How To Puppy-Proof Your Home

How To Puppy-Proof Your Home

Prior to bringing home a new puppy, you are going to want to make sure that your house is puppy-proof. Puppy-proofing your house before your bundle of joy comes home is important because it can prevent them from sniffing out a whole bunch of trouble.

You can start puppy-proofing a house by walking around your entire home and yard and imagining what a puppy could eat, climb or pull down. Then put away or secure those things.

Don’t forget to get down on your knees so you can see your home from your puppy’s perspective, which might help you discover hidden dangers. And remember, anything you’d take away from a toddler, you should keep out of reach from your new puppy, too. 

TRASH

Hide your trash cans and diaper pails in closets or get securely locking lids. Also watch out for any trash or recycling that might be strewn around the house, such as aluminum foil, plastic wrap, cans with sharp edges, and even plastic canisters—which puppies can get their heads caught in.

Trash cans also contain plenty of food hazards for curious puppies. Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, chocolate and other items that puppies might find in the garbage can be toxic to dogs. You should also make sure all food is stored in cupboards and not out on kitchen counters.

ELECTRICAL

Invest in covers for your outlets—puppies can lick these and end up seriously hurting themselves. You should also get covers to secure wires and strands of lights, especially around the holidays. Puppies are known for chewing, so you will want to puppy-proof the wires in your home before your puppy can get their teeth near them.

FURNITURE AND DECOR

Secure lamps, bookshelves and decorations that a puppy can pull or knock down. Move any open storage containers—like baskets and crates full of craft supplies, coins, shoes or toys—to a closed closet or up on a high shelf.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

When puppy-proofing a house, you will also need to think of more obscure risks, like your curtains. Low-hanging curtains can become a chewing target that puppies can pull on and potentially rip off the wall, so make sure they are tied up or pulled to the side and out of reach.

The cords for lifting and lowering your curtains can also be potential risks for your puppy. They may try to chew the plastic or get tangled in the strings, which could lead to strangulation.

INDOOR PLANTS

While it is always nice to have some greenery in your home, you will need to consider which plants are safe for puppies. Some plants are toxic for pets and can lead to serious health issues that require a veterinary visit.

No matter which plants you choose, to fully puppy-proof a house, you will need to keep them out of reach of your puppy. This will prevent them from chewing the plant or digging in the dirt.

MEDICATION

Puppies have no problem chewing up childproof lids and ingesting what’s inside. Move all human medications, prescription pet medication and toiletries out of reach.

BATHROOM

Hygiene items found in bathroom trash cans be a hazard for puppies, so opt for a can with a locking lid. Also be sure to keep toilet bowls closed to prevent puppies from drinking from them, as this poses health risks.

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Drain cleaners can be deadly if swallowed, and many other household cleaners are toxic. Secure all of your cleaning supplies in cabinets and get cabinet locks if needed! Do so even if you use products that are labeled as having natural ingredients, as this doesn’t mean they are safe for pets.

CAT SUPPLIES

Make sure that your cat’s bowl, cat food and cat litter box are out of reach. Most dogs can’t resist sampling cat droppings, which can lead to parasite transmission or intestinal obstructions from ingesting the cat litter.

GARAGE/YARD SUPPLIES

Antifreeze can be fatal, so lock it up and clean up spills using a clay-based litter or by hosing the area down thoroughly. Any liquid you keep in the garage, whether it’s fuel or a household cleaner, is probably toxic to dogs (and cats).

Bug sprays, rat poison and herbicides might be fatal if consumed. Don’t use them unless absolutely necessary.

Make sure heavy tools are secure and that small tools like screws and nails are stored high off the ground.

Most importantly, puppies could run though closing garage doors or sleep under parked cars. Always check before operating either machine.

OUTSIDE

While you should always supervise your puppy, it’s important to look for weak spots in your fence and make sure your pool is secured. Drowning is a possibility, even if your puppy can swim. And you’d be surprised how little space they need to crawl out of a secure yard! 

