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Before You Bring Your Puppy Home, You Need Some Supplies

Before bringing home your new puppy, you need to have some supplies that are necessary for having a puppy. You might think having water and food is all you need, but you will need a few other things to get you started and enjoying your puppy.

What You Should Have Available

The first thing to get is the food and water dish. Keep in mind that the stainless steel dishes are the best and are hypoallergenic. They are also easy to keep clean and should not need replacing very often. Always avoid plastic dishes as they can cause problems for some dog breeds as well as they are easy to chew up.

If your puppy would chew on a plastic dish, it could create sharp edges that can cut the puppy. They could also shadow the pieces that may cause some internal problems for the puppy. They can also create quite a mess if they decide to chew up the water and food bowl.

Before bringing your puppy home, you need to have some food, but you need to determine what kind of food you should have to feed the puppy. You can ask the breeder for a good dog food, but you also need to consider that the puppy needs the proper nutrients, vitamins, carbohydrates and protein as well as fats. Do not think that all dry dog foods are right to feed your puppy, if it does not have all the ingredients that a growing puppy needs they will lack a proper diet.

You also need a place for the puppy to sleep. You do not need to have a fancy bed, but something that is easy to clean and place in different places is ideal. Some people even use some clothes they have worn for the puppy to sleep on, it has their scent and calms the puppy. You can crate them for sleep time or have another area that will keep them safe.

All puppies need toys. This should include chew toys such as bones and squeaky toys. Balls are good for playing fetch as well as Frisbees. You only need a few toys, but you should have enough to keep the new puppy entertained. Do not give the puppy an old shoe or a rolled up sock, as this will confuse them as to what they can chew on and what they cannot. They do not know the difference between old and new.

By Kelly Perry of

Oh My Dog Supplies - your spot for ceramic dog bowls and car seat covers for the dog


How To Fend Off Sexual Mounting By Your Puppy

It is often a great shock when a new dog owner finds their puppy mounting their leg; most new dog owners have no idea what to do when this happens.  Sometimes the dog owner will quickly retract their leg and tell the dog no, while other times the dog owner believes that ignoring the behavior and letting the behavior dissipate on its own is the best course.

Unfortunately if the dog owner just ignores the behavior they are actually letting themselves become subordinate to their puppy, this can lead to severe behavioral problems in the long run.  Some common behavioral problems for puppies left to become dominate include becoming overprotective, barking and biting.

The best way to stop your puppy from sexually mounting your leg is to immediately pull back your leg in a startling manner as soon as your puppy starts mounting it.  Combine this immediate movement with a verbal command of “NO” every time the puppy begins to mount your leg or other body part.  The sexual experimentation of your puppy is a normal process as they mature, but it is important as the owner to establish your dominance in the household and not allow the puppy any type of sexual mounting behavior at all around you.

If you are having an extremely hard time breaking your puppy of their pattern of sexual mounting it may be important to establish yourself as a leader again.  This can be accomplished with regular obedience programs as well as some nonphysical commands.  It will be necessary to distract your puppy before they began mounting, you can use food distractions but a better distraction is activities such as playing catch.

When you are dealing with a puppy that has an extreme case of sexual mounting everything they come into contact with, you may have to stop all petting and praising.  For these puppies you will need to withhold all affection unless they have specifically obeyed a command.  When they obey a brief command, such as sitting, you can offer them a quick rub on the back and then continue about your normal activities.

Through the process of persistence, education, and love you will be able to break your puppy of the annoying mounting of your leg or visitors in your home.  With proper care and attention this type of behavior can easily fade away within a couple of weeks, if you do not give this type of behavior the proper attention it needs it can last throughout the life of your dog. Take the time necessary to train you are dog in how you want them to behave around you and the people that come into your home.

By Kelly Perry of 

Oh My Dog Supplies - the online site to shop for dog beds and raised dog bowls


Where to Adopt Your Next Dog

There are a variety of ways to add a new dog to your family.  Each has its benefits and its potential problems.  So, it is important to consider all of your choices and make the decision that will allow you to find the right pet your family.  The most common places to adopt a dog include dog shelters and breed rescue associations.

