When contacting a Shitzu breeder by phone, there are a litany of questions you can ask, which will reveal a lot of information that you would need to make a decision on choosing the right breeder. I know you probably already have some questions of your own, but here are some other questions to ask that will tell you a lot about breeder quality. Before visiting the breeder, ask questions like:

How long before raising another litter?

The best amateur breeders rarely raise more than one litter each year. For-profit breeders and commercial breeders will have Shitzu puppies available all the time. This is because they will regularly raise 6, 7, 8 or more litters per year.

Have you been raising Shitzu for a long time?

Although new Shitzu breeders can be excellent, there is no comparison to an experienced breeder who has experience and knowledge on their side. Due to the breeders’ experience and knowledge, puppies can be healthier and better pets.

Do you belong to a national or local canine club?

In a way, this is a trick question because it lets you know how committed the breeder is to learning about Shitzu and raising it in an organized and ethical manner.

Do you show your dogs at dog shows? If yes, how many of them have won awards or are champions?

It’s no secret that breeders whose dogs win prizes at dog shows are producing top-notch pets. If you choose a Shitzu puppy whose parents are champions, there is no doubt that you will get a puppy from breeders who truly understands the breed and knows how a Shitzu should look and act.

Where are the puppies raised?

Contrary to popular belief, Shitzu are not kennel dogs. Good breeders breed that they are Shitzu inside the house. This is essential because it allows the dogs to be part of the family from the beginning.

When can I go to see the litter or the parents of the litter?

The answer to this question will definitely be yes, because good breeders always want to meet and interview you. If for some reason a breeder doesn’t want to show you the parents, I suggest you start looking for another breeder. This behavior is considered a red flag; There is no reason why a breeder would not want you to see the parents of the litter. The breeder may be trying to hide the fact that the dog does not look or act like a Shitzu would. However, the father of the litter may not be available for you to view on the breeder’s property, but the mother is. However, the breeder must have photographs of the father, as well as his pedigree.

Also, many breeders will send you Shitzu puppies; however, unless you are talking about sending a senior dog, this is not a good idea. Younger puppies are more sensitive and intolerant to heat, and they can experience a lot of stress on a long plane trip. The experience could cause your new Shitzu puppy to develop behavior problems in the future, such as separation anxiety and fear.

When will you have Shitzu puppies available?

Good amateur breeders generally do not have readily available puppies due to their lack of consistent breeding. Therefore, if you find a good breeder, you will likely have to go on a waiting list. However, because hobby breeders are not in this for profit, they will be happy to give you a reference to someone else who may have puppies at the time. Be careful, you don’t want to seem impatient. Most of the people who are impatient and want a Shitzu at this time tend to be impulsive buyers, you don’t want to seem like an impulsive buyer to a breeder. If it looks like you are looking for a Shitzu just for the fun of it, the breeder may not recommend it to anyone. Good hobby breeders have to do with placing their Shitzu in homes that would care for and love the dogs; however, impulsive shoppers may want the dogs now and regret it later and will most likely end up in a shelter.

Another important question to ask yourself is how much the Shitzu puppy is going to cost. However, don’t ask this question until you visit the breeder. You don’t want the breeder to think that you are only interested in a good deal and not a good dog.

“All dogs must be socialized as puppies, before 16 weeks of age. This is the most important time in a dog’s life. This is the time that will shape them and determine what kind of friendly dog ​​they will become. “

“This is the time when your puppy should meet people, other dogs and animals. This is the most important part of a puppy’s life and will determine what his behavior will be like when he grows up and what kind of personality he will have.”

“This is the most important time to get up close and personal with your puppy, and introduce him to the things of your life. You can introduce your puppy to car rides, meeting new people, or taking a walk in the park.”

“Your puppy will also encounter new environments and things on their own, such as plants, wild animals, birds, cats, things that they could find on their own, without you, so they must be prepared for life.”

“You want your new puppy to adjust well to his new world. You don’t want to leave him in a kennel all day, which would not be good for him or you.”

“Each and every puppy must be socialized so that they have a good understanding of their environment and all the things that happen around them, no matter where you got your puppy from, all puppies must be socialized.”

“The time to socialize your puppy is until 16 weeks of age. You don’t want him to start having problems like separation anxiety, excessive barking, chewing on your favorite items, urinating and defecating in the wrong places.”