Source: PetMD 

Fun at the Dog Park

Prepare for the Park

Have you been thinking about taking your pup to the dog park? Do you know what to do when you take your dog to the park? What about before you take them to the park? There's things you need to do to prepare before taking your pup to the dog park. There can be hazards at the dog park and it can be a scary experience for owner and dog alike. Knowing how your dog responds to certain stimuli, like other dogs running around and jumping, can make the introduction to the dog park easier and smoother. Brushing up on your dog's body language can also let you know when your pooch is stressed and not having a good time. So how do you prepare for the dog park? First, make sure your dog listens to you and comes when called. If it's your first time going to the park, take your dog during "off hours" when it's not busy or no one else is there. This will help get your pup used to the idea of the park. If there are other dogs there when you go, watch their body language. If they seem to be showing aggressive body language or you have a gut feeling about a dog, leave and bring your dog back later. Most importantly, make sure your dog is up to date on all their vaccinations before going to the park. After you've gotten your dog used to the idea of the park, bring them when there's a few dogs there to introduce him to. Try going through a side gate that isn't busy so he doesn't feel intimidated by all the other dogs around him. Walk your dog around the park so he doesn't feel like he's stuck in one spot and introduce him to other dogs of his size and temperament. 

How to Spot Issues

If your dog starts showing signs of anxiety then it may be time to leave or go to another part of the dog park. If you can't tell if your dog is having fun, try removing him from the situation and see how he responds. If he pushes up against you and tries to avoid the other dogs, then he may be ready to leave. If he pulls against you and tries to stay with the other dogs, then he's probably having fun and wants to stay. Here's some body language to look for that show anxiety or fear: hiding behind objects or people, urinating submissively, tensing of the body, hunching over with their head down, trying to look small, putting their ear back or flattening them, tucking the tail or wagging it low and fast, and whimpering and whining. Signs of aggression are snarls or raising the top lip, showing their teeth, stiffens their body with tail straight up or back, pinning another dog and standing stiffly over them, staring with a fixed gaze, putting up their hackles, repeatedly putting their muzzle onto another dog's neck, back, or shoulders, and incessantly following or mounting another dog who doesn't want to play.

Do's and Don'ts 

Don't leave your dog unattended. Keep a watchful eye on your dog at all times. Clean up after your pet. Don't let your dog drink out of puddles. There can be harmful parasites lurking in dirty water that you don't even know is there and this can cause all kinds of trouble for your pooch. Bring a bowl with clean water for your pup. Don't let your small dog play in designated large dog areas or large dogs play in designated small dog areas. Don't bring an overly excited dog to the park. Take them for a walk first to burn off some energy. Make sure your dog is treated for fleas and ticks. Watch for signs of heat stroke. Make your pet take plenty of breaks and avoid the park during mid-day when it's hottest out. If your dog starts to pant excessively, cool her down by pouring water on her or spraying her with water and make her drink. If she collapses or starts vomiting, get her to your vet immediately. Most of all, have fun with your pup! 

Does My Dog Look Like Me?

Can I look Like My Dog?

It's amazing how many people look like their dog. Maybe I should say how many people who's dogs look like them. So, what if I told you there is actually scientific data behind this? People tend to choose people that have similar characteristics to themselves, such as taste in music and sports, religion, politics, entertainment, and even similar physical characteristics. The same goes with pets. Maybe not the characteristics of religion or politics, but the physical characteristics, personality, and the aspects of getting a dog that is as physically active as you are. If you're not an avid runner, you're probably not going to go get yourself a dog that needs to be taken on long walks or runs daily, just as if you like your peace and quiet, a very vocal canine companion isn't going to be your first choice. Basically it comes down to we like things similar to ourselves. We like familiarity. How many times have you known yourself or someone else to go with something new if the other option is something you know you like? So when we choose our dog, we tend to go with things similar to ourselves, or what's familiar. Think about your physical characteristics and your personality. Do you have long or short hair? What color is it? Are you tall and lanky? Short? Have more of a round head? Are you outgoing? A runner? More of a couch potato? Now think about your dog or the type of dog you tend to favor. Is it a pure-breed or mutt? Long ears or short? Is it a larger dog or a toy type? Does it need to be walked all the time or is it's favorite spot in your lap? Now that you're thinking about it, you just realized you and your dog are more similar than you original thought, huh?

