Featured Article On Puppy Care

The Basics Of Puppy Care

Getting a new puppy can be a great addition to the family. They are cute and cuddly and everybody loves them. Before bringing that new little furry bundle home, it is important to remember that they are only babies and will require a lot of puppy care.

In many ways puppies are just like babies. They are dependent on you for their existence. They need your help to feed them and teach them the things they need to know since they are the newest member of the family. They love attention so you should be prepared to give them lots of it. You will be rewarded, usually with a clean face.

Feeding your puppy is very important part of puppy care since he is developing bones and muscle as he grows. Feed your puppy food that is formulated for puppies and not adults. Remember that you can’t depend on your puppy to quit eating when he is full. Some will but others will eat until they get sick. Growing puppies should probably eat twice a day but do not let them “graze” all day.

A very important part of puppy care to you is the house breaking. This requires patience, and usually lots of it. Many puppies will need to go just after they eat so this is a good time to take them out. At other times they will give you some kind of sign, sometimes they sniff around, sometimes they turn around and around before they find their spot. Watching for their sign can tell you when you need to hit the door running with them in tow. They will eventually get the message but not until they have had a few accidents. The key is to not give up and don’t get mad at the puppy.

Puppy Care and Puppy Safety

Puppies and children are usually great together but it is never wise to leave small children and puppies together unsupervised. Puppies could get hurt and children could get bit. It is also very important that your new puppy gets all of his shots. Shots are a necessary part of puppy care and will help keep you both healthy. Along with shots comes the check for worms, which is something most puppies get but fortunately it is easily treated.

As your new puppy grows you will need to discuss with your vet the best option for flea protection and also heart worm protection. Heart worms are deadly and treatment is expensive and dangerous for the dog.

Puppies grow up to be dogs and many times the care they received as a puppy will determine the temperament they have when they are adults.

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May 31, 2007

Housebreaking Your New Puppy

Check This! However, it should be noted that the experts do not recommend every doctor start vaccinating pets every 3 years.

So you’re the proud owner of a brand new puppy. Now the fun begins and you have many years of companionship ahead of you. Unfortunately you are also the not so proud owner of soggy carpets and wet floors - right? Obviously you must quickly start house training your dog before your floors are completely ruined. Well how do you stop it? It’s now time to properly housebreak that new puppy.

Housebreaking your dog may sound painful, and time consuming, but relax it’s really not that difficult. All dogs’ have a natural tendency to want to keep their living area clean. So firmly establishing, in your pets mind, that this is his home will help solve the problem all by itself. Normally this takes time but there are several ways you can “speed up” this process.

Check This! However, it should be noted that the experts do not recommend every doctor start vaccinating pets every 3 years.

First you want to be sure your pet is healthy to start with or your training may be all for naught. If you have not taken your pet to the vet already, make an appointment immediately to get them checked over. Your vet will check for overall healthiness and for any conditions that might make potty training difficult - such as cystitis and kidney or bladder problems. While your pet is visiting the veterinarian, ask the Doctor to check for worms and parasites by way of a fecal exam. Normally the vet will do this anyway but it is always best to ask - just to be sure!

Please bear in mind the truthfulness behind moms’ wisdom — “You are what you eat.” A poor quality dog food or snacks from your plate will contribute to a poor nutritional state with your pet. In addition, it can cause even digestive problems resulting in loose stools. This will just contribute to your puppy’s inability to control him/her self.

Check This! Though there are multiple ailments and diseases, I will attempt to briefly list and discuss only a few of the more common ones in this puppy article. As always, puppy vaccinations are the best preventive method.

The number one factor in housebreaking your pet is very close supervision. Dogs, and puppies, learn by repetition so this is absolutely necessary. When your dog shows signs of needing to relieve him/her self immediate action must be taken to get the animal to its designated “bathroom” area. Above all else consistency in this training is absolutely critical. Just because it’s cold or dark outside is no excuse and is totally unacceptable as your pet doesn’t care — all it knows is it has GOT to go! This close supervision, during housebreaking, is necessary as it gives you the opportunity to learn your dog’s special quirks.

Check This! Some dogs need vaccines every 3 years, some pets may need vaccines every 5 years, and still others may never need another vaccination.

These may be the need to urinate, or potty, right after eating, or it could simply be certain actions your puppy takes just prior to soiling the floor. Without this close supervision you will miss these actions and not understand how to respond in the future. But more importantly, it allows you to correct a situation while it is still fresh in the dogs mind. Even though dogs are very intelligent creatures their short term memory is not a strong point and correcting them after several minutes have passed serves no real purpose except to confuse your pet.

Another key to housebreaking is to give your dog a limited amount of space. Using baby gates across doorways or a pet crate will help confine the dog to a certain area while helping the new puppy to recognize this as his living space. The natural tendency of dogs is to go outside of their living space to urinate. By making this association for your pet it will make your job a lot easier. Lining this living space with old news papers is an excellent idea, especially at first, as it facilitates a much easier cleanup if any accidents occur. Common sense should tell you that some surfaces are more pet-friendly than others so try to confine your new pet to areas with tile or vinyl floors. These are much easier to clean and they do not retain odors like carpets do. If at all possible avoid letting them have access to any carpet or hardwood floors as they will retain odors and can be extensively damaged by an errant pup. This was the mistake we made with our first puppy and he ruined on area of our hardwood floor.

