looks at the world differently than the domesticated dog and cat.\r\n\r\nNowadays, horses live in domestic situations where their biggest worries are horsefly bites, but try telling that to a horse. Long before humans ever considered building barns, haylofts, paddocks, and arenas, bolting from a potential threat is what literally saved the horse’s hide. This instinct to flee first and ask questions later is at the core of every equine personality.\r\n\r\nYou don’t need to spend much time around horses to witness the equine instinct to flee: In a nutshell, horses scare easily. They often spook at what humans view as the most benign of things: a plastic bag blowing in the wind, a low-flying plane passing overhead, or a car backfiring nearby. To humans, these distractions are minor, but to the ever-watchful horse, they are potentially life-threatening hazards.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">The ease with which horses spook may seem ridiculous, but the instinct to flee from trouble is at the center of a horse’s psyche. Although most domestic horses don’t have predators chasing them, they nevertheless have a powerful instinct to be on guard. Their brains are telling them that horse-eating monsters are out there, so they need to be on the lookout. If a real predator can’t be found, then, by golly, the horse will conjure up a hunter to run from.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382482\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661913\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661647\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661590\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424822\"></a>Let’s stay together</h3>\r\nClosely associated with the get-the-heck-out-of-Dodge-now instinct is the herd instinct, which is represented by the horse’s burning desire always to be with other horses. This need stems from the fact that in the wild, large numbers mean safety. It works like this: Pretend for a moment that you’re a horse, and a huge, terrifying saber-toothed tiger has selected horsemeat for his next meal. When a big cat starts chasing your herd looking for prey to take down, the chances of <em>you </em>being the horse that gets nailed are less when a whole herd of other horses surrounds you.\r\n\r\nIn addition to decreasing your odds of being the unlucky item on the big cat’s menu, being in a herd also means that you can find out about impending danger much sooner than you would if you were alone. After all, a herd of eyes is better than one measly pair.\r\n\r\nYet the horse’s love for other horses is not completely mercenary, however. You only need to watch a group of horses out in a field to discover that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Although each horse is an individual with his own distinct personality, horses nonetheless thrive on companionship and bond strongly with their herdmates. They groom each other with their teeth, take turns tail swishing flies from each other’s faces, and even play horsy games together, such as tag and I-dare-you-to-try-and-bite-me.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382483\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661914\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661648\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661591\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424823\"></a>Follow the leader</h3>\r\nHorses are social creatures, and they even have their own societal rules. In any given herd of horses, some horses are dominant and others are submissive. Horses follow a precise pecking order, with one big kahuna at the top of the heap who lords over all the other horses. The individual personalities of various herd members, along with factors such as age and physical ability, determine which horses take on different roles within the herd. All in all, horse society doesn’t operate that much differently than human society.\r\n\r\nHuman beings, on the other hand, have benefited greatly from the horse’s intrinsic need for leadership. The horse’s penchant for dutifully submitting to authority is what ultimately enabled humankind to domesticate the horse thousands of years ago. After a human earns a horse’s respect (the same way a leader horse must earn the respect of his fellow horses), the horse views the human as an authority figure to be respected and followed in much the same way as he views the leader horse.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">When a human fails to gain a horse’s respect early on in their relationship, the horse automatically takes charge. From the horse’s perspective, every herd — even one made up of only two members — must have a leader. Although first impressions are important to horses, overrun humans can make up lost ground by becoming more assertive and telling the horse (in so many words), “I’m the one in charge now.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">In the same way that horses test the leader horses in a herd, they also periodically test their human companions to make sure that the humans still are worthy of leadership. Horses that misbehave often do so to challenge the authority of whoever is handling them, and they’re incredibly astute at determining the qualifications of those giving them orders. For a horse to feel secure, he must have strong leadership. If you don’t measure up in this department, or if the horse has a history of dealing with humans that don’t measure up as leaders, the horse will take the leadership position from you — and we promise you won’t like the results!</p>\r\nFor example, in horse/human relationships where the horse has taken charge, you often see horses leading humans around the stable instead of vice versa. Leader horses that are being ridden make the decisions about where and when to go, despite their riders’ pleas.\r\n\r\nEquine followers feel safest when they have a strong leader making decisions for them and helping them determine what is and isn’t dangerous. Human leadership accounts for why many horses find comfort in their associations with human beings. If we humans do things right, they see us as leaders. And if we say things are okay, then they must <em>be</em> okay.\r\n\r\nThe role of leader places a great responsibility on human shoulders, of course. We must convince the horse that we are confident and knowledgeable and worthy of their invaluable equine trust.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc105382484\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661915\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661649\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661592\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424824\"></a>Equine senses</h2>\r\nFrom the horse’s perspective, you need to know — or literally see — how the horse takes in the world. Humans evolved to be hunters and gatherers, chasing down prey and finding appropriate plants to eat. Horses, on the other hand, are built to avoid hunters and eat nearly everything that grows around them. Given these fundamental distinctions, the horse’s senses are bound to have nuances that are somewhat different from those of a human.\r\n<h3>Horse's sense of <a name=\"_Toc105382485\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661916\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661650\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661593\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424825\"></a>sight</h3>\r\nSight is the most important equine sense. For a prey animal like the horse, in the wild, good eyesight means the difference between life and death. Literally seeing trouble coming is the best way the horse has to make it to safety before a predator gets too close.\r\n\r\nBecause horses have long, narrow heads with eyes on either side, they have the ability to take in more of the view than do humans. When their heads are facing forward, horses have a nearly 180-degree field of vision in each eye (as shown in the following figure). They can see in front of and almost all the way around their bodies, although they do have some blind spots.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266764\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"416\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-266764\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/horses-sight.jpg\" alt=\"horse range of sight\" width=\"416\" height=\"500\" /> A horse can see this much when facing straight ahead.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">One of a horse’s blind spots is directly behind, so you should never approach a horse from the back unless the horse already knows you’re there. If you’re already next to the horse and move toward his blind spot, keep one hand on him at all times so he is aware of your presence.</p>\r\nNo one knows for sure how far horses can see, mainly because horses have trouble pronouncing the letters on eye tests. Scientists who have done experiments in this field have made some educated guesses that horses can see pretty darn far, in the realm of at least hundreds of yards away. Horses can distinguish patterns, which means they’re able to take in fine details. They also perceive depth well.\r\n\r\nHorses also have much better night vision than humans. Many a rider has been out on a dark, moonless trail, dumbfounded by his or her horses’ ability to see where the pair is going despite the incredibly dim light.\r\n\r\nScientists know far less about horses’ color vision than they do about other areas of equine sight, but they’re certain that horses see many of the same colors that we see, with two exceptions: red and green. In fact, they believe that horses have the same color vision as humans who suffer from red-green color blindness. So red and green don't look the same to a horse as they do to a person with full color vision. That said, horses are still able to pick out the greenest grass in a field!\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382486\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661917\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661651\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661594\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424826\"></a>Horse's sense of hearing</h3>\r\nA species that survives by getting a head start on marauding predators needs a pretty good sense of hearing. The fact that horses have survived all the way to modern times is testimony to their incredible hearing, which is considerably better than a human’s.\r\n\r\nIf you look at the shape of the horse’s ear, you can see that it’s built sort of like a funnel. With this design, the ear can capture sound in its outer part and channel it down into the ear canal. The broad outer part of the horse’s ear very adequately takes in the slightest sound in the horse’s environment.\r\n\r\nThe horse’s ear also has an amazing ability to swivel. Just watch a horse’s ears sometime while the horse is busy eating or just hanging out. You’ll see one ear turn forward, while the other swings to the back. Sometimes both ears go forward at the same time, while at other times, both are poised to the rear. The purpose of all this twisting is simple — to take in as much information as possible at one time.\r\n\r\nUsing their extremely mobile ears, horses constantly monitor the world around them. Just imagine trying to pay complete attention to different sounds coming in to either ear at the same time. Impossible for a human, yet the horse does this on a steady basis. A horse can take in the sounds of a car driving by, children playing, a bird chirping, and a human approaching, all at once, from different places in the environment. The horse then processes that information and makes split-second decisions about whether to react — all the while picking out the best blades of pasture grass or meandering down a rocky trail. The process really is mind-blowing.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Loud, unfamiliar noises can send a relaxed horse into a tizzy. On the other hand, a placid, reassuring sound can ease a horse’s worries. It’s amazing to see how a frightened horse can be comforted by a soft, gentle voice from a calm and confident human. Keep this fact in mind when handling your horse in a particularly noisy or frightening environment.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Horse's sense of <a name=\"_Toc105382487\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661918\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661652\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661595\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424827\"></a>smell</h3>\r\nLike most nonhuman animals, horses have an acute sense of smell that they regularly employ to provide them with information on what is going on around them. Horses use their sense of smell in a number of different and important ways.\r\n\r\nPeople talk about smelling danger, but when it comes to the horse, this metaphor is literally the case. Nature equipped the equine with a strong olfactory sense that can tell the animal whether a predator is near. All it takes is a strong upwind breeze to bring a dangerous scent to the attention of a wild herd. After getting a whiff of the predator, the herd literally high-tails — their tails stick way up in the air as they flee — it out of there in a flash.\r\n\r\nHorses also use smell as part of their complicated social structure. Horses typically greet each other nose to nose, each taking in the odor of the other. Horses also come to recognize each other by scent and by sight. Mares and foals quickly memorize each other’s scents and use this information to help locate each other in a crowd of horses.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Most horses also greet humans in the same way. When you introduce yourself to a horse for the first time, notice how the horse reaches out his muzzle to sniff you. Given this olfactory penchant, the most polite way to approach a horse is with the back of your hand extended so the horse may take in your personal scent. Letting a horse breathe in your scent tells the animal that you are a fellow herdmate (not a predator), and usually makes the horse more agreeable to being handled.</p>\r\nThe equine sense of smell also comes in handy when it’s time to eat. Although horses also use their eyes and muzzles to ferret out the tastiest morsels in a pasture, sense of smell plays a part as well. One plant may look just like another to you, but a horse can get a sense of whether foliage tastes good by first getting a whiff of it.\r\n<h3>Horse's sense of <a name=\"_Toc105382488\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661919\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661653\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661596\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424828\"></a>touch</h3>\r\nThe equine sense of touch is an important (although often overlooked) element to the horse. Although many people think that horses have tough hides, they really don’t. Their skin obviously is tougher than human epidermis, but it still is rich with nerve endings. If it weren’t, how else could a horse possibly feel a tiny little fly landing on his body? Trust us, he can!\r\n\r\nIf you sit on a pasture fence and watch a herd of horses for a few hours, you’ll see plenty of evidence of how horses use touch to communicate with each other. Mothers reassure their babies with a brush of the muzzle; comrades scratch each other’s itches with their teeth. Whenever a message needs to be sent from one horse to another, visual cues and touch — or the threat of it — nearly always are used.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Humans also use touch to convey messages to the horse. A gentle rubdown, a pat on the shoulder, a vigorous massage in just the right place — these all are ways of saying, “I’m your friend,” to a horse. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get a similar tactile message in return.</p>","description":"You need to comprehend the world that the horse lives in to be able to understand and properly <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/horses/horse-health-nutrition-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">care for the horse</a>. Think about it: The world of horses is not composed of fast-food joints, unbalanced checkbooks, and vacations to far away countries. Instead, horses live in a world made up of hay and grass, buzzing insects, and assorted horsy politics.\r\n\r\nLooking at the world through a horse’s eyes can open up all sorts of avenues for communication between you and the horse. A good horse trainer or handler is a good <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/pets/horses/horse-terminology-describing-horses-correctly/\">horse communicator</a>. When you finally connect with your horse, you’ll find that suddenly, this huge, four-legged alien is very special.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><a name=\"_Toc105382480\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661911\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661645\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661588\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424820\"></a>Equine instincts</h2>\r\nHorses have a way of thinking about and viewing things that is uniquely their own. The evolution of horses as prey animals gives them a special viewpoint that helps them survive.\r\n\r\nThe components of this perspective (such as viewing the world as a series of threats, finding safety in numbers, and looking to an authority figure for guidance) make up the essence of the horse’s being. The human who understands and sympathizes with these sometimes unhuman-like ways of looking at the world is the person who becomes most adept at conversations with the horse.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382481\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661912\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661646\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661589\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424821\"></a>Prey, not predator</h3>\r\nThe first thing you need to know about horses to really get into their heads is that horses are prey animals, not predators. (The one interesting exception to this fact is in Iceland, where Icelandic Horses have been seen catching and eating fish from the ocean.) In the wild, horses are at the top of most large predators’ dinner menus. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, evolved to be hunters. Consequently, the horse looks at the world differently than the domesticated dog and cat.\r\n\r\nNowadays, horses live in domestic situations where their biggest worries are horsefly bites, but try telling that to a horse. Long before humans ever considered building barns, haylofts, paddocks, and arenas, bolting from a potential threat is what literally saved the horse’s hide. This instinct to flee first and ask questions later is at the core of every equine personality.\r\n\r\nYou don’t need to spend much time around horses to witness the equine instinct to flee: In a nutshell, horses scare easily. They often spook at what humans view as the most benign of things: a plastic bag blowing in the wind, a low-flying plane passing overhead, or a car backfiring nearby. To humans, these distractions are minor, but to the ever-watchful horse, they are potentially life-threatening hazards.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">The ease with which horses spook may seem ridiculous, but the instinct to flee from trouble is at the center of a horse’s psyche. Although most domestic horses don’t have predators chasing them, they nevertheless have a powerful instinct to be on guard. Their brains are telling them that horse-eating monsters are out there, so they need to be on the lookout. If a real predator can’t be found, then, by golly, the horse will conjure up a hunter to run from.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382482\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661913\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661647\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661590\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424822\"></a>Let’s stay together</h3>\r\nClosely associated with the get-the-heck-out-of-Dodge-now instinct is the herd instinct, which is represented by the horse’s burning desire always to be with other horses. This need stems from the fact that in the wild, large numbers mean safety. It works like this: Pretend for a moment that you’re a horse, and a huge, terrifying saber-toothed tiger has selected horsemeat for his next meal. When a big cat starts chasing your herd looking for prey to take down, the chances of <em>you </em>being the horse that gets nailed are less when a whole herd of other horses surrounds you.\r\n\r\nIn addition to decreasing your odds of being the unlucky item on the big cat’s menu, being in a herd also means that you can find out about impending danger much sooner than you would if you were alone. After all, a herd of eyes is better than one measly pair.\r\n\r\nYet the horse’s love for other horses is not completely mercenary, however. You only need to watch a group of horses out in a field to discover that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Although each horse is an individual with his own distinct personality, horses nonetheless thrive on companionship and bond strongly with their herdmates. They groom each other with their teeth, take turns tail swishing flies from each other’s faces, and even play horsy games together, such as tag and I-dare-you-to-try-and-bite-me.\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382483\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661914\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661648\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661591\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424823\"></a>Follow the leader</h3>\r\nHorses are social creatures, and they even have their own societal rules. In any given herd of horses, some horses are dominant and others are submissive. Horses follow a precise pecking order, with one big kahuna at the top of the heap who lords over all the other horses. The individual personalities of various herd members, along with factors such as age and physical ability, determine which horses take on different roles within the herd. All in all, horse society doesn’t operate that much differently than human society.\r\n\r\nHuman beings, on the other hand, have benefited greatly from the horse’s intrinsic need for leadership. The horse’s penchant for dutifully submitting to authority is what ultimately enabled humankind to domesticate the horse thousands of years ago. After a human earns a horse’s respect (the same way a leader horse must earn the respect of his fellow horses), the horse views the human as an authority figure to be respected and followed in much the same way as he views the leader horse.