Austin Real Estate

Taking your beloved dog for his routine walk may seem innocuous enough, however, there are many dangers that lurk in the neighborhood that can cause injury and even death. Responsible dog owners do their best to pamper their pooch, yet often subject the dog to hazardous conditions unaware. Dogs are clever creatures, but the onus is on the owner to make sure that their dog is safe and sound when taking the daily walk. When a dog is out with his owner, he exhibits complete trust, so be sure you never fail him and keep him safe on the road.

1. Keep the length of the leash at a distance to where you have control of him in an emergency. When the leash is too short, he may become tangled in a moment of excitement, thus cutting off his air flow. If the leash is too long, you may not be able to pull him from danger.

2. When walking your dog on a city street, it’s crucial to keep him directly ahead of you or on the inside of the street. Too often, owners cut their dog too much slack on the leash and allow him to drift dangerously into the path of a vehicle. In addition, special attention must be used when approaching a street corner whereas a car will roll inward at an angle to make the turn.

3. Never over exert your dog when taking him outside. He is pleased as pie to walk at your side, but must be allowed to stop when needed. Never, never take your dog by the leash when on riding a bicycle. Although he may appear to be happy and keep up with you, this pace is too fast and puts excessive pressure on his paws and heart.

4. When walking your dog on the city streets, be sure to avoid puddles of motor oil and anti-freeze. Caustic chemicals can seep into your dog’s paws and cause serious illness. You may also want to check your dog’s feet for any sharp object that may be embedded from road. He doesn’t complain much and may be reluctant to tell you there’s a piece of rough gravel between his toes.

5. Keep your dog away from dense grass and bushes, especially during flea season from April till September. Fleas and ticks multiple rapidly and, if untreated, can cause anemia and death.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas homes for sale. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood real estate and West Lake Hills homes can be found on the net.

When you bring home a new puppy or well-deserving older dog, you need to give him a name as soon as possible. Dogs are smart and learn quickly as to who’s who, and his own name gives him a special place of dignity in the home. Choosing a name for you pooch is an individual journey, but many dog owners prefer to select names that are meaningful to themselves.

When mulling over your collection of potential names, remember that a new puppy has a simplistic mind and can relate to a one or two syllable name much easier that a complicated title. You need not settle for Spot or Rover, but over indulgent names may take your dog longer to learn his identity and may very well embarrass you one day when the dog’s name is called at the vet’s office. Although your bulldog may look like a “Sir Nottingham of Ghent”, he shall surely thank you for something a little more simple. Find a name that suits your dog’s face and personality without going over the edge and he will learn quickly who he is. In addition, for rapid recognition, be sure to use his name whenever you call him and associate the name with only positive activities such as food and play time, never a scolding.

If you have multiple dogs, especially those of the same age, you may wish to rotate your usage of vowels and consents to avoid a sound so similar that the names are confusing. King and Bing may sound cute for your canine Bobsy Twins, but the animals may find it difficult to distinguish their own names. Each dog should have his own name of distinction with no room for error or confusion with another animal.

When choosing a name for your dog, you may wish to list all the possibilities drawn from your favorite things in life. Like classical music? Mozart and Chopin take the top of the list. Be creative and select a name that has meaning and emotion for you. This little dog is going to be your constant companion for years to come and he deserves a name worthy of his friendship.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas real estate. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood homes and West Lake Hills homes for sale can be found on the net.

Training your puppy to grow into a happy and healthy family member starts the moment you bring him through the door. A puppy is a brand new life and needs to be acclimated to his surroundings and learn at an early age what’s acceptable behavior. The longer you wait to train and correct your puppy, the harder it will be to break his bad habits. Many new dog owners do not step up to the plate with training in fear that they will alienate their furry friend. However, a new puppy wants desperately to please you and the only way to make his dreams come true is to correct him. Kindness is king and should always be the rule when reinforcing your puppy’s behavior. He cannot understand harsh tones and angry words which will terrify him to no end. Always train and correct in love, and he will learn at his own pace how to please you.

When a puppy bites someone, there is usually no malice attached, however, if left uncorrected, this behavior may land him under quarantine. Dog bites are also the number issue of litigation and can wipe out a hefty savings account with just one nip. To keep your dog out of hot water, it’s essential to begin early and break the bite before it starts.

1. Puppies must learn socialization skills as early as possible. Your dog may be friend and protector to you, however, you must ensure he doesn’t become aggressive with others. Early socialization begins with exposing your puppy to people that you trust will treat him kindly. Young children should be supervised in the early stages of the puppy’s life to ensure that the animal is not frightened by loud, jarring vocals.

2. Don’t play too roughly with a new puppy that does not have the cognition skills to separate play from aggression. A healthy puppy wants to play with gusto, just be sure that you are not encouraging any growling or forceful behavior.

3. If your puppy was born at home and is still attached to his mother, she is a good teacher to instruct the puppy about bite inhibition. The mother dog teaches through playtime what biting pressure is socially acceptable, and she will give him a good nip if he accidentally crosses the line.

