Spending time with your dog is the key to a good relationship. The more time you spend in each other’s company, the more you bond and bonding is a mainstay in an
ongoing positive relationship with your dog.

The time you spend with your furry canine friend doesn’t have to be all business. In addition to feeding and grooming, games provide a great way for you to interact with your dog in a manner that he or she will appreciate.

Consider playing a few simple games with your dog. It takes only a few minutes to give your pet some well-deserved attention.

Fetch is a simple game that doesn’t require a lot of effort to play. It takes only a ball or stick to play and it is a game that can be played almost anywhere. The idea is that you throw the ball and the dog goes and gets it and then returns it to you.

Although most dogs love a good game of fetch, it sometimes does take a little training to get your dog to play fairly. He or she should not dictate when the game is played. You, the alpha personality in the duo, must be the one to decide when and where the game is played.

Don’t let the dog train you to play fetch. You need to take charge and show him or her who is boss.

One should note that it is important to choose a ball that is the appropriate size for your dog. A ball that is too small can easily be swallowed, creating a choking hazard.

Doggie basketball is another easy game that you can play with your dog. Why not try teaching your furry friend to play the game with you? Start by placing a container such as a laundry basket or large bucket. Weight it down so that the container is not easily tipped over. Take your dog to the basket or bucket and say the word “drop” as you send the ball into it. Next, try giving the ball to the dog and work at convincing him or her to dunk the ball into the bucket when you give the “drop” command. Be sure to praise the dog as soon as he or she scores a dunk. Follow up with a treat and you’ll soon have Rover playing basketball.

A Frisbee or canvas flying disc is a great tool for play. Throw the toy and allow your dog to run and fetch it. Agile dogs can learn to jump high into the air to snag a flying disc. This game is a great form of exercise and it is one that you can play anywhere that your dog has a little room in which to run.

Swimming is another good activity for both you and your dog. Once you are sure your dog can swim, you can spend hours throwing sticks for the pet to fetch. In addition, you can teach your dog to swim by your side without fear of being clawed.

A hula hoop is a good dog toy. Hold it upright and encourage your dog to go through the hoop. Once he or she catches on to the idea, you can raise the hoop further and further off of the ground so that Rover is inclined to get a good workout as he jumps through the hoop.

When playing with your dog, it is important to make sure that he or she does not overdo it. The idea is to have fun. You don’t want to fatigue the dog and have him or her suffer an injury.

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When you get your first bout of spring fever, it is time to think about getting your dog ready for the nice weather ahead.

Chances are good that Rover may have put on a few pounds over the long, harsh winter months and now you are faced with helping him lose the excess weight. Don’t fret. Fresh air and outdoor exercise will have him fit and trim in no time.

If Rover gained more than just a pound or two, you may need to consult with his veterinarian for a safe weight loss regimen. You can also reduce the number of treats you offer and provide healthy snack alternatives such as raw carrots or cooked green beans.

Spring is a good time to have your dog tested for heartworm, which is spread by mosquitoes. Schedule a blood test with the veterinarian and stock up on heartworm preventative medicine. Never introduce heartworm medicine if you are not sure that the dog is free of heartworms. The medicine can have serious effects on a dog that is already infected.

Warmer weather means more frequent brushing so that you can be sure your dog is not infested with fleas and ticks. The warmer spring weather causes a dog to shed a lot of hair. Frequent grooming is necessary in order to avoid matting.

Take a look around your yard and make sure that any winter hazards such as ice melt are put away. Once you are sure things are safe, allow your dog to run, romp and play in your yard.

Those who have their yards chemically treated must use caution when allowing their dog to run around on the grass. Do not allow your dog on freshly treated grass because many of the chemicals are especially toxic while still wet from the application. Be sure to follow all chemical guidelines so that your pet is not exposed to an excessive amount of harmful toxins. It does not hurt to wash your dog’s feet after he or she has spent time playing on grass, especially in parks and areas that you do not control.

Take great care to insure that your dog is safe when left outdoors. A fenced-in yard is ideal and can serve well as Rover’s personal playground. Remember, a dog that has been inside for the winter is going to be excited when the weather turns warm. Don’t let his or her excitement be a reason to bolt through a break in the fence to run from your yard into the path of an oncoming car or truck.

