Home » Archive by category "Planning" (Page 7)

The Retractable Leash Debate: Pros, Cons and Truth

Dog trainers hate them, pet lovers can’t imagine life without them. The retractable leash has been a hot topic of debate among dog owners for quite some time. When this product was first released into the market, the idea was to provide a way for dogs to gain a little more freedom and exercise while on a typical walk with their human family. The top brand names in the pet industry were releasing their own versions of the item, and while many owners love giving their dog that ability to walk off the trail to get a sniff that they would not have been able to on a normal flat leash, some people and pets have been greatly injured by these items. The Pros The original idea of the retractable leash still provides the benefits it was meant to give owners and their dogs. An easy to hold plastic, or...
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Starting Off On The Right Paw

I wanted to share an article by one of our readers Matthew. A great companion and friend, a dog can be these things and more in your life. Think of yourself as a new parent. There are numerous things you will need to learn, organize and buy. A dog is much more than just a thing like a new bike or television set. He/she is a living, breathing creature that you will have as a life companion and friend for as many as 7 to 18 years depending on the breed you have chosen. Let’s start at the beginning: when choosing a dog I strongly recommend doing a little research first. This can be as easy as doing a Google search. Do you want a big or small dog? Things to remember, how big is your home or apartment? If you rent, does the landlord allow dogs? Does your backyard...
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Your Dog & The Dog Park; Are They a Good Match?

Everyone loves to see their dog run and play freely without the restrictions of a leash or small yard. It’s even more fun when our own canine companions can romp and rough house with other dogs of all ages and sizes. This is why dog parks were created, remember, a tired dog is a happy dog. They give our pets the ability to play, exercise and socialized among their own kind. However, if you have ever been to a dog park you have probably also seen the one or two dogs and their owners who just did not belong there. How do you know if your own furry best friend is a good fit for the publicly open dog park in your area? Know Your Dog First Your dog’s temperament and health will play a major role in whether or not your experiences at the local dog park will be...
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The Dog & New Baby; Introducing Your Dog To A New Baby

introducing dog to baby
Since we just had a beautiful new baby girl just last week, I thought it was a good time to write up how to introduce your dog to a new baby in the house. When the time comes to bring home your new baby, you will be excited and nervous all at the same time. One thing that may weigh heavily on your mind is how your dog may react. Will he be jealous and become aggressive to the infant? Will he be overly excited and accidentally injure the baby? How will you be able to control your dog and care care for a new child simultaneously? The answer is all in the preparation and control of introductions. Prepare Yourself & Your Dog In the weeks before you new baby’s arrival, you should prepare your dog with obedience training. Go beyond the simplicity of sit and stay, and work on...
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Dog Proof Gate

Whether inside or out, dog proof gates are often a necessity for many dog owners. Outside gates ensure that an owner’s dog does not escape, while inside gates keep dogs away from mischief. Below are a few tips to help dog owners find, purchase, and install the perfect dog proof gate. To get you started, check out what Amazon has to offer here with the following tips in mind. Tip #1- Measure twice, read thrice, buy once. Every gate has different dimensions. Not only are some higher than others, but some are capable (or incapable) of expanding to be seamlessly installed into current gate setups or hallways. Be sure to read the gate’s description and measurements to ensure that the dog is not able to squeeze between the design and/or jump over the gate. Also make sure that the gate is scratch resistant if being installed inside the home, as...
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Giving your Dog Away Responsibly: How to Get Rid Of a Dog

Adopting a dog is a big responsibility and I suggest really thinking this over, you did take responsibility for this animal. But sometimes owners have unexpected life changes and find themselves stuck with a dog they are unable to care for from reasons varying from unexpected moves to sudden illness. Having a puppy that chews everything or whining is not a valid reason to give away your dog, or at least before you put the effort into some basic training. You will see a button on top marked ‘training” where you will find all our guides on how to fix specific issues (or just click here). You may also use the search button on the right hand side on the site. You If you or someone you know finds themselves in a life changing situation, there are several humane actions that can give your dog a new, loving home. It...
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Canine Pregnancy; Everything You Should Know!

You may have made the big decision to breed your dog, or perhaps you adopted one who may be pregnant. Facing pregnancy in any species can be an overwhelming scenario, but if you are prepared with the basic knowledge you need about your dog’s pregnancy you can help her and your family pass through this special time as stress free as possible! Gestation, how long are dogs pregnant? A lot of people ask the question, how long are dogs pregnant. Surprisingly, there is a lot of misinformation out there. After mating occurs, your female’s eggs will be fertilized by the male’s sperm. Then, gestation happens! This is when the puppies become puppies inside your female’s uterus. Gestation usually takes 63 days on average, but can be slightly shorter or longer. During the first half of the gestation your female can remain her normal daily schedule of exercise and her normal...
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Microchip For Dogs: Is It Worth It?

Nearly every rescue, shelter, and even ethical breeders microchip every dog before it leaves their care. What about dogs who are adopted through a classified ad or just aren’t microchipped? Is it worth it to you, to your pet, and your wallet to have a microchipped placed under his skin and then activated?  When stories emerge from the web about lost dogs being found states away from their home, it may seem like some kind of miracle. Such as the case of Corbin, who’s family lives in Texas. He dug a hole from under his family’s backyard fence. Four days later a dog in an Ohio shelter was scanned for a microchip after coming in. Lo and behold, it was Corbin! He was found 1, 100 miles away!  It is the microchip system that made a homecoming for the lost pooch possible. The Purpose of the Microchip Some pet lovers...
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Do Your Truly Want That Puppy? Be Prepared for What They Don’t Tell You!

It drives me crazy when people get dogs and are not prepared, and then get rid of that dog without thinking much about it. I bet you know someone that has done it. “the dog just didn’t work out”, or “it was to much work”, “he was crapping all over the place” etc. Where do you think those dogs go to? Given to someone else that does the same thing? Dropped off at a shelter? All because the first person expected that puppy to come home, be cute and be no trouble. That is not fair to the dog that they took the responsibility to care for. I’m not trying to scare you into not adopting a dog, I just want you to know what to expect. After reading this, I might also suggest reading my article The New Puppy Checklist! Are You Prepared? When you pick up your new...
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The New Puppy Checklist! Are You Prepared?

When you bring home a new baby from the hospital, you probably already have a nursery with brightly painted walls, a dresser full of clothes, a crib with cute bed linens and a mobile.  You also will probably already have a bin full of soft, safe plush toys for your little newborn to cuddle.  Bringing home a new dog, at any age, is not really much different.  Your dog will need toys to play with, a place to sleep, his own dishes and and more.  Are you truly, fully prepared to bring home your new furry baby?   It’s So Confusing! Being new dog owners, it can feel very complicated. Don’t become overwhelmed with the vastness of the pet supply market when trying to decide what you need or don’t need for your newest pooch.  If you already know the size and age of your newest family member, picking out...
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