Articles
The benefits of training with treats
Some people are reluctant to use food during training, for whatever reason. When you train your dog, the dog is doing the correct behavior to either: 1) get something he wants; or 2) avoid something he doesn’t want. Personally, I’d rather have my dog work to get a reward, than to avoid a punishment. I also don’t get my feelings hurt …Read more »
Picking the right training class
Wondering which dog training class is the right one for you? The following descriptions of PetSmart accredited dog training classes can help you decide: Potty Training Seminars (for Pet Parents only – no pets), which are one-time classes that last one hour, are great for people that have not yet gotten their new dog or for someone that has a new …Read more »
Protect Your Dog from Dog-Nappings
Keep an eye on your dog, warns the American Kennel Club. Dog-nappings are on the rise. According to a report available on AKC web site, an increased number of dogs are being taken from parked cars, pet stores, homes and backyards. In fact, three times more dog thefts have been reported in the first three months of 2008 than all of …Read more »
Puppy meet child: how to properly introduce puppies and children
If you have children and are adopting a puppy or are a puppy Pet Parent and are having young children over to visit, you'll want to introduce them to one another in a way that is friendly and non-threatening for both parties. Here are some tips to help introduce your pet to young children: Demonstrate with a stuffed toy how to safely and carefully handle …Read more »
Adopting a Chihuahua? Research the breed first
They’re the smallest of all dog breeds, but a big hit with pet lovers who have a penchant for pocket-sized pooches. Chihuahuas became the must-have dog of 2008 because of their starring role in the Walt Disney Pictures movie "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." The phenomenon could mirror the national clamor for Dalmatians following the release of Disney’s "101 Dalmatians" in 1996. Animal …Read more »
Choose the Right Toy for Your Boston Terrier
Boston’s, like all dogs, not only enjoy chewing, they need to chew. Especially puppies, which will experience teething as their baby teeth erupt and fall out. Again, there is a vast and seemingly endlessly entertaining selection of dog toys available, and you and your Boston can have a lot of fun selecting favorites. Your healthiest and most long-lasting selections, however, …Read more »
British Survey Names the Top Most Doggone Destructive Dogs
Chihuahuas are petite, cute and may at times seem to suffer from Napoleonic complexes. But destructive? Yes, according to a survey published on The Daily Telegraph’s website in early September. In fact, the survey found that the itty-bitty Chihuahua came in second among the top-five most destructive dog breeds, just a hair behind the Great Dane. The reported stated that Chihuahuas …Read more »
Choose the Right Toys for Your Beagle
Dogs, especially puppies, need to gnaw. It helps them explore their world and relieves teething discomfort. That’s where toys come in, unless of course, you want your dog eating your underwear and gobbling your designer handbag. Choose toys that do not have small, easily removable parts, and throw them away aw soon as they start to fall apart. Toys (especially balls) …Read more »
Choose the Right Toys for Your Basset Hound
Your Basset’s toy chest should not contain any of the following items: · Items with hard, sharp points or attachments that can break off and be dangerous if swallowed. · Shoes or other personal clothing. Offering these items to your puppy will confuse him, by teaching him that it’s okay sometimes to chew your shoes and rip holes in your …Read more »
Games Your Bichon Will Love
As long as you are playing with him, your Bichon will enjoy about any doggy type activity in which you engage. They like chasing balls, catch, playing with squeaky toys, and a good game of tag or chase. Bichons particularly seem to like to play hide and seek, which is also an excellent way to teach the "Come" command. Hide …Read more »
