Posts Tagged ‘puppies’

How To Take Care Of A Puppy: 5 Things You Should Know

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

You are getting a dog for the first time and you are excited. There’s just one thing. You don’t know how to take care of a puppy. What do you do with a puppy? What are its needs?

She will need some sort of protection since she is so small, but how do you do that?

And then there are health concerns. How do you make sure she stays healthy? What things do you have to worry about? Can you take precautions?

You probably never thought of these issues when you fell in love with that bundle of joy.

The first step is to understand what dangers lurk and what you can do to ensure she stays protected and well.

Here are 5 tips to get you started.

1. Make her comfortable. Make a special place for her to sleep. Gather up some safe toys designed for puppies. Soft toys will help to provide the comfort that her littermates would have given her. She also will need tough toys to ease her when she is teething. Yes, puppies teethe, just like babies do.

2. Watch out for potentially hazardous situations throughout your home where she is allowed to go. Puppies are adventurous. They want to check things out. They instinctively test things they don’t understand.

Put all wiring, chemicals, cleaning fluids and the like out of her way. Thoroughly inspect the yard to make sure there are no holes and broken fence parts where she can escape. Get rid of all plants in and around your home that present a danger to dogs. You’ll have to ask your vet or dog expert for a list of what those plants are. One is poinsettias, but there are others that seem innocent but are not.

3. Take time to visit the vet regularly. As a puppy, she will need vaccinations against major diseases like rabies and distemper. Ask your vet what she needs and when. She must remain isolated from other animals until she has completed her series of shots. As well as keeping her vaccinations up to date, the vet can check your puppy to make sure there are no developmental problems as she grows into an adult.

4. Your puppy will need puppy formula. Her body needs more nutrients than she will get from adult dog food. This is vitally important. If she does not get the right food, she can have growth problems, such as deformed joints, and other health issues that can affect her entire future. Speak to your vet to find out what he would suggest you feed your puppy at different stages of development.

5. Always use the right tools, gear and products for your puppy. For example, a rope collar is no guarantee that she can’t be harmed. Choose a proper collar from your local pet store, one that fits properly without choking or slipping off. You will need to upgrade the collar as she grows and becomes stronger. Keep her bed in a warm location, free of drafts. Prolonged exposure to cold can leave her with arthritis as an adult.

We’ve only had time to cover 5 tips on how to take care of a puppy, but there is so much more to know. You will soon discover that your learning will be an ongoing process, especially during her puppy years. What you do now can have a significant impact on your puppy’s life.

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Richell Freestanding Pet Gate: Works Well to Contain Your Dog and Looks Even Better

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Are you trying to figure out how to prevent your dog from roaming all over your home while you are asleep or away? Do you need to keep a new puppy contained in a small part of your home until he is trained enough to have the run of the house? If you are facing these challenges, and need a functional, but attractive solution, you may be happy to learn about the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate.

When we were faced with this problem with our new puppy, there were several things that I was looking for in a pet gate. With a brand new home, a freestanding gate was important because we were not going to drill holes in our new walls. Sturdiness was important too, since I did not want it knocked over easily. And I wanted it to be attractive in that new home: plastic baby gates were not an option.

We loved the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate when we found it because it filled all the needs we had. It was easy to set up, freestanding yet sturdy, and the wood finish made it extremely attractive. Best of all of course, was the fact that it worked very well!

We also needed something that could span a large opening, and I especially appreciated that Richell Pet Gates offered several options. We purchased the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate Large size, because it had the ability to go from 39 inches to just over 71. And at 20″ high, it was great for being able to easily step over without having to move it aside, yet it provided the containment that we needed for our miniature schnauzer.

Now, it should be noted that if you have a larger dog…or one that loves to jump…you should consider getting a taller version. Richell makes two sizes that are “high”, and the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate High-Large is probably the most versatile.

We have received many compliments from our friends and neighbors about our Richell Freestanding Pet Gate: folks just can’t believe that something so effective and functional for dog training looks so nice. It looks great and works great. What a great combination!

If you are looking for a freestanding pet gate that works great and looks great too, learn more about the Richell Freestanding Pet Gate, read what satisfied dog owners say about this pet gate, and see if this is the right choice for you and your dog.

