March, 2024 - Barky.com.au

March 29, 2024

10 Wheaten Terrier Pros & Cons You Should Know

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When you’re considering adding a dog to your family, researching the breeds that you are most interested in is vital! How else will you know if your new dog will be the best fit for your household?

If the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is high on your list, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we through the Wheaten’s good points and not-so-good points, which should give you a clearer picture of whether this breed is right for you.

Pros

1. Loving and Loyal

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is famous for being a devoted and loving dog with their family. They form strong bonds with their owners and will enjoy nice cuddling time at the end of the day.

2. Low Shedding

Wheatens have gorgeous coats of silky, wavy, and soft fur. They are only single-coated, which means while they do shed, they don’t shed as much as a double-coated breed.

There’s no such thing as a dog that is 100% hypoallergenic. However, the Wheaten is a good option for allergy sufferers who are prepared to do regular grooming and cleaning.

Irish soft coated wheaten terrier_Dora Zett_shutterstock — Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

3. Great With Children

Wheatens with the right training and socialization are great with kids. They enjoy playing and cuddling with them. That said, it’s important to note that small children are not recommended around a Wheaten.

They might handle the clumsiness of toddlers, but some terriers might be reactive if their ears are pulled or paws are stepped on. This is where training is essential, along with constant supervision when your child is in the same room as the dog.

4. Friendly and Cheerful

Wheatens are known as exceptionally happy and friendly dogs. If you’re looking for a high-energy dog, the Wheaten Terrier is just that! They are exuberant, and it’s that sweet yet extroverted energy that Wheaten owners love best.

5. Great Watchdogs

The Wheaten is deeply devoted to their owner, which also leads to protectiveness. Anyone they don’t know who approaches their territory will definitely get barked at.

But once they meet the stranger, they will quite joyously welcome them with Wheaten Terrier enthusiasm. They aren’t typically an aggressive breed.

Cons

6. Strong Prey Drive

All terriers tend to have a strong prey drive, and the Wheaten is no exception. If they are raised from puppyhood to maturity, they will get along well with other pets, but you’ll probably never be able to walk them off-leash.

A small animal suddenly running by will be too much of an enticement for the Wheaten, so training for reliable recall is vital!

7. Stubborn

Training will be a challenge because like all terriers, the Wheaten is quite independent-minded and stubborn. They can also be bossy and strong-willed, so consistent and persistent training is imperative.

They are quite intelligent, so training sessions must be interesting and only use positive reinforcement.

8. High-Maintenance Coat

The Wheaten has a gorgeous coat, but it’s a high-maintenance coat. All that soft fur mats easily, so they must be brushed every day and bathed about once a month.

Additionally, their coat grows quickly, so it must be trimmed every 4 to 6 weeks. This will either take a gouge out of your budget or your time if you opt to groom your Wheaten yourself.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier — Image Credit: Audrius Vizbaras, Pixabay

9. High Exercise Needs

The Wheaten is a high-energy dog that needs at least 1 hour of moderate to high-intensity exercise daily. It is better to aim for closer to 2 hours if possible, preferably spent with you.

You can take them hiking or jogging and play active games like fetch. Without proper exercise, Wheatens can become quite naughty and destructive.

10. Low Tolerance to Hot Weather

The Wheaten tends to overheat quite easily in hot weather, so you’ll need to minimize their outdoor exposure during excessively hot days.

This won’t apply to you if you live in a location with moderate weather. However, for anyone living in an area with a great deal of heat, you might need to find a dog that can handle the weather better.

brown soft coated wheaten terrier dog laying on a brown chair with a blurred background — Image Credit: Joseph Hendrickson, Shutterstock

It’s All Subjective

There are pros and cons for all dogs, but remember that it’s all subjective. Some people will find dealing with a stubborn terrier to be a negative point, while others love the challenge.

Likewise, with things like exercise, some people prefer a high-energy dog so they have a running partner, while others prefer a leisurely stroll with a calm breed.

Health Conditions of the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

You now know a fair bit about the Wheaten’s temperament and some of what goes into the care of this breed. Let’s cover a few common potential health conditions to give you a full picture of the Wheaten.

