House Training a Puppy

Before I begin Today’s post about house training a puppy, I’d like to take a moment to institute a new segment of my blog which I’m calling CUTEST ANIMALS EVER. This is the selected winner for today:




House Training Puppy

The process of housebreaking a puppy can be frustrating and difficult for both owner and puppy- BUT- here’s the catch: it doesn’t have to be. The truth of the matter is that if you are clear with your puppy about your expectations, and you are consistent in your methods, you will succeed in housetraining a puppy. Remember that your puppy wants very much to please you, and is always trying to do the right thing. You just have to show it the way, with consistency and lots of love and positive reinforcement.
Before you begin house breaking puppies, it is important to realize that puppies respond much faster and better to positive reinforcement than to negative feedback. Do not get frustrated, and do not give up, do not yell or be harsh with your dog, this will only confuse it and increase your frustration. Just like with a child, accidents will happen, and it is important to view them as learning opportunities rather than infractions against house rules.

How to house train a puppy: Day 1
When you bring your puppy home for the first time, it is important to immediately introduce it to the areas where it is acceptable to use the restroom. After a long trip, don’t you head straight for the bathroom too? Take the puppy out into your backyard, and allow it to explore its surroundings thoroughly. Once it eliminates, give it positive feedback and reinforcement to support the behavior. At this point feel free to bring it into the house, and introduce it to the rest of its environment. For the first several days as you house train puppies it is important to take them outside atleast every half-hour during the day and several times at night. Just like a baby, a puppy does not have the knowledge or muscular ability to completely control when it eliminates, so giving it plenty of opportunities will cut back on accidents. Remember to keep giving positive reinforcement each and every time your dog uses the bathroom in a approved area.
If your potty training puppy tends to have accidents in a specific or isolated area, try this trick: once you have cleaned the mess thoroughly, try relocating the puppy’s food and water to the area where the accidents have occurred. Dogs have a natural instinct not to soil where they eat, and you can put this instinct to work to your advantage. As we’ll see, harnessing your puppy’s instincts can be a powerful tool to help with training.

Puppy Crate Training:
Initially, many pet owners raise objection to the practice of puppy crate training. They see it as an inhumane confinement and a cruelty toward the dog. But it is important to remember that dogs are not humans, view the world in a completely different way, and as long as crate training is approached and practiced in a safe, consistent, humane way, it can lead to a happy and healthy psychological outcome for your dog. Dogs have a natural “den” instinct that causes them to gravitate to cave-like enclosures for rest and sleep, a place that is specifically theirs. The advantage to crate training your puppy is the deeply engrained instinct not to soil where they sleep. It can be a powerful tool as you house train a puppy. Although once again accidents will occasionally happen, generally stimulating this instinct will greatly help reduce overnight accidents as well as limit behavioral issues in general.
When choosing a dog crate, it is important to buy the correct size. The crate should be large enough for the adult dog to lay down with its legs completely extended comfortably. It should be tall enough for the full-grown dog to sit completely upright comfortably. Although it is relatively easy to determine the correct size needed for a purebred puppy which will grow to a more-or-less pre-determined size, it can be much more difficult to pick the correct size for a mutt or “pound puppy” (the BEST KIND of puppy! :) )
Once you get your pet crate home, you must consider where in the house to place it. It is important to remember that the crate is your puppy’s “room”, NOT a time-out area. As such, it is important to place it in an area frequented by people enough to make your puppy feel as though it is part of the family activity, but the area should still be quiet and peaceful enough to allow your pet some rest and give it the sense of “personal space”. Place a large, comfy towel on the floor of the crate. Chose something that is easily laundered. You should also include an old t shirt of yours that has been worn, but not washed (do not put your favorite t shirt in the crate, you probably won’t be getting it back).
There is a good probability that your puppy has already had some experience in its life with enclosure, and just needs some positive reinforcement and refinement of technique. When crate training a puppy, NEVER force your puppy into the crate. For the first few days, it is actually best to let the puppy discover the puppy crate on its own. Put a few treats and his favorite toy in the puppy crate, leave the door open, and let your puppy explore. Once it has found the crate and is comfortable coming in and out of it, begin to associate the crate with rest and relaxation. Sit outside the crate with the door open and pet your puppy to help it relax and to generate positive associative feelings with the crate. After several petting sessions in the crate, you are ready to move on to the next step. After your dog is relaxed, gently close the door. Your puppy may become restless. It is important to allow the puppy to express these feelings, but don’t acknowledge the behavior. Once the puppy quiets back down, open the crate and allow the puppy to leave or stay. Repeat this behavior for several days before enclosing your puppy for any length of time.
When you begin to crate your puppy overnight, you must take it outside every three hours until it becomes used to holding his bladder for extended periods. While waking up in the middle of the night is not necessarily fun, it is the best way to avoid accidents, and help your pet learn in a controlled setting. It is important to remember, though, that these midnight bathroom breaks are not for cuddling. Be friendly but efficient. Make sure your puppy knows that these are not play opportunities, but only bathroom breaks. This will decrease your dog’s desire to wake you up in the middle of the night to snuggle.

