Energy level -

The first thing to work out is what energy level can you cope with.  If you don't have time to go for long walks multiple times a day then don't pick a dog with high energy, if you can, go for it!  If you would rather not, pick a dog with lower energy.  It is also important to decide how much time you have for training as this can take a long time for a high energy dog.



Coat Type -

Picking a coat type is pretty simple!  If you love long-haired breeds and have the time to keep him groomed and pay for regular haircuts then get one.  Along haired dog cuts down on the loose hair around the house.  If you prefer short-haired dogs or don't want to groom then you will have to deal with the shedding or a short-haired dog.



Size -

The size f your new dog really depends on your preference, house/garden and if you will ever need to leave your dog in someone else's care.  If you live in a small house with a small garden or leave town often and someone else will care for your dog you are better to get a smaller dog.  If you are able to provide lots of space and don't travel often then a big dog will fit into your life!



*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Hay Or Grass

This will be the main part of your guinea pig's diet.  You should try to give your guinea pig unlimited amounts of hay for them to graze on at all times.  It is very important for his health along with keeping his teeth ground down.



Nuggets

Your guinea pig should be fed around 30g-50g of nuggets every day depending on the brand.  This will give your guinea pig a great number of vitamins and minerals without having to supplement.



Fresh Veg

I personally give my guinea pigs fresh veg every day but it can be fed every few days if you like.  It is best to feed different veg every day so that he can get a lot of different types of vitamins and minerals.

An example of the veg I feed -

Monday - Romaine lettuce and courgette

Tuesday - Bell pepper and carrot

Wednesday - Cucumber and Broccoli

Thursday - Celery and Grapes

Friday - Romaine lettuce and baby corn

Saturday - Spinach and Apple

Sunday - Kale and Neep (or turnip)



Treats

Healthy treats are great to keep your guinea pig happy and boredom-free.  I consider fruit as a treat which I feed once or twice a week.  You can also get treats from pet shops just avoid treats that have been glued together.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Start little and often

When my collie cross was scared of the car we started taking him in the car multiple times a day for small trips.  If your dog will not behave in the car, start with putting him in while the engine is off, wait for him to calm down and relax then take him out.  This will give you the time to correct his behaviour without driving.  You can then start to do small trips with another person who can also calm him down.




For Hugo, travelling in the car means it's nap time!  This is what you are looking for by the end.  You can then turn the car on and wait again for him to relax.  You will continue this by driving a very short distance then stopping until you can build it up to a normal drive.

Other tips

• If possible, start when your dog is sleepy, carry him out to the car and put him in.  This will start him in a much calmer mood.  I see a lot of friends dogs who jump in and out of the car themselves which causes too much energy. 
• Use a harness with a seat belt attachment to avoid your dog jumping around inside the car as you drive.  
• Take a calm dog in the car with the badly behaved dog.  

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Coat Type

Picking the coat type for your new cat is pretty simple.  Are you short on time or maybe just lazy?  The short-haired cat is for you!  They need much less grooming (although they will still need groomed every now and then).  If you don't mind the daily grooming and occasional trimming then go for the beautiful long-haired cat.

2.  Size

If you are looking at getting the normal, domestic house cat then size isn't really a choice.  If you live in a small house or apartment then it's best to stick to a normal sized cat rather than a bigger breed (like the HUGE Maine coon).

3.  Temperament

When you go looking for your new cat, have a few ready to go to see.  Once you have seen all of the cats, choose the cat with the best personality for your life.  If you have a quiet house with not many animals and people then a quiet, timid cat will work perfectly and bond well with you.  If you have a crazy, active house then choose a confident, friendly cat.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Rabbits are now apparently the most abused pet.  Yeah, not kidding.  Caring for a rabbit it easy right?  Not really.  They need lots of time, love and patience as well as an owner who knows what they need.  Here are just a few things you would need before getting a bunny.  

1. Cage

The setup for a rabbit cage is similar to the guinea pigs setup.  Rabbits need a lot more space than a guinea pig but I recommend using a garden shed as a hutch with a big run attached.  They need to be let out of their hutch, even if they have a run for at least a few hours a day.  If you keep your bunny inside, they shouldn't be confined to a cage.  

2.  The Correct Diet

Rabbits need to eat their own body size in hay each day.  Timothy hay is best as it has the right amount of nutrients for the long term.   They also need rabbit nuggets every day and fresh veg.  It is important that you fully research which type of food is best including hay, nuggets and vegetables.  

3.  Toys

Rabbits need toys to chew on and play with to have a good quality of life.  You can either buy toys or make them yourself.

4.  Water bottle, bowls and Hay Rack

Like guinea pigs, rabbits should have a glass water bottle and ceramic food bowls.  You can also choose to use a wooden or metal hay rack in lots of different styles.

5.  First aid and Health Care

You need to get a first aid kit made for pets before taking the new bunny home.  It's also a good idea to get other essentials like wormer, grooming products and cleaning products.

6.  Bedding, litter tray and litter

Choosing the type of bedding is important for your rabbit's health.  If you decide to litter train your rabbit you can go with fleece bedding.  If not, you have a lot of choices including shavings and paper beddings.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Main Diet

A goats main diet should consist of hay or grass.  Now, when I say 'grass', I really mean weeds, bushes leaves and then maybe grass.  They really won't eat down a whole field of grass like sheep or cows.  They are browsers, not grazers.  You can also feed then grass or hay pellets but I would always recommend soaking the pellets first.  This is because grass pellets are so compact that when the goat eats them, it will swell in their stomach and cause digestive problems.

Hard Feed

For hard feed, less is more!  This should only make up 10% (or less) of your goat's diet.  Unprocessed grains such as whole corn or rolled oats are best.  Goats don't need grain at all but a small amount every day or two  (1 cup per goat a day or less) will provide extra nutrients and a boost if needed.

Supplements

Goats need supplements to stay healthy!  It is best to offer your goats these supplements 24/7 so that your goat can choose when they need a certain type.

• Supplement Block/Loose minerals 

 The Rider's Pets