Selling Dog Houses: Becoming a Dog-Friendly Agent

By RE Writer
Being aware of dog-focused people can help a real estate agent in their quest to help their clients find the right home. Dog-dedicated people often have more money than the average person to focus on their pets and on their property, making them worth the time spent on researching the dog scene. Dog people tend to find one another at veterinary offices, dog parks and the local kennel club. If you are known as an agent who is sensitive to the needs of the dog owner, word-of-mouth is very likely to work in your favor in the dog world.

If a couple emphasizes their dog(s) when they are telling you about their ideal home, it might indicate that their purchase of a home may hinge on how well it will work for their canine companions. People who show or breed or are involved in dog competitions are often people who look at a house in terms of how well it will fit their dogs' needs.

Most dog people look for houses with a fenced yard for their dogs to play in. Ask your clients if they would consider building fences/kennels if there are none on the property. If they would be willing to do so, you may be able to show them properties that are unfenced.

Houses with "mud rooms" or "mud areas" where a person can dry off a wet/dirty dog after a walk are appreciated, especially by dog owners with furry or shaggy breeds. If your clients have senior dogs, make sure you emphasize any easily navigated entry's, exits and access to the yard. Other places to call attention to are recreation rooms that can be converted to grooming/training areas and small, out-of-the-way rooms that may be good choices for quiet whelping areas.

Some dog people consider their dogs as their children and some dog people don't, but it may help to consider your clients' dogs as such and ask yourself, "What amenities would these people be looking for if their dogs were kids?" Schools, stores that sell supplies and toys, places their kids can play and establishment where their (polite) kids are welcome.

Questions to consider are: What is the reputation and influence of the local kennel club? Are there other obedience schools in the area? What about grooming establishments? Pet supply stores? Are there walking trails nearby? Dog parks? Places where a dog can run off-lead without incurring a fine or disturb others? Are there cafes around that offer outdoor seating? You may want to take note of any establishment that offers free dog biscuits or sets out water bowls.

A new company that appeared on the scene in January of 2007 is banding pet-focused agents together. "The Pet Realty Network" is a company dedicated to connecting buyers with real estate agents who know their pets and what it takes to find a home that they will live happily in. The website is petrealtynetwork.com; certainly worth a try if you're looking to advertise yourself as a pro-pet agent.

For the dedicated dog owner, a real estate agent who knows local by-laws or is willing to research them is invaluable. If Pookie is a rottweiler or an American pit bull terrier, some neighborhoods can be less friendly, even if Pookie is an impeccably trained, always-under-control, good-tempered dog. Don't despair if there are by-laws that restrict the breed of dog your clients have; see if there are ways around the law; for example some communities will waive the breedist restriction if the owner has proof of temperament testing and/or obedience courses taken.

It helps if you are aware of the dog scene in the area your clients are considering. A working knowledge of the latest dog-related issues is also good, because it helps to know if your clients are considering an area known for its heart worm or if a rabies scare has been a headliner lately. Most dog-focused clients are aware of dog medical issues and can protect their dogs adequately, but they will appreciate your honesty and concern for their dog's well-being.

Boning up (har-de-har, I made a funny) on the dog scene can help you find a property that your dog-focused clients will be happy with. It can also make your services more valuable to people who have the time and money to focus on their pets. If you choose to branch out into other animal-friendly real estate (for example, horse-friendly properties and neighborhoods), you may find that your services will be in demand by people who need an agent who knows what to look for.

About the author:
Joe Pinto is one of the top-producing agents in the Chicago real estate industry. With over 10 years of experience, Joe brings professionalism and hard work to help you in the sale or purchase of Lincoln Park condos. For more information, visit Joe at ChicagoHomeEstates.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

All About Therapy Dogs

By:-Gerry Ronson
Therapy dogs help with many psychological issues and mental impairments. In this article you will learn a little about training as well as the type of breed you should have. There are many breeds that are suitable for this work however some should be avoided.

Dogs are great for many reasons. In most cases dogs are seen as wonderful pets and companions. There are police dogs, rescue dogs, and working dogs that will pull sleds or hunt. In recent years psychologists have been using dogs in therapy. It seems that a person with Down syndrome, mood disorders, and other psychological issues benefit greatly from owning or being around dogs. This has made a new job for some of the dog breeds out there.

If you are looking for a therapy dog or you know someone who is you will want to read a little further about the type of therapy dogs used and why they are beneficial. Most therapy dogs are going to shower individuals with plenty of attention and affection.