“If you plan to take your puppy or dog to obedience training classes, it will be much more enjoyable if your puppy is already familiar with things. You should take the time to socialize him, so he can have an excellent chance of being the best dog. What do you want it to be! “

“You want to socialize your puppy, because when he’s older, you want him to get along with humans, other animals, and society in general. You don’t want a puppy that hides or is afraid of everything around him.”

“You don’t want a puppy or a dog that barks at everything that moves, or anything like that. Every person the dog comes into contact with will be a sign of the puppy not being properly socialized at a young age. Give your puppy the love and respect he deserves, and have fun with him too while you socialize – your dog will love you for it later! “

“A major reason that some dogs in the United States have to be euthanized each year is simply for the simple fact that the dog was not socialized as a puppy. And because of that sad fact, the puppy or dog just does. he did not have the skills to act adequately in familiar, public or difficult situations. “

“It’s a poor fact, that if most dogs had been properly socialized as puppies, they would have been much kinder and well-behaved dogs when they were older. It’s not that difficult to socialize your new pup, and it can be fun and rewarding. ! “

“You really don’t want your kids to grow up, where you leave them in the backyard, and they don’t know how to interact with the family, and they’re a nuisance to the overall neighborhood. One that destroys or digs all over your backyard, you have a choice. when you get your puppy. You can make him a responsible, friendly, well-behaved and good-natured dog. “

“It’s nice to have a dog to trust, and everyone should be able to trust their dog. You want your dog to be able to make rational decisions when he’s away from home with you. He should be able to be around a lot of people, without jumping on all of them, and bark at them non-stop. “

“From the day your new puppy is born, the mother has already started the process for you. When she has the litter, she will make sure that they lick each one, to stimulate them, and that they can urinate and defecate, and the mother will take care of it of this, it is natural that they do it “.

“As the puppies grow older, the mother will use smell, sounds and body language to teach the puppies natural skills. This is also the time when the mother can discipline her puppies – don’t be alarmed, this is also natural”.

“Puppies learn from each other while in the litter together. They play, fight, and generally learn to live together, get along and get to know each other.”

“When your puppy is between 7 and 8 weeks old, this is the crucial time to play with him, with human hands, with human touch and scents. This is also a good time for the breeder or owner to start train the puppy at home. “

“You don’t want your puppy or dog to be afraid of humans when they grow up. It is extremely important to spend quality time with your puppy, just playing, hugging and loving him. You want him to get used to you and other members of the household.”

“Most new puppies arrive at their new home around 8 weeks of age or older. When your new puppy arrives, you should immediately start socializing them with everything around them. You should also remember not to give them anything that scares them too much. ., or harm them. You don’t want to immediately introduce them to an aggressive dog that is too aggressive for them, or one that could scar them for life. Just use common sense when dealing with your new puppy. “

“If you have a giant big hole in your backyard, you don’t want to let your new pup go and find the hole by accident. You want to introduce your pup to his new surroundings with a walkthrough, so he or she would feel safe, but still interested and alert. “

“It is good to introduce your new Mastiff puppy to a chew toy at this time. This will be used for training purposes. You should pick up your puppy and give him the love that all puppies desire. Rub his tummy, scratch his head, talk to them gently, and your new pup will love him so much, you will too! “

“Now that your new puppy is home, it’s important to start teaching him some basic commands right away. He should learn commands like sit, stay, lie down, etc.”

“This is the time when you want to introduce your puppy to lots of new experiences, such as loud radios, children playing and screaming, noisy appliances such as vacuum cleaners, televisions, dishwashers, lawn mowers, etc.”

“It’s good to let your new puppy discover on his own, while you supervise him well. Let him walk around and discover the plants in your garden, the toys in your kid’s bedroom, and the tools in the garage. They get hurt, but let them explore. , so that they are not afraid of what surrounds them “.

“If your dog is going to live in a tall building, or on a boat or yacht, get used to the elevators or safely get on and off the boat. Take your puppy for a walk and let him meet other dogs on leashes. for people to stop and pet your dog, you don’t want your dog to grow up afraid of people, and then bite them out of fear! “

“It is good to introduce your new puppy to as many people as you can, between 8 and 12 weeks of age. This is the time when it is most important to socialize your new mastiff puppy with people. Encourage them to be nice to your puppy, touch, play, pet and give treats, in a non-threatening way. “

“Taking your new pup to off-leash dog parks is not recommended, as some parks have a lot of dogs. Some of the dogs will not have been vaccinated, and it is still your choice, but you probably wouldn’t send your kids to school. , with other children who have not been vaccinated, if he knew. “

“Don’t assume that all dogs in the off-leash dog park have been properly socialized and are all vaccinated, so exercise caution in dog parks.”

