Posts Tagged ‘new puppy’
Have Fun Potty Training Puppies Using A Healthy Approach
Potty training puppies can be a lot of fun with an attitude of healthy helpfulness. Take a look at a new puppy's mental health. Try to imagine what it is like for a puppy to be exploring in the world they call home. As far back as puppies remember may only be a few minutes ago. When training your puppy, remember this when they have an accident. They want to make you happy and just as soon as that memory gets around to reverting back they'll amaze the most jaded person. Meanwhile keeps shoes up and anything else that is not a chew toy. Give positive reinforcements such as praise in that happy voice they will love. Keep a small treat on hand as a reward for proper potty power.
Accidents seen as they happen only need a tap of the shoe on the floor and a "no." Any yelling will make potty training for puppies a nervous experience. After the fact, it does not do any good to correct a puppy. Just quietly clean up. Be sure to put newspaper or puppy pads in an area indoors where it's ok for your puppy to go to the bathroom. This alternative to outdoors is always good to have just if there is a delay in getting home. If a puppy goes potty on the carpet be sure to scrub well to eliminate any lingering scent.
Crate training works for a new puppy and can help provide a sanctuary. A number of people keep their new puppies in a dog crate, while at work. While this may work for some dogs, puppies may have a hard time holding on. It may be better to allow the puppy to go to an area where it is allright to go potty. You shouldn't put puppy pads or newspapers next to a crate when you're potty training puppies. This is because of the odourl factor, because of the fact that they don't want to sleep next to bad smells.
As much as possible, keep puppies on a schedule. When potty training puppies they should go outside after meals and naps. Spending time outdoors on a daily basis also gives puppies and their people much needed exercise. Try to incorporate your trips out with puppy time. One last little tip for single people is that a puppy can attract people. Why not have a little fun with that?
Building a Relationship With Your Dog
Whether you are concerned about developing a strong bond with your new puppy or if you want to repair your relationship with an old furry friend, it is important that you get started straight away. Starting a relationship from scratch with a puppy is generally an easier task than mending or tweeking an existing relationship with your dog, but there are still a few basic ideas that you should keep in mind. Read on to learn a few tips you can use to establish and maintain a strong bond with your pooch.
The first thing you need to understand is that all dogs want to be a part of a pack. It’s a natural way of life for them in the wild and it still holds very constant today—only the pack is your family (or you and the dog if you’re a duo). Dogs want to feel as though they serve a place in the pack, which means hanging out with the family and being included in everyday activities. However, it is very important that your dog understands his position in the pack. If you do not assert your authority as the “leader of the pack,” your dog is likely to assume the role, which can result in very hard-to-handle behaviour. When your dog is clear on the hierarchy of the family, he will respect you, which is a huge part of forming a solid foundation in your relationship. I know this all sounds primitive and even a little cheesy, but it’s very much true!
It’s also important that you show your dog that he can trust you. Trust is the fundamental element that creates a long-lasting bond and it must be maintained. One way that you can encourage your dog to trust you is by developing a steady routine that he can depend upon. You are his source of not only food and water, but it’s up to you to let him outside for play time and to do his “business.” Try to make sure he’s fed and watered around the same time everyday and let out to potty frequently. Your dog will have inherent trust in you if you prove that you are a good leader who can be depended upon to provide his basic needs.
Activities are a great way to let your dog feel he is involved in the family. Dogs are naturally playful and sociable, so including them in everyday activities such as chores or playing in the back yard are important. You could also take the time to brush your dog or walk with him every day. Training is an excellent way to bond with your dog as praise and (gentle) correction lets him feel involved. I recommend that you get a set of dog steps and train your dog to use them. Whether he’s a puppy or not, it’s better for his joints than jumping to and from furniture and that added training time will only serve to rekindle your dog’s trust and obedience in you.
For more great tips about raising pets, or to purchase a set of pet stairs, visit Help Your Pets here.
Adjusting to a New Dog
While the thought of becoming a dog owner is a very exciting notion, it is also one that requires commitment and responsibility. Choosing a dog is an important decision, and there are questions you should ask yourself before you commit to caring for a dog. Read on to learn a few tips that will help you choose the best dog to compliment your family, as well as ways you can help your furry addition make a smooth settlement in your home.
