Their lifespan on average ranges between two and three years. Some have lived as long as eight years, but this is not the norm. Their body is about four inches long with a tail about another four inches. Their tails are long and furry with a little tuft of hair at the end. They vary in color, and through selective breeding, can have unique and beautiful color variations.

Generally, gerbils are very social, and are best kept in pairs or in groups. They can be entertaining to watch due to their curious nature; they will explore anything and mirror children in that way. Their agreeable in temperament and can become quite tame.

So if you’re looking for a new addition to the family, one that isn’t too expensive or difficult to take care of, try a gerbil.

Because guinea pigs live in arid areas in the wild, they naturally have a lot of room to run around. They roam and often construct tunnels where ever they stay. That’s why it’s essential that domesticated guinea pigs are given a lot of space and freedom to help sustain their need for activities.

There are also a lot of specialized foods from pet stores made for the needs of guinea pigs. However, their diet also requires natural food to help balance out the right vitamins and nutrients found in man-made and nature-made food. The best choices for guinea pigs are green vegetables, such as collards and lettuce. Fruits are also excellent for guinea pigs, as long as seeds (which could be toxic) are removed beforehand.

Finally, guinea pigs are highly social creatures, so it is often recommended they are bought in pairs. Whether they are of the same sex or not, in pairs, guinea pigs get great companionship. Female pairs are often the best, as they get along without any problems and rarely fight.

The number one factor of reptile health is their environment and food. It is imperative that lizards and iguanas have a proper and adequate habitat. You must also be careful not to feed your pet things that could potentially harm them. While greens are a safe bet, there are some greens that present serious risks to your reptile’s health. These include foods like brussel sprouts, Swiss chard, cauliflower, and beets, which contain mild traces of acids and toxins that can harm them.

You must also be sure your reptile receives a lot of vitamin C and nutrients, which they get from sunlight in the wild. When kept in captivity, you must be sure your pet receives plenty of vitamin and calcium supplements, as well as UV lighting. Keep the habitat clean and do not use wood chips as cage litter, since these can be ingested and are dangerous for many types of reptiles. Butcher wrap, which can be easily thrown out and not ingested is the best bet for lining your reptile cage.

With over 45 different breeds of rabbits, you’ll find one you’ll love without a problem. They come in all sizes (though still much smaller than dogs for those who don’t want to bother with a large furry beast in their home) and all colors. From floppy-eared to spotted, they vary almost as much as we do.

Another plus: they’re quiet. Rabbits aren’t much of a bother to take care of or clean after, and they can live indoors or outdoors. All you have to do is make sure they are protecting from larger predators, like stray cats or dogs that may roam through your backyard at night. Make sure they don’t have access to electrical wiring since rabbits’ biggest con is that they love to chew!

So if you want to add a new addition to the family but aren’t quite sure where to start, look into adopting a rabbit. They’re fun to have around, cute as can be, and very inexpensive since they do not require vaccinations or vet visits.

When you ask something of your puppy, praise him when he does it. Praise and reward is the most effective way to train your puppy and get him behaving the way you want him to. If he doesn’t follow your command, give an appropriate correction. Be stern, but do not use violence or let your temper get the best of you. This will misadjust your dog and lead to other behavioral problems.

Repetition is key. Repeating your commands often will help your dog learn what it needs to do. Stick with short phrases that are easy for your puppy to memorize, and make sure you are clear in your commands.

Be fair and understanding. Do not expect your dog to do something he has not been taught to do. Do not punish your dog for something he has not done, and if a correction is in order, correct him when you catch him in the act. Dogs do not have the capacity to remember things, or feel remorse in the same way that humans do, so timing is critical. Understanding this is crucial in dog training and can save you time and effort.

Finding what motivates your dog towards proper behavior is important. It will play a major part in your dog’s training. Training schools are effective, but you must be able to communicate with your dog effective on your own. Be patient and loving, and the training will come naturally.