Question: My dog does not listen to me what should I do? Answer: If your dog isn t listening to you they may be distracted by their surroundings. Proper training and socialisation with other people and dogs from puppyhood is essential in having a stable dog that listens to commands. Make sure you are consistent with your commands. Dogs will associate your commands with specific activities and behaviour so always back up your commands with action. Body language and tone of voice are important. Dog-speak is best accomplished with a combination of physical signals and vocal tone that expresses your meaning. How many times have you heard someone say sit? sounding as if there s a question mark at the end? You are not asking a question: give an assertive yet calm command. A common mistake is touching the dog while the dog is misbehaving. You must never touch a dog if his behaviour is not acceptable because he will consider your touch and attention a reward sending a mixed signal. Don t yell. Dogs will tune out yelling and uncontrolled behaviour even from their owners. And remember nothing can substitute for proper training. Seek professional dog training services for the best results. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My dog is smelly what should I do? Answer: Everyone is familiar with certain dog scents but if your pet smells bad or different on a regular basis there are a few things to consider such as its overall health and nutrition teeth and possible dental disease skin and coat issues grooming and breed. What are you feeding the dog? Good quality grain-free food makes a difference. If the dog has developed a sudden change in odour it is recommended that you take it to the vet for a check-up. Certain diseases and infections can cause odours and bad breath. For example ear infections can often emit a terrible odour and certain kidney diseases and diabetes cause bad breath. Skin and coat issues can cause problems. We recommend that you take your dog to be professionally-groomed on a regular basis. There are also short-term solutions such as pet wet wipes and special deodorisers that might help. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My dog chews my shoes what should I do? Answer: Training is key when your dog chews. The dog must understand what he is allowed and not allowed to chew. Having a variety of good quality dog toys is important for your pet. Although the term toys is commonly used these items are often designed to meet important needs such as keeping your dog s gums and teeth healthy stimulating needed activity providing comfort and distraction and conquering boredom. Pick toys that reflect your dog s personality energy level and intuitive behavior. Hard rubber toys such as Nylabone products and Kong products are fun to chew and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Rope toys are also big favorites and are great interactive toys as are tennis balls. If your dog chews the wrong things patiently and firmly tell him NO. Be consistent. Reward your dog for positive behavior perhaps giving him a healthy treat when he chews on his toys. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My cat doesn t use her toilet what should I do? Answer: Cats are extremely clean and are creatures of habit. The first thing to consider if your cat isn t using its toilet is any changes you may have made recently. Have you substituted the usual cat litter with a new variety? Have you changed the location of the box? Make sure that the litter box is in a good location and away from the cat s food. Change of any kind can interrupt your pet s normal behaviour. A new cat in the house may be a problem. Cats often refuse to share a toilet with newcomers. Also if a family member is absent or perhaps has recently returned the cat may feel uneasy. Cat litter must be changed frequently. Not only is an unsightly messy litter box uncomfortable for you but cats being very clean will avoid dirty or smelly places. If your cat suddenly changes its behaviour without explanation it is highly recommended that you consult your veterinarian. Cats may associate their litter box with pain or discomfort if they are ill. Suffering from a urinary tract infection liver kidney or thyroid conditions may be the underlying cause. Question: What is the best food for my rabbit? Answer: The most important element in a rabbit s diet is fibre. Hay is the mainstay of your rabbit s nutritional regimen and premium hay should be available at all times since it s essential for a rabbit s diet. Pellets are also fed to rabbits. Purchase high-quality pellets that are low in protein high in fibre and contain no additives such as corn or fillers. We recommend Burgess Excel Nuggets with mint as it is naturally high in beneficial fibre (39 per cent). Avoid muesli as it can cause digestive and dental issues. Vegetables may be given daily but sparingly. Rabbits are usually able to easily digest dandelion leaves romaine lettuce mustard greens water cress parsley Bok choy clover and basil. Introduce vegetables carefully and one at a time to note any intolerance. Treats should consist of washed organic fruit especially strawberries raspberries pineapple apple slices without seeds and bananas. Organic treats without added sugars are also a good choice. Treats of any kind should be given only occasionally. Fresh water must always be available. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My dog does not listen to me what should I do? Answer: If your dog isn t listening to you they may be distracted by their surroundings. Proper training and socialisation with other people and dogs from puppyhood is essential in having a stable dog that listens to commands. Make sure you are consistent with your commands. Dogs will associate your commands with specific activities and behaviour so always back up your commands with action. Body language and tone of voice are important. Dog-speak is best accomplished with a combination of physical signals and vocal tone that expresses your meaning. How many times have you heard someone say sit? sounding as if there s a question mark at the end? You are not asking a question: give an assertive yet calm command. A common mistake is touching the dog while the dog is misbehaving. You must never touch a dog if his behaviour is not acceptable because he will consider your touch and attention a reward sending a mixed signal. Don t yell. Dogs will tune out yelling and uncontrolled behaviour even from their owners. And remember nothing can substitute for proper training. Seek professional dog training services for the best results. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My dog is smelly what should I do? Answer: Everyone is familiar with certain dog scents but if your pet smells bad or different on a regular basis there are a few things to consider such as its overall health and nutrition teeth and possible dental disease skin and coat issues grooming and breed. What are you feeding the dog? Good quality grain-free food makes a difference. If the dog has developed a sudden change in odour it is recommended that you take it to the vet for a check-up. Certain diseases and infections can cause odours and bad breath. For example ear infections can often emit a terrible odour and certain kidney diseases and diabetes cause bad breath. Skin and coat issues can cause problems. We recommend that you take your dog to be professionally-groomed on a regular basis. There are also short-term solutions such as pet wet wipes and special deodorisers that might help. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My dog chews my shoes what should I do? Answer: Training is key when your dog chews. The dog must understand what he is allowed and not allowed to chew. Having a variety of good quality dog toys is important for your pet. Although the term toys is commonly used these items are often designed to meet important needs such as keeping your dog s gums and teeth healthy stimulating needed activity providing comfort and distraction and conquering boredom. Pick toys that reflect your dog s personality energy level and intuitive behavior. Hard rubber toys such as Nylabone products and Kong products are fun to chew and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Rope toys are also big favorites and are great interactive toys as are tennis balls. If your dog chews the wrong things patiently and firmly tell him NO. Be consistent. Reward your dog for positive behavior perhaps giving him a healthy treat when he chews on his toys. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly

Question: My cat doesn t use her toilet what should I do? Answer: Cats are extremely clean and are creatures of habit. The first thing to consider if your cat isn t using its toilet is any changes you may have made recently. Have you substituted the usual cat litter with a new variety? Have you changed the location of the box? Make sure that the litter box is in a good location and away from the cat s food. Change of any kind can interrupt your pet s normal behaviour. A new cat in the house may be a problem. Cats often refuse to share a toilet with newcomers. Also if a family member is absent or perhaps has recently returned the cat may feel uneasy. Cat litter must be changed frequently. Not only is an unsightly messy litter box uncomfortable for you but cats being very clean will avoid dirty or smelly places. If your cat suddenly changes its behaviour without explanation it is highly recommended that you consult your veterinarian. Cats may associate their litter box with pain or discomfort if they are ill. Suffering from a urinary tract infection liver kidney or thyroid conditions may be the underlying cause. Question: What is the best food for my rabbit? Answer: The most important element in a rabbit s diet is fibre. Hay is the mainstay of your rabbit s nutritional regimen and premium hay should be available at all times since it s essential for a rabbit s diet. Pellets are also fed to rabbits. Purchase high-quality pellets that are low in protein high in fibre and contain no additives such as corn or fillers. We recommend Burgess Excel Nuggets with mint as it is naturally high in beneficial fibre (39 per cent). Avoid muesli as it can cause digestive and dental issues. Vegetables may be given daily but sparingly. Rabbits are usually able to easily digest dandelion leaves romaine lettuce mustard greens water cress parsley Bok choy clover and basil. Introduce vegetables carefully and one at a time to note any intolerance. Treats should consist of washed organic fruit especially strawberries raspberries pineapple apple slices without seeds and bananas. Organic treats without added sugars are also a good choice. Treats of any kind should be given only occasionally. Fresh water must always be available. Author- Mr. Abdulrahman Courtesy of the Gulf Weekly