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Housebreaking A Puppy : A Short Guide

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

It takes time and patience to housebreak a puppy. You need to understand that the learning skills of your puppy can be very different from the skills of another; therefore, training should not be rushed.

It is thought that the best approach to housebreaking a puppy is to set a routine and stick to it. This routine should consist of habits that your puppy can be familiarized with. If you are consistent with your training, you will find that your puppy will learn faster; soon enough he will defecate and urinate on his own.

The next step you need to take to housebreak your puppy is to determine the area of your yard that will become the dogs potty area. Your chosen place will become your puppy’s outdoors comfort zone, and is where the actual training will take place.

What you should do is take your little dog to the potty area every so often. Wait around in the area until it begins to defecate or urinate, and then give the puppy a treat. This is necessary to give your pet the cue that it is doing what you want and that you are pleased with its behavior.

Talk to your puppy as much as you can whilst its in the potty area, using phrases like ‘go pee’ and ‘go poo’. Keep the phrases short and simple, and use a consistent tone, and your puppy will quickly learn to recognize what you are saying.

Another consideration you should commit to memory is the puppy’s feeding schedule. Housebreaking a puppy can definitely be made easier if he has a consistent feeding schedule.

By feeding your puppy at consistent times each day, you can start to learn its bowel and urine habits. You decrease the likelihood of your puppy defecating or urinating inside the house if you know about what times of day it normally needs to relieve itself.

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How You Can Successfully House Train Your Dog

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Widely recognized as the most popular and effective way to house train puppies the crate method utilizes your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs are naturally clean animals and will not by nature relieve themselves in the area where they sleep.

Knowing how to communicate properly with your dog lies at the heart of the house training process. Lecturing, yelling or other forms of punishment will not achieve the desired result. The key is to reward good behavior. Puppies are like babies, much too young to be held responsible for their bowel movements. Punishments are not the way to get through to your puppy. If you are going to use the crate method it’s vital that you learn about the proper, humane method to house train your dog.

Choosing the right crate

This is very important when it comes to the humane treatment of your puppy. A crate that is too small is very cruel. The puppy should have enough room to maneuver around and be comfortable inside. If the crate is much too large – the puppy might even relieve himself inside the crate.

The plastic varieties of crates are much easier to clean, durable and easier to carry around than the metal varieties.
It is also cruel to leave your puppy inside the crate for too long. Night time is crate time and often even very young puppies can go the entire night without soiling their crates.

You will want to slowly get the puppy used to the crate. The idea here is to create a positive feeling about the crate. Put a nice soft blanket inside and your puppy’s favorite toys too. You can also put some yummy treats inside to entice your dog.
Never, ever force your dog inside the crate. It is his sanctuary within your home.

Tips for house training

- Prepare the area that your puppy will spend most of its time in with a layer of newspaper.
- Designate an official toilet area for your puppy
- Supervise (or have the children do it) until the puppy has relieved himself.
- If your puppy starts sniffing or circling pick him up and get him outside fast!

Golden rules for house training your dog using the crate method:

- Take your puppy out first thing in the morning
- Take your puppy out directly after meals
- If your puppy has had an accident be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a product that will remove the odor.
- Never punish your puppy for accidents. You would never yell at your baby and put her nose in her mess. Rather use positive reinforcement when your puppy does her business outside.
- Take your puppy out just before bedtime and make sure he does his business.
- Give praise freely where it is due. Treats, walks and positive reinforcement will go a long way toward getting your puppy to understand that eliminating outside is the goal.

Housetraining your puppy will take time and patience. The kind of dog and your methods will greatly influence how long it takes for your puppy to be fully house trained.

There is a reason that the crate method is the most widely used house training method. It works well. Of course house training your puppy isn’t your only concern when it comes to raising a well behaved dog. You will also want to set some distinct boundaries. Puppies should not be allowed free reign of the house; at least not until they are fully house trained. Your puppy is a sponge and above all – keen to please you. You are the pack leader and the puppy will look to you to figure out what is and isn’t acceptable in your home.

By deciding early what your puppy may chew on and what furniture he is allowed on you can eliminate confusion and behavioral problems later in life.