Dog Shelters, Dog Pounds and Humane Societies

Responsible animal shelters, dog pounds or humane societies can be some of the best places to find a dog for your family.  Most of the pets that end up in these shelters were obtained by families who did not understand the responsibilities of caring for a pet or who had an unforeseen change in their family circumstances and can no longer properly care for their pet. 

Good shelters will make sure that the dogs have a complete medical screening and are healthy.  The shelter will get as complete a history of the pet as it can and will thoroughly assess the dog’s temperament.  Shelters typically offer a good range of services to make sure that a dog is being placed in the proper home.  They may offer pre-adoption counseling to make sure that you fully understand what is required to properly care for your dog and to make sure that the type of dog that you adopt is a good fit for your family.  Most offer dogs for adoption who are up to date on their vaccinations and have already been spayed or neutered.  Some shelters even offer post-adoption services including dog-training classes and medical services. 

You will pay a lot less for your dog at a shelter than you would from a breeder or pet store and you can feel good about knowing that you prevented a dog from being euthanized when you welcomed him into your home. 

One of the potential problems with adopting a dog from a shelter is that you can’t be sure of the dog’s history since shelter staff are relying on previous owners to fill in the gaps.  Another potential problem is that you may not get the dog that you want.  If you have your heart set on a certain breed, there is no guarantee that a shelter will have that particular dog, especially if you are looking for a dog of a particular gender or age.

Breed Rescue Associations

If you are looking for a dog of a particular breed then a breed rescue association might be a good place for you to begin your search.  These type of rescue associations usually only handle the adoption of one dog breed.  So, they are a good way to find a particular breed of dog and provide it a good home.  Their prices are usually significantly lower than a breeder or pet store.  However, they may have dogs that have been abused or have health problems.  You may also need to adopt an older dog rather than a new puppy which you could get from a breeder.

So, if you are looking to add a new dog to your home then consider doing a good deed and adopting a dog that would be otherwise euthanized.

Article by Jake Roberts of 

Oh My Dog Supplies - the top online source for upscale dog beds



 

Title: How To Choose The Right Dog Food To Optimize Your Dog's Health

Description: Your dog's breed, age, size, and gender, along with your budget will all be factors in determining how to choose the right dog food for your dog.

Body:

There are so many dog foods on the market it can be a little tricky to know what is the best dog food for your canine. There are a few factors to consider when thinking about Fido's dietary needs including his age, his size, his breed, any medical conditions such as diabetes or obesity, your budget, and any other personal preferences such as natural or organic dog food. How to choose the right dog food? Read on for some handy hints.

Labels and Ingredients.

These days in most countries the ingredients of the dog food have to be printed on the label. Your dog needs a diet high in quality proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Ambiguous words like meat-meal can mean almost anything and are often euphemisms for animal leftovers and by-products such as skin, hooves, and the like, which your dog will have problems digesting.

Labels list ingredients in order of weight, so the first ingredient will be the one with the largest percentage in the food. A good quality dog food will list meat or protein, such as fish or eggs, as the first ingredient. Be wary of foods that list meat-meal, corn or wheat, as the primary ingredient.

Age of dog.

The age of your dog is probably the most important consideration, as dogs have varying nutritional requirements at various times of life. Puppies need mushy high calorie foods, while senior dogs require less calories. Many senior dogs are starting to lack some teeth, so softer and smaller foods become easier for them to handle.

The age of your dog will also determine how many times per day he will need feeding. Most breeders will give you a list with your puppy's dietary requirements but here is an approximate guide:

* 6-8 weeks old. These puppies need feeding 3-4 times daily with a high quality food containing calcium, protein, and plenty of calories.

* 2 months. Some breeds can now be reduced to 2 feeds per day. If in doubt consult your breeder or vet.

* 3-6 months. Puppies in this age group need 2 meals daily. The emphasis should still be on quality.

* 6-12 months. Your puppy still needs puppy food until at least his first birthday. Some larger breeds need puppy food for a considerable time longer. Generally, after 9 months of age, you can switch to 1 meal daily. Check with your vet as to whether this a suitable plan for your own dog. Some owners prefer to feed their dogs 2 meals daily for life, to reduce the risk of bloat. These dogs should have their dietary requirements assessed and then split in 2 to avoid overfeeding and obesity related issues.