You must bear in mind that when you take in a dog, you are taking upon yourself the responsibility of caring for a real creature—one that thinks, feels, and loves. Make sure that you or other family members are willing to take the time to train your dog (if he isn’t already trained) and offer attention/companionship and discipline. If you’ve sorted out the particulars on that front, then the next question you should ask yourself is this: what traits do I want my dog to have? Dogs vary depending on the way they were raised and the quality of life they have had, but there are particular traits that show up in certain breeds of dog. Do you want an intelligent dog (ie: easy to train)? Do you want a dog that is good with children? Are you looking for a low-energy lap dog or a beefy high-energy dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle? These are all questions you should ask yourself to help you search for the best breed of dog.
Your lifestyle will have a huge impact upon what kind of dog is best for you, so you should really give this a lot of thought. If you have kids, research the breeds that are best known for making good family pets. German Shepherds, most any breed of Spaniel, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are a few breeds that are famous for their way with children. I’ve always had the best results by doing research based on a breed’s temperament. Some of the best dogs I’ve ever had were of breeds I had done thorough research of prior to bringing home. This is a great way to prepare yourself for anything that might crop up, including stubbornness (harder to train!), proneness to certain medical issues, and exercise requirements. So remember, do lots of research among different breeds of dog before making your decision.
Once you’ve decided on a dog, try letting every member of the family meet him before you bring him home. This is a great way for your new dog to get comfortable with you while he is still in the comfort of familiar surroundings. When it’s time to bring the dog home, ask his breeder or the shelter if they have a blanket, toy, or other familiar item that your dog can bring with him. If it’s a puppy, try to obtain an item that smells like his mother or the rest of his litter. This can be a HUGE help when you’re trying to settle the little guy in his new home. Let your dog roam around the house on his own for a bit (but keep an eye on him if he isn’t potty trained!). It’s perfectly natural for a dog to want to explore new territory and scents, and it will be less stressful for him if you aren’t hovering over his back all the time.
The more time you spend with your dog, the quicker you will begin to form a bond, which is very important! Try spending special play time with your dog or go for walks together. Training is an excellent way to let your dog know that you’re the boss, which gains his respect and obedience. You can get pet steps and teach our dog to walk up and down them. It’s a great source of indoor exercise and proves a health benefit when used to get onto furniture, as opposed to jumping. As long as you put thought and effort into choosing a dog you feel will fit your lifestyle the best, you can look forward to having many wonderful experiences with your pet!
If you’d like to read more about caring for dogs or purchasing dog stairs, visit HelpYourPets.com.
Managing Your Dog’s Weight
Have you begun to notice that your dog is looking a little overweight, or simply less lean than he should be? It might be time to start considering what your options are to help him get into shape. We’re going to talk about a few ways you can discover where your pet’s health is suffering and how to get it back up.
You must realize that all dogs require exercise. Whether you have a Pomeranian or a Great Dane, every breed and size of dog must maintain certain levels of activity on a daily basis. Think about your dog’s average day from beginning to finish. If you can’t bring it to mind, keep an eye on him for a few days and write down his usual activities. For my dog, I drew a time line of his average day. In my timeline I wrote down when he woke up, his meal times, his usual trips outside, nap times, etc. This really helps to put into perspective whether your dog is truly lacking exercise or if a change of diet is required.
That brings us to our next topic: the great outdoors. Have you ever stepped outside on a nice crisp morning, taken a deep breath of cool air and revelled in how good it feels to connect with nature? Maybe you don’t do this all the time, but for a dog, this is a common comparison of how natural it is for them to crave the outdoors—because dogs are natively the “outdoorsy type.” Being outdoors can cause inspiration, not just ideas, but for activity—and this is what your dog needs. If your dog doesn’t get to go outside often enough, this could be an answer for why his spirit for activity has shrunk. Try taking him outside at least twice a day, and not just for a bathroom break. Encourage him to run about and play with toys. It might help to remember that your dog is more likely to want to play if he has someone to play with. If you don’t have a private yard, try taking him on pet-friendly walking trails or to do a dog park where he can socialize and spend some alone time with you. Walking is a great way to improve your owner-dog bond as well as lose weight. Going outside isn’t the only activity you can do. Dog steps are a great tool to use to give your dog a bit of exercise while staying in the comfort of your home (especially on rainy or snowy days!). Make a game of running him up and down the steps, such as pushing the stairs against your bed and hiding treats in your covers. This is a favourite of mine as I love watching my dog go crazy as he paws through the covers!
