Saturday, January 15, 2011

Service Business Owners - To Get More Clients, Learn to Love Your Opt-in List



How to Care for Your New Adopted Dog

Whether you and your new dog have come together as a result of a dog adoption, dog rescue or other means, one thing is certain...you must take the best care possible of your dog to assure the dog's health and a long and rewarding life together.

Your new dog will need time to adjust to his new home and family. He just left a kennel or shelter where there were strange sounds and people.. Now he is in a new place with another set of new people and an environment that he needs to get comfortable in. He'll want to explore. He'll want to get to know his new home.. He'll probably have some accidents as he gets to know his surroundings and will chew a few things. Keep on eye on him but expect this to happen. It's all common during the adjustment period.

Here's a few tips on dog care to get you started:

o Make sure your dog has been micro-chipped . This is a simple little device injected under the skin and will help identify your new adopted dog in case the dog ever gets lost and is brought to a dog shelter or dog rescue.

1. Another important accessory is a soft dog collar with an id tag attached. The id tag should have your name and a current phone number that you can be reached at in the event someone finds your newly adopted dog after a doggy adventure. Many careful dog guardians have discovered that their pal has slipped out a door, through a fence or run out to play only to get lost. Proper identification will enhance the probability of a quick and safe return home.

o Make sure you keep your dog on a leash at all times when you go for a walk . This will protect your dog from potential dangers such as cars and other dogs. It also will help you control your dog and protect her in the event the dog becomes excited at the site of other dogs or people.

o Spay or Neuter your Dog- Spaying and neutering is a very basic procedure that will help your dog live a longer and healthier life. Spayed or neutered fogs have fewer behavioral issues such as aggression . And finally, spaying and neutering helps control the exploding dog population. This will reduce the stress on overpopulated dog shelters and help reduce the number of unwanted dogs that are euthanized annually.

o Choose the Perfect Veterinarian- Your adopted dog should receive regular vet checkups as a preventative medicine function and to treat any problems that may arise. Certain vaccinations are required by law such as one for rabies. When you choose a vet, ask the doctor what his/her philosophy is as to vaccinations, nutrition and general treatment protocols. One you select the vet that you feel is best for your dog, you will be started on a lifelong relationship for good canine health.

o Feed a high quality dog food.-There are a number of different philosophies on the best type of food to feed your adopted dog. Some believe that dogs should eat RAW food as they would in the wild. Others believe that kibble is the best way to go. Yet others decide to cook meats, veggies and rice as a diet. Talk with your vet as to what is best for your dog nutritionally and as to quantity and frequency of feedings. If you choose a commercial dog food make sure that it is not mostly filler. You can determine this by looking at the first agreements on the package. When you see grains and by products mentioned and the price is a bargain...leave it behind. Your adopted dog needs a nutritionally based diet that will help keep him healthy, not junk food. When in doubt, ask your vet.

o Make sure your adopted dog is licensed. You will need to province proof of vaccinations and should get an id tag. Your vet, the local dog shelter or dog rescue can provide you with information.

o Make sure your adopted dog has a warm place to live in the winter and cool place in the summer. Your dog should always have access to fresh water. I don't support the idea of "outdoor" dogs. Dogs enjoy playing in the yard but should have a safe and comfortable place to rest . And never under any circumstance chain your dog and leave her unattended. Your dog wants to be with you and share your time and space. Having a companion is why you brought your dog home in the first place, isn't it?

o Exercise your dog with frequent walks and play. Both you and your dog will benefit from the exercise, making your relationship stronger . Walk your dog at least 2 times a day. Exercise and meeting other folks along the way with friendly dogs will also help you to socialize your dog. Ask your vet how much exercise your dog should receive.

o Join a dog training class. Many places offer group lessons on basic behavior and socialization. This is a wonderful and inexpensive opportunity for you and your new adopted dog to develop a solid foundation.

o Be a Pal to Your Dog- Dog behavior and care can at times be frustrating. But almost any situation can be resolved with a little information and help. Don't approach your new adopted dog with rapid hand movements at his face. He will be scared and his reaction may be unexpected including fear or aggressive behavior as a defense mechanism. When you have a question or don't know what to do next, consult with your veterinarian, dog trainers and dog rescue folks who have probably seen the exact same situation countless times. Your adopted dog is now a member of your family and is counting on you to be a guardian and a pal.