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Toilet Training for Dogs – Tips from Animal Behaviorists

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

Generally, dogs are very clean animals – they won’t soil close to where they eat, or where they sleep. But living in a house is unnatural for an animal whose instincts would be to roam wherever she wants to go, so you will have to help her learn where and when she can relieve herself.

It is essential that you form good toilet habits for your dog as early on as possible. Trying to break the habit of a dog is quite difficult and it can be very frustrating. You need to use guidance and encouragement to help the pet. Animal behaviorists have some helpful tips that you can use to help with the housebreaking of your pet.

Believe it or not, dogs are sanitary creatures. If a dog does soil accidentally in the wrong place, it is likely that it will be far from his dog dish, at least six to ten feet. This is true for the place where the dog sleeps as well. But, unless you find a good place for her to go and train her in that manner, the rest of your house is okay to them.

The process for housebreaking a dog is the same if he is a puppy or an adult dog new to your home. You’ll need to take him outside every few hours and also 30 minutes after he eats. Take your pet to the designated bathroom spot. Stay with the pet until she goes, and then praise her when she does. If she does not go, bring her back inside and try again in fifteen minutes. Watch her though. If the dog starts sniffing and circling take them out right away as this is a sign that she is about to go. Pay attention to her signs and take her out. Soon, she will relate to going outside to going to the bathroom.

Some dogs are housebroken much faster than others. Some dog’s personality will cause her to go one way or the other. But, if you take her outside at the right time, it will go smoother. A puppy of less than four months old will need to go out during the night. Older puppies can hold it that long. A dog that cries to be let out has an urgent need. Get up and take her out, she needs every chance to succeed that she can get. Positive reinforcement is necessary for success.

How you treat accidents will affect your dog’s overall learning curve. If you catch your dog going in the act, distract her with a clap or call her name. Take her outside calmly at that time and praise her for finishing outside. Clean up any accident that you find on the floor. If the dog approaches during this time, ignore her. Don’t talk to or punish her at this point. The worst thing that you can do is to yell at her or physically punish her. This will cause her to fear you and to not bond as well to you. She won’t connect it to the accident at all. Ignoring her is the best course of action here.

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Is A Dog Training DVD A Good Way To Learn?

Friday, March 5th, 2010

If you’ve discovered that your perfect pooch has a real problem that you can’t deal with, then you’re going to need professional help. Should you take them to a trainer? Is a dog training DVD a good way to learn? You need to decide what is best for you and the dog.

Many people find that they learn better by watching something. This is called being a visual learner. If you find yourself having a harder time reading something and then putting it into action, then a dog training DVD is probably a great way to go for you.

The other main reason is simple: convenience. In our fast paced lives it’s hard enough getting ourselves and the kids to scheduled events, without adding Rover to the list. And if you did find someone to teach your dog, you are on their schedule. If something coincides with a class, they will go on without you. Not to mention, the hassle of loading the dog, unloading the dog, and after class, doing it all over again. When you add the time, fuel, and hassle factor it isn’t that appealing.

Another thing to consider is that if you had to bring your dog into a class atmosphere, chances are there are going to be other dogs present. Your dog may not take too kindly to that. If you spring for private classes, you are paying for time. And if you or your pooch require repetitive tasks to learn, its gonna cost you.

Another great thing about these courses are that sometimes we have to see something more than once. Some of us are visual learners and it takes a little repetition to sink in. That’s where the rewind button comes in. You can start it over as many times as it takes.

So if you’re wondering if the dog training DVD of good way to learn, the short answer would be yes. By having these tools at your disposal anytime you need to use them, you will be able to practice consistently with your pet until they get the hang of the new behaviors you need them to understand.

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10 Top Tips for Looking After Your Dog

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Cats and dogs are very different in the way they show a human affection. A dog is a lot more loyal than a cat. Many people treat their dog the same as they would treat a child.

Tip 1 ” When you first get your dog, it is a good idea to attach an identification tag to their collar. Many owners do this so if the dog goes missing or runs away the dog can be easily returned.

Tip 2 ” Different countries have different laws regarding registering your dog. You will be required to register your dog in most countries. The general practice is to insert a microchip into the shoulder blade of the dog. By doing this, the dog is then registered so if lost will be returned.