It is a good idea to check the dog’s collar and leash for wear and tear and the proper fit. The weight gained over the winter may be just enough to cause the collar to fit too tightly. Be sure to get a replacement if needed.

In addition, check to make sure you have a name tag with the appropriate emergency contact information attached to the collar.

Once you’ve accomplished these few simple steps, open the door so Rover can go out and play.

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When you change your life and bring a sweet little puppy into the mix, you must prepare yourself for some interesting behaviours from your beloved pooch…one of the most common and exasperating aspects of your pup’s personality may be the tendency to exhibit possessiveness over objects and food items.

Possessiveness (also known as protectiveness) is usually characterized by aggressive behaviour related to protecting foods bowls and special puppy toys, and it may include nipping, biting, growling and menacing stares…but why do puppies get so possessive, and what can you do about it?

Well, the answer is pretty simple, young dogs operate as creatures of instinct, and they want to ensure that no one else has access to their all-important foods and chew toys; in some cases, puppies may also be testing their owners, to see just how far they can go with their actions.

While puppy possessiveness may not seem too serious to you (you may assume your little pup will “grow out of it”), it’s actually very important to take action in just the right way when the first signs of possessiveness start to appear…by training your little canine pal properly, you can greatly minimize the presence of potentially-dangerous possessiveness and aggression…

Here is what you need to know about dealing with your puppy’s protective behaviour:

Nip It in The Bud – You must handle incidences of puppy aggression in exactly the right way; for example, it’s very important to train your puppy properly as soon as the first signs of possessiveness begin to appear. The best way to handle protectiveness in puppies is to recognize that your young dog is a cousin of the wild wolf, and that he or she will occasionally demonstrate primal behaviour to protect what is his or hers!

Possessiveness is also known as “guarding”, and it’s not necessarily a sign that your dog is displaying classic “dominance” behaviour. To nip passiveness in the bud, don’t let your puppy get away with any protective behaviour; instead of putting up with possessiveness that may lead to painful bites and nips, show your little dog who is boss by using a clever little trick that helps to relax your puppy and make him or her view human behaviour differently.

For example, if your puppy is guarding a beloved bone, bring your young dog another treat or toy while he or she is possessively clinging to his or her chew toy; make your little canine realize that protectiveness is not really necessary. Giving frequent rewards of new items while Fido is guarding old items will make it easier for your pup to let go of possessiveness that may eventually turn into real aggression.

By changing the way your pup thinks about humans and what they will do, you will likely ease puppy protectiveness, and you will be doing it in a kind way that doesn’t hurt or disturb your pet. Stock up on inexpensive toys and healthy puppy treats, and then use them to train your puppy to ease up on his or her own animal instincts. This strategy really works, and it’s such a good way to deal with puppy possessiveness. Before you know it, you’ll probably notice a pronounced lessening of aggression and protectiveness.

Stop Snapping and Biting By Doing a Little Acting – Your puppy is still growing and learning, and he or she definitely needs to hear loud verbal cues when he or she misbehaves; if you’re sick of snapping and nipping (or painful bites), do a little acting and loudly demonstrate your “pain” when you get nipped. Your puppy will soon realize that he or she is causing you real physical distress. Without loud sounds that demonstrate your distressed state of being, your pup may not really make the mental connection that she or she needs to learn that nipping, snaps and biting are bad.

So, get dramatic and use your thespian skills to help your little puppy pal differentiate right from wrong. Making strong, pained noises (rather than speaking) will help you to relate to your pet on his or her own level; it’s also a great way to train your animal friend without hurting or confusing him or her.

As you can see, there are some excellent, and kind, ways to eradicate possessive behaviour in your adored little puppy; while these strategies may not work for every young dog in every household, they will be successful quite often with a wide variety of different puppy breeds. It’s important to show your pet love, care and attention while you train him or her; never hurt your animal with physical punishment, such as kicks, swats or prolonged banishment. Your little puppy is a sensitive creature that is simply learning the ropes of living among human beings; with the right training, it will be possible to reduce or stop puppy possessiveness without scaring or hurting your growing puppy.

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Puppy hot spots are sore, reddened and sensitive areas on your puppy’s coat; typically, these annoying (and worry-inducing) hot spots will really irritate your little pet, who must cope with the pain of these localized, infected open wounds on a daily basis.