Dogs 4 Life offers news, information and resources on dog adoption, dog rescue, dog food nutrition and dog care at http://mydoggiesupplies.com This article may be reproduced unedited and provided the hyperlink to the author's site is displayed with the article.



Recipe For Teaching Cat Commands

Just as you need a good recipe for baking a cake or your favorite batch of cookies, you also need a good recipe for successfully teaching cat commands. Teaching cat commands may seem harder than it actually is. If you apply the following necessary ingredients you will have a good recipe for success. Here are the key ingredients:

  • Mindset - You can do it-your cat can learn. Do not attempt to train your cat if you are in a bad mood or mad. Your negative mindset has an adverse affect on your cat. She will have difficulty in responding.
  • Patience - Your cat will require time to learn. Your impatience will impede her ability to respond. If you have more than one cat, remember each one is unique. One may grasp the commands easier than the other. This is normal. Thus your patience is of utmost importance.
  • Repetition - The best way for training any cat is to be repetitious with a routine schedule. This will help her to look forward to the training sessions.
  • Treats - Some cats may respond to positive reinforcement, but, most cats will generally do better if they are being trained with treats. Use your cat's favorite treat; however be careful not to exceed more than 10% of your pet's total daily diet to help prevent cat obesity.
  • Verbal praise - Verbal praise should always be given after each correct behavioral response.
  • Clicker - A clicker is an excellent tool to use for any type of cat training. Your pet will associate the clicker sound with the treat.
  • Calm voice - When training your cat be sure to use a calm voice. Yelling or using high pitch sounds will upset your cat and she will have a difficult time in responding and may even ignore your commands.

You will need to apply the above ingredients to each of the following commands addressed in this article:

  • Come
  • Sit
  • Lie Down
  • Shake Hands
  • Wave

The "Come" Command

The "come" command should be one of the easiest ones for your pet to learn if you have patience and a positive attitude. Here's the best way to teach this command.

  • Call your pet to her food bowl, preferably at mealtime. As you call her, use her name proceeded by the word "come" as in "Daisy, come".
  • When your cat comes, say, "Come, good come," using an upbeat voice and click the clicker.
  • Give your cat her food or a treat.
  • Once she has mastered this command by coming to her bowl; try the command in another location.
  • Repeat the same steps as outlined above until your pet naturally comes when she is called.

The "Sit" Command

The "sit" command is usually taught to dogs and most cat owners think their cat cannot be taught this command. This is totally not true. You can teach your cat to sit. This command will take a little more effort and patience on your part. For your first training session don't forget the necessary ingredients: a clicker, treats that cat loves and add the following props: a quiet area and a table.

Now you are ready to start.

  • Place your cat on the table at an edge nearest to you. Pet your cat to help her become comfortable and relaxed.
  • Show your cat the treat reward. Say your cat's name followed by the command word "sit" as in "Daisy, sit". Next, move the food reward back to you and then over your cats head.
  • As your cat tips its head back to follow the food, it will sit to keep its balance. Say, "Sit, good sit," click the clicker and give your cat a treat.
  • Keep repeating these steps until she masters this command.
  • Remove the table and try the floor without moving food over her head.
  • When she responds, click the clicker, give her a treat and praise.
  • Be gentle and patient. Do not frustrate or frighten your cat. If she resists, try again later.

The "Lie Down" Command

The "lie" down command is easiest to teach after your cat learns to sit. Follow these steps:

  • Place the cat on the table at an edge that is nearest to you. Give your cat affection so she is relaxed.
  • Hold a treat in one hand slightly below and in front of the table. Say her name followed by the word "down" (or any word you choose) as in "Daisy, down." Which ever word you choose, it is essential to repetitiously use this word for this command.
  • When you see your cat lowering herself to reach for the food, say, "Down, good down." When she shows this behavior, click the clicker and give her a treat.
  • Keep repeating these steps until she masters this command.
  • Remove the table and try the floor. When she responds favorably, click the clicker and give her a treat.
  • Be patient and use a calm voice. If you should see your cat not in the mood for training, try again hours later.