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">When a human fails to gain a horse’s respect early on in their relationship, the horse automatically takes charge. From the horse’s perspective, every herd — even one made up of only two members — must have a leader. Although first impressions are important to horses, overrun humans can make up lost ground by becoming more assertive and telling the horse (in so many words), “I’m the one in charge now.”</p>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips remember\">In the same way that horses test the leader horses in a herd, they also periodically test their human companions to make sure that the humans still are worthy of leadership. Horses that misbehave often do so to challenge the authority of whoever is handling them, and they’re incredibly astute at determining the qualifications of those giving them orders. For a horse to feel secure, he must have strong leadership. If you don’t measure up in this department, or if the horse has a history of dealing with humans that don’t measure up as leaders, the horse will take the leadership position from you — and we promise you won’t like the results!</p>\r\nFor example, in horse/human relationships where the horse has taken charge, you often see horses leading humans around the stable instead of vice versa. Leader horses that are being ridden make the decisions about where and when to go, despite their riders’ pleas.\r\n\r\nEquine followers feel safest when they have a strong leader making decisions for them and helping them determine what is and isn’t dangerous. Human leadership accounts for why many horses find comfort in their associations with human beings. If we humans do things right, they see us as leaders. And if we say things are okay, then they must <em>be</em> okay.\r\n\r\nThe role of leader places a great responsibility on human shoulders, of course. We must convince the horse that we are confident and knowledgeable and worthy of their invaluable equine trust.\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><a name=\"_Toc105382484\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661915\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661649\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661592\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424824\"></a>Equine senses</h2>\r\nFrom the horse’s perspective, you need to know — or literally see — how the horse takes in the world. Humans evolved to be hunters and gatherers, chasing down prey and finding appropriate plants to eat. Horses, on the other hand, are built to avoid hunters and eat nearly everything that grows around them. Given these fundamental distinctions, the horse’s senses are bound to have nuances that are somewhat different from those of a human.\r\n<h3>Horse's sense of <a name=\"_Toc105382485\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661916\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661650\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661593\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424825\"></a>sight</h3>\r\nSight is the most important equine sense. For a prey animal like the horse, in the wild, good eyesight means the difference between life and death. Literally seeing trouble coming is the best way the horse has to make it to safety before a predator gets too close.\r\n\r\nBecause horses have long, narrow heads with eyes on either side, they have the ability to take in more of the view than do humans. When their heads are facing forward, horses have a nearly 180-degree field of vision in each eye (as shown in the following figure). They can see in front of and almost all the way around their bodies, although they do have some blind spots.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_266764\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"416\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-266764\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/horses-sight.jpg\" alt=\"horse range of sight\" width=\"416\" height=\"500\" /> A horse can see this much when facing straight ahead.[/caption]\r\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">One of a horse’s blind spots is directly behind, so you should never approach a horse from the back unless the horse already knows you’re there. If you’re already next to the horse and move toward his blind spot, keep one hand on him at all times so he is aware of your presence.</p>\r\nNo one knows for sure how far horses can see, mainly because horses have trouble pronouncing the letters on eye tests. Scientists who have done experiments in this field have made some educated guesses that horses can see pretty darn far, in the realm of at least hundreds of yards away. Horses can distinguish patterns, which means they’re able to take in fine details. They also perceive depth well.\r\n\r\nHorses also have much better night vision than humans. Many a rider has been out on a dark, moonless trail, dumbfounded by his or her horses’ ability to see where the pair is going despite the incredibly dim light.\r\n\r\nScientists know far less about horses’ color vision than they do about other areas of equine sight, but they’re certain that horses see many of the same colors that we see, with two exceptions: red and green. In fact, they believe that horses have the same color vision as humans who suffer from red-green color blindness. So red and green don't look the same to a horse as they do to a person with full color vision. That said, horses are still able to pick out the greenest grass in a field!\r\n<h3><a name=\"_Toc105382486\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661917\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661651\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661594\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424826\"></a>Horse's sense of hearing</h3>\r\nA species that survives by getting a head start on marauding predators needs a pretty good sense of hearing. The fact that horses have survived all the way to modern times is testimony to their incredible hearing, which is considerably better than a human’s.\r\n\r\nIf you look at the shape of the horse’s ear, you can see that it’s built sort of like a funnel. With this design, the ear can capture sound in its outer part and channel it down into the ear canal. The broad outer part of the horse’s ear very adequately takes in the slightest sound in the horse’s environment.\r\n\r\nThe horse’s ear also has an amazing ability to swivel. Just watch a horse’s ears sometime while the horse is busy eating or just hanging out. You’ll see one ear turn forward, while the other swings to the back. Sometimes both ears go forward at the same time, while at other times, both are poised to the rear. The purpose of all this twisting is simple — to take in as much information as possible at one time.\r\n\r\nUsing their extremely mobile ears, horses constantly monitor the world around them. Just imagine trying to pay complete attention to different sounds coming in to either ear at the same time. Impossible for a human, yet the horse does this on a steady basis. A horse can take in the sounds of a car driving by, children playing, a bird chirping, and a human approaching, all at once, from different places in the environment. The horse then processes that information and makes split-second decisions about whether to react — all the while picking out the best blades of pasture grass or meandering down a rocky trail. The process really is mind-blowing.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Loud, unfamiliar noises can send a relaxed horse into a tizzy. On the other hand, a placid, reassuring sound can ease a horse’s worries. It’s amazing to see how a frightened horse can be comforted by a soft, gentle voice from a calm and confident human. Keep this fact in mind when handling your horse in a particularly noisy or frightening environment.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3>Horse's sense of <a name=\"_Toc105382487\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661918\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661652\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661595\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424827\"></a>smell</h3>\r\nLike most nonhuman animals, horses have an acute sense of smell that they regularly employ to provide them with information on what is going on around them. Horses use their sense of smell in a number of different and important ways.\r\n\r\nPeople talk about smelling danger, but when it comes to the horse, this metaphor is literally the case. Nature equipped the equine with a strong olfactory sense that can tell the animal whether a predator is near. All it takes is a strong upwind breeze to bring a dangerous scent to the attention of a wild herd. After getting a whiff of the predator, the herd literally high-tails — their tails stick way up in the air as they flee — it out of there in a flash.\r\n\r\nHorses also use smell as part of their complicated social structure. Horses typically greet each other nose to nose, each taking in the odor of the other. Horses also come to recognize each other by scent and by sight. Mares and foals quickly memorize each other’s scents and use this information to help locate each other in a crowd of horses.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Most horses also greet humans in the same way. When you introduce yourself to a horse for the first time, notice how the horse reaches out his muzzle to sniff you. Given this olfactory penchant, the most polite way to approach a horse is with the back of your hand extended so the horse may take in your personal scent. Letting a horse breathe in your scent tells the animal that you are a fellow herdmate (not a predator), and usually makes the horse more agreeable to being handled.</p>\r\nThe equine sense of smell also comes in handy when it’s time to eat. Although horses also use their eyes and muzzles to ferret out the tastiest morsels in a pasture, sense of smell plays a part as well. One plant may look just like another to you, but a horse can get a sense of whether foliage tastes good by first getting a whiff of it.\r\n<h3>Horse's sense of <a name=\"_Toc105382488\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661919\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661653\"></a><a name=\"_Toc100661596\"></a><a name=\"_Toc99424828\"></a>touch</h3>\r\nThe equine sense of touch is an important (although often overlooked) element to the horse. Although many people think that horses have tough hides, they really don’t. Their skin obviously is tougher than human epidermis, but it still is rich with nerve endings. If it weren’t, how else could a horse possibly feel a tiny little fly landing on his body? Trust us, he can!\r\n\r\nIf you sit on a pasture fence and watch a herd of horses for a few hours, you’ll see plenty of evidence of how horses use touch to communicate with each other. Mothers reassure their babies with a brush of the muzzle; comrades scratch each other’s itches with their teeth. Whenever a message needs to be sent from one horse to another, visual cues and touch — or the threat of it — nearly always are used.\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\">Humans also use touch to convey messages to the horse. A gentle rubdown, a pat on the shoulder, a vigorous massage in just the right place — these all are ways of saying, “I’m your friend,” to a horse. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get a similar tactile message in return.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9776,"name":"Audrey Pavia","slug":"audrey-pavia","description":" <p><b>Connie Isbell</b> is a former editor and writer at<i>Audobon</i> magazine, as well as the editor of numerous pet books. <b>Audrey Pavia</b> is the author of many books on pets and animals, including the bestselling <i>Horses For Dummies</i> and <i>The Rabbit: An Owner&#39;s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.</i> She has been a frequent contributor to numerous pet publications, editor&#45;in &#45;chief of <i>Horse Illustrated,</i> and senior editor of <i>The AKC Gazette.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9776"}},{"authorId":10499,"name":"Janice Posnikoff","slug":"janice-posnikoff","description":" <p><b>Audrey Pavia</b> is the former editor of <i>Horse Illustrated</i> magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of seven books about horses, she has also contributed to <i>Thoroughbred Times, Horse &amp; Rider</i>, and many other animal magazines.</p> <p><b>Janice Posnikoff,</b> DVM, is a highly respected equine veterinarian with over 20 years experience. She is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10499"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33986,"title":"Horses","slug":"horses","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33986"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Equine instincts","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Equine senses","target":"#tab2"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":267380,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Rare Breeds","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-rare-breeds","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267380"}},{"articleId":267375,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Pony Breeds and Warmbloods","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-pony-breeds-and-warmbloods","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267375"}},{"articleId":267369,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Gaited Horses","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-gaited-horses","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267369"}},{"articleId":267363,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Crossbreds and Draft Breeds","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-crossbreds-and-draft-breeds","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267363"}},{"articleId":267349,"title":"Meet the Top 10 Horse Breeds","slug":"meet-the-top-10-horse-breeds","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267349"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":267380,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Rare Breeds","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-rare-breeds","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267380"}},{"articleId":267375,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Pony Breeds and Warmbloods","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-pony-breeds-and-warmbloods","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267375"}},{"articleId":267369,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Gaited Horses","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-gaited-horses","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267369"}},{"articleId":267363,"title":"Beyond the Top 10 Horse Breeds: Crossbreds and Draft Breeds","slug":"beyond-the-top-10-horse-breeds-crossbreds-and-draft-breeds","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267363"}},{"articleId":267349,"title":"Meet the Top 10 Horse Breeds","slug":"meet-the-top-10-horse-breeds","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/267349"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282286,"slug":"horses-for-dummies-3rd-edition","isbn":"9781119589402","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","horses"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119589401/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119589401/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119589401-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119589401/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119589401/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/horses-for-dummies-3rd-edition-cover-9781119589402-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Horses For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><b>Connie Isbell</b> is a former editor and writer at<i>Audobon</i> magazine, as well as the editor of numerous pet books. <b><b data-author-id=\"9776\">Audrey Pavia</b></b> is the author of many books on pets and animals, including the bestselling <i>Horses For Dummies</i> and <i>The Rabbit: An Owner&#39;s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.</i> She has been a frequent contributor to numerous pet publications, editor&#45;in &#45;chief of <i>Horse Illustrated,</i> and senior editor of <i>The AKC Gazette.</i> <p><b>Audrey Pavia</b> is the former editor of <i>Horse Illustrated</i> magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of seven books about horses, she has also contributed to <i>Thoroughbred Times, Horse &amp; Rider</i>, and many other animal magazines.</p> <p><b><b data-author-id=\"10499\">Janice Posnikoff</b>,</b> DVM, is a highly respected equine veterinarian with over 20 years experience. She is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9776,"name":"Audrey Pavia","slug":"audrey-pavia","description":" <p><b>Connie Isbell</b> is a former editor and writer at<i>Audobon</i> magazine, as well as the editor of numerous pet books. <b>Audrey Pavia</b> is the author of many books on pets and animals, including the bestselling <i>Horses For Dummies</i> and <i>The Rabbit: An Owner&#39;s Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet.</i> She has been a frequent contributor to numerous pet publications, editor&#45;in &#45;chief of <i>Horse Illustrated,</i> and senior editor of <i>The AKC Gazette.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9776"}},{"authorId":10499,"name":"Janice Posnikoff","slug":"janice-posnikoff","description":" <p><b>Audrey Pavia</b> is the former editor of <i>Horse Illustrated</i> magazine and an award-winning writer of numerous articles on equine subjects. The author of seven books about horses, she has also contributed to <i>Thoroughbred Times, Horse &amp; Rider</i>, and many other animal magazines.</p> <p><b>Janice Posnikoff,</b> DVM, is a highly respected equine veterinarian with over 20 years experience. She is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinarian Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10499"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;horses&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119589402&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b4187759\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;horses&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119589402&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b41881ce\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-07-15T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":266763},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2022-06-08T18:02:38+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-06-08T18:02:38+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Cats","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33966"},"slug":"cats","categoryId":33966}],"title":"If You’ve Always Wanted to Adopt a Cat, Now’s the Time","strippedTitle":"if you’ve always wanted to adopt a cat, now’s the time","slug":"if-youve-always-wanted-to-adopt-a-cat-nows-the-time","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Before you bring home the first adorable kitten you see, read this article to learn about cat ownership and different cat characteristics.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online, cat content reigns supreme — but their internet popularity doesn’t seem to translate into real-world adoptions. According to the Human Society of the United States, just 35 percent of households own cats (versus 54 percent for dogs). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So if you’ve been thinking of adding a furry friend to the family, why not consider the kitty? And not just because <a href=\"https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/adopt-a-cat-month/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>June is National Adopt a Cat Month</strong></a> — adopting a low-maintenance mouser has perks all year-round. Just imagine the mood boost of watching silly cat videos online 24-7, and you’ll begin to understand just how much a four-legged friend can enhance your well-being. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_293139\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-293139 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AdoptACat-WithinArticlePhoto-little-plant-zVaq4TezwLo-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Gray kitten in the crook of a woman's arm\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> © little plant / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><b>The benefits of cat ownership</b></h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pet can be a crucial addition to our support networks, as many first-time pet parents discovered during pandemic lockdowns. The companionship of a beloved pet has been proven to </span><a href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#2.-Stress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alleviate stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats can even help us process grief: Talking to a pet in our time of need can help us sort through our complicated feelings without fear of judgment. Cats are also unlikely to become distressed by our distress, making them more of a comfort than an additional worry. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But cats don’t just benefit your emotional heart — they benefit your physical heart, too. One study found that cat owners were 30 percent less likely to die from a heart attack than people who have never owned them, while another found that cat owners were at reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these outcomes may be due to overall lifestyle differences, it’s safe to say that cats deserve at least </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the credit: Cat purrs have been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even support bone density and healing. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best of all, almost anyone can enjoy the benefits of owning a cat. Unlike dogs, cats are perfectly content with a 100 percent indoor lifestyle (in fact, it’s much safer for them — and the local environment — if they don’t venture out). Cats are also quiet and small, making them ideal for apartment living. And, as long as they have fresh food, water, and litter, cats are relatively autonomous. Their low-maintenance ways make them a great pet for anyone from older adults to people who work long hours away from home. </span>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><b>Choosing a cat (or kitten)</b></h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, cats live between 12 and 18 years — so you’ll want to choose your new family member wisely. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/how-to-recognize-good-health-in-kittens-and-cats-269515/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Recognize Good Health in Kittens and Cats</span></a>\r\n<h3><b>Adopting a kitten</b></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While kittens are indisputably adorable, they may not be well suited to your experience, lifestyle, or family. That’s because kittens are cats in training: They don’t yet have the grace and self-sufficiency of adult cats and need more attention, patience, and gentleness as they grow. Spending their formative months in a loud, chaotic environment can impact a kitten’s behavior for life, so be realistic about your lifestyle (and keep out of the reach of children). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/choosing-a-cat-or-kitten-which-is-better-for-you-200778/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing a Cat or Kitten: Which Is Better for You?</span></a>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_293140\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-293140 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AdoptACat2-WithinArticle-sabri-tuzcu-KHBvwAnWFmc-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Sleeping cat on top of yellow sofa\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> © Sabri Tuzcu / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h3><b>Adult cats</b></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats become adults around the age of 1: still cute, but much less of a mystery. With their personalities generally set, it’s easier to identify the snuggly couch potato or playful hunter of your dreams. Do you want a cat that gets along with other animals? A cat that vocalizes? A mature cat provides the best chance of finding the right fit. Of course, their greatest strength could also be a curse — like humans, adult cats with behavioral issues will be more set in their ways. Be sure to inquire about any potential challenges before committing. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And in case you were wondering, adult cats are as capable of developing love and affection for their owners as kittens are (as long as the feeling’s mutual). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/cats-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-208933/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats for Dummies Cheat Sheet</span></a>\r\n<h3><b>Breed characteristics</b></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People often fall in love at first sight with their future cat, committing to a life together without knowing much about them. Understanding a bit about the different breeds can help you narrow the field and find the right cat for your household. Some breeds require more grooming than others, for example, while some are more tolerable for people with allergies.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/cat-characteristics-by-breed-269506/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Characteristics by Breed</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When in doubt, lean on the experts: Shelter and rescue workers know which cats hate being picked up, which are suitable for young children, and which will get along with your aging dog. Some cat rescues even have foster programs that allow you to live with your potential cat-to-be for a trial period, giving you both a glimpse of your future together. </span>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><b>The fix is in</b></h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners failing to neuter or spay their cats is one of the biggest causes behind the rising number of homeless cats in the U.S. While no one feels good about subjecting their little one to surgery, it’s really in everyone’s long-term interest: According to the ASPCA, </span><a href=\"https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fixed cats are at lower risk for all kinds of behavioral issues and health problems</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including various cancers. Spaying or neutering is also much less expensive than raising or rehoming a litter of kittens (not to mention, less stressful). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many shelters and rescues perform these and other necessary medical procedures prior to adoption, be sure to request your kitty’s medical records before taking them home. </span>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more guidance on becoming a cat parent, check out the book </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/book/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/cats-for-dummies-3rd-edition-282065/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats for Dummies</span></i></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span></p>","description":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Online, cat content reigns supreme — but their internet popularity doesn’t seem to translate into real-world adoptions. According to the Human Society of the United States, just 35 percent of households own cats (versus 54 percent for dogs). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So if you’ve been thinking of adding a furry friend to the family, why not consider the kitty? And not just because <a href=\"https://www.americanhumane.org/initiative/adopt-a-cat-month/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>June is National Adopt a Cat Month</strong></a> — adopting a low-maintenance mouser has perks all year-round. Just imagine the mood boost of watching silly cat videos online 24-7, and you’ll begin to understand just how much a four-legged friend can enhance your well-being. </span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_293139\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-293139 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AdoptACat-WithinArticlePhoto-little-plant-zVaq4TezwLo-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Gray kitten in the crook of a woman's arm\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> © little plant / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" ><b>The benefits of cat ownership</b></h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pet can be a crucial addition to our support networks, as many first-time pet parents discovered during pandemic lockdowns. The companionship of a beloved pet has been proven to </span><a href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-being-cat-lover#2.-Stress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">alleviate stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats can even help us process grief: Talking to a pet in our time of need can help us sort through our complicated feelings without fear of judgment. Cats are also unlikely to become distressed by our distress, making them more of a comfort than an additional worry. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But cats don’t just benefit your emotional heart — they benefit your physical heart, too. One study found that cat owners were 30 percent less likely to die from a heart attack than people who have never owned them, while another found that cat owners were at reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While these outcomes may be due to overall lifestyle differences, it’s safe to say that cats deserve at least </span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some</span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the credit: Cat purrs have been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even support bone density and healing. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best of all, almost anyone can enjoy the benefits of owning a cat. Unlike dogs, cats are perfectly content with a 100 percent indoor lifestyle (in fact, it’s much safer for them — and the local environment — if they don’t venture out). Cats are also quiet and small, making them ideal for apartment living. And, as long as they have fresh food, water, and litter, cats are relatively autonomous. Their low-maintenance ways make them a great pet for anyone from older adults to people who work long hours away from home. </span>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab2\" ><b>Choosing a cat (or kitten)</b></h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, cats live between 12 and 18 years — so you’ll want to choose your new family member wisely. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/how-to-recognize-good-health-in-kittens-and-cats-269515/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Recognize Good Health in Kittens and Cats</span></a>\r\n<h3><b>Adopting a kitten</b></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While kittens are indisputably adorable, they may not be well suited to your experience, lifestyle, or family. That’s because kittens are cats in training: They don’t yet have the grace and self-sufficiency of adult cats and need more attention, patience, and gentleness as they grow. Spending their formative months in a loud, chaotic environment can impact a kitten’s behavior for life, so be realistic about your lifestyle (and keep out of the reach of children). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/choosing-a-cat-or-kitten-which-is-better-for-you-200778/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing a Cat or Kitten: Which Is Better for You?</span></a>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_293140\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-293140 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AdoptACat2-WithinArticle-sabri-tuzcu-KHBvwAnWFmc-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Sleeping cat on top of yellow sofa\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> © Sabri Tuzcu / Unsplash.com[/caption]\r\n<h3><b>Adult cats</b></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats become adults around the age of 1: still cute, but much less of a mystery. With their personalities generally set, it’s easier to identify the snuggly couch potato or playful hunter of your dreams. Do you want a cat that gets along with other animals? A cat that vocalizes? A mature cat provides the best chance of finding the right fit. Of course, their greatest strength could also be a curse — like humans, adult cats with behavioral issues will be more set in their ways. Be sure to inquire about any potential challenges before committing. </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And in case you were wondering, adult cats are as capable of developing love and affection for their owners as kittens are (as long as the feeling’s mutual). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/cats-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-208933/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats for Dummies Cheat Sheet</span></a>\r\n<h3><b>Breed characteristics</b></h3>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People often fall in love at first sight with their future cat, committing to a life together without knowing much about them. Understanding a bit about the different breeds can help you narrow the field and find the right cat for your household. Some breeds require more grooming than others, for example, while some are more tolerable for people with allergies.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">READ MORE: </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/cat-characteristics-by-breed-269506/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat Characteristics by Breed</span></a>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When in doubt, lean on the experts: Shelter and rescue workers know which cats hate being picked up, which are suitable for young children, and which will get along with your aging dog. Some cat rescues even have foster programs that allow you to live with your potential cat-to-be for a trial period, giving you both a glimpse of your future together. </span>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab3\" ><b>The fix is in</b></h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners failing to neuter or spay their cats is one of the biggest causes behind the rising number of homeless cats in the U.S. While no one feels good about subjecting their little one to surgery, it’s really in everyone’s long-term interest: According to the ASPCA, </span><a href=\"https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/spayneuter-your-pet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fixed cats are at lower risk for all kinds of behavioral issues and health problems</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including various cancers. Spaying or neutering is also much less expensive than raising or rehoming a litter of kittens (not to mention, less stressful). </span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While many shelters and rescues perform these and other necessary medical procedures prior to adoption, be sure to request your kitty’s medical records before taking them home. </span>\r\n<p class=\"article-tips tip\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more guidance on becoming a cat parent, check out the book </span><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/book/home-auto-hobbies/pets/cats/cats-for-dummies-3rd-edition-282065/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats for Dummies</span></i></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span></p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":34739,"name":"Stephanie Georgopulos","slug":"stephanie-georgopulos","description":"Stephanie Georgopulos is a writer, editor, and consultant based in Los Angeles, CA.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/34739"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33966,"title":"Cats","slug":"cats","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33966"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"The benefits of cat ownership","target":"#tab1"},{"label":"Choosing a cat (or kitten)","target":"#tab2"},{"label":"The fix is in","target":"#tab3"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":291828,"title":"How to Tell Whether Your Cat Is Feline Officer Material","slug":"how-to-tell-whether-your-cat-is-feline-officer-material","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","cats"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/291828"}},{"articleId":269520,"title":"10 Cool Cat-Related Places to Visit","slug":"10-cool-cat-related-places-to-visit","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","cats"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269520"}},{"articleId":269515,"title":"How to Recognize Good Health in Kittens and Cats","slug":"how-to-recognize-good-health-in-kittens-and-cats","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","cats"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269515"}},{"articleId":269506,"title":"Cat Characteristics by Breed","slug":"cat-characteristics-by-breed","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","cats"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269506"}},{"articleId":269501,"title":"Cats—Indoors versus Outdoors Controversy","slug":"cats-indoors-versus-outdoors-controversy","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","cats"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269501"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;cats&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b4035331\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;cats&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b4035c7f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-05-18T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":293135},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:47+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-27T17:08:03+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Training","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33982"},"slug":"training","categoryId":33982}],"title":"Housetraining For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"housetraining for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"housetraining-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Keep this Cheat Sheet handy as you're housetraining your puppy or adult dog. It includes tips for indoor and outdoor potty training.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Potty-training your puppy or adult dog doesn’t just prevent canine bathroom accidents in your house; housetraining also helps you make sure your dog stays healthy. With the right tools and some potty-training tips and tricks, you and your pup can set the stage for a long and happy life together.","description":"Potty-training your puppy or adult dog doesn’t just prevent canine bathroom accidents in your house; housetraining also helps you make sure your dog stays healthy. With the right tools and some potty-training tips and tricks, you and your pup can set the stage for a long and happy life together.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":10543,"name":"Susan McCullough","slug":"susan-mccullough","description":" <p><b>Susan McCullough</b> is the author of the bestselling <i>Housetraining For Dummies</i> and the award&#45;winning <i>Senior Dogs For Dummies.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10543"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33982,"title":"Training","slug":"training","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33982"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":196560,"title":"How to Successfully Housetrain a 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List","slug":"your-dogs-housetraining-wish-list","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196551"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":269557,"title":"Dog Training: Teach Your Dog to Hide in a Box","slug":"dog-training-teach-your-dog-to-hide-in-a-box","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269557"}},{"articleId":269550,"title":"Dog Training: Find the Pea under the Right Cup","slug":"dog-training-find-the-pea-under-the-right-cup","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269550"}},{"articleId":269545,"title":"Dog Training: Teach a Dog to Shake and High Five","slug":"dog-training-teach-a-dog-to-shake-and-high-five","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269545"}},{"articleId":269540,"title":"Dog Obedience Training Class","slug":"dog-obedience-training-class","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269540"}},{"articleId":269534,"title":"How to Select a Dog Training Model","slug":"how-to-select-a-dog-training-model","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/269534"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282288,"slug":"housetraining-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9781119610298","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111961029X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/111961029X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/111961029X-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/111961029X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/111961029X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/housetraining-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9781119610298-165x255.jpg","width":165,"height":255},"title":"Housetraining For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":true,"authorsInfo":"<p><p><b><b data-author-id=\"10543\">Susan McCullough</b></b> is the author of the bestselling <i>Housetraining For Dummies</i> and the award&#45;winning <i>Senior Dogs For Dummies.</i></p>","authors":[{"authorId":10543,"name":"Susan McCullough","slug":"susan-mccullough","description":" <p><b>Susan McCullough</b> is the author of the bestselling <i>Housetraining For Dummies</i> and the award&#45;winning <i>Senior Dogs For Dummies.</i> ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10543"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;training&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119610298&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3d6f19c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;training&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9781119610298&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3d6fc14\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":196560,"title":"How to Successfully Housetrain a Dog","slug":"how-to-successfully-housetrain-a-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196560"}},{"articleId":196553,"title":"Dog Housetraining Tools","slug":"dog-housetraining-tools","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196553"}},{"articleId":196550,"title":"Training Your Dog to Potty Outdoors","slug":"training-your-dog-to-potty-outdoors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196550"}},{"articleId":196559,"title":"Training Your Dog to Potty Indoors","slug":"training-your-dog-to-potty-indoors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196559"}},{"articleId":196551,"title":"Your Dog’s Housetraining Wish List","slug":"your-dogs-housetraining-wish-list","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","training"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/196551"}}],"content":[{"title":"How to successfully housetrain a dog","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Housetraining a puppy or adult dog is just a matter of being consistent, paying attention, and following your dog’s instincts about bathroom behavior. Here are some tips to help you housetrain your dog:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Choose a dedicated potty spot for your dog. If you have a cloth scented with your dog’s urine, place it on the ground the first time you take your dog out. Scent-marking encourages your dog to go to the bathroom there.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Follow an established routine and take your dog to potty after he wakes up in the morning, before and after meals, after playtime, after naps, and at bedtime.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Walk him on leash straight to his potty spot and give the prompt or cue you’ve chosen, such as “do your business” or “go potty.”</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">If he doesn’t go within 5 minutes, take him back inside, put him in his crate, and try again in about 15 minutes.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">When he’s done, praise your dog enthusiastically and give him a tiny treat.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Between potty breaks, watch for signs that your dog needs to go out — coming to a sudden halt, circling, sniffing in a dedicated manner, or dropping his bottom. If you do see him about to go, distract him and take him to his potty spot as quickly as possible.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Confine your dog if you can’t watch him.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Dog housetraining tools","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Before you can start housetraining your puppy or adult dog, you have to get your home ready. Depending on how you plan to housetrain your dog, here’s a list of equipment you may need to get the job done:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Crate:</b> A correctly sized crate is just large enough for your dog to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lie down in.