The sudden popularity of reptiles and amphibians as pets, in particular exotics, has created a host of problems for those who want to keep them. Legislation regarding type, size, breeding restrictions and cage requirements have been swiftly passed at many levels of government to ensure that the general public and local fauna are not put at risk by the accidental introduction of non-indigenous species. Meeting these requirements can mean unexpected expense and frustration.

Husbandry can be problematic for potential owners as well. When one keeps a dog or cat, a general understanding of their needs exists and people are usually prepared to meet those needs. Reptiles and amphibians are not as easily cared for as conventional pets. For one thing they have a wide spectrum of environmental needs. One may require a constant supply of vitamin D via exposure to sunlight, while another is completely nocturnal and sun-reclusive. Not meeting these needs can result in needless suffering, big veterinarian expenses or loss of the animal.

Sustenance can pose even more of a challenge. One must be able to meet the dietary needs of the animal they plan to keep. For instance, most people are not aware that snakes are carnivorous without exception. The cute, colorful animal at the pet store will not eat fruit or vegetables. Depending on the species, you will have to provide mammals, fish, other reptiles and amphibians or insects. Even if you opt for pre-killed frozen food, many find this a repulsive task.

Then there are the vermin that may come with the animal. Snakes are prone to mites, lizards and turtles to burrowing parasites, amphibians to fungus. Then there is mouth rot, rickets and eye caps, just to name a few of the scores of ailments that can occur.

There is much to consider before choosing a reptile or amphibian as a pet. Responsible husbandry should start with knowing the facts before you acquire an animal. If you want to be happy with the creature you choose and provide quality care, impulse should yield to knowledge. Don’t just jump at the first animal that catches your eye; research their needs and peculiarities to ensure it is a good fit.

Libraries and the internet are excellent resources for arming yourself with necessary knowledge, but joining a local herpetological group or society will pay even bigger dividends. Even if the nearest herpetological society is a two-hour drive from where you live, it is worth the once a month trip to attend meetings. There you will meet others who already have the knowledge and experience you are trying to acquire. Most, if not all, will be willing to spend time with you before or after the meeting to answer your questions and give you pointers.

You will benefit from the different speakers who will be headlined at the meetings and be added to the mailing list for the society to receive relevant herpetological news. Through your networking you will develop friendships and associations with other members that can benefit you in many ways.

Finally, for very meager annual dues, you will be a member of a group of people who come from all walks of life, who all work together for the society’s common cause, which is educating the public on herpetological interests. As a co-founder of the Everglades Herpetological Society, I made friends with many well-known zoologists and other scientists, policemen, college professors, authors, professional football players and a host of others. Our common interest in herpetology bridged all cultural and societal gaps and great friendship developed.

Best of all, my attendance at meetings and associations with other members gave me a free education in the care and breeding of reptiles. As a result of my membership, in less than a decade I went from being a complete novice to someone others sought out for expert advice on Florida reptiles and amphibians.

The bottom line is this; if you want to have a pleasant, successful experience with keeping reptiles and amphibians, know first what you are doing. To “know”, you need to be around those who have already been where you want to be. You will find them at your local herpetological society. Find it. Join it.

The author is a retired Coast Guard Officer with over 32 years of service. He is a co-founder of the Everglades Herpetological Society of Miami and a field expert on Florida herpes. His most popular book, “Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates” delivers hope and comfort to those who have lost a precious pet in a very gentle, yet convincing way. Visit at http://www.coldnosesbook.com for more information and tips.

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To own a pet dog is something that could bring happiness and companionship to their owner. But will it be good if your dog doesn’t follow what you say or does not behave well? Every pet dog needs to be trained to be able to socialize with people and other pets. Giving the dogs proper exposure will promote in them the good habits. In such manner, it is essential to obedience train your dog. Serious training is necessary to teach dogs techniques.

There are hints in instructing your dogs to abide in your rules and commands, as follows:

Never scold or punish your dog during training. Making them feel bad and feeling pain 1. Would inherent negative thoughts to your dog. This will worsen the dogs’ behavior and not follow your instructions anymore.

2. Praise your dog every time he does well. Rewarding them with a food treat is good but should not be often. Giving the dog an affectionate petting will make them feel rewarded. Yet playing is a form of active rewarding, it could also be a good form of praising. Rewarding is the most important factor in training. Besides boosting his good deeds you are also developing a good relationship with your dog.

3. Instruct dogs only to those instructions or commands he can only follow. Giving them hard to accomplish commands will frustrate them. Teach dogs only those commands that fit their personality and character.

4. Do not be strict to them; dogs are just animals that sometimes tend to be naughty or playful. Try to respect your dog’s attitude and behavior. You must instruct them according to their stage of obedience.

5. Penalize not punish your dog. This means different in obedience dog training. Penalizing your dog only means letting him know when you are mad and that what he did is wrong. Leashing him closer or ignoring him will make the dog feel guilty and eventually behave well.

It is necessary to know what motivates your dog, may it be food treats, petting or playing. Make your dog feel proud of himself every time you finish your daily training. Give at least 5 minutes of playing time to ease the dogs tiresome and boredom. Giving this spare time will make your dog look forward with every of your training session.

It takes more than patience to train a dog. Just bare in mind that after all the tedious training, you and your dog will be rewarded with praises from other people knowing your dog knows how to abide well.

Make sure to obedience train your dog every day. Making it a routine in your dog’s activity will make him use to abide rules and commands. The reason behind obedience training is to instruct your dog to deport the right way with people close to him and have a well-mannered relationship and companion with you. The primal purpose is to enjoy the entire procedure of dog obedience training and develop the best relationship with him.

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