Puppies

Most puppies go to their homes at 8 weeks.  Some smaller breeds are kept by their breeders for up to 12 weeks.  Generally puppies are to busy playing with the other puppies to be interested in toys until about 6-8 weeks.  He or she may have been introduced to toys by the time you take them home, but this is the perfect opportunity to get them a toy.  It's either that or get ready for lots of furniture chewing.

Translation - it's important to make sure that the toys you pick can't be swallowed or break into small pieces.  Puppies enjoy pulling things, squeaky things, shaking things and just about anything they can carry around in their mouth.  Tennis balls are also a must for some breeds.  Certain hunting dogs also really like stuffed animals.  You do need to be careful, because they don't just like to play with them, they rip them to shreds.  We've come home on several occasions to a Christmas like appearance to our ho…

Are your clients really ready to bring a little furry friend home? Sure it sounds all wonderful in theory, but before you run out and take home the first puppy who melts your heart, there are some things you'll need to consider carefully.  Try to help help your clients see that they are making a life changing choice for them as well as the puppy.  Let's take a look.

Do They Have Time?

Puppies need time, and lots of it. If the family is constantly rushing to get everything done, they may want to seriously reconsider the idea of taking home a puppy. A puppy is a new creature to this world. They need time and attention to learn how to properly live in it. Puppy is going to need their family's help learning how to potty train, how to behave properly around other pets and people, as well as lots of  attention for playtime. Does your client have that time to give a deserving puppy?

Is The Family in Agreement?

This new family member is goi…

New puppies are great fun. They're cute and cuddly, they're playful and friendly. There are few who can resist the charms of a cute little puppy. This new family member is so loveable, in fact, that you can almost forget one of the biggest challenges you'll face when that cute little puppy comes home - house training.

Puppy house training, also known as housebreaking your puppy, is rarely easy. In fact, it can be downright frustrating and upsetting at times. There are ways to make sure you get through the process successfully. Let's start with these tips to get you, and puppy, off on the right foot, or paw:

Know Your Puppy's Potty Dance

You'll want to catch your puppy in the act when possible, so you can teach puppy the right way to go potty. Start watching your puppy for signs of a 'potty dance.' These signs often come right after eating or drinking, and very often after a good bit of playful activity. In other words, after you feed your puppy, watch…

Dogs are den-dwelling animals. With that being the case, you can understand why a dog would find comfort and safety in a crate or small kennel.  Crate training your puppy is a win for everyone.  Once they start calling their crate as home, many times they will go in it even when they don't have too.  Puppies and dogs enjoy having a place to themselves where they know nothing can get at them, or is expected of them. Let's take a look at the following information to find out why you would want to consider crate training your puppy, and how you would proceed.

What is Crate Training?

Crate training is the process of getting a puppy comfortable with staying in a crate as a means of security and a safe retreat. That's why crate training is not cruel, but is quite the opposite, providing comfort and safety. Crate training may also be used to potty train a small puppy.

Some experts say that crate training is the basis for all further training. …

So you've decided to bring a new puppy into your family. Congratulations! Now that the celebration is out of the way... do you really know what you are getting into? Are you prepared for the lack of sleep, the constant attention, the misunderstandings, the persistent chewing, the messes on the floor, and all that goes with having a new little out-of-control furry creature in your life?

Don't worry! It's not all bad.

Actually it's all very good, and puppy parenting can be extremely rewarding. However, it can also be mentally and physically draining if you don't take time for yourself while raising a puppy. Here are a few tips on how to get your breaks and keep your sanity.

Routine

Life might seem chaotic right now with your new puppy going a mile a minute, around and around in circles, up and over in a whirlwind of activity. In reality, your puppy really wants and needs routine. In many ways, puppies are like children. Children need rules and…

Did you adopt Lassie or the Tasmanian Devil? While a new puppy is cute and cuddly, things can go crazy fast! Before you know it, you can have a mini-tornado on your hands; a whirling dervish of chewing and biting and furniture stuffing flying and shoes left in tatters.  For new pet owners, stopping puppies from chewing things can be a challenge.

Puppies love to bite and chew whatever they can find. It's no wonder, since from birth it's a major part of their lifestyle and communication. A new puppy will play around biting other puppies and their parents all day long. It's how they have fun, it's how they learn what's what, and it's how they learn their limits. It's not surprising, then, that your little puppy wants to chew on your things, and you, too.

There are a number of things you can do stop puppies from chewing and to encourage them to curb this behavior without deterring the puppy's playful nature, or the need to chew. When your puppy is tryin…

Bringing a new puppy home is a fun time for all. Lots of excitement for both your puppy and your family.  The kids are going to be thrilled to have such a fun, furry friend and the parents are excited to have a playmate for the family. Then reality hits. Soon, it becomes clear that puppies and kids don't always mix.

Don't stress. You can help the kids and the new puppy become friends, but first you must learn how the pack relates. Yes, there is a 'pack' now in your family.

The Leader

In most cases, one parent will become the dominant 'leader' of the pack according to your puppy. You will be seen as the boss and the puppy will look to you for commands. You will use this to your advantage during training and positioning the pack.

The Siblings

As for the kids, to your puppy they are equals.  Your puppy may feel they have some control over their 'equals.' This means the puppy will most likely treat them like he or she would other pu…

You have welcomed your new puppy home. Your new fuzzy family member is a little confused, a lot excited, and not one bit obedient. Of course, that's to be expected. Your puppy will be spending a lot of time doing whatever comes natural, including going potty, chewing, digging, jumping, running, biting, and barking.

How do you help your puppy become a well-adjusted member of the family? With training, of course. There are many tools available today to help you train your puppy. The following are some of the most common training tools for puppies.

Treats

A well-known favorite in puppy training is puppy treats. Have treats handy at all times in order to get your puppy to respond quickly to commands. Puppies love treats and most respond very well when they know they'll receive one as a reward for doing as you ask. Be sure to give treats that are appropriate for a puppy.  Large bones or treats are too much.  Treats are good positive reinforcement…

Years ago, obedience school used to be for the pedigree class of dogs only. Now, with the popularity of training classes at large pet supply stores, every dog can have his day.  These classes have brought the obedience school way of thinking to the forefront for dog owners at every level.  Here is an overview of what obedience, or training, school for your puppy can mean for you, and your puppy:

What is Obedience School

Obedience school is a place that pet owners take their puppies to teach them how to behave properly. Some schools will enroll the puppy and train them, while other schools enroll both the puppy and the pet owner in order to teach both how to properly behave.

Where do you find Obedience Schools

If you are interested in obedience school, you're going to want to know where you can find a good, reputable school to enroll your beloved furry friend.  Here are a few suggestions:

 Veterinarian's Office – Ask your…