Feeding your kitten
April 24, 2009
When it comes to nutrition, kittens are a lot like children -- they need a balanced diet to grow. Find out what brand of food your kitten was eating before you adopted it, and continue feeding it this food if possible. If you want to switch brands, do so gradually. Begin by mixing a little bit of the new food …Read more »
Get off on the right paw: Training your puppy
April 23, 2009
The first step in making your new family member happy is to help your puppy develop socially. Good social development is the result of proper, consistent training. Training your puppy how to interact with people and other pets is one of the greatest gifts you can give, because heâll not only enjoy being around other pets and people, but they'll …Read more »
Socializing pets and children — creating lifelong friendships
April 23, 2009
Even if you don't have children in your home, it's a good idea for your pet to get used to being around kids, because typically it will happen at some point. While it's generally easier to socialize a puppy, dogs and cats of any age can be trained to behave properly when children are around. The most important thing to remember …Read more »
Housebreaking Your Puppy
April 23, 2009
Housebreaking a puppy is hard work. Young puppies have poor bladder control, and they urinate about six to eight times a day.
Your puppy will not automatically know it is inappropriate to soil in the house. It is your job to teach him or her how to be a good family member. No one wants to deal with the soil, …Read more »
Understanding the Juvenile Dog
April 23, 2009
Dogs in this stage are said to be testing the rules and seeing what they can get away with. The juvenile period in dogs has not been well studied scientifically, but it's known that dogs are becoming more self-reliant and independent at this age. Puppies are born very dependent on their mother, but as they grow, they begin learning to …Read more »
New Puppy Guide
April 23, 2009
Puppy-proof Your Home
Get down on your hands and knees and look for anything that could be dangerous for a 2-year-old child and move it to a safe place. Check for electrical cords, plants, cleaning solutions, etc. Put child safety latches on any cabinets containing cleaners or chemicals.
Choose a Vet
If you don't already have a veterinarian, …Read more »
Puppy-proofing Your Home
April 23, 2009
Just like new mothers and fathers baby-proof their homes, you need to puppy-proof yours. Puppies have a lot of energy and, like babies, they're too young to know what they should and shouldn't get into. You need to make your home as safe as possible for your new bundle of joy.
Collect all small and breakable objects, such as anything …Read more »
Introducing Your Puppy to Your Other Pets
April 23, 2009
Do you have another dog? A cat or two? If you do, this makes your new puppy's arrival very stressful. Remember that your puppy has just left its mother, its siblings, and its home, so it's already stressed out and scared.
Avoid a nasty confrontation between your pets and your puppy whenever possible. (You know how hard it is to …Read more »
Choosing a Puppy
April 23, 2009
If you're choosing a puppy from a litter, begin by evaluating the litter as a whole. If most of the puppies run away from you, don't buy one. Healthy puppies should be happy and playful. They might nibble at your shoes or scamper toward you.
Your Puppy's Papers
April 23, 2009
If you're adopting a purebred puppy, the breeder should have the following paperwork in order for you.
The Americal Kennel Club (AKC) registration application
The breeder must have an AKC registration application for each puppy in the litter. Some breeders will hold this form until they receive proof that the puppy has been spayed or neutered from your veterinarian. …Read more »