Hot spots are often caused by scrapes and abrasions; the skin may be opened by accident, and then it becomes a prime target for parasites, insects and other infecting creatures. Fleas and mites are common triggers for puppy hot spots, and so are allergies to various foods, substances, and scents.

In certain cases, a puppy that is desperate for some sort of new activity may actually cause his or her own hot spot, just to break the monotony of everyday life. Of course, the pain and suffering that hot spots trigger (these moist wounds are terribly sensitive!) cause plenty of suffering for pups – even when they are self-inflicted.

Without the right treatment, infection may grow worse over time, and your little canine pal may become obsessed with scratching and licking his own hot spot(s). For loving pet owners, watching puppies go through the rigors of dealing with these painful hot spots can be torture; luckily, there are many great ways to promote speed healing of puppy hot spots.

Now that you know why hot spots happen, you probably also want to know what you should do to make them go away. Of course, going to see your puppy’s veterinarian is always a wise strategy. Vets know exactly which sprays, medications and ointments are needed to clear up these annoying and disturbing open wounds. A vet may shave the area around your puppy’s hot spot before he or she begins to apply treatments; usually, the goal is to clean the open sore thoroughly with antiseptics and drying sprays.

After proper disinfecting of the wound, it’s time for a vet to prescribe some oral antibiotics for your little puppy buddy. You must give your pup every dose of his or her prescription to make certain that all germs are eradicated. You may also need to apply drying sprays at home to continue treatment.

If you really can’t afford another expensive trip to the veterinarian right now, it may be time to consider some inexpensive home remedies for your puppy’s irritated, sore and tender hot spots! If you’re taking matters into your hands, rest assured that you can make a difference simply by giving your puppy lots of love and affection while you clean and care for his or her sores. The best way to start is by using an electric razor or disposable razor (be very careful not to cut your young dog, or to slice into the hot spot) to shave around the infected area.

Now, it will be time to clean the wound properly; at home, the best cleansers include clean washcloths soaked in cool, pure water. One benefit of this home remedy is the way it soothes your little pet’s pain. After a cool water compress, consider adding a second step by putting a black tea or green tea bag (dampen it in hot water first to release its healing properties) on the hot spot. This type of tea compress will draw out impurities and kill bacteria; it will have a cooling, healing effect on your puppy’s wound.

Of course, not every home remedy or vet treatment is going to work perfectly; if the infection is still there, and it’s not going away, you’ll need to visit the vet again. Doing too many ineffective home remedies is not good for your puppy, as they may simply annoy him or her and can even cause more discomfort.

A vet is the best person to advise you on issues related to chronic hot spots that bother your sweet little puppy and also drive you crazy. In time, there is no doubt that you will be able to resolve this common puppy health care issue.

Taking proper care of your puppy before hot spots happen is also a wise and caring preventative measure that may keep your dog from developing nasty and irritating hot spots; for example, giving your pup proper treatment for fleas, mites, and other pests is very important.

If your dog is starting his or her own hot spots due to lack of stimulation, provide your young animal with more exercise, playtime, and socialization. Puppies really need to feel energized and alive through constant cuddling, roughhousing with owners, and playing fetch; when a puppy is forced into a more sedentary or lonely lifestyle, he or she may become a little depressed (or anxious) and then begin the vicious cycle of creating (and then picking at) boredom-relieving hot spots.

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Puppies are subject to feelings of jealousy, just the way human beings are. Often, young dogs give in to the “green-eyed” monster when a new pet or baby is introduced into their lives.

Other common triggers for puppy jealousy include any romantic partners (or BFFs) of beloved owners. In fact, any person or animal that takes an owner’s attention away from his or her young dog may inspire painful puppy emotions that cause a loyal pet to act out.

If you suspect your puppy may be feeling the pinch of jealousy, but you aren’t quite sure if you’re analyzing the situation accurately, there are some important signals to watch for. To help you spot the symptoms of jealousy in puppies, we’ve compiled a helpful quick guide that also includes some tips on dealing with the jealous emotions (and any related negative behaviour) of your loyal canine buddy. Here are some things to keep an eye out for:

Owner Guarding Behaviour – When your puppy spends lots of time interfering with your closeness with another person, he or she may be exhibiting “owner guarding behaviour”. This interference may be accompanied by nipping, growling, biting, or other protective actions.

