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Camping with a pet is a favorite pastime for many people. However, there is more to camping with your dog than simply showing up to a campground, dog in tow. Here, everything you need to know about camping with your dog will be discussed. Choosing a Campground The first step is to choose a campground. Even though it seems obvious that dogs would be allowed at every camp site, you should always double check to ensure that rules have not changed. Many state parks, for instance, do not allow four-legged friends. After you have double checked that dogs are, in fact, allowed on-site, know the rules and regulations. If you plan to allow your dog to join you for off-leash hikes, make sure dogs are allowed off-leash in that area. No matter how well-behaved your dog, it is imperative that you follow the posted ordinances. Finally, consider...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment It takes a considerable amount of time and energy to mold your pup into a balanced canine companion; no wonder some pet parents end up frustrated and confused when their dog becomes uncooperative. House training your puppy doesn’t have to be a grueling process though; it’s just a question of establishing a good routine built around your dog’s needs. Here are 6 mistakes you should avoid when house training your dog: Wrong feeding habits The first thing you should be aware of is that your pup’s digestive system gets stimulated whenever she eats, leading her to urinate within 15 minutes of eating, and defecate within half an hour of having their meal. Consequently, practices like over-feeding, observing unsuitable diets (like salty food) and not feeding your pup at regular times only make potty training harder. Punishing the puppy for its indoor accidents Puppies generally lack good bladder control; they need...
Continue reading » Planning, TrainingNo Comment While many people believe a dog is just a dog, this theory simply isn’t true. Certain dog breeds will make better companions than others in particular situations. Finding the right fit for your home will increase your – and your dog’s – happiness, while minimizing the risk of potentially having to re-home a pet. Here, common situations that pet owners face, including the right dogs for each scenario, will be discussed. You Don’t Have a Lot of Space Many people believe that owning a dog requires a large home. However, there are many types of dogs that thrive in small dwellings like apartments, and even prefer them. Some of the best dogs for living in small spaces are quite unexpected. These include Great Danes, Greyhounds, and American Bulldogs. Other common apartment breeds include toy-sized dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles. In general, companion dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed)...
Continue reading » Dog Breeds, PlanningNo Comment As you schedule your summer vacation you will be faced with a dilemma: what to do with your dog while you are away? There are many options for pet owners, including leaving your pet with a boarding kennel or dog sitter. Which of these solutions is best? The pros and cons of a boarding kennel or dog sitter will be discussed. Boarding Kennel A boarding kennel is a commercial facility that specializes in housing animals. There are many types of boarding kennels, ranging from strictly cage free, caged with cage-free play time, or caged with individual exercise. Pros The benefits of boarding kennels are numerous. Most notably, leaving your dog at a boarding kennel ensures that your pet is cared for by professionals that are licensed and insured in addition to being subject to inspection. Boarding kennels are typically staffed 24 hours per day, and have protocols in place for...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Are you planning to adopt a dog in 2017? Just like when choosing a breeder, it is important to choose a reputable rescue or shelter facility from which to adopt your new family member. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of online advertising and the trend towards foster-based animal rescues, scam artists exist that try to take advantage of unsuspecting adopters. Listed here are tips for how to choose a rescue or shelter when adopting a dog. Can Meet the Animal Beforehand Never agree to adopt a dog without being able to meet him or her beforehand. As crazy as it may seem, a non-reputable rescue may try and talk you into adopting the dog, sight unseen. If you have resident animals, expect to be able to introduce them to the potential adoptee before signing any agreements. Explains Pricing The average adoption price for a dog from a rescue or shelter is...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Are you considering purchasing a new puppy in 2017? If you are set on your decision to shop, rather than adopt, you should ensure you are choosing the best breeder possible for your new family member. This seemingly small decision can mean the difference between a happy and healthy pet or one that is prone to health problems and poor genes. Tips for choosing a dog breeder are discussed here. Seek Recommendations When choosing a dog breeder seek out recommendations from trusted sources, such as national breed associations and veterinarians. Always check the breeder’s references, particularly if the kennel is not well-established. If you cannot find recommendations for a kennel in your area, at the very least ask trusted canine professionals which breeders to avoid. Ask Questions Once you narrow down your list to a few breeders, the next step is to ask plenty of questions. How, and why, did...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment With 2016 coming to an end, it is time to reflect upon the past year with an eye toward the future. What change can you make in 2017 that will positively impact your life? Better yet, what changes can you make in 2017 that will pawsitively impact your dog’s life? The following are a few suggestions dog-and-owner New Year’s resolutions. Exercise More More than 50% of household dogs in America are obese, as well as 70% of Americans. Besides helping to maintain a healthy weight, there are numerous benefits of daily exercise. These include enhanced mood, better canine behavior, improved sleep, and a reduced risk of developing disease. Incorporating just 5 – 10 more minutes of exercise per day can make a big difference in both you and your dog’s lives! Get Outside your Comfort Zone As the saying goes: nothing ventured, nothing gained. Getting outside your personal comfort zone...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment The number of dogs relinquished to animal shelters or rehomed through sites such as Craigslist is staggering. Even worse, many of the dogs that do get adopted wind up bouncing from home to home until one sticks. Many adopters have unrealistic expectations regarding canine ownership. Listed here are the most common reasons owners rehome their pets. Breed Specific Legislation Unfortunately, many areas in the United States, Canada, and Europe do not allow certain breeds, primarily pit bulls. Commonly, people bring home pit bulls without considering future plans of relocating. Then, when it comes time to move, they are unable to find housing that allows pitties, or the breed is banned entirely from the community. Before adopting a dog, make sure the breed is compatible with any relocations you are intending to make in the next 10 – 15 years. Too Much Work Another reason dogs are relinquished is because the...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment If you are adding a new dog or long-term visitor to the household, there is much more to harmonious living beyond the initial introduction. Even if resident pets tolerate the newcomer, there are additional steps the owner must take in order to ensure peaceful coexistence. Start Small One of the worst mistakes a dog owner can make is to assume that since the initial introduction went well there will be smooth sailing thereafter. While this may be the case for some dogs, in reality there are many pets that will display some jealousy, resource guarding, or general brattiness. It is always better to be on the safe side and start small. Praise your dogs whenever they are behaving well, even if simply sitting on the couch next to one another. Expect a Few Scuffles The main way that dogs interact with one another is through assertion of hierarchy. In the...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Every year puppies delight children on Christmas morning with their soft fur, playful spirit, and adorable antics. However, come February many shelters receive an influx of 4 – 6 month old dogs that turned out to be too much work. Should you gift your friends or family members with a puppy? Reconsider if… Your Child/Spouse Asked for One If you are rushing to find a puppy this month simply because you overheard your son or daughter beg the mall Santa for a dog, reconsider. One reason that puppies should not be placed under the Christmas tree is that children should never think of them as toys. You Have not Considered Costs Involved Oftentimes, people who give puppies as gifts do not calculate the additional costs involved. By many estimates, the first year of dog ownership totals $1,000 – $2,000, assuming no emergency medical costs are incurred. Christmas is not the...
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