“If you want to teach your puppy or dog to ride with you, take him on short trips first. If you put a new puppy or dog in a car and take him on a trip across the country, the puppy or dog may the dog will never want to get back in the car! “

“Take short trips and take the first couple to fun places! If your dog’s only walk is to the vet, or some other unpleasant place, they will associate that trip with unpleasant things, so make him happy!”

The long-haired German Shepherd is not considered a show standard by the American Kennel Club and is therefore not allowed to compete in national competitions. Long-haired German Shepherd owners don’t care if their dogs win trophies because they have already decided that they have the best dogs on the planet. A long-haired German Shepherd is absolutely gorgeous to behold and has a much sweeter temperament than its short-haired cousins.

They also tend to be more comical than the short-haired variety that really makes the public love them. They are excellent at assistance work, are exceptional working dogs, and do quite well in police work. The long-haired German Shepherd makes a great pet and they love children. Only ten percent of German Shepherd puppies are of the long-haired variety, making them difficult to find. Since the American Kennel Club only endorses the short-haired German shepherd, most breeders do not breed the long-haired variety.

There is a clear difference between the long-haired German shepherd and the short-haired German shepherd in that the long-haired German shepherd has longer hair. The characteristics of the hair of a long-haired German Shepherd are that it is very silky and soft and is parted along the back. They have round bushy tails and big fluffy pants with fringes along the back of the legs. They have long hair between the toes and bushy tufts behind the ears. Puppies can be identified as a long-haired German shepherd if they have fringes on their ears or tufts.

Long-haired German Shepherds also do not have undercoats, therefore they are not waterproof and make them undesirable by breed standards. Long-haired German Shepherds also do not shed more than their short-haired counterpart, nor do they have a distinctive scent. These are two rumors that have passed through the German Shepherd family and both must be considered false.

The long-haired German shepherd makes a very good family dog. He has a sweet temperament, is intelligent, and works very hard when asked. This dog does a great job of policing and is kind to assistance work and is a working dog.

They love affection and live to please their owners. These dogs are also very comical in the way that only dogs can be comical. Just because the American Kennel Club does not accept these dogs does not mean that the public should be against having them. They are the best dogs and no one needs a trophy to tell them so. The fact that they don’t have an undercoat and aren’t waterproof shouldn’t make a difference when selecting a dog. So when you visit your next litter of German Shepherd puppies, look for puppies that have tufts of hair on their ears and fringes on their legs, and that’s the dog for you.

Looking for a way to earn money quickly? If you have a large utility vehicle, such as a pickup, you can retrieve and return the shopping carts for a cash reward.

Most large and medium-sized supermarkets, assortments, and department stores have a stock of shopping carts on hand. They are bought by the store, of course, so that customers can use them when shopping from your store.

Shopping carts are expensive. The average cost to the retailer for just one is between $ 75 and $ 100. Large ones, like those found in club and wholesale stores, can cost upwards of $ 200 or more.

Most retail stores have dozens of them; busy department stores may even have hundreds of them. Buying enough of them to meet a store’s demand and traffic levels requires a significant outlay of cash.

Therefore, it is in the best interest of the retailer to protect that investment. Most retailers go to great lengths to ensure that carts remain on store property. However, shopping buggy theft is very common. The average store loses about $ 8,000 to $ 10,000 per year due to this problem.

Because their purchase is so expensive, many store owners and retail businesses pay cash rewards for the return of their stolen (or “borrowed”) and not returned carts. Cash rewards typically range from $ 25 to $ 50 per cart.

Here’s how you can retrieve and return those buggies for cash – contact retailers in your area that have shopping carts. Find out if they pay for returned cars. Many do, but they don’t give cash rewards to just anyone. (Store owners don’t want the public to abuse the reward system by stealing the carts to get the reward.) Generally, you must sign a cash payment contract for your recovery.

You will need to provide some forms of identification, usually a driver’s license plus another item (such as a credit or Social Security card). You may need to sign a waiver that absolves the warehouse of liability in the event of something unforeseen.

You can make arrangements with any or all of the retailers in your area. The more contracts you have, the more money you can earn.

