Thinking of taking a Pet care course? Not so fast! If you want to learn about pet care and are thinking of taking an online course in the subject, it’s pretty much advantageous to have a pet. If you live somewhere where pets are not allowed, you might still want to volunteer at the local shelter as an alternative. Regardless, you’re going to require an animal to practice your developing care skills upon.
But which pet should it be? We look at some common pet types that you might be interested in learning to care for.
Dogs
Man's best friend and companion, dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Some are great big monstrous things and others small enough to fit in a handbag (unfortunately for them). Dogs are a popular choice for anyone wanting to learn to care for animals. They can be relatively clever and easy to train.
But potential owners should be wary, for dogs are demanding, needful creatures not really suited for the sedentary pace of many of our lives. Those who bring a dog into their lives must be prepared to walk it. Every day. Without fail. Even when it’s freezing and dark outside. Those looking to care for dogs should be prepared and think about buying an umbrella.
Cats
Refined, elegant creatures, cats have, in recent years, rocketed in popularity to the point that they are frequently kept more than dogs, especially in densely populated urban areas where space for walking safely is uncommon.
Many things can be pointed to the success of cats in recent years – their poise, their calm, wise demeanour. But mostly it’s probably down to the fact that, for the most part, a cat can look after itself in a way a dog simply won’t. Or perhaps it’s because the cat won’t deign to play with you. Either way, cats still require the care of humans that understand them, even if they're too proud to ask.
Rabbits, Hamsters and Other Small Animals
Smaller caged animals continue to endure in popularity as pets, particularly for children. They’re small, cute, fuzzy and can be kept in a cage until you want them. On the downside, that cage, hutch or what have you, won’t clean itself and you can expect to have to muck it out frequently to keep the pet clean, healthy and happy.
Chickens
The pet that gives back! Alright, perhaps not many people keep poultry as pets, but the egg laying benefits that come from keeping a few hens are a scheme well worth hatching for anyone with a bit of space in the garden.
Horses
Impressive creatures, horses have captured the hearts of girls, and girls who never quite grew up, due to the magical combination of their own innate majesty, combined with a generous helping of continuous market led gender stereotyping from the people who want to sell you the colour pink.
Sadly, given that horses are generally quite big, relatively few people have the space and means to keep one of their own. Which probably just makes those who can keep a horse feel rather good about themselves. Nevertheless, such exceptional animals demand an exceptional standard of care and proper training in horse care is essential in looking after them.
Spiders
The perfect pet for anyone who wants to make visitors to their home feel distinctly uncomfortable, the creepy crawly nature of an eight legged friend is sure to be a talking point whenever guests come round.
Have a pet to recommend? Suggest it in the comments below!