Tip 3 ” Whenever youre taking your dog for a walk, make sure that the dog is on a lead and it obeys you. Some dogs are classed to be dangerous by some authorities and may need to be muzzled when out in public.

Tip 4 ” If you tend to leave your dog outside for long periods of time, then it is a good idea to make sure that your garden has adequate shelter to protect the dog from the cold and rain.

Tip 5 ” Make sure that you take your dog to vets regularly this is always a good idea so the dog get a regular check up. If you tend not to take your dog to the vets, then if you dog had a serious illness it could cost you a lot more.

Tip 6 ” Unless you are intending to use your dog as stud, then it is quite important that you have them spayed or neutered. Most dogs tend to live longer and healthier after this simple surgery.

Tip 7 – It is important that you provide your dog with a well balanced nutritional diet and make sure that they can easily get to fresh water when they need. This is especially important if you intend to feed your dog only dried food. When it comes to which food to give your dog as there are so many different kinds available it may be advisable to discuss the issue with your vet first. Certainly many owners today prefer to feed dried dog food simply because it is must easier and also contains the right balance of nutrients, minerals and vitamins that dogs need. The other choice you have and if you have the time is actually to prepare fresh meals for your dog which you can then freeze and give to them each day.

Tip 8 ” It is always good for you and your dog to attend obedience training classes. This is so you and your dog are on the same level, by taking them to classes your dog will start to respect you more.

Tip 9 ” You should always allow time for your dog; take them for walks around once or twice a day. Dogs love open space so a trip to the park is ideal.

Tip 10 ” It is important to look after your dogs appearance, make sure you regularly groom the dog so that their coat is clean and shinny. You can also buy dog teeth brushes to make sure your dog has nice clean teeth.

Above we have given you 10 top ways to keep your dog in shape. If you follow the guidelines you and your dog will soon be on your way to a great partnership.

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Take The Time To Train Your Puppy – It’s Worth It!

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Dogs make wonderful pets and the key factor to having a well behaved dog that the whole family will enjoy, is by using proper dog training techniques. Dogs are kind-of like kids, especially puppies; they need to understand the rules of the household and they must respect the authority of their owners. Many new pet owners fall in love with cute puppies or even adult dogs that they purchase or adopt before they bring them home, only to become upset and frustrated when that adorable fur-ball chews up the furniture or makes messes on the carpet. While all puppies will find their share of trouble, a responsible dog owner must be patient and utilize plenty of time to raise that pup into a well behaved dog that is a joy to all. This article will provide some basic but very important dog training tips to help you and your puppy develop a happy relationship. I have learned over 50 years of owning and dogs and these tips are a great start.

Establish The Rules

The first step in dog training is to establish the rules of the household, and do not waste any time here! This means that if you don’t want your 100 pound Labrador Retriever jumping up on your bed at night, don’t let him do it when he’s a puppy at 5 pounds! Never let him do it. I know it’s tough because I am guilty, but take it from my lesson leaned. Never; not even once. Good news: it is never too early to teach your pup to stay off the furniture or avoid jumping on you or your guests. Oh, and don’t forget, before you bring your puppy home, make sure the whole family understands and is prepared to enforce the rules consistently.

Be Consistent With The Rules

Once your learn and establish rules, it is up to you and the rest of thre family to makes sure you live by them.Every time your puppy breaks a house rule, he should be reprimanded with a quick and firm “No!” and then shown the proper behavior. This applies to all aspects of your puppy’s training, such as house breaking and chewing on his toys instead of your shoes (they seem to love to chew up the shoes!). Just like kids, dogs learn the rules quickest when they are enforced consistently. This means that the dog owner(s) must be disciplined in their enforcement of the “rules.” With time, the rules become second nature to your dog and enforcement is rarely required.

Reward Your Puppy For Good Behavior!

This is a key tip. When your puppy follows the rules appropriately, reward him for his good behavior. Effective dog training requires positive reinforcement more often than punishment to produce great dog behavior. At the beginning of your dog training, make a big deal about his good behavior and give him a healthy edible treat. Within a short period of time, your puppy will understand what he’s supposed to do and you will be able to “wean” him off treats to praise and positive attention. Trust me on this, they are smart and learn quick.