If you’ve lived in your city for a period of time, you’ve probably seen common dumps for stolen shopping carts. Visit these areas regularly. Also, get in the habit of keeping your eyes open whenever you’re out of town. You will probably spot junked shopping carts on a regular basis. You can pick them up and return them when you find them, or keep them at home until you have several.

Description: The Bluetick Coonhound is a medium-sized dog that shows a greater size difference between the sexes than most dogs. The dog will be 22 to 27 inches at the withers, and the bitch will be 2 inches shorter. However, while the dog’s weight can reach 80 pounds, the female dog will only reach 65 pounds. The coat is short and interesting in color consisting of a mottled gray and ticking bluish background with larger patches of black or dark blue on the head and body. Sometimes there are tan spots over the eyes. This dog is often used for night hunting as his eyesight is very good. The Bluetick Coonhound can be expected to live for 10 to 12 years. It is also known simply as Bluetick.

History: The United States was the birthplace of the Bluetick Coonhound. This dog was first developed in Louisiana. Judging by the color of the dog’s coat, it descends, in part, from the French Grand Bleu de Gascogne. Breeders in Louisiana bred several other breeds in the base stock to obtain the Blue tick Coon Hound. These breeds include the American Foxhound and the English Foxhound.

Temperament: The Bluetick Coonhound is a kind and caring dog that does well in family life. This dog will take care of the home and act in a reserved way with those he does not know. Older children will probably do better with the Bluetick Coonhound than younger ones. This breed will not enjoy being left alone for long periods and can suffer from separation anxiety. The Blue Tick Coon Hound will get along well with other dogs, but will see other household pets, including cats, as prey animals.

Health Issues – While the Bluetick Coonhound is a generally healthy dog, there are several issues that the owner should be aware of. This dog is subject to hip dysplasia to one degree or another. Bloat can also occur in this dog, and this requires immediate veterinary attention. The Blue Coon Tick Hound can also suffer from cataracts and Krabbes disease.

Grooming: With its short coat, the Bluetick Coonhound is easy to groom. A weekly brushing will do the trick. However, since this dog has floppy ears, attention should be paid to them to keep them infection-free. The ears should be checked every day and cleaned if necessary. As this is a hunting dog, it should also be examined for parasites such as ticks or fleas if it has been in the field.

Living conditions: As the Bluetick Coonhound is a quiet dog on the inside, it is possible to keep it in an apartment. However, since the exercise demands of this dog are very high, the apartment dweller must make a determined effort to provide long, brisk walks with this dog to meet his demands. A house with a garden is probably best. This dog will experience separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, as he is a dog that bonds strongly with his family and wants to receive attention from them. This is a dog that loves the outdoors and will do best with an active family that hunts or participates in outdoor sports.

An interesting fact about multiple sclerosis is that it is found more per capita in Canada. Why is this? No one knows for sure. Another interesting fact is that if you are a woman between the ages of 20 and 50, you are more likely to contract the disease. It is also more common in people of European descent.

No one really knows why this happens. In fact, they don’t even know what causes MS in the first place. It could be destruction of the immune system, it could be a failure of myelin-producing cells, it could be environmental, and it could be genetic. Of course, it could also be a combination of things and the cause is very likely to differ from person to person.

What they do know is that MS is a demyelinating disease, which means that the insulating coatings of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. What this means is that parts of the central nervous system cannot communicate as they should, which leads to all sorts of problems. People with it can have double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, coordination problems, sensitivity problems, and many other things as well. There is also fatigue, cognitive impairment, pain, incontinence, anxiety, depression, ataxia, and spasms that can be present in the disease and these can differ from patient to patient in severity and duration.

While there is still no cure for multiple sclerosis, researchers are working every day to unravel its mysteries. It is the most common immune-mediated disorder affecting the central nervous system, and some doctors believe that physical therapy can help lessen the effects of some of the symptoms. Of course, there are medications and regimens that people can follow to lessen symptoms when there is also an outbreak.

Although little is known about multiple sclerosis, we do know that the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with it is only 5 to 10 years shorter than average, which is good news all in all.

If you have been diagnosed with MS, you are not alone and you can be sure that there are teams of people around the world who are trying to find a cure. Until then, it is imperative to find a doctor you can work with and a therapy that works for you to combat this disease.

You’re at home now. A little while ago you were standing on a hole in the ground. She blew a kiss, threw a rose, sprinkled a shovel of dirt on a coffin and said goodbye to her husband, her soul mate, the best friend she has ever had.