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Newspapers or dog litter:</b> These items can serve as crucial components for a dog&#8217;s indoor potty spot.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Baby gates:</b> Secure baby gates keep your dog from venturing into areas of your house where you don’t want her to be.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Plastic bags:</b> Oblong bags, like those that cover newspapers or enclose loaves of bread, are extremely helpful when picking up dog poop.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Pet stain cleaner:</b> A cleaner designed especially for pet stains is essential to cleaning up doggie bathroom accidents.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Black light:</b> This handy device helps you find urine stains that elude human detection but serve as invitations for dogs to repeat their bathroom boo-boos.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Collar:</b> A flat buckle or snap collar not only provides a place to attach your dog’s leash, but holds essential identification tags.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Leash:</b> A 6-foot-long leash of leather, cotton, or nylon keeps your pooch tethered to you when you take her outdoors to do her business.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Doggie door:</b> After your dog is fully housetrained, this item allows her to go outside to potty when she needs to.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Fencing:</b> A secure fence that’s 4 to 6 feet high can keep your dog in her yard and keep other dogs out of it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Doggie jacket or sweater:</b> A jacket or sweater keeps your four-legged friend warm when she has to potty outdoors in cold weather.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Training your dog to potty outdoors","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If you’re training your dog or puppy to go potty outside, the outdoor potty area can be a designated spot in your backyard or wherever you allow your dog to do his business.</p>\n<p>Here are some housetraining dos and don’ts to help your outdoor trainee get to know his bathroom manners faster and more effectively:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do set up your dog’s crate before you bring him home.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do choose your dog’s outdoor potty area before you bring him home.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do notice your dog’s pre-potty routine.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do take your puppy out at least every one to two hours when you first bring him home.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do use the same words and take the same route to the potty spot every time you take your dog out.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do praise and treat your dog for using his outdoor potty spot.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Do distract your dog if he’s about to unload in the house, and get him outside to his potty place as quickly as possible so he can do his business where he’s supposed to.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t punish your dog for having a potty accident.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t give your untrained puppy or dog the run of the house unless you’re right there to watch him.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t place your dog in prolonged solitary confinement, either in the crate or in your yard.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t distract your puppy when he’s eliminating in his potty area.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t expect your puppy to hold it all day while you’re at work.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Training your dog to potty indoors","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>You may want to housetrain your puppy or adult dog to go to the bathroom in an indoor potty area. A dog potty or dog toilet can be some newspapers spread on the floor, a dog litter box, or some other device located in a designated area of your home.</p>\n<p>Here are some housetraining tips that make indoor housetraining a breeze:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Consider indoor training if you live in a high-rise apartment, can’t get around easily, and/or have a very small dog.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Consider your needs, your dog’s needs, and your home’s layout when deciding where to put the indoor potty.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Get a crate for your indoor trainee so that she learns to regulate her potty maneuvers.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use scent and repetition to teach your dog that the indoor potty is the only surface upon which she should pee or make a deposit.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Be patient if you move the potty from outdoors to indoors.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t let your puppy roam freely unless you can watch her.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t get angry at your puppy for making a mistake; get mad at yourself for giving her a chance to do so.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Don’t take your indoor trainee outside for a walk or for playtime until after she’s done her business.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Your dog's housetraining wish list","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Here’s a key housetraining tip: Whether you’re potty-training a puppy or adult dog, the housetraining process works best if you think about how your canine companion thinks, feels, and learns.</p>\n<p>To get what you want from your dog, you first have to tune in to what your dog wants. Your dog can’t write down items for a wish list, but if she could, here’s what she might say she needs from you to succeed in housetraining:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Empathy</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Optimism</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Consistency</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Rewards</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Attention</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Love</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209512},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:48:36+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-27T16:48:04+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:41+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"General Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33983"},"slug":"general-dogs","categoryId":33983}],"title":"Understanding Your Dog For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"understanding your dog for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"understanding-your-dog-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learns the basics of communicating with your dog, including useful commands, reading body language, and discipline dos and don'ts.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Recognizing why and how your dog behaves can help you to take on the role as pack leader to give your dog the cues, guidance, and consistency she needs to shape and develop good behaviors.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding your dog's body language and the proper methods of discipline, along with using basic, yet helpful, commands will go a long way in developing your pooch into a well-behaved companion.","description":"Recognizing why and how your dog behaves can help you to take on the role as pack leader to give your dog the cues, guidance, and consistency she needs to shape and develop good behaviors.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding your dog's body language and the proper methods of discipline, along with using basic, yet helpful, commands will go a long way in developing your pooch into a well-behaved companion.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9192,"name":"Stanley Coren","slug":"stanley-coren","description":" <b>Stanley Coren</b> is best known to the public for his popular books on dogs and on general psychological issues. However, within the scientific world, he&#8217;s also a highly respected scientist, a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.<br /> His engaging writing style and his broad knowledge about the behavior of dogs and people have made his books <i>The Intelligence of Dogs, Why We Love the Dogs We Do, What Do Dogs Know?</i>, <i>How to Speak Dog, The Pawprints of History, How Dogs Think, Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?</i>, and <i>Why Does My Dog Do That?</i> all bestsellers.<br /> Roger Caras, President of the ASPCA, and himself a bestselling author of dog books, noted &#8220;Stanley Coren has an incredible gift &#8212; the ability to take the most complex matters and make it all seem so simple and clear.&#8221; Perhaps this is why Coren was named Writer of the Year by the International Positive Dog Training Association and is a sought-after contributor to a number of national dog and pet magazines, including <i>Pets Magazine, Modern Dog, AnimalSense, Dog and Puppy Basics,</i> and <i>AKC Gazette.<br /> </i>Many professional associations have recognized Coren&#8217;s work with service dogs, and he&#8217;s received awards from several major police dog organizations, including the California Canine Narcotic Dog Association and the British Columbia Police Canine Association. His work with and knowledge of dogs has often caught the attention of the media, and he&#8217;s been the subject of feature articles in <i>People Magazine, USA Today, Time Magazine, Maclean&#8217;s, US News &amp; World Report, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post,</i> and others. His affable manner has also made him a popular guest with the broadcast media, and he&#8217;s been featured on numerous television programs, including <i>Oprah, Larry King Live, Dateline, 20/20, Maurie Povich, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose,</i> and the <i>Today Show.</i> He currently hosts the national TV series <i>Good Dog!</i> in Canada. <p><b>Sarah Hodgson,</b> president of Simply Sarah Incorporated, has been a trainer of dogs and their people in Westchester, New York, and Southern Connecticut for more than 20 years. She&#8217;s the author of eight dog-training books, including <i>Puppies For Dummies, Dog Tricks For Dummies, Puppies Raising &amp; Training Diary For Dummies, Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training, You and Your Puppy</i> (co-authored with James DeBitetto), <i>DogPerfect,</i> 2nd Edition, <i>PuppyPerfect,</i> and <i>Miss Sarah&#8217;s Guide to Etiquette for Dogs &amp; Their People</i>. In addition, Sarah has produced two videos, patented a dog training leash (the Teaching Lead), and invented many other products to simplify the shared lives of dogs and people.<br /> Sarah is frequently featured as a dog training specialist on network television, radio, and print media, including <i>The New York Times,</i> NBC, CBS, Animal Planet (Disney syndicate), FOX, CNN, WOR, Hollywood Pets, <i>Parenthood</i> magazine, and others. She has worked with many famous persons&#8217; dogs, including TV personality Katie Couric, actors Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Chazz Palminteri, Chevy Chase, and Lucie Arnaz; business moguls George Soros, Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Mottola, and Michael Fuchs; and sport greats Bobby Valentine and Alan Houston.<br /> In addition, Sarah is a behavior consultant and education facilitator at the Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk, New York, where she holds training and socialization programs, conditioning each of the dogs within a fully decorated home environment before their formal adoption.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9192"}},{"authorId":9193,"name":"Sarah Hodgson","slug":"sarah-hodgson","description":" <b>Stanley Coren</b> is best known to the public for his popular books on dogs and on general psychological issues. However, within the scientific world, he&#8217;s also a highly respected scientist, a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.<br /> His engaging writing style and his broad knowledge about the behavior of dogs and people have made his books <i>The Intelligence of Dogs, Why We Love the Dogs We Do, What Do Dogs Know?</i>, <i>How to Speak Dog, The Pawprints of History, How Dogs Think, Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?</i>, and <i>Why Does My Dog Do That?</i> all bestsellers.<br /> Roger Caras, President of the ASPCA, and himself a bestselling author of dog books, noted &#8220;Stanley Coren has an incredible gift &#8212; the ability to take the most complex matters and make it all seem so simple and clear.&#8221; Perhaps this is why Coren was named Writer of the Year by the International Positive Dog Training Association and is a sought-after contributor to a number of national dog and pet magazines, including <i>Pets Magazine, Modern Dog, AnimalSense, Dog and Puppy Basics,</i> and <i>AKC Gazette.<br /> </i>Many professional associations have recognized Coren&#8217;s work with service dogs, and he&#8217;s received awards from several major police dog organizations, including the California Canine Narcotic Dog Association and the British Columbia Police Canine Association. His work with and knowledge of dogs has often caught the attention of the media, and he&#8217;s been the subject of feature articles in <i>People Magazine, USA Today, Time Magazine, Maclean&#8217;s, US News &amp; World Report, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post,</i> and others. His affable manner has also made him a popular guest with the broadcast media, and he&#8217;s been featured on numerous television programs, including <i>Oprah, Larry King Live, Dateline, 20/20, Maurie Povich, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose,</i> and the <i>Today Show.</i> He currently hosts the national TV series <i>Good Dog!</i> in Canada. <p><b>Sarah Hodgson,</b> president of Simply Sarah Incorporated, has been a trainer of dogs and their people in Westchester, New York, and Southern Connecticut for more than 20 years. She&#8217;s the author of eight dog-training books, including <i>Puppies For Dummies, Dog Tricks For Dummies, Puppies Raising &amp; Training Diary For Dummies, Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training, You and Your Puppy</i> (co-authored with James DeBitetto), <i>DogPerfect,</i> 2nd Edition, <i>PuppyPerfect,</i> and <i>Miss Sarah&#8217;s Guide to Etiquette for Dogs &amp; Their People</i>. In addition, Sarah has produced two videos, patented a dog training leash (the Teaching Lead), and invented many other products to simplify the shared lives of dogs and people.<br /> Sarah is frequently featured as a dog training specialist on network television, radio, and print media, including <i>The New York Times,</i> NBC, CBS, Animal Planet (Disney syndicate), FOX, CNN, WOR, Hollywood Pets, <i>Parenthood</i> magazine, and others. She has worked with many famous persons&#8217; dogs, including TV personality Katie Couric, actors Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Chazz Palminteri, Chevy Chase, and Lucie Arnaz; business moguls George Soros, Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Mottola, and Michael Fuchs; and sport greats Bobby Valentine and Alan Houston.<br /> In addition, Sarah is a behavior consultant and education facilitator at the Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk, New York, where she holds training and socialization programs, conditioning each of the dogs within a fully decorated home environment before their formal adoption.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9193"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33983,"title":"General Dogs","slug":"general-dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33983"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":199879,"title":"Living with a Blind Dog","slug":"living-with-a-blind-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199879"}},{"articleId":199111,"title":"Understanding a Dog's Sense of Smell","slug":"understanding-a-dogs-sense-of-smell","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/199111"}},{"articleId":161204,"title":"Reading Your Dog's Body Language","slug":"reading-your-dogs-body-language","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/161204"}},{"articleId":161183,"title":"5 Dog Discipline Do and Don'ts","slug":"5-dog-discipline-do-and-donts","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/161183"}},{"articleId":161184,"title":"6 Useful Commands for Your Dog","slug":"6-useful-commands-for-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/161184"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":263905,"title":"How Your Puppy Communicates","slug":"how-your-puppy-communicates","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263905"}},{"articleId":263900,"title":"Your Dog's Intelligence and Emotions","slug":"your-dogs-intelligence-and-emotions","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263900"}},{"articleId":263888,"title":"Bringing Puppy into the Digital Age","slug":"bringing-puppy-into-the-digital-age","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263888"}},{"articleId":263883,"title":"10 (or So) Dog Games to Play","slug":"10-or-so-dog-games-to-play","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/263883"}},{"articleId":209530,"title":"Dogs For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"dogs-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209530"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282647,"slug":"understanding-your-dog-for-dummies","isbn":"9780471768739","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471768731/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0471768731/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0471768731-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0471768731/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0471768731/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/understanding-your-dog-for-dummies-cover-9780471768739-168x255.jpg","width":168,"height":255},"title":"Understanding Your Dog For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<b data-author-id=\"9192\">Stanley Coren</b> is best known to the public for his popular books on dogs and on general psychological issues. However, within the scientific world, he’s also a highly respected scientist, a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.<br> His engaging writing style and his broad knowledge about the behavior of dogs and people have made his books <i>The Intelligence of Dogs, Why We Love the Dogs We Do, What Do Dogs Know?</i>, <i>How to Speak Dog, The Pawprints of History, How Dogs Think, Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?</i>, and <i>Why Does My Dog Do That?</i> all bestsellers.<br> Roger Caras, President of the ASPCA, and himself a bestselling author of dog books, noted “Stanley Coren has an incredible gift — the ability to take the most complex matters and make it all seem so simple and clear.” Perhaps this is why Coren was named Writer of the Year by the International Positive Dog Training Association and is a sought-after contributor to a number of national dog and pet magazines, including <i>Pets Magazine, Modern Dog, AnimalSense, Dog and Puppy Basics,</i> and <i>AKC Gazette.<br></i>Many professional associations have recognized Coren’s work with service dogs, and he’s received awards from several major police dog organizations, including the California Canine Narcotic Dog Association and the British Columbia Police Canine Association. His work with and knowledge of dogs has often caught the attention of the media, and he’s been the subject of feature articles in <i>People Magazine, USA Today, Time Magazine, Maclean’s, US News &amp; World Report, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post,</i> and others. His affable manner has also made him a popular guest with the broadcast media, and he’s been featured on numerous television programs, including <i>Oprah, Larry King Live, Dateline, 20/20, Maurie Povich, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose,</i> and the <i>Today Show.</i> He currently hosts the national TV series <i>Good Dog!</i> in Canada. <p><b data-author-id=\"9193\">Sarah Hodgson,</b> president of Simply Sarah Incorporated, has been a trainer of dogs and their people in Westchester, New York, and Southern Connecticut for more than 20 years. She’s the author of eight dog-training books, including <i>Puppies For Dummies, Dog Tricks For Dummies, Puppies Raising &amp; Training Diary For Dummies, Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training, You and Your Puppy</i> (co-authored with James DeBitetto), <i>DogPerfect,</i> 2nd Edition, <i>PuppyPerfect,</i> and <i>Miss Sarah’s Guide to Etiquette for Dogs &amp; Their People</i>. In addition, Sarah has produced two videos, patented a dog training leash (the Teaching Lead), and invented many other products to simplify the shared lives of dogs and people.<br> Sarah is frequently featured as a dog training specialist on network television, radio, and print media, including <i>The New York Times,</i> NBC, CBS, Animal Planet (Disney syndicate), FOX, CNN, WOR, Hollywood Pets, <i>Parenthood</i> magazine, and others. She has worked with many famous persons’ dogs, including TV personality Katie Couric, actors Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Chazz Palminteri, Chevy Chase, and Lucie Arnaz; business moguls George Soros, Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Mottola, and Michael Fuchs; and sport greats Bobby Valentine and Alan Houston.<br> In addition, Sarah is a behavior consultant and education facilitator at the Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk, New York, where she holds training and socialization programs, conditioning each of the dogs within a fully decorated home environment before their formal adoption.</p>","authors":[{"authorId":9192,"name":"Stanley Coren","slug":"stanley-coren","description":" <b>Stanley Coren</b> is best known to the public for his popular books on dogs and on general psychological issues. However, within the scientific world, he&#8217;s also a highly respected scientist, a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.<br /> His engaging writing style and his broad knowledge about the behavior of dogs and people have made his books <i>The Intelligence of Dogs, Why We Love the Dogs We Do, What Do Dogs Know?</i>, <i>How to Speak Dog, The Pawprints of History, How Dogs Think, Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?</i>, and <i>Why Does My Dog Do That?</i> all bestsellers.<br /> Roger Caras, President of the ASPCA, and himself a bestselling author of dog books, noted &#8220;Stanley Coren has an incredible gift &#8212; the ability to take the most complex matters and make it all seem so simple and clear.