The system consists of a tray receptacle, a cover, a sensor and an electrically operated rake (some also run on batteries) which goes to work some minutes after kitty has exited the box. The number of minutes elapsed before the raking begins is programmed into the device, ranging on average from 10-20 minutes later. The rake scoops the poop into another tray below. ‘Number 1′ deposits are also addressed automatically to prevent puddles! So the automatic cat litter box does it all. You are free of this smelly chore and the box stays clean, fresh and maintenance free for about a week. All you need to do is change the litter and you’re good to go for another week. It’s kind of odd to think that my kitty’s bathroom is more high tech than my oven, which doesn’t feature self-cleaning. Hmm.

Be aware that each brand of automatic cat litter box comes with a recommendation on a specific brand of cat litter which works best with the particular model. While the automatic cat litter boxes require less cat litter, check the pricing on the recommended brand, to avoid sticker shock when you replenish your supply. Most use the clumping or crystal types of litter. The recommended litter brand name is not as important as the type, so if you’re looking to save, you might try using a generic type of crystal or clumping litter. It should work just as well.

You’ll also need to replace the tray periodically. Here’s a tip on getting some extra life out of your tray – line the tray with a plastic trash bag before filling with cat litter. This trick can help reduce your tray costs.

Most cats like using the automatic cat litter boxes. The covered feature is usually a plus, as cats feel secure in little nest-like environments. As any cat owner can tell you, cats are a bit eccentric and some will turn up their nose at this new bathroom. You may find that a short transition period is required before your kitty embraces the new technology. All but the most stubborn of cats grow to love their new gadget. In a two cat household, you may even find them both trying to squeeze into the bathroom together! So the automatic cat litter boxes may provide unexpected laughter. It is a pretty funny sight to behold.

Now, if only I had a self cleaning oven!

Littermaid Classic Series Automatic Self Cleaning Litter Box, Cream/Sage, Single-Cat Average Rating: 14 total customer reviews...

LitterMaid Elite Mega Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box Average Rating: 189 total customer reviews...

LitterMaid LME9000 Elite Mega Advanced Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box Average Rating: 415 total customer reviews...

ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Litter Box Average Rating: 695 total customer reviews...

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Any type of pet transportation means having the appropriate pet carrier. You may see cute purses that can easily transport a small dog, but these are really not great for long term travel or safety. You want to have a sturdy carrier that is approved for air travel. The crate must have a lock and must have proper ventilation. It should also be big enough for your pet to travel comfortably. Your pet should be able to stand up and turn in a circle within the crate comfortably. If so, you have chosen the right size for pet transportation. If they can not turn around easily, get the next size up.

You also want to be sure that your pet is safe in your car if you are traveling. Have a pet loose in any vehicle is not a good idea. You can not control what they are going to do. You should use the same type of carrier for this type of pet transportation. This keeps them in one place. A well meaning but lonely pet could crawl under your legs while you are driving, making it impossible for you to apply the brakes. As you can imagine, that could be disastrous. The same crate you get for air travel works well for this type of pet transportation as well.

You also have to think about the basic needs of your pet when you think about pet transportation. They are going to need fresh water and some food while you are on your way to or from your destination. Make sure any crate you buy also have a way for your pet to get the water and food that they need. If you are traveling by car, make sure you stop for your pet to get out and stretch as well as do their personal business. Any pet riding in a car also needs a steady stream of fresh air, so be sure they are getting it and that the vent holes on the crate you have chosen are not blocked.

Lastly, understand that some pets simply do not travel well. Some do not have the temperament for it, or they simply do not like crowds or loud noises. You may want to take your beloved with you, but it may not be in the best interest of your pet. Find someone to watch them for you or find a kennel nearby that fits your needs. Pet transportation can make your vacation a nightmare if your dog or cat simply can not handle the stimulation or the conditions. They will be better off left at home with a carrying relative than to be traumatized by conditions they simply don’t understand or tolerate.

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When you first bring your puppy home, he’s bound to be excited and curious. Everything is new to him. Before you bring him in the house, lay a few sheets of newspaper down around the house. In his excitement, don’t be surprised if there’s an accident deposited on the floor somewhere. Treating carpets with a water repellent spray, prior to bringing your new family member home, may be a good investment! If a potty accident occurs, don’t flip out and shriek at the poor little puppy … he doesn’t know this is undesirable behavior. Instead, use a low, firm voice, saying “No, no…”, and get him over to the newspaper. Granted, the deed is already done, but if you don’t scare him with shrill chastisements and excessive hand-wringing, your puppy will soon come to the party, associating the act with the newspaper as a people-pleaser.

One of the coolest characteristics of dogs is that they have an in-built desire to please you, which is certainly not the case with kitties! Keep this fact in mind as you begin training your puppy. He – or she – intuitively regards you as the master in this relationship – unless you give your puppy reason to think otherwise! Never use a heavy-handed approach when training your puppy. If you do, he may dig in his heels or simply become afraid of you and less willing to go along with your program.

Being patient during the all-important potty training period lightens your load in future lessons, such as the ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘heel’ training sessions. Sure, for you, the potty training is one of the least attractive aspects of training. On the other hand, try thinking of this stage as an opportunity to bond with your new puppy. He’s only doing what comes naturally. Given praise for the ‘right’ behavior is like a ray of sunshine in your puppy’s mind. Eager to please, he’ll learn the ‘correct’ behavior and bask happily in your praise. If he seems a little slow on the uptake, continue to be patient. He’ll get it, eventually. In the process, you’ll find him paying closer attention to your wishes, just for the sheer pleasure of hearing your praise.

