Introducing Puppy to your Cat

Puppy may not be your first pet. He may be another in the growing brood that is your pet family. Because of this you’ll want to introduce puppy to your other pets with care. Dogs are social animals. Most puppies love being a part of a group. In their natural habitat, puppies in a group must establish their place. Your puppy will try to determine his place within your family and amongst the other pets in the house and remember this is normal, even instinctual. When you introduce your puppy to the cat,... [Read more]

Feeding your Puppy

There’s one thing that puppy will run for every time – lunch!  Puppy needs to be fed regularly in order to grow big and strong.  Learning to feed your puppy is an important part of his care and responsible pet-ownership.  Puppy doesn’t care what you feed him, but you should.  Puppies needs are different than an adult dog.  They don’t need to eat the same food that you would feed to an adult dog. Go to a store that is used to dealing with pet food like Petco.  Ask one of the salespeople... [Read more]

Puppy and the Kids

Kids are thrilled when the new puppy comes home.  They want to love on him and play with him all the time.  But, before you let the kids have at the unsuspecting puppy, set some ground rules to protect them both. If your kids were the catalyst for the puppy, you should know one thing.  You will be the one taking care of the puppy most of the time.  It is sad, but true.  Indulging their need for another living thing means another dependent for you. To keep the kids involved, give them tasks to do concerning... [Read more]

Choosing a Name for Puppy

What will you call your new companion?  He may be brown with long ears, short, with a coat like a snowball, or tall and muscular.  Choosing a name is a big decision.  It will belong to your puppy for the rest of his life. As humans, we select names for our children based on heritage and meaning.  You can do this with your puppy, but it is not necessary.  Puppy doesn’t care that “Lily” is a beautiful flower or that “Jack” has English origins.  He just wants to know what you want him to respond... [Read more]

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Breed for You

So, you’ve decided that you want a pet.  That pet will be a dog – a puppy to be more exact.  Now it’s time for the bigger decision that needs to be made.  What breed of dog will your puppy be? The “breed” decision comes with many considerations.  First of all, a potential dog owner needs to think about their own personality as well as the personality of their new best friend.  Puppies and their owners should be compatible. If you are an active, outgoing person, you’ll want a puppy... [Read more]

Dog Toys: Do’s & Don’ts

The best dog toy is that which is not harmful to the dog, but affords him hours of fun.  Let’s look at some do’s and don’ts when purchasing a dog toy. Depending on the breed, some dogs prefer a particular toy over others.  In fact, while it may not be a toy at all, some dogs may become attached to an inanimate object much like a child will hang on to a security blanket. Generally, however, dogs love toys that squeak.  Doesn’t matter what shape or color it is, as long as it squeaks,... [Read more]

Choosing a Vet

Veterinarians are doctors for animals.  When puppy joins the family he needs to find a doctor, too.    A vet will care for your pet throughout his life.  He will be the second line of defense against disease and illness.  In an effort to find the right vet, ask questions.  Learn how to find the veterinarian that will care for your new puppy the best. Interviewing veterinarians is okay.  They expect potential clients to check them out.  You don’t have to take your spy kit with you, but be thorough... [Read more]

Where to Get your Puppy

You know that you want to have a puppy for a companion.  But, where do you get a puppy?  There are a few places that will provide a good variety and a few places that you should probably try to avoid. Owners want a puppy that is happy and healthy.  The health and temperament of your new puppy depends in part on how well he has been cared for before you acquire him.  Puppies that have been neglected or abused can become problem cases down the road. One place to consider purchasing your puppy from is... [Read more]

Things to Look For When Deciding on a Dog Breed

There are certain things to look for when deciding on a dog breed.  Let’s examine what those things are. Choosing a breed that compliments you and your personality is one factor.  If you are choosing a dog as a family pet, ensuring the dog gets along with children is another.  Selecting a breed based on the type of group it falls into is another consideration.  For example, are you looking for a small dog, such as a Pekingese, Poodle, or Terrier?  Or perhaps you’re looking for a Bulldog,... [Read more]

Your Puppy’s First Year

It is important for any puppy or dog to have training. The amount of training is going to be determined by what you want to accomplish. Most of us just want a fun loving companion that can be taught a few commands and fit into our homes. There are several things to consider in the puppy’s first year regarding training and how some things should be handled. First, we will look at punishment. Punishment must be effective. You have to have some type of punishment that will not degrade the dog or be disrespectful,... [Read more]

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