TRAINING YOUR DOG
All dogs need training. For most pets this means basic obedience training to help make them agreeable members of their families. Perhaps, however, you are interested in advanced obedience work with your dog, entering him in shows for obedience and/or conformation competition, or training him for hunting, either as a gun dog or for field trials. Many dog owners enjoy training their own dogs and develop a high degree of expertise. Often, though, the skills of a professional trainer or handler are advisable in preparing a dog for advanced competition, especially in conformation classes or field trials. Or, you may wish to have your dog's training undertaken by a professional from the start. In the majority of cases and unless there is a special arrangement between the owner and trainer, the dog will be kept at the kennel while he is being trained.

Additional suggestions in regard to training kennels - Start by checking with the trainer as to the minimum age of dogs accepted for training. It's also wise to have a clear understanding as to what you expect the trainer to do and what he or she can do. A preliminary discussion about your dog will be helpful. If the training requires your presence at certain times, be sure to keep the appointments and follow the program outlined by the trainer.

Don't expect miracles.  Training consists of teaching the dog what he should do in a given situation. The most successful trainer will try to accomplish this in such a way that the dog responds willingly and cheerfully. But each dog is an individual and this may take more time with some dogs than with others. Some dogs are not quick to learn but may come along well later on. Others may just not have much natural ability for a specific task. If, after sufficient time, the trainer advises you that he or she doesn't think your dog is adapted for the work intended, don't be miffed at his/her honesty and lack of desire to take your money for something his/her experience tells him/her cannot be accomplished.

Lastly, remember a dog is a creature of habit and all his training will be useless if you fail to keep it up or allow him to fall into bad habits. It's essential for you to understand and appreciate the details of your dog's training so that you may continue to maintain the standard of training to which he has become accustomed.

TRAINING YOUR CAT
Owner Responsibility- Everyone wants to be a good pet neighbor. That means preventing your cat from wandering into your neighbor's yard to dig around in flower beds, to lounge on expensive new lawn furniture or to deposit fleas. And being awakened at night by prowling, yowling young males who want to mate is no fun either. Be a good pet neighbor and try not to let your cat become someone else's problem.

Early Socialization - Your cat should learn to be a member in good standing of polite society. He should become accustomed to being around people. But unless you knew your cat before obtaining him, you cannot be sure how he was treated by his former owner. Allow for a period of adjustment and observe him carefully. Always treat him with gentleness when correcting him. To become a well-adjusted cat, he needs your personal attention and lots of love.