As you move around greeting hungry strangers, someone whispers that the woman wandering around with mayonnaise on her chin is the babysitter for your mother’s sister’s neighbor’s cousin’s dog. It’s a scene out of Star Wars, the one in the bar, and you feel trapped in it. In no time everyone is gone, even the dirty-faced dog walker. The door closes and reality sets in. He’s not coming home. Ever. And in those first few days after the funeral, performing the simplest tasks will seem monumental. You wonder if I can do it without him.

You can. And you will.

Here are ten tips to help you survive … after the funeral:

1. Say yes to a friend, close relative, or good neighbor who offers to spend the night (or longer), while you slide into something uncomfortable: widowhood.

Don’t be alone that first night, unless you have no other choice. The first nights without Him they sting like a bee and an angel to sit quietly at the kitchen table, turn off the lights, turn off the cell phone and make a cup of tea while putting the children in bed, walking the dog, feeding the cat, it’s like aloe on sunburn.

2. Bring a small notebook. And pen.

Take them with you everywhere, even to the bathroom. New widows run out of toothpaste, toilet paper, tissues, ear swabs, and lipstick. And they forget. If your pen and notebook are helpful, don’t forget to write down the article. You will not forget to buy it. You will learn to structure and focus, something that every new widow needs. And running an errand will get you out of the house.

3. Know your financial situation.

As soon as possible, schedule an appointment with your accountant, your attorney, and your broker. Pack your documents, bank statements, insurance policies, will, and outstanding invoices. Please review them before your appointment. Do you have any questions? Write them down – In that little notebook, remember? The one in your bag.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are a new widow and there are no “dumb” questions. In fact, bury that “silly” word. You are in charge now. Information is crucial to your survival. And for God’s sake, if you don’t know how to balance a checkbook, ask.

4. Pay the mortgage. And the electric one.

Other bills may be temporarily postponed, but not these two. You can lie down and wish your world was gone after you’ve written these two checks and recorded the details in your check register, or that little notebook, the one in your purse. Be sure to put a stamp on the envelopes. Don’t forget to mail them. Again, it will give you a reason to get out of the house.

5. Take care of yourself – Comb your hair, wash your face, brush your teeth, apply lipstick – Do it every day. Even if you don’t leave the house.

Don’t cut your hair. This is not the time. No, unless you have a standing appointment and are comfortable sitting in a chair for any length of time. In the long list of things that will make a new widow feel worse, one bad day over the next six months shoots to the top. I suggest delaying a haircut for at least three months. If you find your hair very disheveled, make a ponytail and tie a ribbon to it. That? No tape? What’s that pink thing in that fruit basket?

6. Take care of your children.

If you have young children, don’t neglect them. They need you. Feed them, even if it’s cold cereal. Wash their clothes and their faces. Gently remind them to brush their teeth. Don’t be afraid to hold and hug them. Tell them that everything will be fine.

7. Walk the dog.
Change the cat litter.
Make sure all pets in the house are fed and have access to fresh water. It’s not unpleasant to fill a sink with tap water or leave the toilet seat up. Just remember to rinse.

Don’t be mad when Barky has an accident, when Kitty scratches the carpet, or if they chase each other. Pets cry too. Be on the lookout for behaviors that may require a visit to the vet.

8. Take out the trash.

Don’t wait until the kitchen smells like bad ground beef and sour milk. There is no excuse if you live alone. Put on a robe and take out the trash. A family of creepy critters is the last thing you want for company.

9. Eat. Without hunger? Drinking water. Keep hydrated.

Do not drink alcohol. Not even a beer. Even if you’ve always had a glass of wine with dinner, don’t. At least temporarily. And if you’ve never drank before, don’t start now.

10. Cry.

Tears cleanse and will help eliminate pain. The only way to process pain is to go through it, not surround it, not under it, or get over it. That means crying. So don’t be afraid to let it out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, call a doctor, a psychologist, a grief counselor. Don’t be afraid to join a grieving group. A new widow needs to get out of the house. It needs structure. She needs support. Most importantly, you need to know that you are not alone.

Life won’t be the same without Him. That’s for sure. But after the funeral, following these tips will help you, the new widow, develop coping mechanisms, concentration, and strategies that will help you help yourself as you go through the early stages of grief.

The rottweiler

Origin: Rottweil Germany

Colors: Black with clearly defined tan or mahogany markings

Bred for: Watchdog and Cattle Shepherd

Coat: Thick and short coat

Head and skull: the head is of medium length, the skull is wide between the ears.

