Three "R's" That Make You and Your Pet Happy

Routines simplify life for both pets and pet owners. From the time you bring a new puppy, dog, kitten, or cat into your home, you should establish a routine for feeding, walking, playing, and quiet time. Animals easily adapt to routines. It makes life less stressful for them. They quickly learn where food, treats, and leashes are located and what to expect when they see you reach for one of those items.

As puppies and kittens mature, your feeding schedule and potty schedule will change but once your pets reach maturity, there should be little reason to alter the routine. If lifestyle or work schedule changes require that you readjust your established routine, be patient as you familiarize your pet with the new schedule.

Rules make life less stressful for both you and your pet. Just as with children, many of the rules you set and boundaries you establish are for the safety of your pet. Be consistent with the enforcement of all rules so that your pet does not become confused about whether certain behaviors are acceptable or not. If you plan to allow your dog or cat on the bed or sofa that's fine. Just don't attempt to make the bed or sofa acceptable places one day and unacceptable on a different day.

Rewarding your pet for following the rules is better than punishing it when it breaks a rule. Positive reinforcement is an excellent training tool. While your pet is learning the rules of the house, redirection is a positive method of training.

By VeronicaHB from Asheboro, NC