House Breaking Puppies:
Potty training puppies can seem daunting at first, or even insurmountable. But if you consistently follow the process that I’ve outlined here, you will succeed. Treat the experience as a bonding opportunity and a time to work with your dog, be clear about the messages you are sending your dog, because whatever you send WILL be understood, and understand that although accidents may happen, eventually you will see results.

Thanks for reading my puppy crate training post on my pet supplies blog!

Pet Grooming Table

If you start to become really serious about grooming your pet at home, you might want to consider a pet grooming table. A pet grooming table can make your life much easier in the long run, particularly if your pet is very active, and doesn’t like to sit still while being groomed. There are many factors to consider when selecting a dog grooming table.
Do I really need a pet grooming table at all? Can’t I just use the bench in my garage? Sure you can! This is a perfectly legitimate option, and is the right one for many people. But there are some basic requirements which you should consider. Make sure that the table is sturdy and supported enough to bear the weight of your dog. Nothing ends a grooming session faster than when a table snaps in half! Another thing to check is the height of the table. A professional pet grooming table will be set at a height which is comfortable for both the dog and the groomer to work on. You should also make sure NOT to use your kitchen table as your pet grooming table. It almost seems silly to mention this, but no matter how much you love your dog, it simply is not sanitary to place him on the table where you serve food to your family.
So if you do decide to invest in a pet grooming table, what should you look for? There are several options to consider. Many models fold up card-table style for easy storage. There are other models which contain a built-in hydraulic pump for height adjustment. Obviously, you must choose convenience of function in this area. I have yet to see a hydraulic model pet grooming table that also folds up.
Another common feature of a good pet grooming table is a leash harness. While this device can appear a little menacing to the uninitiated, it is not uncomfortable for your dog, and makes the process much smoother, easier, and safer for both groomer and dog. All the device consist of is a long metal hooked bar which extends from the base of the table upwards in an arc, with a hook or loop at the end for you to attach your dog lead. This keeps Fido from giving in to a sudden urge to go chase that handsome looking squirrel. For dogs that are especially prone to wander or sit down while being groomed, there are also models that include a double-harness, one end around the neck and the other end around the hindquarters of the dog. In most cases, I’ve found this to be a superfluous addition, but for super-squirmy dogs it might help.
There’s really no particular science to choosing a pet grooming table. Go with your instincts, and apply your good judgment. Your pet will thank you for it. Thanks for reading my pet grooming table post on my pet supplies blog!

Pet Grooming Tips: Part II

This post is a continuation of my last pet grooming tips post. In this post I’ll explore more pet grooming tips and give you some helpful hints to make the experience more pleasant for both you and your pet.

-Groom early, groom often! One of the best pet grooming tips I can offer is to begin grooming your pet at an early age. I realize that puppies coats do not typically require much maintenance. The idea here is to get your pet acclimated to the sensation of being groomed early in life. This will make the process go much smoother later. Of course, it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, but this is one of the pet grooming tips that’s most frequently overlooked. Consistency is key here!

-Another frequently forgotten pet grooming tip is this- check your dog’s ears at least twice a month! The inside of the ear should appear a light, fleshy pink color. Any excessive redness, waxy buildup, or dark spots can be a sign of serious trouble, and if your pet experiences any of these symptoms, immediately consult your veterinarian. Clean the inside flap of the ear with a cotton ball and some warm water or some mineral oil. Do NOT use a q-tip to do this- going into your dog’s ear canal can easily damage fragile parts of the ear, which, once damaged are very difficult to repair.

-When giving your dog a bath, it is sometimes preferable to use a diluted pet shampoo solution rather than full strength. If any soap is left on the dog after its bath, it can lead to “hot-spots”, areas of redness and irritation on the skin which can be difficult to eliminate after they’ve arisen. It is much better (and equally effective in terms of cleaning) to wash in two cycles which rinse completely than in one wash which leaves residue behind!