After you have made your assessment of your dog’s activity level, you might be surprised to find that he gets sufficient exercise but still doesn’t seem to be as lean as he should be. This is a very common scenario among people who feed their dog table scraps or gets a bit too liberal with the doggy treats. Regardless of the fact that human food is a lot more fattening to dogs, it’s also down-right unhealthy for them. A dog’s diet should consist primarily of meat, raw vegetables, and certain types of grain. Could you imagine a dog in the wild snarfing down some spaghetti? If you are guilty of feeding your dog human food—as most of us are—try to cut back on that altogether. If you don’t notice a difference in your dog’s weight, switching to a name brand kibble specifically designed for overweight dogs may be the right solution.
If you have any worries that your dog’s health might be in jeopardy, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. There could be underlying health issues causing a shift in your dog’s weight, or numerous other possibilities.
For more great information about caring properly for a dog, or to buy a durable set of dog stairs, please visit Help Your Pets.
New Puppy Checklist
If you’re a first time puppy owner, you’re probably starting to wonder about your new responsibilities. Now that you’re responsible for another life, it’s important that you understand what these responsibilities entail.
Your puppy’s diet is first on our list. Puppies are on their mother’s milk until they are about six to eight weeks old. This weaning age is usually when breeders allow the puppies to be taken home by their new owner. Ask your breeder what the pup is currently eating and continue to feed him that. Usually they will be eating a soft canned food mixed with puppy milk replacer. Use less and less milk until your puppy is on pure canned food. You can do the same when switching to dry food by mixing in a little soft food and then cutting back a little each day until the puppy is on dry food only. Dry food is recommended as the best type of food for dogs as it has less fat content and keeps your dog’s teeth strong and free of plaque build up. This should happen gradually over the course of about 7 – 10 days. You should never feed your dog human food (ie: table scraps) at any time during his life. A dog’s diet requires a specific balance of certain nutrients and feeding your dog table scraps will upset this balance. Also remember to keep a water bowl filled for your pup at all times.
The next item on the list is vaccinations. If your dog’s breeder hasn’t taken care of the vaccinations, then it’s up to you to see that your dog gets immunized. There are three separate shots given to cover the “core” illnesses, which are: distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. The first shot is usually given at 6 weeks of age with the other shots following in three week intervals at 9 and 12 weeks. Your veterinarian will be able to take care of the vaccinations for you, as well as recommend any non-core vaccines that they feel your dog should have. The importance of non-core vaccines differs depending on your dog’s breed and where you live. You will need to return to the vet every year of your dog’s life for an adult “booster” shot. You should be aware that social interaction with other dogs is not recommended until after your puppy has completed his round of vaccinations, with an additional 5 – 10 days for the immunization to become effective.
Our next health tip is grooming. Regardless of the breed of your puppy, all dogs require a certain amount of grooming. For instance, long-haired dogs will require much more brushing and haircuts than other breeds, but there are also some breeds, particularly the ones with long ears, that need their ears cleaned frequently to avoid infection. All dogs need to have their nails clipped every so often, but we recommend that you have this done professionally if you aren’t experienced at the job, as clipping too close to the quick in your dog’s nails causes a great deal of pain and bleeding. Do a bit of research on your puppy’s breed to get a good idea as to what your grooming responsibilities will be.
Last but not least is exercise. Puppies are energetic by nature and need an outlet. Take extra care to spend time playing with your pup and make sure he gets plenty of time outdoors (other than trips to relieve himself!). Boredom can often result in excessive chewing as well as destructive behaviour, so the more time you dedicate to wearing out your spirited companion, the happier he will be! A great exercise trick is to buy dog steps and teach your dog fun games that incorporate running up and down the stairs. Pet stairs are also handy to have around if you allow your dog on the couch or bed so he doesn’t have to jump to and from the furniture.