4. Until your puppy has displayed his social graces, it’s a good idea to refrain from engaging him in biting games. Tug-of-war and chew toy wrestling will stimulate his appetite for using his teeth, whether he means to bite someone or not. After the first few months, there’s plenty of time to introduce him to playtime with his teeth.

5. When your puppy has learned right from wrong, yet chooses to do his own thing, you must be quick with correction and let him know who’s in charge. A sassy puppy may test his limits with you, so be sure to correct him with a firm “no” when he snaps his teeth.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas homes for sale. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood real estate and West Lake Hills homes can be found on the net.

A new puppy in the house brings happiness and joy, but sooner or later, you will have to leave him in the home alone. This separation anxiety can cause your puppy great mental distress, so it’s very important to slowly acclimate your new friend to the facts of life. Animals display a full range of emotions, and unlike dealing with a human, we cannot reason with them through language. Leaving a new puppy on his own may render him with a hopeless sense of abandonment, creating fear and mistrust, so be sure to take the necessary steps to introduce him slowly to his independence.

1. Begin with a short-term separation period of thirty to sixty minutes. Although this may seem like a blink of an eye for us, to a puppy, this time frame is enormous. Speak with a reassuring tone and lock him in the house alone for under one hour. When he gets the idea that you are always coming back, stretch the separation time until he can relax. Work schedules and emergencies may warrant your departure for eight hours or more, and you need to make sure the puppy has taken all the baby steps to reach this goal.

2. The new puppy gains confidence when he hears the sounds of human voices. For your initial short-term separations, leave the radio or television on to keep him company. Media sounds are no substitute for the one he loves, but the voices provide a distraction from his loneliness.

3. To deflect away from his morose attitude, be sure to keep his favorite toys and snacks within his reach. Creating his own activities with a ball or chew toy does wonders to calm and quiet a frightened puppy and he may bide his time on his own terms until you come home.

4. Reinforce to your puppy that when you have to leave, it’s no big deal. If you play up the situation with a highly strung tone to your voice, the puppy gets the idea that leaving him is a bad thing. Rather, he must learn that people have things to do and places to go that don’t include him and that you shall return before his next meal. Greet him warmly when you open the door, but if you play the drama queen every time, the separation anxiety may become worse.

5. If you must leave your puppy after dark, be sure to leave a small light on or plug in a night light. The dim room may encourage him to nap, but total darkness can be stressful for a baby pooch. One room with one light is sufficient to keep him calm until you arrive home.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas homes. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood real estate and West Lake Hills homes for sale can be found on the net.

There’s no greater joy than bringing a new puppy into your home, however, the onus is on the owner to ensure everything is smooth sailing. Just like people, animals are unsettled in a new environment and need all the help they can get to acclimate to their new home.

Animals have the same emotions as humans in that they love, get angry, experience jealousy and experience the full spectrum of natural reactions. They don’t, however, understand anything but kindness, so you must be patient with your new puppy until he learns about life. Our pets want to please us, and when they make a mistake, you must remember that it was an accident. It may take some time and repetition, but your new puppy will soon understand just what he is to do. Housebreaking your puppy may take a few days or a few weeks, but rest assured, if you apply kindness, he will catch on quickly.

1. Never raise your voice to the puppy as this action invokes fear. He doesn’t know what he did wrong and when you shout at him, he may cower and fail to trust you.

2. Associate the same word consistently to train him to the action you wish him to take. Words such as “out” for the morning visit to the grass is sufficient, rather than forming it in a sentence. Keep it simple and full of enthusiasm, and your puppy will welcome your words.

3. Animals, like most people, gain confidence when they have a predictable daily routine. Your new puppy should be exposed to a time table for regular visits outside, and should an emergency arise, he might even come and get you.

4. When your puppy has caught on and learns his first words, be sure to praise him for his understanding and compliance. A little kindness goes a long way to enforce a happy and healthy relationship between the two of you.

5. If your puppy has an accident, just say “no” and direct him to his potty quarters. Never strike or shout at him for piddling on the floor. The dog may confuse the wrong location for telling him not to relive himself, an impossible situation for your new friend to comprehend. And be sure if you need to correct him, that he has just done the deed so that he may associate your words with his action. If the accident happened overnight, tough luck. You will just have to clean it up and move on. Chastising him for an action from hours ago makes no sense to a brand new life. Your puppy will learn over time how to behave and please you, so learn to be patient and show him only love.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas homes. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood real estate and West Lake Hills homes for sale can be found on the net.

Austin is a great town for dog lovers since there are so many attractions and events that are completely dog-friendly. Your four legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out in this town. As long as you follow proper dog etiquette, your pooch will be welcome at any of these restaurants, parks or hotels.

