Our Dogs - Our Best Friends

I'm a dog lover from way back. We had them in the house when I was growing up and since leaving home some 20 years ago, I've almost always had a dog of my own. I've been all over the web and though my site is not all encompassing, I've found some sites that I really like that I'll share with all of you. I'd also like to share some ideas with you on how to have a happy doggie household. Enjoy!

Hints for a happy doggie household

Choose your breed carefully. Research it. Do you want a large dog? A small dog? One that requires a lot of brushing or one that requires very little grooming? Do you want an older dog? One that's already had some training and is Housebroken? Do you want to purchase a dog from a breeder or adopt one from a rescue association?

When you bring your puppy home, do so on a "quiet day." Holidays when there is a lot of commotion in the household is not a good time to bring home a new puppy. Your puppy is already upset at having to leave its mother and littermates. Also, be prepared for a lot of crying and whining those first couple of nights.

Have a place designated in your home that is strictly for your dog. This will provide your dog some security. Her place could be a box, or a dog bed or a crate. My preference is a crate. Dogs are den animals by nature and having a place to call their own is healthy for them.

Take your new dog to the Vet as soon as you can. You want to ensure that you have a healthy pet. You also want to get your puppy vaccinated as soon as possible. Most veterinarians will give your puppy several sets of vaccinations over a three to four month period. This is especially important in Texas where we're under a rabies quarantine.

Housebreaking starts immediately. Take your pup outside, to the same spot, several times daily. Praise your pup when she messes outside. When I'm housebreaking puppies, I take them to a designated spot outside and tell them "go potty." Eventually your dog will learn this command! This command is especially helpful when you and your dog go on roadtrips and you stop for a "potty break." Key times to take your pup out would be immediately upon waking, 20 minutes after a meal, and after hard play times. There is no set amount of potty periods your young puppy should have, but the more frequently you do this, the quicker you'll have that puppy housebroken.

Training your puppy starts right away and this is especially important if your dog is of the large breed variety! You want to be sure your dogs has manners. There is nothing worse than visiting a friend and having their dog jump all over you. Teach your dog sit, stay and down from the beginning. Pups have short attention spans so you only need to work on this for short periods of time. Several 5 minute periods each day will have your dog mannered in no time.

Enroll your dog in obedience classes as soon as you are able to do so. I can't say enough good things about obedience classes. Contact the local obedience club in your area for specifics. Most veterinarians have phone number contacts.

Consider having your dog spayed or neutered. Besides the obvious overpopulation problem of our canine friends, there are also health reasons for having a dog altered. An altered dog is less likely to develop health problems in their senior years such as mammary tumors or testicular cancer or prostrate problems. Also, most city licenses are cheaper if your dog is altered.

Last, but certainly not least, love your dog unconditionally. If you're going to purchase a dog who's going to spend hours locked up in the bathroom or kitchen, or she's going to spend all her time in the yard, DON'T get a dog. Those dogs, the ignored ones, often become destructive and neurotic and eventually end up at the pound.

Favorite Dog Related Links

Purina Pet Foods - Pick Your Breed This site has a program specifically designed to help you choose a breed that's compatible with your personality and lifestyle.

United States Dog Obedience Championships Want to see some of the top dogs in the United States competing? Look here to see if there's a show coming up in your neighborhood. I've been going to obedience trials for over 30 years now and these are some of the most exciting trials I've ever attended.

American Kennel Club This is a complete site with all the rules, regulations information you could possibly want.

J and J Dog Supplies These guys have a wonderful selection of training supplies.

Obedience Home Page This site is dedicated to obedience trainers. It's not a place to look at if you're looking for advice in teaching your dog manners.

Home of Cyberdog A really cool sight with lots of good information

Cyberpet Chat A place to chat about your pet. You'll have to register first in order to chat, but it's worth the extra effort.

Do you know of a really cool dog site? Please share it with me so that I may add it to my web page. :

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