&#8221; Perhaps this is why Coren was named Writer of the Year by the International Positive Dog Training Association and is a sought-after contributor to a number of national dog and pet magazines, including <i>Pets Magazine, Modern Dog, AnimalSense, Dog and Puppy Basics,</i> and <i>AKC Gazette.<br /> </i>Many professional associations have recognized Coren&#8217;s work with service dogs, and he&#8217;s received awards from several major police dog organizations, including the California Canine Narcotic Dog Association and the British Columbia Police Canine Association. His work with and knowledge of dogs has often caught the attention of the media, and he&#8217;s been the subject of feature articles in <i>People Magazine, USA Today, Time Magazine, Maclean&#8217;s, US News &amp; World Report, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post,</i> and others. His affable manner has also made him a popular guest with the broadcast media, and he&#8217;s been featured on numerous television programs, including <i>Oprah, Larry King Live, Dateline, 20/20, Maurie Povich, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose,</i> and the <i>Today Show.</i> He currently hosts the national TV series <i>Good Dog!</i> in Canada. <p><b>Sarah Hodgson,</b> president of Simply Sarah Incorporated, has been a trainer of dogs and their people in Westchester, New York, and Southern Connecticut for more than 20 years. She&#8217;s the author of eight dog-training books, including <i>Puppies For Dummies, Dog Tricks For Dummies, Puppies Raising &amp; Training Diary For Dummies, Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training, You and Your Puppy</i> (co-authored with James DeBitetto), <i>DogPerfect,</i> 2nd Edition, <i>PuppyPerfect,</i> and <i>Miss Sarah&#8217;s Guide to Etiquette for Dogs &amp; Their People</i>. In addition, Sarah has produced two videos, patented a dog training leash (the Teaching Lead), and invented many other products to simplify the shared lives of dogs and people.<br /> Sarah is frequently featured as a dog training specialist on network television, radio, and print media, including <i>The New York Times,</i> NBC, CBS, Animal Planet (Disney syndicate), FOX, CNN, WOR, Hollywood Pets, <i>Parenthood</i> magazine, and others. She has worked with many famous persons&#8217; dogs, including TV personality Katie Couric, actors Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Chazz Palminteri, Chevy Chase, and Lucie Arnaz; business moguls George Soros, Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Mottola, and Michael Fuchs; and sport greats Bobby Valentine and Alan Houston.<br /> In addition, Sarah is a behavior consultant and education facilitator at the Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk, New York, where she holds training and socialization programs, conditioning each of the dogs within a fully decorated home environment before their formal adoption.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9192"}},{"authorId":9193,"name":"Sarah Hodgson","slug":"sarah-hodgson","description":" <b>Stanley Coren</b> is best known to the public for his popular books on dogs and on general psychological issues. However, within the scientific world, he&#8217;s also a highly respected scientist, a Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.<br /> His engaging writing style and his broad knowledge about the behavior of dogs and people have made his books <i>The Intelligence of Dogs, Why We Love the Dogs We Do, What Do Dogs Know?</i>, <i>How to Speak Dog, The Pawprints of History, How Dogs Think, Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses?</i>, and <i>Why Does My Dog Do That?</i> all bestsellers.<br /> Roger Caras, President of the ASPCA, and himself a bestselling author of dog books, noted &#8220;Stanley Coren has an incredible gift &#8212; the ability to take the most complex matters and make it all seem so simple and clear.&#8221; Perhaps this is why Coren was named Writer of the Year by the International Positive Dog Training Association and is a sought-after contributor to a number of national dog and pet magazines, including <i>Pets Magazine, Modern Dog, AnimalSense, Dog and Puppy Basics,</i> and <i>AKC Gazette.<br /> </i>Many professional associations have recognized Coren&#8217;s work with service dogs, and he&#8217;s received awards from several major police dog organizations, including the California Canine Narcotic Dog Association and the British Columbia Police Canine Association. His work with and knowledge of dogs has often caught the attention of the media, and he&#8217;s been the subject of feature articles in <i>People Magazine, USA Today, Time Magazine, Maclean&#8217;s, US News &amp; World Report, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post,</i> and others. His affable manner has also made him a popular guest with the broadcast media, and he&#8217;s been featured on numerous television programs, including <i>Oprah, Larry King Live, Dateline, 20/20, Maurie Povich, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose,</i> and the <i>Today Show.</i> He currently hosts the national TV series <i>Good Dog!</i> in Canada. <p><b>Sarah Hodgson,</b> president of Simply Sarah Incorporated, has been a trainer of dogs and their people in Westchester, New York, and Southern Connecticut for more than 20 years. She&#8217;s the author of eight dog-training books, including <i>Puppies For Dummies, Dog Tricks For Dummies, Puppies Raising &amp; Training Diary For Dummies, Teach Yourself Visually Dog Training, You and Your Puppy</i> (co-authored with James DeBitetto), <i>DogPerfect,</i> 2nd Edition, <i>PuppyPerfect,</i> and <i>Miss Sarah&#8217;s Guide to Etiquette for Dogs &amp; Their People</i>. In addition, Sarah has produced two videos, patented a dog training leash (the Teaching Lead), and invented many other products to simplify the shared lives of dogs and people.<br /> Sarah is frequently featured as a dog training specialist on network television, radio, and print media, including <i>The New York Times,</i> NBC, CBS, Animal Planet (Disney syndicate), FOX, CNN, WOR, Hollywood Pets, <i>Parenthood</i> magazine, and others. She has worked with many famous persons&#8217; dogs, including TV personality Katie Couric, actors Richard Gere, Glenn Close, Chazz Palminteri, Chevy Chase, and Lucie Arnaz; business moguls George Soros, Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy Mottola, and Michael Fuchs; and sport greats Bobby Valentine and Alan Houston.<br /> In addition, Sarah is a behavior consultant and education facilitator at the Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk, New York, where she holds training and socialization programs, conditioning each of the dogs within a fully decorated home environment before their formal adoption.</p>","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9193"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;general-dogs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471768739&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3d6555d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;general-dogs&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780471768739&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3d65fef\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":161184,"title":"6 Useful Commands for Your Dog","slug":"6-useful-commands-for-your-dog","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/161184"}},{"articleId":161183,"title":"5 Dog Discipline Do and Don'ts","slug":"5-dog-discipline-do-and-donts","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/161183"}},{"articleId":161204,"title":"Reading Your Dog's Body Language","slug":"reading-your-dogs-body-language","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","general-dogs"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/161204"}}],"content":[{"title":"6 useful commands for your dog","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Though a dog can recognize up to 165 different commands, or words, your goals need not be so lofty.</p>\n<p>Below are six directions (which you can teach verbally and/or with gestures) that are most useful for navigating your life together. After you have these directions firmly planted in your dog&#8217;s memory bank, they form the foundation for controlling his behavior. Their use reassures your dog of his place in your family and vital inclusion in your world.</p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Word Cue</th>\n<th>Daily Uses</th>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Follow</td>\n<td>When walking about town or off your property, or to encourage<br />\nattention in your home</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wait-okay</td>\n<td>To get your dog to stop and check in before entering or exiting<br />\nyour home or new buildings, as well as when you cross the street<br />\nand approach stairs</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No (and other derivations, such as not now, leave it, don&#8217;t<br />\nthink about it)</td>\n<td>To alert your dog that any given impulse is not in her best<br />\ninterest (for example, stealing food, chasing an object or animal,<br />\nand so on)</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Stay</td>\n<td>Enforces impulse to control; ideally used when you need your<br />\ndog to be still or to relax</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Down (and Settle down)</td>\n<td>Directs your dog into a submissive, relaxed pose or to her<br />\nbed</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Come</td>\n<td>The human phrase equivalent of the word &#8220;Huddle&#8221;</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n"},{"title":"5 dog discipline dos and don'ts ","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>No one wants to frighten their dog, but many people do just that, often under the guise of disciplining them. Some people yell at their dog or puppy, though these methods have been proven ineffective. Others are locked into a vicious cycle of physical corrections, though they have no educational value and often instill aggression or make matters worse.</p>\n<p>If the goal of discipline is to teach a dog better manners, then the effort to communicate as much must be closely examined. Here&#8217;s what doesn&#8217;t work and why, and what you can do instead:</p>\n<p><b>Don</b><b>&#8216;</b><b>t stare.</b> Unless your gaze conveys deep affection, staring is perceived as confrontational and threatening. Don&#8217;t confuse your dog. He&#8217;ll learn to fear or challenge you.</p>\n<p><b>Don</b><b>&#8216;</b><b>t chase.</b> Imagine rushing at another person in the same manner. This technique induces fear or confrontation, not understanding. It&#8217;s ineffective in communicating anything, except perhaps that you&#8217;ve lost your mind.</p>\n<p><b>Don</b><b>&#8216;</b><b>t grab, drag, or hold.</b> When you grab, hold, or drag a dog, his only option is to defend himself. Though you may contain him in the moment or vent frustration, it will lead to out of control behavior.</p>\n<p><b>Do stay calm, setting the example to model.</b> You should be the one setting an example of how to act in all situations. Give your dog a good example to follow.</p>\n<p><b>Do direct your dog. </b>Your dog can&#8217;t read your mind. Teach your dog basic commands, such as to stay, follow your lead, and come.</p>\n<p><b>Do provide alternatives.</b> Give your dog every opportunity to behave well. Provide ample activities to occupy his energy and curiosity. When you discourage one activity (such as jumping), encourage something else, such as fetching a toy or sitting.</p>\n"},{"title":"Reading your dog's body language","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your dog is communicating a lot through her body postures and also tuning in to your body language more than you might imagine. Regulating how you hold your posture and recognizing your dog&#8217;s body language can enable a fluent dialog between the two of you. The figures below illustrate common dog postures.</p>\n<p class=\"Tip\">Remember that if your dog is shrunk and low, she&#8217;s feeling insecure or scared. If her weight is pitched forward, she&#8217;s confident, on alert, or in defense mode. If her head is hung low, but her body is relaxed, the message is loud and clear: &#8220;I&#8217;m exhausted!&#8221;</p>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/397668.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Common dog postures showing dominance and aggression.\" width=\"535\" height=\"357\" /></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Common dog postures showing dominance and aggression.</div>\n</div>\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 535px;\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/397669.image1.jpg\" alt=\"Common dog postures showing fear and submission.\" width=\"535\" height=\"385\" /></p>\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Common dog postures showing fear and submission.</div>\n</div>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-27T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":207805},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:26+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-26T18:00:16+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:19:40+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Pets","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33964"},"slug":"pets","categoryId":33964},{"name":"Dogs","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33967"},"slug":"dogs","categoryId":33967},{"name":"Breeds","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33968"},"slug":"breeds","categoryId":33968},{"name":"Terriers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33974"},"slug":"terriers","categoryId":33974}],"title":"Yorkshire Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"yorkshire terriers for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"yorkshire-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Getting a Yorkshire terrier puppy? Learn how to find a reputable breeder, puppy proof your home, and the pet emergency numbers to have handy.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Picking the perfect Yorkshire terrier starts with purchasing the dog from a reputable breeder and looking for the characteristics that define the breed standard. Puppy-proofing your home and keeping animal emergency phone numbers handy will keep your Yorkshire terrier safe and happy.","description":"Picking the perfect Yorkshire terrier starts with purchasing the dog from a reputable breeder and looking for the characteristics that define the breed standard. Puppy-proofing your home and keeping animal emergency phone numbers handy will keep your Yorkshire terrier safe and happy.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9542,"name":"Tracy L. Barr","slug":"tracy-barr","description":"Tracy Barr has been an editor, editorial manager, writer, and consultant on several Dummies books.","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9542"}},{"authorId":10579,"name":"Peter F. Veling","slug":"peter-f-veling","description":"","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10579"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33974,"title":"Terriers","slug":"terriers","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33974"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209323,"title":"Boston Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"boston-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209323"}},{"articleId":208710,"title":"Jack Russell Terriers For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"jack-russell-terriers-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208710"}},{"articleId":201551,"title":"The Long and the Short of Coat Styles for Your Yorkshire Terrier","slug":"the-long-and-the-short-of-coat-styles-for-your-yorkshire-terrier","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201551"}},{"articleId":201172,"title":"Identifying Health Problems Common to Jack Russell Terriers","slug":"identifying-health-problems-common-to-jack-russell-terriers","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201172"}},{"articleId":201095,"title":"Knowing What an Ideal Yorkshire Terrier Looks Like","slug":"knowing-what-an-ideal-yorkshire-terrier-looks-like","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201095"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;breeds&quot;,&quot;terriers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3ce0800\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;pets&quot;,&quot;dogs&quot;,&quot;breeds&quot;,&quot;terriers&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221b3ce124e\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":195795,"title":"Picking a Reputable Yorkshire Terrier Breeder","slug":"picking-a-reputable-yorkshire-terrier-breeder","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195795"}},{"articleId":195793,"title":"Standard Physical Characteristics of a Yorkshire Terrier","slug":"standard-physical-characteristics-of-a-yorkshire-terrier","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195793"}},{"articleId":195794,"title":"Puppy-Proofing the House for Your Yorkshire Terrier","slug":"puppy-proofing-the-house-for-your-yorkshire-terrier","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195794"}},{"articleId":195772,"title":"Pet Emergency Phone Numbers","slug":"pet-emergency-phone-numbers-2","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","pets","dogs","breeds","terriers"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195772"}}],"content":[{"title":"Picking a reputable breeder","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>It’s not hard to find a dog breeder, but you want to find a reputable one when picking out your Yorkshire terrier. Look for a breeder who does the following:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Breeds only animals who are healthy and have good, stable dispositions</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Waits to breed until they have a waiting list of buyers for the puppies or is breeding for a new puppy they can show</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begins socializing the puppies shortly after they’re born</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Has the puppies undergo health checks by a vet and gets their initial shots</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Waits until the puppies are a minimum of 12 weeks old before separating them from their mother</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Sells puppies out of their own home</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Investigates the people they sell puppies to</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Makes health records and medical checks of the dam, sire, and puppy available to you</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Gives you the registered names and numbers of the puppies’ dam and sire</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Insists on spay/neuter agreement for non-show-quality puppies or specifies limited registration in the American Kennel Club (AKC) for the puppy</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Offers a written guarantee for the health and temperament of the puppy</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Does other things (shows their dogs, participates in breed clubs, and so on) with the dogs besides breed them</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Standard physical characteristics of a Yorkshire terrier","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>These traits describe the general appearance of the ideal (or breed standard) Yorkshire terrier recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Look for these characteristics when choosing your Yorkshire terrier:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Coat: </b>Long, straight, and silky</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Color: </b>Blue on back; tan on face, chest, and legs</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Size: </b>No more than 7 pounds</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Temperament: </b>Self-assured and intelligent</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Head: </b>Small and slightly flat on top</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Nose: </b>Black</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Ears: </b>Small, pointed, and erect</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Body: </b>Compact with short, level back</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Tail: </b>Docked and slightly higher than back</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Puppy proofing your home","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Your new Yorkshire terrier puppy will be curious. He will chew, pull and jump around your home. Make sure you safe guard around your house by eliminating hazardous chemicals and securing items. Pay close attention to these things:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Cleaning supplies</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Paints, varnishes, and paint thinners</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Motor oil and antifreeze</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Laundry detergents and bleach</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fertilizers and insecticides</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Poisonous house and garden plants (for a list, go to <a href=\"http://www.hsus.org/ace/11777\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.hsus.org/ace/11777</a>)</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Other danger spots include:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Power cords</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Unsteady or wobbly furniture</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Low-hanging table runners or cloths</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\">Holes or gaps in fences</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Pet emergency phone numbers","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>If your Yorkshire terrier, or any pet, needs emergency care, keep these numbers near your phone so you’re not fumbling around for the telephone book. Don’t forget to program the numbers into your cell phone.</p>\n<p><b>Vet’s Office:____________________________</b></p>\n<p><b>Emergency Care:_______________________</b></p>\n<p><b>Breeder:</b>_______________________________</p>\n<p><b><a href=\"https://www.aspca.org/news/what-expect-when-calling-aspca-animal-poison-control-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center</a>: </b>(888) 426-4435 (a $75 consultation fee may apply)</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Two 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With easy-to-follow advice about our feathered fliers, furry friends, canine companions, and cuddly cats, Dummies has the info you need to take the best possible care of your pet.