What is proper dog etiquette? It’s taking care of your dog and its needs so that it can behave while out in public. For example, you should keep your dog on a leash at all times unless you are at a leash free facility. If your dog is aggressive, you may want to leave it at home until you have time to work on some basic obedience skills. Always keep your dog and the ground around it clean by being armed with poop clean up bags and a hand towel if your dog likes to drool. Don’t allow your dog to eat the food of others and if you’re going to be out for a while, bring a travel food and water dish. By being a responsible pet owner, you can keep Austin safe for dogs and people alike.

Now that those ground rules are established, here are the best places to enjoy Austin with your dog.

Restaurants: There are over three dozen restaurants in the city that allow dogs to either come in the restaurant or sit with you on the patio. These are two of the most popular chains.

Austin Java –

There are five different locations for this popular coffee and food spot, and all are dog friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. The original is at 12 & Lamar. There are also locations at Barton Springs Road, West 2nd Street (nearly City Hall), Victory Drive (near Victory Medical Center) and one location at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Freebirds World Burritos –

Choose from four different locations to eat a stuffed burrito and chill out with your canine companion. The Hancock store is at 1000 E. 41st street. The Brodie Oaks location is at 4032 Lamar Suite and the Tech Ridge location is at 1100 Center Ridge Drive. Finally, there is a location at South Congress avenue.

Off-leash Parks: Letting your dog run free is normally a no-no in the city of Austin, except in these special areas. Overall, there are twelve different parks and free runs where dogs can legally be off leash.

*The soccer field area of Zilker Park.
*Red Bud Isle
*Onion Creek District Park
*Auditorium Shores from South First to Bouldin Avenue
*Surplus airport property between Old Manor Road, Manor Road, Lovell Drive and the airport fence.
*Northeast District Park between Crystal Brook Drive, the railroad right of way and Decker Lake Road.
*Walnut Creek District Park between Cedar Bend Drive, Walnut Creek and the east and west park fences.
*Emma Long Metro Park between City Park Drive, the west park boundary fences, Turkey Creek and the top ridge of the bluff line.

With these locations, and several others, you’ll be able to enjoy Austin with your dog.

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Lakeway homes and Lost Creek homes for sale can be found on the net.

Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the United States. For those who live in small homes or condominiums or who travel a great deal, however, smaller pets may be a better choice. Some condominiums have restrictions prohibiting dogs and cats on the property, as well. Small pets can offer companionship and affection while generally requiring less space and exercise than larger animals. Understanding the needs and temperaments of small pets is essential in order to find the right animal friend to share your home.

Chinchillas

For those who prefer a quiet, relaxed pet, chinchillas are clean and odorless. Native to the Andes in South America, chinchillas can be shy and reserved, but warm up with gentle treatment and careful handling. Chinchillas have extremely soft fur, and tend to sleep during the day, so they are often awake in the evening and eager to spend time with their owner. These small rodents communicate by chirps and barks, and may greet you with small happy sounds upon your return home. Chinchillas enjoy wooden chew toys and exercise wheels, but still require some floor time to explore and satisfy their curious nature. Since chinchillas typically live for about fifteen years, they will be a long-term part of your life; be certain you can make a commitment of that duration before adding a chinchilla to your family.

Sugar gliders

For those interested in a more social pet, sugar gliders enjoy contact with their owners and require constant attention and companionship; for this reason, sugar gliders are usually acquired in pairs. Solitary gliders require at least one to two hours of human contact each day in order to thrive; as pairs, they often keep each other company, but will not be as social and affectionate with people in this case. These clever and affectionate marsupials have a varied diet that encompasses insects as well as fruits and vegetables. Sugar gliders are not squirrels, but have many traits in common with them; in their natural habitats, they glide in roughly the same manner as flying squirrels. Sugar gliders often form deep lifelong bonds with their owners, and recognize them by scent. These playful marsupials live for about fifteen years.

Ferrets

For those who want an active, playful pet, ferrets are intelligent, curious, and require a great deal of exercise in order to stay healthy. They often invent games, stealing a particular item and storing it in a favored hiding place, and repeating the process when you retrieve it. Ferrets combine the instincts of a packrat with the playful nature of a small dog, and often enjoy games of chase and hide-and-seek with their owners. Ferrets can be trained to use a litter box, but may require multiple boxes in order to “remember” to use them consistently. Ferrets should always be spayed or neutered and de-scented in order to remain docile and pleasant company. While ferrets occasionally nip in the same way kittens do, they can be trained to be gentle with firm and consistent discipline. Ferrets are carnivores, and should be fed only specially-formulated ferret food in order to maintain optimal health; chew toys are also welcome, since ferrets compulsively chew, especially as juveniles. Ferrets generally live for between seven and ten years.

For those who want a small pet or cannot have a larger pet for various reasons, any of these pets can provide warmth, affection, and companionship. Acquiring a pet is a serious commitment in time and money, and should not be undertaken lightly. If you’re ready to accept the responsibility of pet ownership, these pets can offer unconditional love and a lifetime of happy interactions.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Round Rock neighborhoods. Other articles written by the author related to Rollingwood homes for sale and Austin Texas real estate can be found on the net.