Amount to feed.

The amount you feed your dog will be dependent of the age, level of activity, size, gender, and whether or not they are overweight. A pregnant or lactating female will have her very own dietary requirements, which your vet will be able to assist you with.

If you are unsure whether your dog is being underfed or overfed consult your vet. A quick visual should give you some idea. If your dog has a waist they are in the correct range. If their ribs are protruding they are too thin.

Most dog foods list a rough guide as to the amount your breed of dog would require. You will then need to consider whether Fido runs 5 miles daily, or can't get off the floor, as to whether he would need more or less.

As an approximate guide, a small dog like a Yorkie or Chihuahua, weighing less than 10 pounds, would need between 1/3 to one full cup of dried food daily.

A dog weighing between 25-50 pounds, such as a Beagle, would consume between 2.25 to 3.75 cups of dried food daily.

A Labrador or Golden retriever would require 3.75 to 5 cups dried food daily.

Mastiffs and Great Danes will be eating you out of house and home, with a whopping 5 to 8 cups of dried food daily.

Organic and natural dog food.

Many dog food experts claim that natural and organic dog foods provide many health benefits for your dog. The main health advantages appear to be:

* shinier coat.

* less digestinal upsets, and a better ability to absorb more nutrients out of the food.

* less allergies.

* reduction in "doggy breath".

* increased energy.

* whole grains, oats, and barley are generally used as fillers instead of corn, wheat, and artificial products, which many dogs have problems and allergies to.

You are going to pay more for these organic foods so you should ensure that they are certified organic. Various choices include organic grass fed bison, and organic chicken, turkey, and beef.

Homemade dog food.

Homemade dog food is always going to be a great alternative for those who are not time challenged as you will know exactly what your dog is eating. Better still, homemade food can also be a lot more cost effective as most leftovers are suitable foods for Fido. There are a few exceptions including potato skins, onions, chocolate (which is poisonous to dogs), and milk (which gives many dogs diarrhea). Garlic is a great addition for both boosting the immunity and helping with the eradication of fleas.

Homemade food can consist of vegetable stocks, soups and perhaps even meat on sale from the grocery shop. Eggs are always a great addition as a high quality protein that dogs can metabolize. Let's not forget that dogs are traditionally scavengers so there is absolutely nothing wrong in feeding them your sensible leftovers. Additionally, by feeding your dog this way he will be reaping the benefits of a varied diet.

Whole grains, brown rice, oats, and pasta can all be used to bulk out the meal.

Diabetic dog food.

The diabetic dog requires a diet high in both fiber and complex carbohydrates to gain better control of the blood glucose levels. Diabetic dogs need to be fed a pretty consistent diet to ensure there are no huge fluctuations in the blood sugar levels, which in turn effects the amount of insulin needed. The diabetic dog is better fed a dry food as it will generally contain more fiber. There are many commercial and vet supplied diabetic dog foods to select from.

The diabetic dog will be fed at strict times in accordance with the vet. These times will revolve around the dog's insulin injections. Any questions or issues concerning diabetic dogs are best raised with your vet.

Dog food storage and hygiene.

* Dried dog food should be kept in the original packaging and then enclosed in an air-proof container. This will stop humidity effecting the food, and will also ensure that you are not feeding the local rodents.

* Your dog's water supply should be changed daily.

* Water and food bowls should be cleaned on a regular basis. Stainless steel bowls are great for ease of cleaning.

* When preparing dog meals using raw meats, you need to be particularly careful to adequately wash your hands and equipment when finished. Raw meats can carry Salmonella, a bacteria responsible for food poisoning, which is easily transmissible from hands and work surfaces.

Conclusion.

Selecting the right dog food for Fido is based on many factors including breed, size, age, activity levels, medical conditions, budget, and personal preferences. A good quality dog food will label meat as the primary ingredient. Dog foods listing fillers such as corn, wheat, or meat-meal as the major ingredient should be avoided.

About The Author:
Scott Gray is currently a black lab dog owner and freelance writer for RetrieverFacts.com, which has loads of information about training and raising dogs also products including golden retriever prints and orthopedic dog beds.

 



 
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