Retinal dysplasia: This is also known as progressive retinal atrophy, which is a disorder that can result in the dog losing their vision entirely.
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia can affect almost any dog, but large dogs are more likely to suffer from it. The hip joint loosens and causes dysfunction and pain.
Renal dysplasia: Renal dysplasia occurs in puppies born with abnormal kidneys, and unfortunately, there’s no treatment. Some dogs with mild cases have good prognoses with supportive treatment, which is medication and diet.
Addison’s disease: Addison’s disease results when the adrenal glands don’t produce the right levels of corticosteroid hormones. If caught early, the prognosis is good.
Protein-losing nephropathy: Protein-losing nephropathy is a specific kidney problem that leads to protein and blood serum leaking into the urine.
Protein-losing enteropathy: Protein-losing enteropathy is when there’s a loss of proteins from the bloodstream that enter the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusion

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are fantastic dogs that will make the right owner happy. If you love the outdoors and doing a bunch of activities with a dog, the Wheaten is a definite candidate.

If you would also love a companion that won’t always listen to you and can present a challenge on a daily basis but will also love you unconditionally, the Wheaten might be your dog!

Sources

Featured Image Credit: furry_portraits, Pixabay

The post 10 Wheaten Terrier Pros & Cons You Should Know appeared first on Pet Keen.

March 29, 2024

Hand Signals for Dog Training: 11 Common Commands

Teaching your dog hand signals for dog training is one of the best choices you can make for your dog’s future. Teaching your dog hand signals on top of voice commands adds a layer of security and a sense of normalcy for you and your dog. If you feel you’ve waited too long to try, there’s no such thing as “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Dogs respond very well to visual cues and will enjoy spending some one-on-one time with you while training. Here are 11 common commands you can start teaching today.

The Benefits of Using Hand Signals

At some point, your dog may lose their hearing as they age and it will be very difficult for both of you to understand how to live day-to-day life. But if you’ve already taught your dog basic hand signals, transitioning into the new normal won’t be so bad.

You may also come across a situation where you need your dog to quietly follow through with a command. An example would be if you’re on a walk and you see a loose dog that could potentially be a threat. You don’t want to loudly say “come” or you might attract the other dog’s attention. A hand signal can usher you into a safer spot without escalating the situation.

The 11 Hand Signals for Dog Training

1. Come

dog obedience training — Image Credit: thka, Shutterstock

Come, or recall, is an essential command for all dogs. This command teaches your dog obedience, and reliability, and ensures their safety as well as other dogs and owners.

To signal:

Stretch both arms out horizontally, then bring both hands in and place them on your chest. Be sure your dog can see you doing this command since they will most likely be far away.

2. Sit

shiba inu dog sitting in front of its owner — Image Credit: supercat, Shutterstock

One of the most basic commands, sitting teaches your dog to relax before receiving attention or a treat. Sitting also teaches your dog self-control.

To signal:

Hold out your hand at waist height with your palm facing up. Raise your hand toward your shoulder, as if you’re lifting something.

3. Lay Down

Woman is training her dog to lie down — Image Credit: encierro, Shutterstock

Like the sit command, the command to lay down teaches self-control, but at a deeper level.

To signal:

This will (almost) be the opposite of the sit command. Start with your hand by your shoulder with your palm facing your shoulder. Flick your wrist up so the hand lowers to the ground.

4. Spin

bracco italiano puppy spinning — Image Credit: Ksenia Raykova, Shutterstock

A simple trick, the spin command is both cute and helpful if you were to enter your dog into a dog show.

To signal:

Hold out your hand and move it in a quick, circular motion with one finger pointed forward.

5. Rollover

dog rolling over on a field — Image Credit: motiwaves, Shutterstock

Rollover is a cute command that often ushers in belly rubs but can be used for practical reasons as well, depending on the scenario.

To signal:

Start with one arm extending out with the fingers pointed, and the other arm moves in an arc shape.

6. Stay

woman giving stay command to a black german shepherd dog — Image Credit: Luca Nichetti, Shutterstock

Signaling your dog to wait helps your dog stay in one place while you walk away. Dogs will learn that they should listen to what you have to say next. The free command is typically what follows.

To signal:

Hold out your hand at your waist with your palm facing forward.

7. Free

black young german shepherd - obedience training — Image Credit: Zuzana Susterova, Shutterstock

The free command releases your dog of whatever command you are executing, such as sit or stay.

To signal:

Raise both hands to your shoulders with your palms up, as if you’re shrugging.

8. Drop

dog is playing tug-of-war with the rope — Image Credit: Roman Nerud, Shutterstock

Drop is an effective command to teach your dog to release its grip on something such as a toy.

To signal:

Point down toward the ground.

9. Fetch

dog running and playing with orange ball toy — Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock

This is a great command to teach your dog so you can enjoy playtime even if hearing is an obstacle.

To signal:

With your hand at your side, point your finger and raise it so it points toward the object to retrieve.