Help! My Puppy is Chewing Everything!

New Puppy

Yay! Congratulations on your new puppy!  It's so exciting bringing home a new bundle of joy.  You're so excited, tons of cute puppy selfies and cuddles! Awesome! And now they're chewing your favorite pair of shoes...and the children's toys...and your phone cord...and your hands... What do you do now?!

Stop the Chew

First, keep your stuff picked up.  If you don't want it chewed, remember this is a baby and just like you baby proof for a baby, you need to puppy proof too.  Then give your pup appropriate things to chew.  Give them DOG toys.  Don't get them that old sneaker to chew up, it will only confuse them.  Make sure to spend lots of time with your puppy, they won't learn if they are always alone.  Give them tons of exercise and make sure they have great toys to play with.  You can also get a chewing deterrent to spray on your furniture to make it taste bad for your dog.  Make sure that if your pup grabs something they aren't to have do not chase after them.  Call them and offer a treat when they come instead.  By chasing you're creating a game.  

National Puppy Day

National Puppy Day!!

It's all about the puppies today!! In honor of puppies everywhere here at 10 fun facts about puppies!

1. If never spayed or neutered, a pair of dogs can produce 66,000 puppies in 6 years.
2. A dog’s nose print is one of a kind, very similar to a person’s fingerprint.
3. They are born blind, deaf, and toothless
4. Every year in the United States, more than 5 million puppies are born.
5. During the first week of a puppy’s life, it spends 90% of its days sleeping and 10% eating
6. By the age of one, a puppy is considered to be an adult. In human years, this is the physical equivalent of being 15 years old
7. Dogs can recognize over 250 words, they can count to 5 and they can complete simple mathematical equations
8. Dogs have three eyelids, and their third one is called the nictitating membrane
9. Dogs can smell roughly 1000 times better than humans
10.  21% of dogs snore compared to 7% of cats.

Look what we found!!

Take a look at this blog we found!! 

How to Give your Pet a Long, Happy Life

Posted by JOHNH

http://www.worldzootoday.com/how-to-give-your-pet-a-long-happy-life/

Are you overfeeding?

Too much food! 

How much food do your animals actually need?  Let's take a look at how much you should be feeding!

Cats

Cats should be fed about twice a day and did you know your bag of cat food actually has recommended amounts to feed your cat on the bag!  Read those and measure correctly, guestimation doesn't work well when it comes to making sure you're giving the right amount!  Don't forget that fresh water all day! 

Kitten

Make sure you're using a KITTEN FOOD not a cat food.  If your little fur baby won't eat within 12 hours try some canned food and work up to dry by mixing it with dry food.  Offer your kitten plenty of dry food all day and tons of fresh water available always. 

Dog

Dogs should be fed only twice a day. Offer food, leave it for 15 minutes and then remove it.  Don't free feed! If your dog haven't eaten their food, they'll eat next time!  Dogs won't starve themselves.  A consistent feeding schedule will help your dog establish a potty break schedule too. 

Puppy

Make sure you're using that puppy food!! Follow the same idea as adult dogs.  Give your pup 15-20 minutes to eat their food then remove it.  Until your pup is 6 months old go ahead and feed them 4 times a day 

All of the Above

Make sure you're looking for "nutritionally complete".  Always provide fresh clean water.  Do not free feed!  Skip milk and table scraps.  

Poison Prevention Month

Poison Prevention Month

March is all about raising awareness and preventing animals from getting into those things they shouldn't be.  

There are many things we know our animals shouldn't get into, but there are poisons in every aspect of our houses that we don't even think of.  

Purse

Gum and mints that contain xylitol

Medicines like pain relievers or your allergy medication

Hand sanitizer

Inhalers

Cigeretts

Perfumes

Plants

Lillies

Tulips

Azaleas

Amaryllis

Human Food

Chocolate

Avocado

Macadamia Nuts

Grapes/Raisins

Onions

Random Risks

Glow sticks

Batteries

Coffee Grounds

Glue

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brushing Your Pet’s Teeth

Your dog's mouth health can lead to other health problems with them just like it can for humans.  Making sure that your pet's mouth is clean and free of plaque will lead to a healthy pet. 

A Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Find a calm time when your dog can be relaxed.

2. Make sure that you go to your local pet store to get a pet toothbrush.

3. Test out how your dog will react to having their gums and teeth touched before sticking the toothbrush in there. Praise for tolerance! 

4. Introduce the toothbrush by touching it into their mouth before you start the scrub. 

5. Let your pup get a small taste of the toothpaste from your finger.

6. Put toothpaste on the brush and start brushing the top teeth first, front to back. Make sure to praise your pup. 

7. Move to the bottom, front to back.

8. Tons of praise!  If your pup tolerated this well give them treats and make sure they are well rewarded.  After your pup is used to their teeth being brushed start removing treats during the process. 

Watch this video for a visual guild! 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 2. Potty Training

Potty Training

No one wants to clean up doggy puddles...or worse.  So how do you make sure that your sweet new puppy won't be leaving you unpleasant gifts?  You potty train them!  

Key Points

Control your puppy's diet.  Make sure you have scheduled feedings and keep the schedule consistent.  Make sure you have regular trips outside, exercise, and feeding times.  Giving your new puppy lots of exercise will also help to keep your puppy's super energy under control and keep them from other bad behaviors.  Use positive reinforcements during outside time.  When your puppy goes potty outside make sure to reward them for it, a ton of praise and love is perfectly fine for this reward, it doesn't have to be food related.  

Techniques 

Crate Training

Teaching your new pup to love their crate is a very beneficial lesson that will help you both out throughout their life.  Dogs naturally love being in a den and creating a space for them will actually be a comfort.  Dogs will also not soil the place that they are sleeping as long as their crate is the right size.  If your crate is too small your puppy won't be comfortable, but too large they can use a corner for their waste and still be comfortable in another area.  Make sure your dog can stand up, lay down, and turn around.   When your puppy starts whining and showing signs they need to go potty take them out right away. 

Puppy pads

These can be confusing for your new puppy, but in some cases such as a very small dog being home for long periods of time while you're at work.  They can be used to teach a puppy to only use the bathroom in this one approved spot and then as they mature they can be trained to only go outside when their body is able. 

Scheduling 

A tiny pup cannot go long after eating or drinking before going potty.  Having a schedule where they go outside first thing in the morning, after each meal, after drinking,  after crate time, after a nap, after chewing on their toys or bones, after spending time playing, and right before bedtime. 

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy - Part 1. Behavior

Tricks for Training Your New Puppy

A puppy is such a sweet little additon to your family!  Much like children there is a lot of work that comes with having a puppy in your home.  You may have some chewed up toys, shoes, furniture. You might have a few puddles in your home you wish you didn't.  The key to a happy realationship with your new puppy is training.  

Behavior

The first thing to teach your puppy is to come on command.  Using a rewards system teach your puppy Come _____.  Good boy/girl!  Using rewards and positivity to will enforce this lession and become extremely usful as your puppy grows.  

Stop those jump ups early.  When your puppy jumps at you simply ingore him/her.  Do not praise or pick up your puppy for this behavoir.  When your puppy calms down and stops jumping praise them and go down to their level for a nice rewarding cuddle.  

Move quickly.  Puppies won't remember their behavior in 2 minutes from now, you cannot wait to correct bad behavior.  Such as if your pup is on the couch and this is not allowed, immediately remove them, don't let it go for a bit, immediately take action.  

To stop biting and nipping act like you're in great pain.  This will surprise your puppy and usually stop this behavior.  If it does not work, or you prefer, trade your hands with a chewing toy.  

Start immediate training to help your puppy not become food aggressive.  This is extremely important if you have children.  While a puppy is eating doing small things such as stepping towards their food quickly and rewarding no reaction by dropping in a treat, or rolling a toy close by and again rewarding the pup for continuing their meal calmly, gently touches, nudges, and pets should also be trained.  If your puppy becomes threatening by growly, freezing, or snapping at you make sure to stop and try again later.  If you cannot get through any meals without your puppy becoming aggressive consult with a professional.