Many factors go into the decision about which breed of dog to choose for your family, including disposition, trainability, and hereditary issues. The size of a breed is the decisive factor for many dog owners, however, because each person has a different lifestyle that affects their ability to care for different sized dogs, particularly when it comes to where a person lives and the size of their home.

Generally speaking, people who live in cities and apartments tend to choose smaller breeds of dogs because they live in smaller spaces with less room, while people in suburbs and rural areas tend to have more space for larger dog breeds that often need more indoor space and exercise outside. On the other hand, city dwellers sometimes choose large dog breeds for protection (no one wants to break into an apartment with a rottweiler waiting on the other side of the door), while suburbanites may choose a smaller breed of dog for a variety of reasons.

Regardless of where you live, some of the issues to consider when choosing the right breed of dog for your particular lifestyle include

·         The breed’s disposition

·         The breed’s ease of training

·         The size of the breed

·         The size of your living space, family, and vehicle

·         The amount of time you have to devote to exercising the dog each day

·         Your work schedule and the number of hours you work

·         Your own activity level

·        The reason you are considering getting a dog in the first place (companionship, as a walking or running partner, for protection, etc.)

Of course, some people prefer to adopt mutts or mixed breeds in order to avoid problems that come along with inbreeding and the homogenization that sometimes comes with purebred dogs. Conversely, some dog owners choose purebreds because they’re more likely to know what they’re getting themselves into before they bring the dog home. And it’s important to keep in mind that the personalities of some mixed-breed dogs will still be dominated by only one of the breeds in their blood.

Apartment Living with a Dog

Apartment living presents several additional challenges for dog owners, chief among them the inability to send your dog out into the yard to relieve himself on his own. Instead many owners rely on a indoor dog potty or frequent walks outdoors. While people who live in smaller apartment complexes or close to the first floor have fairly easy access to the outdoors, residents of high-rise apartment buildings are forced to contend with long hallways, elevators, main lobbies, and sometimes nothing but concrete for blocks once they get outside. These situations don’t give Fido a lot of time to reach the outdoor bathroom when he really has to go, and training a puppy to go strictly outdoors can be nearly impossible.

Indoor Dog Potties

The difficulty of getting a dog outdoors to use the bathroom has not prevented millions of apartment dwellers from enjoying the companionship of dogs as pets. Many cities have wonderful dog parks, exercise areas, and other pet-friendly facilities that make owning a dog in the city a pleasure. Still, your dog may need to relieve himself as soon as you get home from work (or sooner), not thirty minutes later when you reach the dog park or his favorite patch of grass.

Newspaper and doggie pee pads have been popular for potty training puppies and for older dogs who are left alone inside for long hours, but indoor dog potties take this concept one step further by giving your pooch an appropriate place to go indoors without making him feel guilty or leaving a stinky mess for you to clean up when you get home. Indoor dog potties are as easy to clean as a cat box and can leave both you and your dog worry-free while you’re away from your home.

Indoor dog potties are ideal for apartment living, puppy potty training, or any home in which a dog must be left inside for extended periods. They are built for both small and large dog breeds, so dog owners are less limited by their living space in the breeds and sizes of dogs they can own. Indoor dog potties are more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly than doggie pee pads, because you don’t have to continually purchase a product that gets thrown in the trash after every use.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Dog training should begin the moment you bring your new dog home, whether he’s a puppy or an adult. If you adopt a dog over the age of two, don’t expect it to come trained or housebroken, since rescued adult dogs are likely to have been neglected and abandoned by the previous owner due to lack of time or behavioral issues that were blamed on the dog but were ultimately the owner’s responsibility such as housebreaking a dog.

Older dogs may be calmer and easier to train, but will require training, discipline, and role-establishing techniques as well. Dogs have a great ability to break old habits and learn new ones at any age.

The goals of dog ownership and training should be to create a happy, confident dog with a good dog-owner relationship, while avoiding behavioral issues. All owners want a calm dog that listens and is well-behaved both on and off the leash, and to have confidence in their dog at all times in all situations. By understanding how to train your dog and following these three basic dog-training rules, you will be well on your way to reaching these goals.