-Cats don’t require as much grooming as dog’s do, they tend to take care of most of that on their own. But there are still a few pet grooming tips that can help your kitty! Brushing your cat often will help to prevent hairballs, and keep your cat cooler in the summertime. While dogs can handle being brushed against the grain of the fur, always make sure to brush your cat with the grain of their fur, to avoid pain or irritation. Use a softer brush than you would for your dog- your cat will appreciate it! With cats, the best pet grooming tips are just to help them do what they do naturally.

-The most important pet grooming tip I can give is to be consistent when it comes to grooming your pet. It is much better for your dog’s health and ultimately much easier on you as a pet owner if you spent 10 minutes each day and really examine the condition of your pet. This type of preventative medicine will preclude many serious issues from arising. Thanks for reading my pet grooming tips post, on my pet supplies blog!

Pet Grooming Supplies: Tips and Tricks

Pet Grooming Supplies: Tips and Tricks
Taking your dog to the groomers can be costly and time consuming. Why not try grooming your dog at home? There are tons of commercial pet grooming supplies on the market that can help you do just as good a job as the dog salon. Grooming your dog yourself can even be a fun bonding experience for you and your pet! Don’t be afraid, your questions will be answered.

How often should I bathe my dog? Although this can vary from pet to pet, a good general rule is about every two or two and a half weeks. This is good news, because your pet grooming supplies will last a fairly long time with minimal investment. While it can be tempting to bathe your dog more often, the chemistry of a dog’s skin requires a buildup of certain oils which can be destroyed by excessive washing. Generally every two weeks is good enough to keep your pet smelling fresh.

Do I have to buy pet grooming supplies, or can I just use my own products? While it may be tempting to use your Garnier Fructise to make your dog’s coat smell like an orchard, this can do more harm than good in terms of your dog’s health. It is very important to buy the appropriate pet grooming supplies. Veterinary shampoo and toothpaste are must have pet grooming supplies for any pet.

How often should I brush my dog’s teeth? Unlike bathing, the rule for dogs is like the rule for humans. The more often, the better! Generally 2-3 times a week minimum. Thankfully, most pet grooming supplies websites offer very good deals on toothpastes, so expect to stock up. While it might not be the most pleasant time you’ll spend with your pet, you’ll love your dog’s good health and fresh breath.

What if I don’t want to touch “certain parts” of my dog? Suck it up! There are no pet grooming supplies that will help you with this area. For a dog to be healthy, the whole animal must be clean. It does bear mention, though, that those parts of your dog are more sensitive than the analogous human parts, so go easy!

A few extra tips:

-Always brush your dog before a bath, with a good quality grooming brush, available from pet grooming supplies websites. Furry mats only become irremovably stuck when wet.
-Make sure to clear all of the “eye boogers” away from your dogs eyes. There are pet grooming supplies that can help you remove tear-stains from dogs with white coats.

Thanks for reading my Pet Supplies Blog!

Discount Pet Supplies: Cutting Corners

Getting discount pet supplies can greatly cut the cost of pet ownership, which in the current economic climate facing our nation, cannot be undervalues. Many retailers are offering discount pet supplies in greater quantities, trying to stimulate consumer interest and energize a slowing market. Many pet owners have been enticed by these discount pet supplies, and it is easy to see how such deep discounts could encourage pet owners to increase their purchasing. It is important, though, for consumers to understand where cuts can safely be made, and what discount pet supplies are really too good to be true.
One of the most important pet supplies that we buy for our pets is pet food. There is an astonishing variety of brands and styles to choose from. In this area, it is important to understand the difference between discount pet supplies and pet supplies which are “on-sale”. In pet food, there is a vast difference in quality between brands, and pet owners must be careful to check labels and read ingredients carefully to make sure they are really buying the best for their pet. Discount pet foods, or “off-brands” can often contain less desirable ingredients manufactured in substandard conditions, and athough the discount pet supplies can be enticing, they are often less than the best. Fortunately, recent economic trends have caused even name-brand pet foods to dip down to a price level closer to that of the discount pet supplies.
Another area commonly targeted for discount pet supplies are pet toys. Dollar stores, big-box retailers, and other discount retailers have all tried to take hold of the discount pet supplies market through the door of pet toys. While in many cases, these discount pet supplies can be just as good as the originals, there are several important things to watch for. Often, as with food, discount pet supplies and pet toys are made with inferior “ingredients”- in this case plastics, cloths, and other manufacturing materials. The materials used to make discount pet supplies can often be inferior to those of more expensive brands. Watch for flimsy plastics, loose joints, or other components which could be prone to failure. Many dogs and cats die each year from discount pet supplies components getting lodged in their throats, or otherwise ingesting pieces of shredded toys.
The last area of discount pet supplies frequently exploited by pet owners is pet medications, like heartworm and flea/tick treatments. While these discount pet supplies can be an acceptable alternative to a name brand medication, it is important to check the active ingredients to make sure they are equitable to the name brand variety. Your veterinarian can advise you as to which specific discount pet supplies are acceptable as substitute generics.
Whatever discount pet supplies you purchase for your pet, just remember that while it is a legitimate consumer concern to cut expenses where possible, it is equally important to maintain the health and safety of your pet. Please keep reading my pet supplies blog for more information on discount pet supplies!