10. Crawl

german shepherd puppy in a crawl position — Image Credit: Damaris Zoe, Shutterstock

Crawl is a cute trick but can also be used in emergencies if needed.

To signal:

Signal your dog to lie down. Next, hunch further down and point to where your dog needs to crawl.

11. Shake

dog shaking hands or paws command — Image Credit: tetiana_u, Shutterstock

The shake command is a cute and easy trick for dogs, especially for older dogs with arthritis who can’t partake in physically demanding tricks.

To signal:

Cup your hand in front of your dog with the palm facing up.

Adding Hand Signals to Already-Learned Behaviors

If you’ve already taught your dog voice commands but have never tried hand signals, or perhaps your dog went deaf before you could try, don’t worry; dogs respond very well to visual cues and oftentimes even better than verbal cues.

The key is to teach your dog to focus rather than relying on voice fluctuations, but the methods will still be the same: show the hand signal, teach the desired behavior, and offer a treat.

When you begin, choose a few hand signals to master then move on to others. Be consistent with training and choose high-value treats that are quick to eat.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog hand signals is an excellent way to ensure security for the future. Your dog may go deaf, or you might find yourself in a situation where you need to be quiet but give a command. Hand signals offer an extra layer of certainty in training. Plus, dogs respond better to visual cues anyway. Why wait to get started?

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Luca Nichetti, Shutterstock

The post Hand Signals for Dog Training: 11 Common Commands appeared first on Pet Keen.

March 29, 2024

How Much Does a Toyger Cat Cost? 2024 Price Overview

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One-Time Costs
Care Supplies
Monthly Costs
Additional Costs
Budget Tips

So, you want to own a Toyger Cat. Well, there’s something you need to know. Toygers are expensive. As one of the rarest and oldest cat breeds in the world, this comes as no surprise. But how much does it really cost to own one, besides the extravagant breeder fee? Let’s take a look.

Bringing Home a New Toyger Cat: One-Time Costs

Let’s begin with the one-time costs of bringing home a Toyger. One-time fees are just like they sound. You pay once and never again unless you buy another Toyger Cat. This will be the most expensive part of Toyger ownership.

Free

Frankly, Toyger cats are extremely rare, so the only way you will adopt a Toyger for free is through adoption from a friend or family member. If you happen to find a free Toyger Cat and they’re in tip-top shape, you should start buying lottery tickets.

Adoption

$500–$1,000

There are only a handful of Toyger catteries in the United States, so finding one at a shelter is unlikely. If you find one, you’ll pay a hefty price of $500–$1,000.

Striped cat of Toyger breed — Image Credit: Elena Kutepova, Shutterstock

Breeder

$400–$5,000

Considering how rare this cat breed is, it should come as no surprise that they come with several dollar signs attached.

The price of a Toyger varies, but you can expect to pay between $400 to $5,000 for one cat. What this includes depends on the breeder, the breeder’s skills, and how each cat meets the Toyger breed standard.

Some breeders factor in the first vet visit, the first round of vaccines, microchipping, spaying or neutering, and whether or not you want your kitten to have papers (which we recommend).

You will also need to consider travel expenses to pick up your kitten. Some breeders offer free delivery if you’re close enough, but this isn’t standard.

In any case, your kitten should come from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will guarantee a healthy kitten but still suggest you take your cat to a veterinarian, just to be on the safe side. Responsible breeders will have a sales agreement to ensure you understand the breed and the details of the sale.

Initial Setup and Supplies

$350–$500

Toygers are highly active cats and need plenty of mental stimulation, like toys, cat trees, and scratchers. You’ll also need the bare necessities, like food, food bowls, and litter boxes.

If you already have a cat, you’ll save some money. But if you’re starting from scratch, be prepared to spend $350 to $500 on supplies alone.

List of Toyger Cat Care Supplies and Costs

ID Tag and Collar	$15
Spay/Neuter	$200–$400
X-Ray Cost	$100–$250
Ultrasound Cost	$250–$500
Microchip	$0–$60
Teeth Cleaning	$150–$1,500
Bed	$0–$30
Nail Clipper (optional)	$7
Brush (optional)	$8–30
Litter Box	$20–$70
Litter Scoop	$1–$15
Toys	$20–$75
Carrier	$20–$50

toyger cat playing outdoors — Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock

How Much Does a Toyger Cat Cost Per Month?

$40–$325

Thankfully, the breeder price will be where most of your money goes. Monthly fees won’t be as astronomical. Let’s take a look.