Owner guarding behaviour is the most common form of puppy jealousy. For example, if you’re hugging a partner or friend, and Fido gets in the middle and tries to “break up” the huddle, he’s probably threatened by your closeness with another person.

While most instances of owner guarding behaviour are quite harmless, there is always the possibility that this type of acting out may turn aggressive or violent. If your young dog is growling, nipping or biting others to keep them away from you, it’s obviously vital to get immediate help from a professional dog trainer or other canine expert. The best way to deal with non-violent owner guarding behaviour is to perceive it as “bad”, rather than praising your puppy for “protecting” you. In other words, it’s really not wise to encourage owner guarding behaviour in any way, as it may snowball into something that you can’t easily control.

Nip this sort of puppy jealousy in the bud by recognizing the symptoms and signals, and then training your young dog to stop coming between you and other people. Verbal disapproval is the ideal way to deliver this message as opposed to physical punishment (hurting a puppy will only make it more disturbed). The earlier you start with puppy training, the better; be kind, yet firm, as you let your canine pal know that owner guarding behaviour is not permitted in the home or out of doors.

More Coping Strategies – Now that you know how puppies react when they are jealous, it’s time to consider some other “coping strategies” for breaking the “puppy jealousy” habit. If your pup is showing signs of guarding behavior around a partner or close friend, it may help to talk to your partner or friend about your dog’s problem. Sometimes, getting a boyfriend, girlfriend or close friend to play with your pup (and to give your dog an occasional treat) can work wonders.

If your partner or friend is willing to help you out, he or she may be able to win your pet’s trust over time, this person may even become yet another wonderful person that your puppy really cares about. Of course, it will take time to convert a puppy’s initial jealousy feelings into warm, loyal and friendly emotions. Patience is the key to success when trying to gain a young dog’s trust.

Protect Newborns and Small Children – If a baby or small child is inspiring the symptoms of puppy jealousy, you must be very careful. Helpless infants must never be left alone with puppies who exhibit guarding behaviour or aggression. In fact, as a rule of thumb, newborns should never be left alone with dogs at all.

To be on the safe side, hire an animal behaviour expert to train your puppy correctly. You must always protect a baby or toddler from a potentially aggressive pet; while the odds of anything bad happening are slim, the possibility of a newborn or small child being hurt by a jealous puppy is always there.

When you’re all together in the same room, try to include your jealous puppy in a little playtime as you interact with your baby or toddler; for example, play a casual game of indoor “fetch” while you also spend time with your little one. This method of giving attention to both “babies” in your family will likely ease any signs of puppy jealousy, and it will also bring baby and puppy closer together. Most puppies do evolve out of their jealousy, and some become incredibly loyal and gentle pals to small children.

As you can see, puppy jealousy is quite common; however, it must be dealt with properly to ensure that everyone remains safe and happy in the home and in public. The right training, along with love and compassion, will usually work wonders.

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If you’ve welcomed a sweet little puppy into your life, you may be concerned about whether or not your new pet is getting enough rest. After all, puppies are still growing, and they need plenty of sleep to develop as they should; however, it may occasionally be a challenge to get Fido settled in so he can snooze peacefully through the night. To help you create more positive sleeping habits for your pet, we’ve compiled a helpful quick guide that is chock full of expert advice.

Here are some things to think about as you plan your canine pal’s sleeping schedule (and learn to care for your new pup):

Your Puppy’s Whining is a Signal – If you’ve just brought Fido home and he’s making plenty of anguished noises during the night, try to be understanding. Being taken away from his mother and other puppies may be causing his distress. Puppies are pack creatures; when one is separated from the rest, the lone animal will call out to the rest of the pack. It’s actually a plea for rescue.

The only way to soothe the emotions and innate pack instinct of your beloved pet is to be patient and to create the right sort of environment for rest. In time, your puppy will adjust to new surroundings. This will happen faster if you are loving and compassionate. However, being loving does not mean reacting to every distressed noise; it’s actually better to ignore whining if you can.