The "Shake Hands" Command

The "shake hands" command, is not only for your dog as you may be thinking. You can teach your cat to shake hands by following the steps below:

  • Sit your cat in front of you.
  • Touch her paw and say her name followed by the command "Shake", as in "Daisy, shake".
  • When she responds and lifts her paw, click the clicker and give her verbal praise and her food treat.
  • Be patient and consistent and repeat the above steps. Each time she responds with the proper behavior, click the clicker and give her a treat and verbal praise.
  • Keep repeating until she masters this command.

The "Wave" Command

The "wave" command may be easier than you think. A cat's normal behavior is to swipe at a morsel of food. Using this instinct, follow these steps:

  • Hold a food treat in your hand.
  • Place it in front of the cat's nose but just out of the reach of her front paws.
  • Move the food treat back and forth with your hands in a waving motion while telling your cat to "wave" as in "Daisy, wave".
  • When you cat reaches out for the food, it will appear as if she is waving.
  • Once she simulates the waving behavior, click the clicker, praise her and give her a treat.
  • Repeat these steps until she maters this command.
  • Remember to have the mindset that you can do it. If she is not in the mood, try again later.

Conclusion

Here is the final summary for using the necessary ingredients in the recipe for teaching cat commands.

  • Keep the training sessions 10 to 15 minutes in length so that you maintain the mindset of "can do": you can teach your cat to learn and your cat can learn the commands.
  • Stop the training before you are tempted to loose your patience and inhibit the learning ability of your cat.
  • Do not try teaching your cat more than one command at a time. She needs to master the one you are training her before going to the next. Repetition until mastery will prevent confusion.
  • Give those treats. Proper behavior deserves a reward.
  • Verbal praise with a calm voice conveys pleasure and excitement for the next training activity.

By following the above tips, you are well on your way to discovering success as you use the recipe for teaching cat commands. Your neighbors and friends will be impressed.

For additional cat information and articles, please visit my website at http://mydoggiesupplies.com. Here you will find shopping links for clickers, cat toys, supplies at http://mydoggiesupplies.com



Service Business Owners - To Get More Clients, Learn to Love Your Opt-in List

Service professionals often realize they need to keep the pipeline filled in order to maintain a full practice. That means you need an opt-in list with targeted clients: people who have agreed to receive email messages from you. Many professionals use ezines, e-courses and special announcements to maintain and build relationships with their lists.

We know the strategy: Build a relationship with your list. But we often see a wide variety of tactics to support this strategy. Some marketing strategies call for a straightforward send-out of critical information. One successful marketer sends a weekly tip each week, just a paragraph or two. Others send detailed messages, with photos of family and friends, showing how they spend their leisure time. These photos allow the marketers to illustrate a lifestyle that shows "success." When you are standing in front of a large house with a swimming pool and two large, high-maintenance dogs, your message is pretty clear.

From a copywriting perspective, the big question is, "Where do you get content to send to your list so you will build relationships effectively?" Here are two tips you can use.

First, invite readers to ask questions and then answer these questions in your blog and/or ezine. I have had strong, positive responses from ezine features written as advice columns. (Remember Dear Abby?)

Alternatively you can look for questions on forums and in your own email inbox. What are readers wondering about? Chances are, if one reader has a question, you answer will be relevant to many other readers. Trainers and teachers apply this concept all the time. They remind everyone, "If you have a question, you are probably not alone."

Second, you can bond by sharing common interests in books, movies, music and television programs. One marketer regularly refers to an interest in classical music. A surprising number of people (especially those with certain demographics) will respond positively to references to Beethoven, Mozart and Bach. I received multiple comments on Facebook when I posted about a concert featuring Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.

Television programs tend to be a common denominator, especially when you target an audience in a specific country. Some popular programs in the United States do not get broadcast overseas till the next season, so a discussion of the last Sopranos episode or the winner of The Apprentice can backfire to an audience in Europe or Asia.

You can relate a mainstream current event or television show to your own professional specialty. For instance, when the PBS series Carrier was extremely popular when it first appeared. This program showed episodes of live on board an aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. Career advisors, life coaches, and psychotherapists could draw on the themes of these stories to develop articles, ezine features and blog posts.

Copywriter and Online Marketing Expert Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., creates online marketing opportunities for service business owners and solo professionals who want to get more clients and sell more info products online. She is the "go-to" person when you want to create a fabulous online presence. Start by discovering the 7 mistakes most people make when they hire a copywriter. Visit http://mydoggiesupplies.com and download your Report immediately. Get started creating content that will attract visitors to your website and convert them to live prospects and clients.

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