Health Care

$0–$60

Toyger cats are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to heart murmurs. This is only a minor health concern. An annual vet exam each year, proper diet and grooming, and an enriching environment will keep your healthcare costs low.

Vet exams vary in price based on location. Generally, you can expect to pay $50 for a wellness exam and about $30 for each vaccine.

Banfield offers a wellness plan that covers vet exams, vaccines, X-rays, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. All you have to do is pay a certain monthly charge.

Food

$12–$60

Cat food also varies in price. Higher-quality food will always be more expensive than lower-quality food. A good rule of thumb is to look for cat food where the main source of protein is animal-based.

Of course, we also want to treat our fur babies because we love them so much. If you want to save money on treats, try offering chicken, chicken liver, or fish. Meat is excellent for cats and makes for a great training treat.

Grooming

$0–$20

Toyger Cats don’t require much grooming aside from a simple brush, nail trims, and toothbrush and toothpaste.

Medications and Vet Visits

$0–$50

A healthy Toyger should only require preventative medicines, but sometimes, our kitties fall ill or injure themselves and we need to help them.

Age also matters. Senior cats may need more medicine compared to a young, lively Toyger. A healthy diet and enriching environment will keep your cat healthy and avoid unpleasant illnesses.

Toyger cat in a tree — Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock

Pet Insurance

$0–$80

Cats typically have cheaper premiums than dogs, but pedigree breeds will cost a little more than the average cat. You can expect to pay from $35 to $80 for one cat.

If you don’t want to pay for a comprehensive policy, you can choose an accident-only plan. This will cover any emergency accidents and treatment related to those accidents, but not illness.

It’s best to buy pet insurance while your cat is young to pay for the cheapest monthly premium. There are several companies and policies out there, so take your time and research which company is right for you. Check if your employer offers pet insurance with your benefits. In some cases, this can be of no additional cost to you.

Environment Maintenance

$15–$35

When introducing an animal into your home, you’ll need to tidy the environment to make it suitable for your Toyger and for you. Hairballs, potty accidents, broken belongings, furry carpets, and litter boxes all need to be cleaned regularly, so you’ll need supplies on hand for these moments.

You may also want Feliway to keep your cat relaxed during major changes, like new pets, babies, moving, and more.

Litter box liners	$20/month
Deodorizing spray or granules	$18/month
Paper towels or rags	$10/month
Feliway	$30/month

Entertainment

$15–$20

Toys are part of the initial setup and supplies, but you may need to replace those toys down the road or try new ones. You can either buy toys at the store, make them yourself, or subscribe to a kitty toy subscription box. Subscription boxes are fairly cheap, running about $15 a month. You can cater it to your Toyger’s liking, too!

Toyger cat outdoors — Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Toyger Cat

$40–$325

The total monthly cost of owning a Toyger Cat ranges from $40 all the way up to $325. What does this mean? Some months will be more expensive than others.

Additional Costs to Factor In

You know the one-time fees and monthly costs, but there are always hidden costs lurking around the corner. Pet sitters, emergency vet visits, training, catios, and damage done to household objects should always have a place in the budget.

You may also want to show your cat in local and national cat shows. If so, you’ll need to pay for registration fees, travel costs, grooming, and more.

You may not have to pay for these things monthly or even yearly, but it helps to understand that you may have to cough up the cash at a moment’s notice. If you can, try to set a little money aside each month for these miscellaneous items. You’ll be happy you did when the time comes.

Owning a Toyger Cat on a Budget

Can you own a Toyger Cat on a limited budget? Of course you can. Saving money while owning a pedigree breed is about saving money on the daily and monthly costs of pet ownership rather than the upfront costs.

Saving Money on Toyger Cat Care

Find a low-cost clinic to take your Toyger cat for spaying and neutering, vaccines, and microchipping. Or buy from a breeder who factors these costs into the upfront price.

You can always save money on toys by buying used and creating DIY toys. Cats don’t care about the price tag. They only care if the toy sparks their curiosity and seeking behavior.

Professional pet sitters are always great, but you have the option to hire a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your kitty while you’re away on vacation.

Conclusion

Toyger Cats are an expensive cat breed. There’s no escaping the hefty price tag. When you consider how rare the breed is and how much time and effort breeders must spend to keep the breed alive, it makes sense.

But you can save money in other areas with frugal shopping and low-cost veterinary care. It’s very possible to own a Toyger Cat and not pay more than what you would for your standard Domestic Shorthair.

Sources

TICA

Featured Image Credit: Ekaterina. Shutterstock

The post How Much Does a Toyger Cat Cost? 2024 Price Overview appeared first on Pet Keen.