A good therapy dog will be very affectionate, intelligent, and easily trained. This type of dog will not display stubbornness or any behaviour that may be hinder in the benefits of therapy. Some of the breeds of therapy dogs include German Shepherds, cocker spaniels, pugs, cockapoos, and Yorkshire terriers. When you are looking for a therapy dog you want a type of dog that will want to either sit in your lap or sit near you and give plenty of support and affection.

What you need to realize with most therapy dogs is that they are very well natured. They tend to be extremely sensitive to voices as well. Raised voices and strong language can influence the dog in the wrong way just as it would a child with behaviour issues. This is one of the reasons why the breeds mentioned make such wonderful companions. They feel the emotions of the owner and can act accordingly.

You will find that with most therapy dogs the individual needs some type of support. They are looking for a companion that will offer the undivided attention and affection they need. With child who have Down syndrome they tend to relate to themselves and have a very hard time relating to humans. With dogs most individuals tend to see a difference in how outgoing the individual can become when they have a therapy dog.

Therapy dogs require the same amount of care as other dogs, so it is wise to have at least one individual that can provide the walks, nutrition, and other needs of the dog. Some individuals who need therapy dogs are able to provide this care. It will depend on the situation. You will also find that training is very important.

You want to make sure that the dog is trained properly for obedience as well as house training. You also want to make sure that the dog has been trained to be socialized as some of the breeds need to be adapted to others before they make great therapy dogs.

Therapy dogs are becoming more important for children with behaviour issues as well as those who have mental deficiencies. Anyone can purchase a dog for therapeutic reasons, just based on wanting unconditional love from at least one pet in their life.

You will find that some therapist offices will actually bring in a dog to introduce to their client to help during sessions to see if it helps them talk more. When choosing a therapy dog make sure that before you purchase the dog the person and the dog work well together. In some cases the dog may not attach itself to the right person.
Author Resource:- Gerry Ronson writes for the websites Dog Supplies and Hypnosis Downloads.
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All About The Dachshund Dog Breed

By : Gerry Ronson
The dachshund is one of the more affectionate dogs you can have in your home with children. When you are considering offering a home to this dog breed it is important that you understand the grooming, training, and care needed. You will find all the information you need to make a sound decision below.

The dachshund is a very small dog and often referred to as a Weiner dog because of their shape. The dachshund is a very sleek looking dog that rises about 5 to 9 inches off of the ground. A health dachshund should never be more than 20 pounds, most usually they are about 11 pounds. You will find this breed is typically cream, white, black, or tan. They can also be a mix of colours like black and tan. It will depend on what the parents looked like as to what colour they may be. You will find that the dachshund has floppy ears and a silk appearance to the coat. The coat or hair is going to be short and very easy to groom. In fact when you consider the care of these dogs you will find that they do not need to be groomed, but once a week to help remove any dead or loose hair they may be carrying around. They have a muscular body that offers a sleek look about them and their muzzle is generally narrow and long.

Dachshund dogs are usually very affectionate pets. You will find they do really well in families with little children as well with other types of pets. They are a loyal and intelligent breed that has often been used for hunting badgers, foxes, and otters. The dachshund can even be a good watchdog. They tend to bark a little more than some of the other dog breeds, but most usually on the approach of a stranger or car at the residence. You will find that the dachshund characteristics mean that they will be dominant unless it is trained out of them. The intelligence of this dog breed will allow its training to go rather easily once obedience has been seen too. During obedience they may be a little stubborn. They also need socialization training to make sure they do well around children and other pets. It is best to train this dog with a consistent, gentle, but firm hand. Most dogs are very sensitive so you should never be unduly harsh.

The proper care of a dachshund means that you give them the proper nutrition daily and offer a short walk on a daily basis. The dachshund, unless you prod it tends to be more of a docile creature. They can exhibit energy, but most often they will be content to sit at your feet and play with a toy every now and then. They do well in apartments for this very reason. If you have a backyard they will go out and play every once in a while. They tend to overeat, and the lack of exercise can make them over weight. It is important to set up a feeding regime with these dogs rather than leave the food out during the day. You should always give them plenty of water though. Some of the problems a dachshund can have include skin irritations, heart disease, and back issues. Since they are prone to back issues it is important that they do not jump a lot when they are playing. In other words you should never hold up a toy and have them jump three or four feet to try and get it.
Author Resource:- Gerry Ronson has been working with dogs for over 20 years and now works as a writer for the websites Dog Supplies and Buster Cube.
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