Become the Leader of Your Pack

Dogs are pack animals and are happy as long as they understand their place in the pecking order, regardless of whether they are on the top or the bottom. If you want to be in control of your dog, the number one thing you need to do is establish yourself as the alpha dog. If you let your dog control you, instead of you controlling the dog, your dog will develop behavioral problems and won’t listen consistently.

If you fail to establish yourself as the leader of the pack, your dog will take on that role himself, leading to behavioral issues such as aggression toward people and other dogs. Your dog can sense that you’re not in control and will feel the need to protect you, even when it’s not necessary. If you have a dog that is aggressive or consistently attacks other dogs, it is likely because you have allowed him to establish himself as the alpha dog and he feels it is his job to maintain that he’s in charge.

Even if you adopt a calm dog that doesn’t seem to need a lot of discipline, there are still some easy strategies you can use to make sure that you are the dominant one in the relationship. You will be using your dog’s natural instincts in order to train him.

• Never let your dog walk past your heel. This puts you in front of your dog and shows him that you’re in control. If you hike on trails with your dog off-leash, make sure that he follows you instead of running ahead.
• Make eye contact with your dog whenever you speak to him or give him a command. This shows him that you are in charge.
• Don’t feed your dog until after you’ve eaten. Make him wait until you’re finished and feed him immediately afterward. Pack leaders often provide the kill for the rest of the pack, eating what they want first and then leaving the rest for other pack members to feast on once they’ve had their fill. Of course, never feed your dog handouts from the table, and you may want to train them to stay out of the kitchen completely.
• Don’t allow your dog to sleep on your bed on sit on the furniture. This is your domain and allows him to be on the same level as you. You must establish that certain areas of your territory are off-limits to him.
• Don’t let your dog lie down with his back toward you, which is the body language that an alpha dog uses to establish his role over a lower dog. If you see your dog’s back to you in a room, ask him to get up, sit, and lie down facing you.

Use Positive Reinforcements Only

Once you’ve established yourself as leader of your pack, you can train your dog to follow your every command without ever having to use punishments, violence, or even raise your voice. Dogs are much more willing to listen when they understand that they’re following the pack leader.

One of the first commands you’ll want to teach your dog is what “no” means. Whenever you see your dog doing something you don’t like, whether it’s going to the bathroom inside or chewing on your favorite shoe, immediately stop the behavior and give him the “no” command in an even but firm tone. Then you must also show him the correct behavior that you want to promote.

In the case of going potty indoors, you’ll want to take him outside to the appropriate potty spot or over to his indoor dog potty to allow him to finish, praising him for performing the correct behavior. When you catch your dog doing something like chewing on your shoe, take it away from him and give him one of his own chew toys. You will need to be consistent with your training and make sure you go through these steps each time you need to correct your dog’s behavior, in order to avoid confusing him.

Socialize Your Dog

Dogs are social, pack animals that like to be around other dogs, people, and animals. If your dog never sees anyone but you, he’ll learn that other people, dogs, and cats are unusual, foreign, and threatening.

Puppies are easier to socialize since they haven’t learned as many aggressive behaviors, and it’s important to make time for your puppy to be around your friends and their dogs, cats, and kids, on both your turf and theirs.

Adult dogs can be socialized as well, but they may be more timid or aggressive and it may take longer. Over time, dogs get used to the environments they are exposed to, making them happier dogs because they feel comfortable in a variety of situations.

Popularity: 5% [?]

In the age of nationwide health initiatives, and startling numbers of obese adults, children, and pets, it’s not a bad idea to start making your own homemade dog food to keep your pooch healthy and happy! Don’t worry – it’s quite easy, and doesn’t take long at all!There are a number of benefits to controlling exactly what your dog eats.

• No Preservatives – since it is homemade, you do not have to worry about your pet consuming preservatives!
• All-Natural or Organic – this one is up to you entirely. If you want to splurge for the high-end stuff, at least you’ll know what is going into your dog’s body.
• More Affordable – Preparing your own dog food is much healthier and cheaper than the commercial alternatives.