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Terriers Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a Rescue Group

Article / Updated 05-03-2023

Many Yorkshire Terriers are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. Yorkshire Terrier rescue groups are organizations made up of Yorkie owners, breeders, and others who love the breed and want to help and protect its most vulnerable dogs: those dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or displaced for whatever reason. If you're interested in adopting an older Yorkie, consider contacting one of the following organizations: Yorkie Rescue, Inc. Yorkshire Terrier National Rescue, Inc. United Yorkie Rescue For information about other rescue groups devoted to Yorkshire Terriers, contact your local breed club or veterinarian and ask for rescue groups in your area. Rescue groups are a great option when you're considering adopting a Yorkie. Unlike animal shelters, rescue groups have an extensive knowledge of the breed. Consequently, they can usually provide information about the dog's history and the challenges (medical, behavioral, and so on) that you may face. Rescue groups provide a number of services for abandoned Yorkies, such as Foster care: By fostering the dogs in their homes, volunteers learn the temperament and behaviors of the dogs up for adoption. Veterinary care for abandoned dogs: Rescue groups usually give the dogs thorough Vet checkups and take care of outstanding medical issues. Spaying and neutering: Before the Yorkies can be adopted, they're spayed or neutered in an attempt to stop the proliferation of unwanted and homeless animals. Microchipping or tattooing for identification: Many rescue organizations microchip or tattoo the dog to ensure that the dog will make it back home safely if it gets lost. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Yorkie. These organizations are manned by people who work long hours, usually for no pay, to find a good home for every Yorkie they believe would make a good pet. Because rescue workers are usually unpaid volunteers, remember that they work out of their home. Be considerate when calling and don't be surprised if they call you collect when returning your phone calls.