Make sure your puppy has everything he or she needs, but don’t come running when your young dog whines at night. It always helps to be aware of your pup’s underlying motivations. If you react to every noise, you’re puppy will constantly “summon” you, and the whining will go on for a long time.

Put Fido in Your Bedroom – Some pet owners choose to keep their puppies in their own bedroom areas; while this may be a good way to comfort a young dog in a new home, you should not put your dog in your own bed unless you want to share your intimate sleeping space with him or her every single night! Start as you mean to go on; if you don’t want your puppy in your room, don’t begin that way. Changing things later on will only confuse and upset your puppy and more changes will surely disturb everyone’s rest!

Create a Tranquil Sleeping Area – Consistency is the key to getting your puppy on a good sleeping schedule; a carefully-organized, quiet sleeping area will help you and your pup to stick to a more consistent schedule. To make the idea of sleeping more appealing to your pet, create a serene sleeping area that includes a crate lined with plenty of newspaper. Put a dog bed or old, clean pillow in the crate or kennel, so your pup has a nice, soft place to rest.

The best way to find the right spot is to wait for your puppy to lead you there. Your young dog will naturally gravitate to certain parts of the home, crate, or outdoor kennel area; by waiting to see where your puppy really wants to be, you may find an ideal corner or quiet space that hopefully works for pet and owner! Once you’ve located this “sweet spot”, it will be time to set up your puppy’s bed, and to gently enforce a consistent schedule that helps your pet (and you) to get sufficient rest.

Feed Your Pup Early – If you want to sleep through the night (and you also want your little puppy pal to snooze until morning), you need to consider feeding your puppy earlier. Late feedings lead to late-night trips outside or messy accidents indoors. Never feed your pup his second of third feeding later than seven p.m. in the evening. If you feed him or her later than this, you’ll be up all night taking your young dog out to go to the bathroom.

Very young pups can need up to three feedings per day, and older pups (sixth months and up) usually need two feedings per day. Schedule carefully, and give your pup some quiet time after he or she eats. Take your dog out before you go to bed, and then get him or her settled in a crate or quiet area. Staying with this schedule is extremely important. Try not to leave food out for your puppy. Puppies are perpetually hungry, and they aren’t great judges of how much they should eat. This can lead to plenty of late night “accidents” that keep everyone awake.

With a little forethought and organization, it will be possible to help your canine friend sleep through the night. Caring for a new puppy is a lot like caring for a baby; however, there are some basic differences. While a crying newborn should always be held and catered to, a crying (or whining pup) should probably be ignored. As long as you’ve taken care of your little pet, he or she will be fine for the night. Eventually, your puppy will get comfortable and realize than whining serves no purpose. At this point, you will both sleep easier.

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Healthy puppies are naturally filled with energy and curiosity. Sometimes, when puppies don’t get their primal needs met or receive enough stimulation and socialization, they will become bored and begin to act out. For this reason, it’s quite important to ensure that your young dog is getting enough playtime, rest time, fresh air time, and affection. If your puppy feels ignored, he or she may begin to experiment with unacceptable behaviour, such as chewing up your designer footwear, whining, or picking at his or her own coat (and causing painful puppy “hot spots”).

As you can see, it’s actually very important to consider your puppy’s activity level, his or her relationship with you, and your pet’s level of overall contentment with life. Once you’ve decided to tackle the issue of puppy boredom, there are plenty of ways to make your pet happier every day. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Proper Puppy Training is Essential – Many pet owners choose puppy crates as training aids for their new pets; these crates typically become safe and peaceful places for puppies to go during the day. According to puppy training experts, these crates may soothe boredom by giving young dogs the “dens” that they inherently crave.

Most puppy crates are made of wire, and they feature enough room for a young dog to lie down or turn around. Crates are purposely kept small, so that puppies are encouraged to go potty outside, rather than where they sleep or rest.

While some do believe that crate training is cruel (because animals don’t deserve to be kept in cages at all times), others argue that young pups in the wild always create very small dens where they can get away from the world. Whether you choose crate training or not is a personal choice. However, lots of owners use crates to housebreak their puppies, and to provide them with a soothing “hiding space” that seems to calm their nervousness or boredom. Puppy crates are available in pet stores or online. Seek out plenty of information about this form of puppy training before making a decision that is right for you and your young dog.