For more tips on raising a healthy pup, visit HelpYourPets.com.
Discover The Secret Ingredient For Potty Training A Puppy
Old newspapers are one of the staple items you need to keep in stock when potty training puppies. The stuff is absorbent enough to handle a little excrement, tough enough to prevent the solid particles from seeping to the floor, and soft enough not to damage the floor or hurt the puppy as it settles in to do its business. You get all of these benefits from recycling yesterday's news.
Old newspaper then has quite a few roles to play when it comes to the potty training a puppy. It can serve these unique roles as:
Potty-training material
It is because newspaper is inherently absorbent and tough that it does a pretty respectable job of holding and keeping excrement. You typically put the stuff under a dog's potty grill to catch the urine or feces. Once it has done that, you can toss out the soiled stuff in the garbage can at the end of the day. Another thing, you could place the newspapers on the floor in a pinch if you have to, but try to not use this method of potty training your for long. It's possible that a puppy could grow up to be a dog that will do its business on any kind of papers left on the floor, so you must be very careful if you choose to potty train a puppy using old newspaper.
Material that can be used for cleaning
The very same qualities that make it as good potty-training material also makes it excellent at cleaning up after your puppy's accidents. All you need to do is simply place the newspaper on wet spots to soak up the pee, while you can actually pick up solid fecal matter with the paper while wrapping it up in the process. One thing to remember is not to wipe away using newspaper, because this will result in you spreading the mess all over the floor. Use it to absorb moisture and pick up fecal matter, and you won't have any problems in the soapy cleanup.
Material for bedding
Another thing you could use old newspaper for is as a sleeping surface for your puppy. Being soft and insulating, newspaper makes for a very comfortable bed for your puppy. Cover the newspaper with an old sheet or cloth to protect the newspaper from claws, and you have an affordable but effective place for your beloved puppy to sleep at night. You should replace the newspapers once a month at the very least for a fresher and less smelly surface.
And one more thing about using newspaper as bedding material: make sure not to use the old newspaper for potty-training, since dogs do not like to excrete on their sleeping surfaces. If you decide to use old newspapers for potty training and bedding material for your puppy, be sure to separate one from the other and to never use them again for another purpose.
Old newspaper is indeed a very versatile item to use when potty training puppies because it can be used for cleaning material and bedding material,. Newspaper is plentiful and cheap, meaning that you do not need to spend a lot of money while training your puppy to do its business the right way. If you remember all of this, you may just save yourself some money
Looking For The Perfect Free Puppy
There are so many reasons to bring a new puppy into the home that the list could go on and on forever. The thing is though, while the decision to pick up a free puppy may be an easy one, picking just the right one is much harder. Whether it is a free yorkie puppy or a mutt that has no real idea what blood is in it, there are many reasons to pick certain dogs. The free puppy is the puppy that more and more people should concentrate on getting instead of paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for dogs. There are so many animals out there that are in need of good homes and people will pass them right up because they would rather spend money then take home a loving, well-mannered, free puppy.
The great thing about the free puppy is that these animals are normally mixed breeds, which mean your dog may be very close to being one of a kind. While you would think that being unique would be worth money, it is not. But the love and compassion that comes from the free puppy is just as good as any other puppy that you would buy from the pet store or from a breeder. Before you think about spending all of your hard earned money on a dog, you should consider taking advantage of all of the little puppies that are in need of a good and safe home.
While the pound is an excellent place to get puppies, you will have to pay a small fee. This is not a purchase price for the puppy as the puppy itself is free but they usually make you pay to make sure that the puppy is up to date on its shots and the pounds do usually require that the puppy be spayed or neutered. So while there would be a little bit of out of pocket money for picking up a puppy from the pound, it is better to get one of those then the regular free puppy because those are facing their death.
If you really want to get a free puppy that absolutely is not going to cost you anything upfront, then you need to start searching through your local paper as there are always a free puppy or two in there that people are wanting to find good and decent homes for. The free puppy can also be found by searching online classified ads under the pet or animal sections. When it comes down to it, the free puppy is something easy to find and easy to fall in love with.
For more about puppies please visit www.puppycareblog.com