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Birds 10 Disaster-Planning Tips for Bird Lovers

Article / Updated 03-22-2023

Tornado, earthquake, hurricane, fire, flood — if you were faced with any of these and had to leave your home, would you know how to help your bird? Disaster-planning experts advise you to take your pets with you when told to evacuate, but that plan isn’t as easy as it sounds. Sandwiched between the idea of taking your pets with you and the reality of accomplishing a safe evacuation is a lot of thought and planning. To help you prepare for all sorts of unplanned events, this article walks you through the process of being ready for the worst — and hoping for the best. The good news: When it comes to disasters and pets, consideration for preparedness has changed a great deal in recent years — all for the better. Once left to their own survival instincts in times of calamity, animals today are the focus of a lot of planning, with organizations in place to complement those caring for human victims. In fact, a model program started by the California Veterinary Medical Association positions a veterinarian in each county to help coordinate animal relief efforts. Other states are starting to see the light, too, with veterinarians, shelter groups, and specially trained disaster teams from the Sacramento, California–based United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Response Service prepared to do for animals what the Red Cross does for people — on an international basis! These positive developments are the result of a growing realization that animals need help, too, and that some people choose to put their lives in danger rather than abandon their pets. Despite all of this progress, your bird’s chances of surviving any kind of crisis still depend mostly on you. Don’t put off preparing for the unexpected. No one likes to think about the possibility of catastrophe, but your pets are counting on you. Consider the possibilities Disaster preparedness starts with a simple question: What if? Ask yourself that question, and then consider not only the kind of crisis you’re most likely to face, but also special challenges such as your being away from home when disaster strikes. People need to rely on each other during emergencies, and this fact is just as true when it comes to your pets. Get to know your neighbors and talk about how you might help each other out. Find out from local shelters and veterinary organizations what their emergency response plans are. Veterinary connections can be tricky for bird owners. Because you need someone experienced in avian care, your veterinarian may not be located anywhere near you. Brian’s clients, in fact, come to him from all over Northern California, and some drive for hours to bring their birds to him. In a disaster, you may not have the luxury of relying on a veterinarian who’s nearby. Make sure you’re familiar with nearby veterinary hospitals, especially those offering round-the-clock and emergency care. Keep a current list of local veterinarians willing and able to provide care or board your birds in an emergency situation. Know who’s agreeable to consulting with your regular veterinarian by telephone or online, if needed, to coordinate and possibly enhance the level of care your birds receive. Make note, too, of shops with a special interest in or focus on birds, particularly those that board birds. A crisis isn’t always a community-wide event. When considering your options, think about what would happen if you were suddenly injured or hospitalized from a car accident, say, or a heart attack or stroke. Make a contact list All you really need is a sheet of paper or two, slipped into a plastic page protector you can pick up at any office-supply store. Handwrite the info or print it out from your home computer. (If you keep the master list on your computer, you can update it easily and print out a current version every so often. Beats cross-outs and erasures!) Your wisest move is to have a list of emergency contacts to cover everything for you and your family, including your pet bird(s). List the name, location, and phone number of your regular veterinarian, and then the same information for nearby backup hospitals and emergency clinics. Same goes for local humane societies and animal-control shelters, animal groups, and bird shops. Include friends and neighbors, as well as your local office of emergency services. The final step: Put the list where you know you can find it (attach it to the refrigerator with a magnet, for instance). Better yet, make a few copies — one for the house, one for the car, one for work, and so on. You can also keep this information on your phone, but having a hard copy is wise in case your battery dies. Make sure your bird carries ID Many birds survive disasters, but too many will never see their families again unless there’s a way to determine their identity and family connections. Although you may be lucky enough to avoid being separated from your bird, you need to be ready for that possibility. One way to contribute to a continued connection is to ensure your bird has identification. Your bird may have a leg band already. If so, be sure to note the identifying letters and numbers. Whether your bird is banded or not, we highly recommend you have your bird microchipped. This simple procedure provides permanent identification for your beloved companion. Make and trade bird-care files Prepare a couple of files with up-to-date veterinary records, your bird’s microchip or leg band numbers, your veterinarian’s phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, recent pictures of your bird, and written descriptions noting any unique markings or other physical details. Talk to other animal-loving friends, ask them to do the same for their pets, and then trade files. The more people who know about your bird and how to care for him, the better. Collect food and supplies At the top of the list of disaster gear is a travel cage or carrier for any bird whose regular lodgings aren’t portable — anything bigger than a finch or budgie, in most cases. You probably already make use of a travel cage or carrier for trips to your veterinarian or for any other travel outside the home. The key, in a time of crisis, is to make sure you know where the cage is and how you can get to it easily — an emergency isn’t the time to look for a ladder or dig through junk in the basement or attic. Before an emergency strikes, make sure you can get your bird to enter the cage without a great deal of effort on your part or trauma to your bird. Also keep a few days’ supply of food on hand, along with bottled water. Our recommendation for a pelleted diet lends itself well to feeding your bird on the run. Pack some of your bird’s favorite dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, too. Don’t forget to rotate disaster supplies on a regular basis, so they’re always fresh. Include any medication your bird takes regularly. Get an extra supply of maintenance medication and put it in rotation — use it after your current medication runs out, and put the refill in the disaster kit. That way, your “disaster” medicine is always current. And finally: Toys! Your bird will need to take out her stress on something, and better it be toys than you or her own body. Keep a first-aid kit fully stocked Every bird-lover needs basic first-aid supplies packed into a neat, portable kit. Make sure the kit includes scissors, cloth towels, and paper towels. Don’t forget styptic powder for cauterizing bleeding nails or beak tips, if needed. If your kit doesn’t have a first-aid booklet, tuck one inside. Consider keeping two kits — one for home, and one for the car. It’s also a good idea to take a pet first-aid course so you’ll feel confident in the event of an emergency. One of the problems with first-aid kits is that you’re always picking at them in everyday life — a little ointment here, some gauze there, and where did the scissors go? Be sure to promptly replace any supplies you use. Otherwise, when you really need your kit, the cupboard may be bare. Plan, plan, plan, and practice With your research done and your supplies assembled, the next logical step is a real plan for what to do “in case.” Design strategies for what to do if you’re home, or if you’re at work, and make sure everyone in the family knows about them — children included! Rehearsals are a great idea. If you’ve been through something once or twice, the act has a better chance of becoming second nature — get the travel cage, get the bird, get the supplies, get everything in the car, and let’s go! A dry run can also point out any problems with your plan, which you can then remedy. Keep your bird secure — and separate Disasters can bring out the best in people and pets — but they can also bring out the worst. Your bird is bound to be scared, stressed, and disoriented, and he’s likely to feed off your uncertainty as well. Keep your bird secure in his travel cage, and keep handling to a minimum. Be alert to your bird’s body language — even sweet-natured pets may strike out in fear. Try to maintain as regular a schedule as possible, feeding at normal times if you can. To help your bird maintain his good health, keep him away from other pets if at all possible, especially other birds who may be carrying heaven-knows-what diseases. Keep a “lost bird” kit ready The onset or aftermath of a disaster isn’t the best time to get flyers printed up, so make up some generic ones and keep them with your emergency supplies. In the biggest type size you can manage, center the words LOST BIRD, along with a clear picture of your feathered friend. Beneath that, include a description of your bird, including identifying marks or colors, and a space to add the phone number where you can be reached, as well as backup contacts, friends, relatives, neighbors, or your veterinarian. Print up a hundred copies and keep them in a safe, dry, and accessible place. A staple gun enables you to post your notices; keep one loaded and tucked in with a supply of thumbtacks and electrical tape. If your bird becomes lost, post flyers in your neighborhood and beyond, as well as distributing them at veterinary hospitals and shelters. Relying on the kindness of strangers is nice, but offering a reward may inspire some folks to be just a little bit kinder. Be prepared to help others You may survive a disaster nearly untouched, but others in your community may not be so fortunate. Contact your local humane society and veterinary organization now to train as a volunteer so you can help out in an emergency. Disaster-relief workers do everything from distributing food to stranded animals to helping reunite pets with their families — and helping find new homes for those who need them. Not only is volunteering a good thing to do, but it’s also the right thing for anyone who cares about animals and people.

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Beagles How to Adopt a Beagle from a Rescue Organization

Article / Updated 02-22-2023

Many Beagles are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Beagle from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion if you don't mind getting an adult dog. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. Beagle breed rescue is a multifaceted enterprise that aims to place homeless Beagles into permanent adoptive homes. Beagle rescuers — all of whom are volunteers — look for Beagles who need help at shelters and from individuals who can no longer keep them. And all too often, Beagle rescuers take in dogs that have been cruelly treated or otherwise neglected. After the Beagle enters rescue, the group assigns the dog to a temporary home, or what rescuers call a foster home. While there, the dog receives any necessary medical care and is observed, so that any deficiencies or behavioral problems can be identified. The rescue group then takes steps to deal with those issues. As the Beagle's rehabilitation progresses, the foster-care provider — with the help of other volunteers — begins to look for a permanent home for the dog. The group's aim is to find a happy ending for each rescued Beagle: placement in a loving forever home. If you're interested in adopting an older Beagle, consider contacting one of the following organizations: National Beagle Club of America: The club's Web site includes a page of links to Beagle rescue groups from all over the United States. Beagle Rescue Foundation of America: This organization raises money to assist Beagle rescue groups throughout the country. This site also contains a page of links to local rescue groups, some of which aren't listed on the National Beagle Club of America's Web site. Petfinder: This national online database of pets that need homes lists Beagle and other breed rescue groups from coast to coast. The Petfinder Web site also allows you to search directly for a Beagle by zip code — although most of the hits you'll get will be Beagle mixes. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Beagle. No rescue Beagles nearby? Not to worry. Some rescue groups can help you find a dog that lives outside your local area and arrange to have the animal transported to you. If you're interested in this possibility, ask the rescue coordinator about whether the group operates a "Canine Underground Railroad," or whether she can help you find out more about rescue dogs who live beyond your local area.

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Chihuahuas Chihuahuas For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-07-2023

As endearing and expressive as Chihuahuas are, it’s no wonder they’re a popular toy dog breed. If you’re in the market for a Chihuahua puppy, you need to know how to identify a healthy, happy animal — and then know what items to stock up on at the pet store. Going to the veterinarian is something you and your pup will do regularly, so tips on finding a good vet and how to prepare for your dog’s first visit count as valuable info.

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Terriers Characteristics of Teacup Yorkies

Article / Updated 11-08-2022

Listen to the article:Download audio Some breeders have begun producing "Teacup" Yorkies that weigh 2 to 3 pounds. Compared to true Yorkshire Terriers, which weigh in at about 7 pounds, Teacup Yorkies are truly tiny. Before considering purchasing one, you need to be aware of some characteristics of Teacup Yorkies. Teacup Yorkies aren't true Yorkshire Terriers. They can also require specialized medical care. Now there's nothing wrong with having a smaller Yorkie, as long as the breeder was using ethical breeding practices. Periodically, and for no apparent reason at all, some dogs are born very small; and they steal your heart because they're so in need of love and care. Some unscrupulous and unethical breeders, however, deliberately try to produce these little dogs and call them “Teacup” Yorkies, leading unwitting buyers to believe that Teacups are an actual variety of the Yorkshire Terrier breed. They're not. But be wary of any breeder who advertises or supposedly “specializes” in Teacup Yorkies. Here's why: There's no such thing as a Teacup Yorkie. A Teacup Yorkie isn't an officially recognized by the AKC. It is simply too small to be a true Yorkshire Terrier. Anyone who tells you (or implies) otherwise either doesn't know what she's talking about or is lying. A Yorkie who weighs 3 pounds or less often requires special care. Extra-small Yorkies are more prone to serious health problems and birth defects (like portosystemic shunt or small kidneys — which you won't know about until much later). Although extra-small Yorkies are occasionally born, no responsible breeder breeds for this trait. Because the breed standard is for 4 to 7 pound dogs, responsible breeders should only breed dogs that fall within this weight range. Breeding very small dogs is not safe for the mothers. Small size does not make these dogs more valuable. A small Yorkie shouldn't cost more than a healthy, normal-sized one. In fact, it should cost less because it is not up to the breed standard. They should also only be sold after being neutered or spayed.

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Horses Mind Games: Getting into the Horse Psyche