Give Your Puppy Lots of Exercise – Just as exercise and fresh air stimulate human beings and help them to feel healthier and more alive, outdoor playtime will benefit your puppy. Make a point of taking Fido out for regular jaunts in the park or backyard. Buy a few safe toys for games of fetch, and perhaps a nice rawhide bone for chewing outside. Without enough playtime and fresh air, your pet will wilt and become listless.

If you’re away at work all day, and your puppy is alone inside, you may expect to see some signs of puppy boredom. If this happens, it may be wise to hire a dog-walker or doggy day care provider so that your pet gets the outdoor time and socialization that he or she needs. Many people underestimate the effect of “alone” time and too much indoor time. Rest assured, it does affect the minds and emotions of puppies, just the way it affects the thoughts and feelings of human beings. Avoid “puppy depression” in your beloved pal by devoting yourself to getting outside with your puppy or paying someone else to do it while you’re away.

Offer Mental Challenges – Training your dog to do little chores around the home can be an enjoyable way to ease Fido’s boredom. Sometimes, dogs (who are intelligent animals) need to learn in order to feel satisfied with their lives. If your sweet little puppy is moaning a lot and driving you crazy, teach the animal how to help you out around the home. Your young dog might fetch the newspaper or learn to respond to commands.

Another option is buying “smart toys” from pet stores – these types of puppy toys include a mental puzzle that must be solved before your pet can move the toy or use it for basic play.

Obviously, curing boredom in a young dog takes dedication…you must create a delicate balance of the right training, the right amount of exercise, and the right amount of playtime. To get the best results, your pup must also be properly fed and hydrated, while also receiving appropriate veterinary care.

Being a puppy owner is a big responsibility, so much of the task of healing puppy boredom will fall on your shoulders. If you’re committed to having fun with your pet outdoors, and to showing him or her that you care while sharing your home with Fido, you’ll soon learn how to stimulate your dog on a daily basis. The upside of making your puppy happy is that you will feel happy, too. After all, nothing is sweeter than a peppy and enthusiastic puppy friend.

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Cold winter temperatures don’t discriminate between humans and canines. The onset of winter weather is a reminder to us to get the warm coats out of the closet, cleaned and prepped for wear.

Now that you are ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, it is time to consider whether or not your dog needs a coat to stay warm.

Some folks tend to smirk at dogs wearing coats. While many owners do dress their canine friends to make a fashion statement, others buy doggie coats, sweaters and jackets to keep their pets warm and comfortable when Mother Nature blows an onslaught of winter weather their way.

There are several things to consider when debating whether or not your dog needs clothing to keep him or her warm. One is that dogs that are raised in cities often tend to have thinner coats than those raised in the country. The main reason for this is that rural dogs generally spend more time outdoors than urban dogs. Thus, country dogs are more apt to be able to handle colder temperatures than city dogs. However, this rule is far from being etched in stone.

It is important to note that doggie coats are not one hundred percent effective in keeping a canine warm. It is one means of combating the cold weather with an extra layer of insulation, but great care still needs to be taken to protect your pet from freezing temperatures.

Each dog is different when it comes to cold weather. How can you tell if your dog needs extra insulation?

If you are unsure about whether or not Rover needs a coat, consult his veterinarian. It is helpful if you have a clean bill of health for the dog.

Prior to the onset of cold, winter weather, take the dog for a checkup to rule out any health issues that can affect body temperature. Problems such as kidney or heart disease can leave Rover more vulnerable to cold weather. A non-threatening problem such as a hormone imbalance can also affect how a dog deals with cold weather.

The length of a dog’s hair can also be a determining factor in how well he or she stands up against Mother Nature’s winter attack. Long-haired breeds such as Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Labradors or Norwegian elkhounds usually tend to fare better than those such as dachshunds, greyhounds or Chihuahuas that have short hair.

Just as with humans, age is a big contributing factor to a dog becoming chilled in cold temperatures. Young puppies and older dogs are very susceptible to cold temperatures and can benefit from being bundled up in a warm coat, sweater or jacket.

Arthritic dogs tend to feel the cold faster than healthy dogs. Warm attire can help protect a dog’s joints that are stiff and tender from arthritis.