During the first few days, allow your puppy to explore, so he becomes familiar with your home. Your puppy training program does require that you keep a sharp eye on him. Chewing on furniture and your daughter’s favorite sweater must be discouraged! The key to success lies in you keeping your cool, interacting with your puppy in calm and measured tones and consistent behavior.

Once you’ve mastered potty training, training your puppy to obey simple commands is a piece of cake. Now, your puppy knows all about the worst offenses. Teaching him to sit becomes easy. With a little biscuit or other treat in hand, push his behind down as you say “Sit!”. Sitting is natural to a dog, but he’ll certainly love you all the more when he gets a treat for doing something that easy!

Training your puppy is easy, when you exercise patience and give him a lot of love!

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Grooming supplies, clothes and dog beds have come into play and people buy with a vengeance. Humans realize how important a good night’s sleep is to overall productivity and success day after day and some feel this must be the case for canines as well. While some dogs are fortunate enough to share the bed of their master, others sleep in dog beds.

Someone looking to buy dog beds does not have to do a lot of work to find a large variety. They can be purchased online, in pet shops, at garage sales, from a convention or even from a dog breeder. It’s important to read reviews of dog beds online to see how durable they are. I know my dog loves to try to eat her bed, making flimsy bed garbage in less than a week. If you are purchasing from a pet store, try to ask the owner or employees what they would recommend and what they have found other customers to have luck with. 

Some websites have tools that help you find the right dog bed for your dog. The criteria are based on the size of the dog, the shape, the bed filling and/or the bed cover. This means that dog beds can be customized specifically for your dog. The bed would then be shipped to your residence.

Pricing for dog beds can range ten dollars to hundreds of dollars. This has to do with the construction and filling in the beds. This material can range from polyester, memory foam and down. Some dog breeds prefer to sleep on a firmer bed while others like to be enveloped in a softer bed. 

Other customizable characteristics of dog beds include the pattern and color of the covering. People can find styles of beds that match their bedrooms, living rooms, lawn furniture, bathrooms or any other room a dog may sleep in.  

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1. Choose your locations wisely: You want to be sure the hanging bird feeders are well out of the range of predators. Even if you don’t have kitties yourself, there are plenty of kitties roaming the neighborhood, who will spot these feathered friends in a heartbeat, chirping and twittering as they feed. Cats have a great deal of patience when it comes to watching and stalking birds. When installing your hanging bird feeders, be sure to locate them such that a cat can’t just climb a tree and easily reach his would-be prey. This includes bird feeders hung from porch or balcony rails. Hung outside a window of your home, you can more easily observe, no matter the weather.

2.Your bird feeders should ideally provide a ‘house’ as well as a rim for them to perch on while eating. The house provides a place to rest, out of cold winds and encourages nesting.

3.Buy a sturdily constructed hanging bird feeder, one that will survive the winter cold. Birds are picky about the structures they trust. If you keep replacing the feeders, it will take some time before they decide this new feeder is a safe spot for them to congregate.

4.Supplying your wild birds with a good grade of wild bird seed is paramount to your success. You can purchase a large bag of wild bird seed for very little money. Providing a good quality of nutritious wild bird seed will bring you the pleasure of having a large number of ‘guests’ to your garden, keeping them plump and happy residents over time. Migrating birds may leave your area come spring, but your well maintained hanging bird feeders will soon entice new flocks for the summer.

5.Eventually, you’ll probably want to invest in a set of binoculars, to view the birds doing their natural thing. This is a great activity for both kids and adults, providing hours of enjoyment. The more hanging bird feeders you’ve got, the better!

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A child does not start school in the sixth grade; she has to start in pre-school or kindergarten. There, she is taught how to get along with others her own age, how to play, how to fit in, how to share, and perhaps most importantly, how to learn. For dogs, basic obedience training accomplishes very much the same as pre-school or kindergarten does for the child.

Most families are very happy when their dog learns to eat indoors and use the bathroom outdoors, while other dog owners are not content until their dog can really “fit in” with the family.

In order to fit in, however, the dog must respond to commands so that he can be well controlled. The five commands necessary for control are “Come”, “Stay”, “Sit”, “Heel”, and “Down”. For the dog to be considered obedient, he must respond to each of those commands each time they are given by his family.

When a dog receives training in basic obedience, he becomes more of a joy to live with. The owner has the ability to communicate with his dog while the dog attains the ability to comprehend some words of the English language. Basic training, therefore, is considered the training essential for good behavior.

However, the dog is capable of learning more than just basic obedience commands, just as the graduate from elementary school has the ability to learn more than just simple writing, reading, and basic arithmetic. The similarity between a child and a dog doesn’t stop there, either. When a child goes to high school, he finds the going just a bit tougher than it was in grade school. He must work a little harder, and so does the canine that goes on into advanced obedience training.

To better understand the various levels of obedience training that a dog can achieve, you can find out more from the different obedience titles that a canine can win as a result of competition in American Kennel Club obedience trials. These trials are divided into classes, or grades, of competition, as compared to grade school, high school, and college.

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