Temperament: Good-natured, not aggressive, nervous or vicious. Brave, obedient, with natural protective instincts The Rottweiler with strangers is generally aloof and most of the time will not approach a stranger by wagging its tail.

Size: dogs 25 to 27 inches, 23 to 25 inches for females.

Weight: Dogs 85-115 pounds Females 80-100 pounds

Health problems: hip and elbow dysplasia, aortic stenosis, cataracts, diabetes mellitus, and certain types of cancer.

If you are going to have a Rottweiler, it is important that you are prepared for obedience training with your dog. Rottweilers are powerful and highly intelligent dogs. They are known to be aggressive towards their masters if they believe they have climbed a step on the “pack” ladder. It is very important that your Rottweiler knows his place in the “pack”. This comes with the proper training and the time and patience to work with your dog.

Rottweilers make a great family dog. A person who wants to have a Rottweiler should make sure to have time to spend with the dog, as a Rottweiler has been known to “stick like glue” to his family. They have a big heart and are very loving and caring. They cannot bear to be away from “their people” for long. If you are going to be away for a long period of time during the day or night, I suggest that you at least have someone come and leave your dog outside to relieve himself and have human contact. On that note, Rottweilers should not be left alone all the time with their own devices, this is when things can get very dangerous, remember this is a powerful dog that things can be destroyed including the relationship between you and your dog. If you are looking for a dog that sits outside and looks after your home, please don’t buy a Rottweiler. Although he is a very imposing dog, and most will protect him if necessary, it is not fair to have a dog if the only reason for wanting one is to protect yourself.

Rottweilers have a very strong gait when running, there should be no obstacle in their walking or running. When running, a Rottweiler should have a smooth front reach and its hind legs should move toward the front of its body. They should not stretch their legs in or out. A Rottweiler will need an area where they can run and play, they love to be clowns and show off to anyone who sees them.

Owning a Rottweiler is a big step, from constant socialization to obedience training it can be exhausting for someone. Getting your Rottweiler from a disreputable breeder can lead to problems with your Rottweiler (i.e. health problems). Although nothing is insured when you buy a dog, it is better to have a little understanding about genetic problems. Personally, I would suggest to anyone who owns a Rottweiler or is thinking of getting one that is OFA certified on the hips, elbows, eyes, and heart of their dogs once they are 18 months old. Again, this is not a sure thing, but you can rest a little easier knowing if they have found any signs of possible future problems. Be thorough, your dog deserves it!

So if you are thinking of buying a Rottweiler, these tips are just a few of the things to think about. If you have studied the breed (which I highly recommend) and you still want a Rottweiler, remember. They are large, loving dogs that need as much attention and affection as we do … and they will love you even more for it!

Pet stores are one-stop-shops for buying a dog, cat, fish, bird, or smaller animal, in addition to their food, treats, toys, and supplies. When choosing a store, animal lovers should ensure that it matches their specific needs. They should take the time to research local retailers in the area with positive reviews. Also, here are some features to consider when looking for a successful pet store.

Adoption conditions and available services

Pet stores vary in size and products offered. Some may only sell items for small animals such as gerbils, lizards, birds, and fish. Check the websites of the companies of your interest and call them with specific questions before making the trip. If a pet requires a specific brand of food, especially one recommended by a veterinarian, does the store sell it? Can you order it? If not, move on to other options.

Animal appearance

A high-quality pet store must prioritize keeping its animals healthy, alert, and happy. As you walk through the store, do the animals look clean, well fed, active, and enthusiastic? When looking to adopt, the environment should be spacious, clean, and odor-free. None of the living areas should be restrictive or overcrowded; All dogs or cats should live in a spacious, hygienic and healthy area. Before buying a four-legged friend, confirm that he does not have any disease or other health problems.

Friendly and informative staff members

Services provided by business owners and staff should be courteous and informative. Guests should be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable employees who are there to help and answer questions. They should be prepared to answer any questions about animals available for adoption or the status of current pets. At the same time, employees need to be able to recognize that when a guest’s pet is sick or injured, they should speak to a veterinarian or medical professional.

A local store that cares

Investing in a local retailer that is located in the neighborhood is an investment in the community and a convenient solution. Going to a local supply source makes it easy to stock essential items like food, hygiene products, and training tools. In addition to convenience, a good store must be profitable. Find a business that sells quality items at competitive prices.