Dogs that live in a warm climate and are taken to a colder climate will have a more difficult time trying to acclimate to the colder temperatures. It is like taking a person who lives in Florida and relocating them to Maine when temperatures are below zero and the wind is howling. The person from balmy Florida is going to become colder faster than someone used to the frigid northeast weather.

Thin dogs are often more susceptible to cold temperatures than are dogs that have a lot of body fat.

Since seeing is believing, watch how your dog reacts to the cold outdoors. If he or she shivers or shows signs of distress, the dog could very well be cold and may benefit from a warm coat.

Climate will have a definite effect on the type of coat you choose for Rover. A dog living in a rainy area will benefit from having a coat that is waterproof or resistant. Buying a Florida dog a raincoat may be a waste of money; buying a raincoat for a dog that lives in a Washington rain forest might be a must.

In addition, dogs that live in areas that are extremely windy can benefit from coats made from wind-blocking fabrics.

Once you decide that your dog would benefit from a coat or sweater, decide whether you want to order one online or go shopping to a local pet store. The selection may be better online. However, being able to try a coat on a dog can help you select the best fit for your furry, four-legged canine friend.

Buyers should be aware that many stores – local and online – will not accept coats covered with dog hair for returns. Thus, it is very important that you select the right size. You won’t have a chance for trial and error unless you intend on spending a lot of money.

When choosing a coat online or from a local store when you do not have your dog with you, be sure to have accurate measurements of the dog’s body. Doggie coat manufacturers differ in what measurements they require for proper fitting. Some will ask you to measure from the head to the base of the tail. Some may want you to measure around the dog’s stomach area. Others may base their coats on the size of the widest part of the dog’s chest. Some may ask for collar size. Whatever you do, take the time to get accurate measurements so that you are insured the coat you order will fit Rover.

And you may want to consider a pair of matching boots if your dog has tender feet or spends any amount of time outdoors in the snow and ice.

Remember, the main purpose of the item of clothing is to keep the dog warm. Warmth should come before fashion. The purpose is to protect the dog against hypothermia. It is not to win a fashion show. The point is to make it easier on the dog’s body. Keeping a dog warm will help him or her stay healthy because their bodies do not have to work as hard to generate more heat to maintain the proper body temperature.

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Puppies are inquisitive, curious creatures with an abundance of natural energy and enthusiasm; for this reason, puppies may constantly test their boundaries in a variety of ways. Growling, snapping, chewing, staring, strange “talking noises”, and other types of threatening or irritating behaviour are quite common during the first months of puppy life.

In fact, it’s normal for young dogs to test boundaries as they get to know and trust their owners. In some cases, puppies who test boundaries may actually be exhibiting signs of a deeper bond with their owners, which is obviously a good thing. These types of puppies are showing that they are comfortable expressing themselves in front of human beings.

Sometimes, these sorts of boundary-testing puppies just want to send a signal that they’re waiting to be played with or to get a little bit of extra attention and affection. In other cases, boundary-testing behaviour may be dangerous, as it will be directed at friends, family, or strangers – this sort of behaviour becomes a real problem forincreasingly exasperated pet owners.

Dealing with the noise, eye contact, and high energy of your little canine pal will be easier when you understand Fido’s innermost motivations. The way a puppy’s brain and body develop during the first months of life(along with his or her primal animal instincts), will play a large role in how a puppy acts and behaves. However, almost any puppy can be trained to let go of this type ofinborn tendency to challenge boundaries.

To get the best results, you may want to start training your pup very early on – this really is the most beneficial way to instill the right habits in your puppy. If you’re loving and patient while training your beloved pet, you’ll soon nip any troublesome issues in the bud.

Here are some practical and easyways to deal with puppies that constantly test their boundaries:

Stop Unacceptable Behavior – You must be kind but firm as you let your puppy know that snapping, growling, staring and menacing stances are not permitted at home or in public. Saying “No!” loudly and clearly is the best way to show your disapproval of unacceptable behavior.

Never hurt your little pup by hitting him or her. Some pet owners believe that they must use corporal punishment to reinforce training of puppies. Rest assured that this is not the case.

