Cost of investment:
The major elements involved in setting up a Shih Tzu Groom Shop are:
1. Rent and security deposits.
2. Renovation
3. Tools and equipment
4. Furniture and fixtures
5. Legal fees
6. Insurance
7. Advertising
8. Supplies
9. Cash reserve
The cost will depend upon your location and the materials you start out with. You can estimate at least $10,000 to start your Speciality Shih Tzu Grooming Shop.
Rent: Will vary according to the specific location. Rent in a major metropolitan center will be greater than in a rural area. A landlord will usually demand a security deposit in advance or with your first month's rent. In addition, there will likely be deposits required for utilities.
Renovation: Is dependent upon the Shih Tzu Groom shop's condition and your desire to alter or design the shop.
Tools and equipment: A basic assortment of clippers, blades, scissors, shampoos, brushes, combs, cosmetics for your Shih Tzu Groom Shop will cost at a minimum of $400. Heavy equipment such as dryers, cages and tables fitted with groom loops will cost at a minimum of $2,000.
Legal fees: If you choose a lawyer to negotiate a lease on the most favorable terms for your Shih Tzu Groom Shop, his or her services can cost more than $300.00. The investment may be well worth it, however, if you are unable to negotiate a favorable lease term yourself.
Insurance: Is a must have item.
Advertising: Before opening the doors to your Shih Tzu Groom Shop, you will want to advertise and promote the shop as quickly as possible. Ways of advertising could be through the Yellow Pages, newspapers, direct mail and flyers, at vet offices, pet supply warehouses and the internet. One page websites on the internet describing your business with e-mail and telephone numbers would be quite helpful. You would need to market and promote your website as well.
Supplies: Pet supplies such as designer pet clothing, shampoos, crème rinses, toys and treats, even a pet food distributorship such as HealthyPetNet Life's Abundance could become quite prosperous in a busy Shih Tzu Grooming Shop. The possibilities for retailing pet supplies in a Shih Tzu Grooming Shop are endless.
Reserve cash: You will of course need to start out with a fair amount of reserve cash in your Shih Tzu Grooming Shop.
Connie Limon is a Shih Tzu breeder. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com
This article is FREE to publish with resource box.


To Stay Happy And Healthy Your Kitten Will Need Vaccinations
As a cat owner, you have a responsibility to protect the cat. One of the things you'll need to do is to have the cat vaccinated.
6-8 weeks old
The first vaccination will need to happen when he is about six to eight weeks old. Before now, his mother's antibodies are helping to protect him. But, once he is weaned from the mother, he needs his own antibodies to protect him.
The vet will give your kitten a physical exam which will likely include a fecal exam to insure that the cat doesn't have worms. Before vaccinating them, they will do a blood test to insure that the does not already have Feline Leukemia or Feline Infectius Peritonitis. These tests don't take long to be done, likely only minutes. The first vaccine to be received will likely be Feline Leukemia and FIP vaccines. Cats that never leave their home may not need these vaccines.
But, all cats are likely to receive FVRCPC vaccine even if he never leaves home. This vaccine is actually a combination of several vaccines. FVRCPC protects kittens from rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleudopenia and chlamydia.
10-12 weeks old
Two to four weeks later, you cat will need to visit the vet again. This time he will get his second FVRCPC vaccine and his second FIP and feline Leukemia vaccines as well. He may get a second worming too if he had one at his first visit. When they reach twelve weeks old, those cats that spend time outdoors will also need their first rabies vaccine.
The next visit will happen at ten to sixteen weeks old. The third FVRCPC vaccine will be given. And some cats will get their rabies shot now too.
1 year old
At one year old, the cat will need Rabies and FVRCPC vaccines again. If the rabies shot is given within one year of the first one, it will be good for up to three years. The cat will return though for FVRCPC vaccines each year. He'll also receive boosters of FIP and Feline Leukemia as well.
Your pet needs these vaccines to stay healthy. Although they are meant to help your pet stay healthy, the cat may develop a reaction to the injection itself. Although rare, the cat can develop a cancer from the Leukemia vaccines and that is why they are not recommended for cats that do not need them. Also, cats can develop lumps or tumors as well. It is important that you make sure to let the vet know if there are any signs of these things with your pet.
When you follow these simple steps your kitten should be assured a happy and healthy future.
Best Pet Health Information is a resource that brings you information and news, tips and reviews about cat vaccinations and health. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info
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Does Your Cat Need A Collar And Leash?
A leash can help you keep control of your cat when you don't want her to stray too far away, but still get some exercise.
Even if you never plan to take your cat for regular walks like you would a dog, you still need to insure that your cat can tolerate the collar and leash. You will need to take her to the vet and getting her used to it now can help considerably. There are specific collars, harnesses and leashes designed for the cat that you can use.
Cat Leashes
Leashes are designed in several ways from a standard form to a retractable one. No matter which you choose, make sure that it is lightweight enough to allow the cat the ability to move under its weight. Retractable will allow the cat to explore their surroundings in a park or other traffic safe areas. You'll want to keep the cats close when walking to and from their homes.
Getting used to the leash takes training. Cats don't do well with negative correction so by tugging on the leash you will not get them to stay at your side. Instead of negative feedback, cats do better with praise and positive reinforcement. Ignore her when she does something wrong. You can teach the cat to tolerate the leash but more than likely she will not be consistently healing or obeying commands.
Collars
Cat collars are not commonly made for leashes. Because the cat's head is shaped so, it can easily slide any collar off. Collars are used for other reasons such as accessories. For example, a jeweled collar offers a cute look for the cat. Others use cat collars to hold identification tags in case the animal gets lost. Also, you can use the collar to warn birds that he's in the area and approaching by using bells or a low tech alarm system.
The Harness
The harness is another option that the owner has. These stay on your cat securely so that the cat leash can be used. A simple nylon harness for your cat is a good choice or you can go with the deluxe models that look like padded vests. The only thing that is important is that they are completely adjustable.
If possible start training the cat when she is a kitten of eight to ten weeks old. Put the harness on her and allow her to walk around in it unrestrained. Then, add the leash a few times later. Don't apply any pressure to the leash though. Once she's used to the leash, you can pick it up and teach her that you can be on the other end of it. Use a little pressure on the leash and call your cat to you. When she does what you want him to, praise her and reward him. Eventually, she'll be okay with it.
The leash allows you to take your cat outside for a walk to just to explore the yard. You don't have to worry, then, that she'll escape or get into trouble.
Cat leashes and harnesses are just some of the fun and practical products available from Best Pet Health Information. http://www.Best-Pet-Health.info
Copyright Best-Pet-Health.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and live links remain intact.

Friday, January 4, 2008