Finding Pet Suppies

As any consumer knows, running a search for pet supplies on the internet instantly returns a laundry-list of retailers trying to sell you something. From online stores selling pet supplies to kennels and pet hotels, consumers are immediately grabbed at by businesses trying to make money in the pet supplies industry. So where can the responsible pet owner go for reliable information and news about pet supplies? There are many sources, they are just unfortunately cloaked behind the mass of commercial hype which has overthrown the internet. One great resource is “Pet Product News International”, an industry magazine with all the most relevant pet supplies information. The only downside is that non-industry members must pay a subscription fee to receive the publication. While this might be a realistic option for those with many pets, or small pet supplies stores, vet clinics, or grooming salons, this is probably not the best option for an average pet owner.

Another great source for pet supplies information is in daily print news media. The Chicago Tribune and the Baltimore Sun both run a subsection of their “shopping” section which is specifically related to pet supplies. This is a wonderful resource for consumers to find out about new advancements in the field, as well as any pertinent recalls. They also frequently feature the feel good “fluff” articles loved by most pet owners, and if nothing else are good for a laugh.

For those who are glued to their computers, I offer two additional online sources about pet supplies. FocusonPets is a terrific website geared toward the pet owner, without all the related hype. I can also wholeheartedly recommend that you continue to read my pet supplies blog for important news for you as well as your pet.

Wherever you choose to get your pet suppies information, it is important that you make the active choice as a pet owner to seek it out. While it is not always easy, convenient, or straightforward to find, responsible pet owners always take the time to research their pet supplies. Do not be drawn into pet supplies retail websites without checking first with an independent source whose primary motivation is not to sell you something. While the pet supplies industry is by and large a wonderful industry run by conscientious pet owners, it is important to remember that it is still a business driven by profit, and therefore unreliable as a source of information.

Thanks for reading my pet supplies blog!

Choosing a Pet Kennel

There are a surprising number of variables associated with buying a pet kennel. The first seems to be defining exactly what a pet kennel actually IS. For some, a pet kennel is an outdoor chain-link “dog-run” style enclosure. For others, it seems to refer to a travel sized crate for transporting your pet from place to place. The fact of the matter is that even among manufacturers, the terminology is not uniform. This means it is very important to keep in mind what you are actually looking for when shopping for a pet kennel. For the sake of discussion today, the term pet kennel will refer to an outdoor enclosure. Additional types of crates and enclosures will be addressed later. If you are buying a pet kennel for a puppy or kitten, you will want to remember that your pet will grow. To avoid having to buy multiple pet kennels as your animal ages, determine a reasonable estimate of the full grown size of your pet, and buy the pet kennel based on those measurements. While it may seem like overkill to house your puppy in a huge enclosure, the savings will eventually outweigh the initial expense.
Another important reason for buying an appropriately large pet kennel: Pets will use the edges of their space as their “bathroom”. By buying an undersized kennel, you run the risk of boxing your pet into its own waste. This waste can be tracked into areas where the animal eats or sleeps, spreading bacteria which can be very harmful to your pet. If there is ever a question regarding the size of your pet kennel, just remember: bigger is always better.
Although knowing when and how to pet kennel is very important, it is also important to know when NOT to use your pet kennel. A pet kennel is not an excuse or replacement for a shoddy or well kept up fence, nor is a pet kennel an acceptable environment for a pet to spend extended amounts of time. A good rule of thumb is this: keep your pet in its pet kennel for about as long as you would want your child to watch television. You’ll rarely go wrong.
One of the best uses of your pet kennel is to acclimate your dog to changing climates. Frequently, primarily indoor pets are not exposed to changing weather, and their bodies are therefore unprepared for the harsh cold of winter or the heat of summer. If you do not properly acclimate your dog using a pet kennel or well fenced yard, arthritis, or other more serious conditions can develop as a result of sudden exposure. Try to put your dog in its pet kennel for about a half hour each day (in addition to outdoor activity) during the changing seasons (fall and spring). Using your pet kennel this way will help “season” your pet, and keep its body in correct rhythm.
Just remember to use your pet kennel in the right ways at the right times, and your pet will thank you.