Puppy Tips, Care, and more - Page 4 of 4

Adopting from the humane society vs puppies from breeders

Adopting a dog from a humane society vs breeders

Adopting a dog from a humane society or rescue organization is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. These organizations often take in dogs that have been abandoned, surrendered, or rescued from abusive or neglectful situations.

Many of these dogs have been through a lot and may have some behavioural or medical issues, but with patience, love, and proper training, they can make loyal and loving pets.

Photo by Katie Bernotsky

The Benefits

Saving a dogs lifeOne of the main benefits of adopting a dog from a humane society or rescue organization is that you are saving a life. Many of these dogs would not have a chance at finding a forever home without the help of these organizations. Additionally, adopting a dog can be less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder.

Medical historyAnother benefit of adopting a dog is that many humane societies and re…

Purebred or Mix Breed Puppy?

Purebred or Mix Breed

When it comes to choosing a new dog, one of the biggest decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with a purebred or a mixed breed. Both have their own unique set of pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your lifestyle and preferences.

Purebred dogs are those that are bred from a specific set of parents that share the same breed characteristics. This means that you'll know exactly what to expect in terms of size, temperament, and exercise needs. Purebreds also tend to have a more consistent appearance, so you'll know what your dog will look like as an adult.

On the other hand, mixed breed dogs, also known as designer breeds, are a combination of two or more different breeds. This means that their appearance and temperament can be more varied. Mixed breeds often have a more unique look and can have a mix of characteristics from their parent breeds. They also tend to have a lower risk of genetic health issues that…

Dog Grooming Basics

Steps to groom your dog Brush your dog's coat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use a brush that is appropriate for your dog's coat type. Bathe your dog as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. Trim your dog's nails with a proper dog nail clipper. If you're unsure how to do this, seek the help of a professional groomer or veterinarian. Clean your dog's ears, removing any wax or debris. Be careful not to go too deep into the ear canal. Brush your dog's teeth regularly to prevent dental problems. You can use a finger toothbrush or a dog-specific toothbrush with toothpaste. Check your dog's eyes, cleaning any discharge with a damp cloth. Check your dog's skin for any signs of rashes, hot spots or any other abnormalities. Lastly, show your dog that grooming is a positive experience, reward with treats and praise during and after grooming.

Note: Grooming is also a…

Health and Nutrition recommendations for your new puppy

Congratulations on your new puppy!

As a new pet parent, you may be wondering what steps you can take to ensure your furry friend is healthy and happy. In this article, we'll go over some essential tips for keeping your new puppy in tip-top shape through proper nutrition and exercise.

Photo by Nick Mundackal

The right food

First and foremost, it's important to choose the right food for your puppy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so be sure to select a food specifically formulated for their age and size. Look for a food that is high in protein, as this is essential for muscle growth and development. Also, make sure the food is age appropriate, and you should also check if it is a grain-free diet.

When it comes to feeding, it's important to stick to a consistent schedule. Puppies should be fed three small meals per day, rather than one or two large meals. This will help prevent …

Preparing for your New Puppy

Congrats on your new best friend! Here are the steps for preparing for your new puppy: Set up a designated space for your puppy. This could be a crate or a designated room that will be just for your puppy. Purchase the necessary supplies, such as a collar and leash, food and water bowls, a bed, and toys. Research and choose a high-quality puppy food, and have it ready for when your puppy arrives. Research and choose a veterinarian and schedule a visit for your puppy's first check-up. Research and choose a training and socialization classes. Puppy classes are a great way to socialize your puppy and learn how to train them properly. Get your house ready by puppy-proofing it, removing any items that could be dangerous or harmful to your puppy. Begin to establish a schedule for your puppy, including feeding, potty breaks, playtime and rest time. Finally, be prepared to devote a lot of time and patience to your new puppy, as they will need consistent training, soc…

Selecting the right food for your puppy

When selecting dog food for your new puppy, there are several things to consider

Age and breedPuppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and large breed puppies have different needs than small breed puppies. Look for a food specifically formulated for puppies and the appropriate size.

IngredientsChoose a food that lists a high-quality protein source, such as chicken or fish, as the first ingredient. Avoid foods with fillers, such as corn or wheat, as well as any artificial preservatives or colors.

Nutritional valuePuppies need a diet high in protein, fat, and other essential nutrients to support their growth and development. Look for foods that meet the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for growth and reproduction.

Brand reputationResearch different brands and read reviews from other pet owners to get an idea of the quality of the food. Look for brands that have a good reputation for qualit…

Choosing the best puppy for you

Choosing your puppy

There are several factors to consider when choosing a puppy. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:

Consider your lifestyle and living situationMake sure you choose a breed that is well-suited to your lifestyle and living situation. For example, if you live in an apartment, you might want to choose a smaller breed that doesn’t require as much exercise.

Research the breedLearn as much as you can about the breed you are interested in to understand their characteristics, needs, and potential health issues. This will help you choose a puppy that is right for you.

Meet the puppy and the parentsIf possible, try to meet the puppy and the parents before making a decision. This will give you a good idea of the puppy’s temperament and potential size as an adult.

Visit the breederIf you are getting the puppy from a breeder, make sure to visit their facilities and meet the puppy’s parents. This will help you ensur…

House training a puppy

Basic steps for house training a puppy Establish a regular feeding schedule and take away food between meals. Take your puppy outside frequently, particularly after meals and naps, and after playing. Use a specific command, such as "go potty," to signal to your puppy that it's time to do its business. Praise your puppy when it goes potty outside. If you catch your puppy in the act of going potty inside, interrupt it with a loud noise and immediately take it outside. Clean up any accidents with an enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell, as dogs may be attracted to the scent and repeat the behavior. Be patient and consistent, as house training can take time and accidents will happen.

Note: It's important to remember that puppies have small bladders and will need to go potty frequently, especially when they are young. It's better to take them out more often than less often to avoid accidents.

Photo by Leoh…

Why you should own a dog

Why own a dog

Dogs have been called "man's best friend" for a reason. They are loyal, loving, and make great companions. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider owning a dog:

Dogs are great for your mental and physical healthOwning a dog can decrease stress, anxiety, and depression. It also encourages you to be active by providing a reason to go for walks, runs, or play outside.

Dogs are great for childrenChildren who grow up with dogs tend to have better social skills and are more empathetic. They also learn responsibility by helping to take care of their furry friend.

Dogs provide a sense of securityA dog's bark can deter burglars and they can also alert you to potential dangers.

Dogs are great for people who live aloneThey provide companionship and can help you feel less lonely.

Dogs can be trained to do many useful things Such as assisting those with disabilities, helping people with mental health issues, providi…

Socializing your new puppy

Steps of socializing your puppy: Start with basic obedience training. Teach your puppy commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." This will establish you as the leader and help your puppy understand what you expect from them. Expose your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments. This will help them become more confident and well-adjusted in different situations. Take your puppy to puppy socialization classes. These classes are designed specifically to help puppies learn how to interact with other dogs and people in a controlled setting. Introduce your puppy to different types of people, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This will help them learn to be comfortable around all types of people. Take your puppy on regular walks in different neighborhoods and areas. This will expose them to new sights, sounds, and smells, and help them learn to navigate different environments. Invite friends and family to visit and interact with…