Pets and Livestock, Who is Actually

Pets and Livestock, who actually is in charge here?

Have you ever found yourself asking that question when it comes to a beloved family pet or valuable livestock animal? People often do not give animals enough credit for their ability to manipulate the behavior of their pet guardians. This is a trait most parents can relate to. However, manipulation can turn into undesirable behaviors by the pet if not discouraged. An animal guardian should always be one step ahead of their pet’s behavior, asking themselves, who is controlling whom? The responsibility of animal husbandry is a huge commitment of time, finances and emotions if done properly. Before you commit to adding a new pet or livestock, you should carefully consider the added responsibilities.

Adult behavior of animals is a combination of family genetics and environmental experiences as a young developing pet. These two variables comprise about 60% genetics and 40% environmental to form the final demeanor of an adult animal. This means that analyzing the intelligence and temperament of the prospective pet along with the family tree is highly predictive of future behavior. The saying, “The apple never falls far from the tree,” comes to my mind. The rest of this article will be a cursory look at environmental husbandry practices that affect adopted animal’s behavior, both young and adult.

Do you realize that inappropriate or aggressive behavior is the number one reason why animals are surrendered to shelters, abandoned or euthanized? This sad fact could be minimized with proper socialization, training and treatment of new pets, either young or adopted adults.

Proper behavior starts with the breeder or caretaker of the animal. When you buy or adopt a new pet, go to the facility where they are sheltered. Observe the hygiene of the kennel and the demeanor of the parents and other animals. Ask questions about the health and initial socialization practices for the kenneled animals. Neonates are the most impressionable between three to eighteen weeks of age. Puppies, kittens, kids, foals and calves start bonding and emulate behaviors of other adult animals and humans very early. Large animal neonates need human desensitization or socialization just as much as small animals. Handling, touching and interacting with young large animal species will set the stage for a favorable future relationship. If you are adopting an adult pet, make several visits with the prospective animal, taking time to assess their true heart. Young puppies and kittens that are detached from the rest of the litter are more likely to be fearful, nonsocial animals. Adult adoptees are much more difficult to evaluate and require a much slower and patient approach. Even though adults can be more challenging to adopt, they are usually very grateful. Some of the happiest pets are true rescues.

Always consider the breed of the pet, realizing that once this animal matures, the character traits of that breed will prevail. Large dogs, herding or hunting animals have no business being apartment pets. These animals usually end up at a shelter or other family members house after they mature.

Once you have made your choice of a new pet, the real work begins. Understand your new family member could be very stressed. Both the young and adopted adult’s normal environments have been totally disrupted. These pets will be emotionally taxed and will need reassurance and monitoring to ensure a proper transition to their new pack. Go slow: initially restricting the pet’s movements and provide a safe haven. A covered crate or a spare bedroom is ideal. Introduce your new family member to other established pets and humans in a controlled fashion. Do not overwhelm, remember their whole world has been turned upside down. Continue the supervised introduction of the new pet to the established family until confident the pack order is determined. YOU should always be head of the pack, by the way. Keep your new pet on schedule, walk and allow to eliminate three to four times a day. This promotes a bonding with you and helps with house training. Do not free feed or allow animals to eat from the dinner table. Allowing animals to eat on their own schedule promotes finicky appetite and is indicative of a general lack of the pet’s welfare. By feeding an animal two times a day, you are ascertaining dominance and control which are paramount in your relationship with your new pet. Feeding pets table or people food, promotes further begging and gastric disturbances. This practice is highly discouraged by the author.

Once your new pet is comfortable with their environment, the next phase of socialization is to start creating the house rules. Make sure all human family members stick to the rules. Start with simple commands like “sit” and “stay”. Use a combination of small bite size treats, verbal and physical reinforcement. Leash training is very important and is often accomplished more humanely with a body or nose harness. Regardless, if you cannot lead your pet, you are NOT in charge, they are!

Be kind but firm with your established and new family member. Never strike your pet with hand or foot. Use posture, eye contact and verbal commands to show dominance and control over your pet. Inanimated objects, like fly swatters and water spray bottles work the best when correcting undesirable behaviors. Training pets and livestock to be good citizens require patience, time and courage. You must exhibit that YOU are in charge (dominant) without being cruel. Over correcting a pet or livestock can destroy the human-animal bond forever.

We have just scratched the surface when discussing animal behavior. I encourage you to research your pet or livestock additions fully before adopting. Therefore, you can properly socialize, care for and BE IN CHARGE. Unlike the current person in the White House that has allowed the liberal/woke swamp rats and cockroaches run our country into the ground.

Thanks for your time and pray for sanity to return to Washington DC.

Jack F McKemie, DVM

Brother John entered a ‘Monastery of Silence’ and the Abbott said, “Brother John, this is a silent monastery. You may not speak until I direct you to do so.”

Brother John lived in the monastery for five years before the Abbott said to him, “Brother John, you have been here five years now. You may speak two words.” Brother John said, “Hard bed.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” the Abbott said. “We will get you a better bed.”

After another five years, Brother John was called by the Abbott. “You may say another two words, Brother John.”

“Cold food,” said Brother John.

The Abbott assured him that the food would be better in the future.

On his 15th anniversary at the monastery, the Abbott again called Brother John into his office. “You may say two words today.”

“I quit,” said Brother John.

“I’m not surprised,” the Abbott said. “You’ve done nothing but complain since you’ve been here.”

A 65-year-old friend of mine gave birth. When she was discharged from the hospital and went home, I went to visit.

“May I see the new baby?” I asked.

“Not yet,” She said. “I’ll make coffee and we can talk for a while first.”

Thirty minutes had passed, and I asked, “May I see the new baby now?”

“No, not yet,” she said.

After another few minutes had elapsed, I asked again, “May I see the baby now?”

“No, not yet,” replied my friend.

Growing very impatient, I asked, “Well, when can I see the baby?”

“WHEN HE CRIES!” she told me.

“WHEN HE CRIES?” I demanded. “Why do I have to wait until he CRIES?”

“BECAUSE I FORGOT WHERE I PUT HIM, O.K.?!!”

WIFE: DID I GET FAT DURING QUARANTINE? HUSBAND: YOU WEREN’T REALLY SKINNY TO BEGIN WITH! TIME OF DEATH: 11:00 PM CAUSE: COVID