Article / Updated 07-15-2022

You need to comprehend the world that the horse lives in to be able to understand and properly care for the horse. Think about it: The world of horses is not composed of fast-food joints, unbalanced checkbooks, and vacations to far away countries. Instead, horses live in a world made up of hay and grass, buzzing insects, and assorted horsy politics. Looking at the world through a horse’s eyes can open up all sorts of avenues for communication between you and the horse. A good horse trainer or handler is a good horse communicator. When you finally connect with your horse, you’ll find that suddenly, this huge, four-legged alien is very special. Equine instincts Horses have a way of thinking about and viewing things that is uniquely their own. The evolution of horses as prey animals gives them a special viewpoint that helps them survive. The components of this perspective (such as viewing the world as a series of threats, finding safety in numbers, and looking to an authority figure for guidance) make up the essence of the horse’s being. The human who understands and sympathizes with these sometimes unhuman-like ways of looking at the world is the person who becomes most adept at conversations with the horse. Prey, not predator The first thing you need to know about horses to really get into their heads is that horses are prey animals, not predators. (The one interesting exception to this fact is in Iceland, where Icelandic Horses have been seen catching and eating fish from the ocean.) In the wild, horses are at the top of most large predators’ dinner menus. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, evolved to be hunters. Consequently, the horse looks at the world differently than the domesticated dog and cat. Nowadays, horses live in domestic situations where their biggest worries are horsefly bites, but try telling that to a horse. Long before humans ever considered building barns, haylofts, paddocks, and arenas, bolting from a potential threat is what literally saved the horse’s hide. This instinct to flee first and ask questions later is at the core of every equine personality. You don’t need to spend much time around horses to witness the equine instinct to flee: In a nutshell, horses scare easily. They often spook at what humans view as the most benign of things: a plastic bag blowing in the wind, a low-flying plane passing overhead, or a car backfiring nearby. To humans, these distractions are minor, but to the ever-watchful horse, they are potentially life-threatening hazards. The ease with which horses spook may seem ridiculous, but the instinct to flee from trouble is at the center of a horse’s psyche. Although most domestic horses don’t have predators chasing them, they nevertheless have a powerful instinct to be on guard. Their brains are telling them that horse-eating monsters are out there, so they need to be on the lookout. If a real predator can’t be found, then, by golly, the horse will conjure up a hunter to run from. Let’s stay together Closely associated with the get-the-heck-out-of-Dodge-now instinct is the herd instinct, which is represented by the horse’s burning desire always to be with other horses. This need stems from the fact that in the wild, large numbers mean safety. It works like this: Pretend for a moment that you’re a horse, and a huge, terrifying saber-toothed tiger has selected horsemeat for his next meal. When a big cat starts chasing your herd looking for prey to take down, the chances of you being the horse that gets nailed are less when a whole herd of other horses surrounds you. In addition to decreasing your odds of being the unlucky item on the big cat’s menu, being in a herd also means that you can find out about impending danger much sooner than you would if you were alone. After all, a herd of eyes is better than one measly pair. Yet the horse’s love for other horses is not completely mercenary, however. You only need to watch a group of horses out in a field to discover that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Although each horse is an individual with his own distinct personality, horses nonetheless thrive on companionship and bond strongly with their herdmates. They groom each other with their teeth, take turns tail swishing flies from each other’s faces, and even play horsy games together, such as tag and I-dare-you-to-try-and-bite-me. Follow the leader Horses are social creatures, and they even have their own societal rules. In any given herd of horses, some horses are dominant and others are submissive. Horses follow a precise pecking order, with one big kahuna at the top of the heap who lords over all the other horses. The individual personalities of various herd members, along with factors such as age and physical ability, determine which horses take on different roles within the herd. All in all, horse society doesn’t operate that much differently than human society. Human beings, on the other hand, have benefited greatly from the horse’s intrinsic need for leadership. The horse’s penchant for dutifully submitting to authority is what ultimately enabled humankind to domesticate the horse thousands of years ago. After a human earns a horse’s respect (the same way a leader horse must earn the respect of his fellow horses), the horse views the human as an authority figure to be respected and followed in much the same way as he views the leader horse. When a human fails to gain a horse’s respect early on in their relationship, the horse automatically takes charge. From the horse’s perspective, every herd — even one made up of only two members — must have a leader. Although first impressions are important to horses, overrun humans can make up lost ground by becoming more assertive and telling the horse (in so many words), “I’m the one in charge now.” In the same way that horses test the leader horses in a herd, they also periodically test their human companions to make sure that the humans still are worthy of leadership. Horses that misbehave often do so to challenge the authority of whoever is handling them, and they’re incredibly astute at determining the qualifications of those giving them orders. For a horse to feel secure, he must have strong leadership. If you don’t measure up in this department, or if the horse has a history of dealing with humans that don’t measure up as leaders, the horse will take the leadership position from you — and we promise you won’t like the results! For example, in horse/human relationships where the horse has taken charge, you often see horses leading humans around the stable instead of vice versa. Leader horses that are being ridden make the decisions about where and when to go, despite their riders’ pleas. Equine followers feel safest when they have a strong leader making decisions for them and helping them determine what is and isn’t dangerous. Human leadership accounts for why many horses find comfort in their associations with human beings. If we humans do things right, they see us as leaders. And if we say things are okay, then they must be okay. The role of leader places a great responsibility on human shoulders, of course. We must convince the horse that we are confident and knowledgeable and worthy of their invaluable equine trust. Equine senses From the horse’s perspective, you need to know — or literally see — how the horse takes in the world. Humans evolved to be hunters and gatherers, chasing down prey and finding appropriate plants to eat. Horses, on the other hand, are built to avoid hunters and eat nearly everything that grows around them. Given these fundamental distinctions, the horse’s senses are bound to have nuances that are somewhat different from those of a human. Horse's sense of sight Sight is the most important equine sense. For a prey animal like the horse, in the wild, good eyesight means the difference between life and death. Literally seeing trouble coming is the best way the horse has to make it to safety before a predator gets too close. Because horses have long, narrow heads with eyes on either side, they have the ability to take in more of the view than do humans. When their heads are facing forward, horses have a nearly 180-degree field of vision in each eye (as shown in the following figure). They can see in front of and almost all the way around their bodies, although they do have some blind spots. One of a horse’s blind spots is directly behind, so you should never approach a horse from the back unless the horse already knows you’re there. If you’re already next to the horse and move toward his blind spot, keep one hand on him at all times so he is aware of your presence. No one knows for sure how far horses can see, mainly because horses have trouble pronouncing the letters on eye tests. Scientists who have done experiments in this field have made some educated guesses that horses can see pretty darn far, in the realm of at least hundreds of yards away. Horses can distinguish patterns, which means they’re able to take in fine details. They also perceive depth well. Horses also have much better night vision than humans. Many a rider has been out on a dark, moonless trail, dumbfounded by his or her horses’ ability to see where the pair is going despite the incredibly dim light. Scientists know far less about horses’ color vision than they do about other areas of equine sight, but they’re certain that horses see many of the same colors that we see, with two exceptions: red and green. In fact, they believe that horses have the same color vision as humans who suffer from red-green color blindness. So red and green don't look the same to a horse as they do to a person with full color vision. That said, horses are still able to pick out the greenest grass in a field! Horse's sense of hearing A species that survives by getting a head start on marauding predators needs a pretty good sense of hearing. The fact that horses have survived all the way to modern times is testimony to their incredible hearing, which is considerably better than a human’s. If you look at the shape of the horse’s ear, you can see that it’s built sort of like a funnel. With this design, the ear can capture sound in its outer part and channel it down into the ear canal. The broad outer part of the horse’s ear very adequately takes in the slightest sound in the horse’s environment. The horse’s ear also has an amazing ability to swivel. Just watch a horse’s ears sometime while the horse is busy eating or just hanging out. You’ll see one ear turn forward, while the other swings to the back. Sometimes both ears go forward at the same time, while at other times, both are poised to the rear. The purpose of all this twisting is simple — to take in as much information as possible at one time. Using their extremely mobile ears, horses constantly monitor the world around them. Just imagine trying to pay complete attention to different sounds coming in to either ear at the same time. Impossible for a human, yet the horse does this on a steady basis. A horse can take in the sounds of a car driving by, children playing, a bird chirping, and a human approaching, all at once, from different places in the environment. The horse then processes that information and makes split-second decisions about whether to react — all the while picking out the best blades of pasture grass or meandering down a rocky trail. The process really is mind-blowing. Loud, unfamiliar noises can send a relaxed horse into a tizzy. On the other hand, a placid, reassuring sound can ease a horse’s worries. It’s amazing to see how a frightened horse can be comforted by a soft, gentle voice from a calm and confident human. Keep this fact in mind when handling your horse in a particularly noisy or frightening environment. Horse's sense of smell Like most nonhuman animals, horses have an acute sense of smell that they regularly employ to provide them with information on what is going on around them. Horses use their sense of smell in a number of different and important ways. People talk about smelling danger, but when it comes to the horse, this metaphor is literally the case. Nature equipped the equine with a strong olfactory sense that can tell the animal whether a predator is near. All it takes is a strong upwind breeze to bring a dangerous scent to the attention of a wild herd. After getting a whiff of the predator, the herd literally high-tails — their tails stick way up in the air as they flee — it out of there in a flash. Horses also use smell as part of their complicated social structure. Horses typically greet each other nose to nose, each taking in the odor of the other. Horses also come to recognize each other by scent and by sight. Mares and foals quickly memorize each other’s scents and use this information to help locate each other in a crowd of horses. Most horses also greet humans in the same way. When you introduce yourself to a horse for the first time, notice how the horse reaches out his muzzle to sniff you. Given this olfactory penchant, the most polite way to approach a horse is with the back of your hand extended so the horse may take in your personal scent. Letting a horse breathe in your scent tells the animal that you are a fellow herdmate (not a predator), and usually makes the horse more agreeable to being handled. The equine sense of smell also comes in handy when it’s time to eat. Although horses also use their eyes and muzzles to ferret out the tastiest morsels in a pasture, sense of smell plays a part as well. One plant may look just like another to you, but a horse can get a sense of whether foliage tastes good by first getting a whiff of it. Horse's sense of touch The equine sense of touch is an important (although often overlooked) element to the horse. Although many people think that horses have tough hides, they really don’t. Their skin obviously is tougher than human epidermis, but it still is rich with nerve endings. If it weren’t, how else could a horse possibly feel a tiny little fly landing on his body? Trust us, he can! If you sit on a pasture fence and watch a herd of horses for a few hours, you’ll see plenty of evidence of how horses use touch to communicate with each other. Mothers reassure their babies with a brush of the muzzle; comrades scratch each other’s itches with their teeth. Whenever a message needs to be sent from one horse to another, visual cues and touch — or the threat of it — nearly always are used. Humans also use touch to convey messages to the horse. A gentle rubdown, a pat on the shoulder, a vigorous massage in just the right place — these all are ways of saying, “I’m your friend,” to a horse. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get a similar tactile message in return.

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Cats If You’ve Always Wanted to Adopt a Cat, Now’s the Time

Article / Updated 06-08-2022

Online, cat content reigns supreme — but their internet popularity doesn’t seem to translate into real-world adoptions. According to the Human Society of the United States, just 35 percent of households own cats (versus 54 percent for dogs). So if you’ve been thinking of adding a furry friend to the family, why not consider the kitty? And not just because June is National Adopt a Cat Month — adopting a low-maintenance mouser has perks all year-round. Just imagine the mood boost of watching silly cat videos online 24-7, and you’ll begin to understand just how much a four-legged friend can enhance your well-being. The benefits of cat ownership A pet can be a crucial addition to our support networks, as many first-time pet parents discovered during pandemic lockdowns. The companionship of a beloved pet has been proven to alleviate stress, loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Cats can even help us process grief: Talking to a pet in our time of need can help us sort through our complicated feelings without fear of judgment. Cats are also unlikely to become distressed by our distress, making them more of a comfort than an additional worry. But cats don’t just benefit your emotional heart — they benefit your physical heart, too. One study found that cat owners were 30 percent less likely to die from a heart attack than people who have never owned them, while another found that cat owners were at reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. While these outcomes may be due to overall lifestyle differences, it’s safe to say that cats deserve at least some of the credit: Cat purrs have been found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and even support bone density and healing. Best of all, almost anyone can enjoy the benefits of owning a cat. Unlike dogs, cats are perfectly content with a 100 percent indoor lifestyle (in fact, it’s much safer for them — and the local environment — if they don’t venture out). Cats are also quiet and small, making them ideal for apartment living. And, as long as they have fresh food, water, and litter, cats are relatively autonomous. Their low-maintenance ways make them a great pet for anyone from older adults to people who work long hours away from home. Choosing a cat (or kitten) On average, cats live between 12 and 18 years — so you’ll want to choose your new family member wisely. READ MORE: How to Recognize Good Health in Kittens and Cats Adopting a kitten While kittens are indisputably adorable, they may not be well suited to your experience, lifestyle, or family. That’s because kittens are cats in training: They don’t yet have the grace and self-sufficiency of adult cats and need more attention, patience, and gentleness as they grow. Spending their formative months in a loud, chaotic environment can impact a kitten’s behavior for life, so be realistic about your lifestyle (and keep out of the reach of children). READ MORE: Choosing a Cat or Kitten: Which Is Better for You? Adult cats Cats become adults around the age of 1: still cute, but much less of a mystery. With their personalities generally set, it’s easier to identify the snuggly couch potato or playful hunter of your dreams. Do you want a cat that gets along with other animals? A cat that vocalizes? A mature cat provides the best chance of finding the right fit. Of course, their greatest strength could also be a curse — like humans, adult cats with behavioral issues will be more set in their ways. Be sure to inquire about any potential challenges before committing. And in case you were wondering, adult cats are as capable of developing love and affection for their owners as kittens are (as long as the feeling’s mutual). READ MORE: Cats for Dummies Cheat Sheet Breed characteristics People often fall in love at first sight with their future cat, committing to a life together without knowing much about them. Understanding a bit about the different breeds can help you narrow the field and find the right cat for your household. Some breeds require more grooming than others, for example, while some are more tolerable for people with allergies. READ MORE: Cat Characteristics by Breed When in doubt, lean on the experts: Shelter and rescue workers know which cats hate being picked up, which are suitable for young children, and which will get along with your aging dog. Some cat rescues even have foster programs that allow you to live with your potential cat-to-be for a trial period, giving you both a glimpse of your future together. The fix is in Owners failing to neuter or spay their cats is one of the biggest causes behind the rising number of homeless cats in the U.S. While no one feels good about subjecting their little one to surgery, it’s really in everyone’s long-term interest: According to the ASPCA, fixed cats are at lower risk for all kinds of behavioral issues and health problems, including various cancers. Spaying or neutering is also much less expensive than raising or rehoming a litter of kittens (not to mention, less stressful). While many shelters and rescues perform these and other necessary medical procedures prior to adoption, be sure to request your kitty’s medical records before taking them home. For more guidance on becoming a cat parent, check out the book Cats for Dummies.

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Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-27-2022

Potty-training your puppy or adult dog doesn’t just prevent canine bathroom accidents in your house; housetraining also helps you make sure your dog stays healthy. With the right tools and some potty-training tips and tricks, you and your pup can set the stage for a long and happy life together.

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Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-27-2022

Recognizing why and how your dog behaves can help you to take on the role as pack leader to give your dog the cues, guidance, and consistency she needs to shape and develop good behaviors. Understanding your dog's body language and the proper methods of discipline, along with using basic, yet helpful, commands will go a long way in developing your pooch into a well-behaved companion.

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