Selecting a pet store doesn’t have to be an exhaustive and time-consuming process. Look for one that is clean and bright, shows clear affection and deep knowledge of your animals, and offers a variety of products and services.

The goal of this article is to increase your chances of success in breeding ball pythons. I will present some quick and easy tips to help you on your way to success in raising these amazing animals.

Correct sex – Make sure your animals are the right sex and that you have a male and a female. There are two ways to determine the sex of a ball python, one is “popping” and the other is “probing”. In my opinion, popping is the easier method between the two, it requires no tools and there is no danger or harm to the animal. To probe a ball python you need to insert a metal probe back towards the tail, on the left or right side of the cloaca. Once the probe is inserted, a scaled count is performed to determine the sex of the animal. Males usually probe quite deep around 8 or more subled scales and females will probe around 2-4 subled scales. I’ll cover more detailed instructions on how to determine the sex of your snake in another article, if for any reason you are unsure about determining the sex of your animals, seek out a qualified reptile vet in your area for help.

Sexual maturity – Males and females reach sexual maturity at different ages and weights. Sexual maturity in ball pythons appears to be determined more by weight than age of the animal, although age definitely plays a role in sexual maturity. Females generally mature around two to three years of age and weigh between 1200 and 1500 grams, some may mature a little faster or a little later, but most will mature in this age and weight range. Males mature much faster than females and usually mature between 6 months and 1 year of age, although some young males reproduce at twelve weeks of age! The rearing weight for males ranges from 400 grams for small ones up to 800 or more grams for larger first-time breeders.

Seasonal change and temperature drop – In nature, ball pythons are seasonal animals and normally breed between October and December in the rainy season, with the egg-laying season being around March and April. Baby ball pythons begin to hatch and take their first meals after the rainy season when prey abounds. Now in captivity, they can be bred throughout the year, but having some seasonal change and temperature drop increases their chances of having maximum production. I like to start gradually reducing my time in November a degree or two each week until I reach my maximum temperature drop of 5-7 degrees lower at night than my daytime highs which in the off season are 85-87 degrees . In the breeding season, I work my way down to 80 degrees for a low night on the warmer side of the tub for three to four months and then work my way back to my off-season temperatures of 85-87 degrees.

Pairing them for breeding – Once it is determined that you do indeed have a male and a female and are at the age and weight of sexual maturity, it is time to start pairing these animals for reproduction. I introduce my males to my female’s tubs and not the other way around because female ball pythons emit a lot of pheromones during the breeding season and these pheromones are great for signaling to male ball pythons that it’s time to breed. Once I introduce the male to the female, I leave the pair uninterrupted for 24 hours, after which I check if they are actively reproducing, if they are, I give them another 24 hours, if not, I move the male to the next. tub of the female and start the process again. Once the male has successfully copulated with a female, I offer him a small meal which is usually a small rat and 48 hours of rest. Once you have rested well, I repeat the process. I continue this process of pairing my males with females until the females have ovulated or it is clear that they will not produce during the season.

Ovulation – Being able to correctly identify the ovulation of a female ball python is extremely helpful when breeding for maximum production. Here are a couple of quick tips to help you identify active ovulation and a woman who has already ovulated.

Identify active ovulation – A female ball python that is actively ovulating will have a very noticeable swelling in the lower third of her body; It may even appear that you have just eaten a large meal. You will also notice that its tail is sucked into its body in a strange “L” shape. That classic position is known as “Suck” to veteran ball python breeders and is a great indicator that the female is ovulating.

Ovulation has occurred – If you lose active ovulation, all is not lost, and you can still tell if your female ball python has ovulated using these quick tips. First of all, just watch her over the course of a couple of days and see where she spends most of her time. Are you on the cold end of the bathtub or the hot end? If you’re on the hot end of the tub, your female has likely ovulated already and no longer needs to reproduce. If you are still reaching for the cooler end of the tub and wrapping the bowl, chances are your female has not ovulated and still needs to be raised.

Incubation and egg laying – After ovulation, your female ball python no longer needs to mate with a male and you can start setting up the incubator and making arrangements for the ball python hatchlings. About three weeks after ovulation, you will enter a shedding cycle known to veteran breeders as the “POS,” which stands for “post-ovulation shedding.” Following the “POS”, you are looking at around 30 to 40 days until your female lays a clutch of eggs.