Check This! Many vaccines last longer than 12 months (most vaccines are labeled to be administered every 12 months.) As a result, it just doesn’t make sense to vaccinate most pets every year with all of the “recommended” vaccines

Always remember to limit the amount of water your dog has access to at the end of the day otherwise you’ll be making a walk with your pet during the middle of the night. It is strongly advisable to take a quick walk outside at regularly timed intervals during training so it helps your pet to set their own internal schedule. Be certain to use a consistent keyword to tell your pet why you are out in the yard such as “potty” or “toilet” or anything of your choosing. Do NOT return indoors until they have relieved themselves. Always remember to give lots of praise when your dog relieves itself in the appropriate places such as on newspapers or outdoors and be consistent in your training as this is the key to success. This heaping on of praise, at the appropriate times, is the basis for all dog trainins success.

Check This! There are many diseases that the new puppy may come in contact with and it is these puppy vaccinations that help build resistance to the viral attacks.

If your pet does have an accident indoors you must immediately correct the animal. Then clean the area using some non-ammonia based cleaner and an Enzyme based deodorizer. If you do not thoroughly clean, and deodorize, the area removing all odors the animal will repeat the behavior again - in the now marked area!

By following these simple rules your floors and your new pet will be able to coexist peacefully. In addition, you and your pet will get through this with relatively little stress while building a good bond between you. It will also help set the tone for additional dog training with your pet!

All about the poodle breeds and dog care in general. No sales hype just facts and information you can use to help with dog training, proper dog nutrition, dog clothing and dog jewelry. Michael A. Domeck is a trainer and a mentor working with students from all walks of life. Visit: http://www.poodle-lovers.com to learn more.

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May 30, 2007

Choosing a New Puppy

Check This! Though there are multiple ailments and diseases, I will attempt to briefly list and discuss only a few of the more common ones in this puppy article. As always, puppy vaccinations are the best preventive method.

When expecting a new puppy addition to the family you want nothing but the best. You check out the best day-care facilities, kindergarten and schooling.

So, why should it be any different when the new addition is a puppy? Hey, if it’s good enough for stars like Brittany and Paris, who are we to question this new trend in spoiling our pets.

Before buying your new puppy it is advisable to do some research and find out all you can about on the background, general behavior and sociability of the breed you have chosen. If you have young children, would a puppy be suitable? Stop and consider the future. When the puppy grows into a dog, will it still be as much fun? Will it outgrow your home?

Check This! However, it should be noted that the experts do not recommend every doctor start vaccinating pets every 3 years.

It’s all too easy to overlook the fact that what is now a cute little puppy will grow into a dog that without proper training may become unruly and dangerous. Remember all dogs are born wild and need training. Once they know who is the leader… you and not them… they will settle into their new life quite happily.

When you bring your puppy home make sure their first night away from mom isn’t to stressful. Give your puppy a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in. A fleece blanket would be a good idea and maybe a small teddy bear or other type of soft toy to cuddle up too. This will help relax your puppy and stop it feeling alone.

Check This! Some dogs need vaccines every 3 years, some pets may need vaccines every 5 years, and still others may never need another vaccination.

The first 12-16 weeks of a puppy’s life are all important. This is the time of intense learning and getting the training right now, will reward you with a well-trained obedient dog.

One thing to remember is it won’t happen in a day. Done with regularity, persistence and a lot of patience over the coming weeks, you and your dog will soon have a great understanding and be the best of friends for many years to come.

Give your puppy time to settle into his new home (and have the necessary injections) then why not arrange a party. Everyone enjoys a party and what better way to introduce your puppy to other dogs and people. Invite your friends, and their dogs, to come and say “Hello”.

Now, lets get round to organizing the Puppy Shower. This isn’t as complicated as it may seem. Dogs are natural party animals and will certainly enjoy the day. The party is more to get the puppy used to other dogs and people so it’s no great shake to organize. Maybe decorate the party room with blue or pink balloons and streamers. Put up a “birthday” banner with pictures of your puppy on it. This will get the puppy used to strange things being around.

Check This! Many vaccines last longer than 12 months (most vaccines are labeled to be administered every 12 months.) As a result, it just doesn’t make sense to vaccinate most pets every year with all of the “recommended” vaccines

Make sure there are enough soft toys around for the doggie guest to play with, as this is a great way to teach your new puppy about sharing things. Some of the bigger doggie guests may be a bit to boisterous for the puppy, so watch carefully but don’t take him away from the fun, as he must learn to interact with others. They have to learn not be afraid or intimidated by other dogs.

Look after your new puppy well and you will have the best friend anyone could ever wish for.

Check This! However, it should be noted that the experts do not recommend every doctor start vaccinating pets every 3 years.

Shirley Purdy is the creator of a popular dog birthday party website. Find a wealth of dog party themes, recipes, games, treats and our party planner at http://www.dog-birthday-parties.com

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