Dog Toys
For dogs toys are a necessity. Toys help fight boredom and toys can even help prevent some problem behaviors from developing. Toys should be appropriate for your dog’s size. Toys we recommend Very hard rubber toys, such as Nylabone®-type products and Kong®-type products, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fun […]
Puppy Nipping
When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths, so they may also be inclined to bite or “mouth” your hand during play or when being petted. Encourage Acceptable Behavior Puppies must learn Bite Inhibition. That’s basically how hard is too hard or the difference between a play bite and a bite-bite. So as […]
Puppy Housetraining
Housetraining a puppy requires vigilance, patience, and plenty of commitment. By following the procedures outlined below, you can minimize house soiling incidents, but virtually every puppy will have an accident in the house, and more likely, several. Expect this—it’s part of raising a puppy. Establish a Routine Puppies do best on a regular schedule. Take […]
Puppy Feeding
Puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy food. Please limit “people food,” however, because it may cause upset stomach, very picky eating habits and/or obesity. More than a third of pet dogs are obese, and almost another third are heading that way. Obesity carries with it a number of serious health problems. Overweight dogs are […]
Puppy Chewing
Much like infants and toddlers, puppies explore their world by putting things in their mouths. This is normal puppy behavior. Discouraging Unacceptable Behaviors It’s virtually inevitable that your puppy will, at some point, chew up something you value. This is part of raising a puppy. You can, however, prevent most problems by taking the following […]
Puppy Behavior Basics
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, especially for dogs. The fact is, well-socialized dogs are more likely to have well-socialized puppies. Pups often mirror their mothers’ calm or fearful attitude toward people; this is a normal part of their socialization. But you can play a vital role, too, by petting, talking, and playing […]
