Properly handling your hamster the right way and at the right times can dramatically effect the temperament of your pet. Holding and playing with your hamster is what makes owning these small furry animals fun. Follow these simple rules so that your playtime experiences are enjoyable.

Hamsters that are handled regularly, beginning when they are young, become docile friendly creatures. But beware, if a hamster feels he is being handled too rough, or if he is disturbed when resting or sleeping they can become aggressive.

When picking up your hamster cup your hand under the hamster’s rump and use your thumb and index and middle fingers to grab the loose skin on the neck. When holding your pet cup your hands around the hamster with your palms pressed firmly against it. Always handle your hamster in an enclosed area so that if it tries to escape you won’t feel the need to try and squeeze the hamster to prevent its escape.

Whether your dog is an indoor or an outdoor dog, it is important that your dog has a designated sleeping area. Indoor dogs that do not have a specified basket or blanket to sleep on will tend to sleep on beds and couches, spreading dirt, parasites and hair throughout the entire house.

Outdoor dogs need special attention when creating their sleeping space. Be sure to provide them with shelter that protects them from the elements – especially rain and sun. If you buy a dog house for your pet, make sure that the shelter provides that dog adequate room to do a full turn inside the enclosure and that the opening is twice the width of the dog. It’s a good idea to buy a dog house that has a removable roof to enable easier cleaning and maintenance.

Inside the dog house the floor should be covered with straw or newspaper and changed regularly to keep it clean. In the colder months you should provide your dog with a warm blanket to lay in.

If you are in the market for a new puppy, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. Puppies are best adopted when they are two-and-a-half months to four months old.

Check the overall health of the puppy – make sure the puppy is lively, alert and intelligent and is not underfed or skinny. Look for a shiny coat, clean teeth, bright eyes and for pink gums. Dogs that seem lethargic, have red skin, watery eyes or a scabby nose should be avoided.

When observing the personality of the puppies, look for eager and friendly pups. Shy puppies will grow up to be shy dogs. Overly aggressive puppies usually will be too aggressive and mean spirited.