These tips from Rebecca Harris will help you with the selection, training and care of your pets.

Don’t leave pets in cars

Most people know that you should never leave children alone in cars. The same goes for animals. In fact, on a hot day the temperature inside a car quickly soars well above the outside temperature, so an animal left unattended could die within a matter of minutes.

Checking if a breed barks before you buy

Some breeds of dogs are more inclined to bark than others. If you want to avoid purchasing a barker, follow Rebecca’s tip. When you go to buy a dog from a breeder park the car a few houses away, then sit and listen. You could also ask the neighbours about the noise. If the barking is excessive, think about another breed.

Dogs often bark when they’re bored or if a stranger enters their territory. However, the tendency to bark is also an inherited trait. For example, the Fox Terrier is a very vocal breed, and terrier breeds in general can be quite noisy.

Choosing your dog’s name

A dog’s name is an important training and communication tool, so when naming your puppy, pick something that is simple and easy for the dog to recognise. Don’t choose a name that rhymes with basic commands, such as No, Come and Sit. Never use a dog's name in anger, as part of a rebuke. When you do have to discipline the dog, call its name first to get its attention, then use an authoritative tone for the command.

Brown spots on lawn

If your bitch is urinating on the lawn and leaving brown spots, you are possibly feeding her too much dry food. Switch to tinned food or add more vegetable to the diet.

Dogs on chains

Sometimes it may be necessary to tether your dog on a chain. For instance, if you have a boisterous dog and small children are visiting, or if the backyard is not enclosed during fencing work. The correct chain to use has a swivel to prevent tangling and twisting, so that the dog can always reach its water bowl and some shade. To stop the dog knocking over its water bowl when you are out, put a brick in the bowl.

Keeping ants off pet food

If ants are getting into your pet’s bowl, place the bowl into a larger bowl partially filled with water and some vinegar. This acts like a moat, which the ants can’t cross.

Basic obedience

All dogs should be taught at least three basic commands:

• No - a dog has to know when it is breaking the rules and what is acceptable or unacceptable.
• Come - a reliable recall is very important and could actually save your dog’s life one day.
• Sit - a good way to slow the dog down, or dissuade it from boisterous behaviour, such as jumping up or bolting out the door.
  

Always remember to reward good behaviour. Rewards don’t have to be treats; you can reward with praise, toys or a game.

Caged birds

Caged and aviary birds, such as parrots, galahs and cockatoos, need stimulation or they can become bored and destructive. A cheap and easy way to entertain them is to put fresh branches in the cage or aviary. Fresh eucalyptus, bottle brush or lilly pilly branches will give the birds something to perch on and chew, just as they would do in their natural habitat.

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