I am not a “pro” at dog training but I have read a lot of books and of course have owned dogs for years. What I have found is that dog training is not particularly difficult, it just takes some reading, some patience, and definitely some consistency to gain success with these wonderful animals. The time you put in to training your puppy is well worth the years of enjoyment you, your family, and your guests will have with this new member of the tribe!

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Pet Stores Are A Virtual Mall

Friday, March 5th, 2010

In today’s fast paced shopping world, the pet stores are beginning to look more like large shopping centers for you and your beloved pet. Just about anything you may ever need for your loved one can be found in these one stop stores.

Of all the animal products that are sold in these stores, the dog and cat products, are the most popular. Most generally you will often find cute little puppies and kittens in these shop windows just begging you to take them home. You will be able to find all of your pets foods and even their treats in these great stores.

The overall selection of food that you will find is huge and will contain just about any flavor that your pet could ever crave. Most generally you will find that these stores will actually carry the higher end brands with just a few choices in the middle priced ranges. These choices will also be able to cover all types of your pet needs throughout the stages of your pets life.

No matter if your animal is brand new or really old you will find that you will be able to cover your pets health needs. These pet stores will even offer you foods for those animals that have a special needs diet such as indoor food versus outdoor food.

Along with the shelves that are just filled with tons of different foods you will also find entire aisles filled with different types of supplements to keep your beloved pet healthy and happy. Of all these supplements probably the most common one purchased would be glucosamine which is great for your animals joints and any arthritis that they may be suffering from. You will also find other supplements such as fish oils, vitamins, and even supplements that you can add to your pets food to help them have healthy white teeth.

Along with all the great foods and vitamins you will also find tons of different cat and dog beds and even a kitty condo. All of these items are more common than a lot of people may think, but they also carry a variety of different items that you may not have thought of, such as a massage blanket for your puppies. They will never leave their bed again.

Once you have taken the time to get all of your cat and dog items you should also check out the other great animals such as birds, fish, and ferrets that these stores carry. You will find a lot of different cute and cuddly animals in these stores. With all of the toys and accessories they have available these days for your pets, you could spend a very long time in one of these stores.

Whether online or at your local shopping center, many pet stores are just as fully stocked as any mega stores that have for groceries, clothes or shoes. These kinds of stores cater to the family pets and treat them just like what they are to you – a beloved member of the family.

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Potty Training Puppies – Easy Techniques

Friday, February 26th, 2010

We all know that you do not actually use a potty when you are potty training puppies. Once you understand that you dog will not make use of a potty or a toilet, you can learn about how and where to train them to do their business.

One thing you have to understand is that there are many different breeds and types of dogs. Understanding that some dogs learn how to potty train quicker than other dogs will make the whole process run smoother. This is why it is recommended that you do your research before you go out to buy a pup. Make sure that you are able to handle a certain breed of dog, and that you have the patience to train the dog.

There is one very important thing you want to keep in mind before you get started with the training process. You should not get upset with your dog. They are a bit like children, in that they always want to play, eat and get a lot of attention. So, if he does not get it right the first time around, be calm and try again later.

Step one – The first and most important part of the potty training puppies process, is that you should have a good schedule. You do not want your puppy to get confused with what you are doing. Dogs are good time keepers, just like babies. If you wake a dog at a certain time every morning to do its business, it will start to wake up on time every morning.

The Second Step – You want to keep you dog in a room where the floors are either concrete or tile. You do not want any accidents ruining your nice rugs. Do not forget that you doggy needs to sleep too. Make sure that you lay down a comfy bed for him or her to lie in at night.

Step three – Decide whether you want your puppy to do its business inside or outside. Many people opt for outside, as that just seems like a natural thing to do. However, if you feel that you do not want your puppy getting too cold, a specified place inside a bathroom is a good start. Also, you want to make sure that whenever the puppy does its business, it is in that one area only. You will have to be with it initially to make sure this happens.

Step four – If you take your puppy outside for a pee or poo, make sure that it is only in one spot. The dog will need a bit of time to get used to that spot, but it will happen. Make sure you take him or her to that same spot every time you think he or she needs to go.

Always Remember – If the dog does nothing for the first few times of taking him or her to the “toilet spot”, do not play with him. You want to make it known that going to the toilet is important. So, if it does not happen, take him back inside and confine him to his sleeping area.

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