Skilled pet trainers know that it’s better to observe an animal, looking for signs of aggression (including ears that appear “pinned back, and fixed staring). Once observation is complete, trainers attempt to teach puppies that these behaviours are just not tolerable. Striking a puppy will only make it angry or sad. Animals may store up rage, just like people do, so it’s really important to treat your puppy in just the right way while training him or her. A loud, calm “No!” is so much better than corporal punishment that really doesn’t help to move the training process forward in any way.

Praise the Right Behaviours – Now, you know how to verbally show your disapproval. However, it’s also important to let your little canine friend know that you appreciate the good things that he or she does. For example, anytime your dog exhibits excellent behaviour, at home or in public, be sure to lavish Fido with verbal praise (“Good dog!”), physical affection (petting, hugging) and lots of playtime. Giving your puppy lots of treats to thanks him or her for being good is a great idea, because puppies really need premium nutrition from puppy chows that are kibble formulations.

However, now and then, you may want to consider reinforcing good behaviour with a healthy dog treat that is made just for young dogs. Showing your love and pride when things go well is just as important (if not more important) that’s showing your disapproval – both types of reinforcement are the keys to showing your little puppy how the world works, and what the boundaries really are.

To help protect the public from any challenging behaviours that your dog exhibits, keep your puppy leashed when you are both outdoors together. Early leashing is often necessary for puppies that are showing lots of typical boundary-testing behavior.

Children, family members and curious strangers should all be made aware that your puppy is still learning how to behave, and they should be told to stay away from your puppy when he or she is displaying negative, boundary-testing behaviors. With a little effort, you can educate your little puppy and soothe any aggression that may be lurking within. Over time, you’ll create a strong and amazing bond between you and your canine pal; by the time your dog reached maturity, you’ll both be on the same page almost all of the time…

Related posts:

1. How to Test What a Puppy is Sensitive to
2. Puppies Without Appetites
3. Seven Things that Puppies like to Chew that They Shouldn’t

A lot of dog owners allow their furry, four-legged friends to make themselves at home in the comfort of their bed. Whether or not this is a good idea is a debate that continues.

Many dog behavior specialists will quickly tell you that one should never allow their dog to join them on the bed. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that dogs can host bugs such as fleas and ticks and contagious health issues such as ringworm.

Of course, a meteor can fall out of the sky and land on your house. It is in part a matter of playing the odds and only you can make the decision as to whether sleeping with Rover is a good idea.
Here are a few things to consider.

Does your dog snore? Are you a light sleeper that will toss and turn all night because the dog is making more noise than a whole symphonic orchestra? Obviously, if you answered “yes,” it may be best to keep Rover off of the bed – at least during the hours you sleep.

Do you have allergies to pet hair and dander? If so, you are not going to get a restful night of sleep if you have to cough and sneeze your way through the ordeal.

Consider the fact that your dog is rarely “squeaky clean.” He or she spends time lying around on the ground and on other dirty surfaces such as floors. Do you know what Rover might have rolled in earlier in the day? Again, only you can decide if sleeping with your dog is worth putting up with a little grit on the sheets and blankets.

Dogs, especially in the colder months when it is harder to bathe them, can develop a “doggie smell.” Keeping canines smelling fresh and clean may mean more frequent baths, which can easily lead to a dry skin problem.

Many dog training experts will tell you that allowing a dog in your bed is an open invitation to behavioral problems. They believe that a dog interprets this move as a power play in the pack. Thus, they recommend that dogs be kept off of the bed and all other furniture.

The experts say that allowing a dog to sleep on the bed at night won’t work if you expect the dog to obey you and stay off of the other furniture during the day. They believe you are sending a contradictory message.

Personally, I have never found that any of my dogs became more aggressive, displaying an alpha personality, because they were allowed to share my bed. In addition, being allowed to sleep on the bed did not affect how they acted during the waking hours. However, it is important to note that this may be because my dogs didn’t have any behavioral issues to begin with.

You and only you can make an informed decision for your household. If you are comfortable with a dog in the bed, throw an old blanket on top of the quilt and have Rover join you for a nap. It can be a form of quality time that puts a smile on your face and the dog’s.

Related posts:

1. To Allow Your Dog to Sleep With You or Not? That Is the Question.
2. How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep on the First Few Nights Home
3. Puppy Tails – Oliver Finds a Place to Sleep