Your first step is to decide what combination of items you want to mix for your dog. Common recipes include a combination of the following: ground turkey, ground beef, carrots, rice, brown rice, brewer’s yeast, bison, venison, fish, rabbit, chicken, broccoli, celery. For the most part, your dog’s diet should be at least 1/3 protein from meat.Here is a simple recipe. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your dog’s preferences!

• Sauté half a pound of ground meat with minimal added seasonings. Onions and garlic can be toxic and should be avoided.
• Cook the vegetables – carrots, celery, broccoli – just enough to soften them. (Microwave, sauté, steam, however.)
• Puree the vegetables in a food processor or blender.
• Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly.
• Serve!

You can portion out the dog food, and freeze some of it to make it last longer. If you don’t have the chance to sauté something delicious, you can always offer them a slab of fresh, raw meat as a meal.For those of you that are still unsure about homemade dog food, consider the BARF diet. BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods, and the trend is gaining steam among purists and pet lovers. Since a dog is an omnivore, the diet suggests that both animal and plant raw food items should be the only items to make up your dog’s diet. The idea is that your dog should only eat what it biologically evolved to eat, so only raw food found in the wild. (This is similar to the PALEO diet for humans.)If you want to stick with the BARF diet, here are alternative homemade dog food options:Bones! Dogs love bones, and real ones with flavor are the best. Not only does it help increase their metabolism and burn off a little steam, chewing on bones keeps their teeth sharp and healthy.Innards! The muscle tissue, fat, organ meat and other innards are perfectly acceptable and delicious for dogs to consume. Many true BARF believers claim that these items are even essential to a healthy doggy’s diet. You can often get the fresh leftovers from butcher shops.Raw! You guessed it; BARF believes that fresh, raw meat is one of the best options for a dog’s diet. Raw vegetables are also great, but make sure you feed them vegetables they would have access to in the wild – such as broccoli and carrots.Warnings:

• You should always ask your vet before switching to homemade dog food.
• Be aware of the foods commonly toxic to dogs (chocolate, raisins, onions, grapes, pits, various leaves and stems).
• Try not to introduce anything exotic into the dog food. Dogs can have allergies, even with certain types of meat, just like humans, so be careful with any odd additions to your recipe.
• There is a lot of controversy around whether or not dogs should eat grains. Many sources cite that it leads to long-term and sometimes fatal health issues. If you must use grains – rice, oats, etc. – in your dog’s diet, use them very sparingly.

While you’re at it – make sure you pay attention to your pet’s preferences, reactions, and stool for the first week or so. Having an indoor dog potty can help you monitor your dog’s diet. This way you will know if the new food is causing any abnormalities. Many people like to mix commercial dog food with their new homemade recipes as a way to slowly and safely change their dog’s diet. Happy cooking!

Popularity: 8% [?]

The decision to adopt a puppy is wonderful and rewarding, but the initial commitment is a big one, especially housebreaking a puppy. Training a puppy, and especially housetraining a puppy, takes a lot of time and effort, but if you put in the extra time during the first few weeks, the training period will be a lot shorter and both you and your puppy will be happier.

Before you decide to bring home a puppy, you should have a plan for the puppy’s initial training period, which could be just a few weeks if you are committed. Puppies are babies, and like human babies they need a lot of one-on-one attention, food, naps, and human contact. Putting in the initial, necessary time with your puppy will reward you in many ways for the rest of the dog’s life.

You should consider taking some time off work to stay at home with your new puppy. A puppy can come a long way in only a week’s time, especially in the housebreaking department. It’s not a bad idea to use 3-4 days of your yearly vacation time to stay at home and work with your new puppy.

The most important thing to remember is that dogs respond better to rewards than to punishments. The idea is to praise the puppy and give him other rewards such as treats or toys when he exhibits the types of behavior you want to see. When the puppy does something you don’t want him to do, stop the behavior immediately and change it to the correct behavior, without raising your voice or getting angry. If you diligently and consistently practice rewarding for good behavior, the training period can be quite short, and you will be amazed at how quickly you can housebreak your puppy.

Developing an Eating, Drinking, and Potty Schedule:

Like babies, puppies respond well to schedules and learn them quickly. Dogs like consistency, and just as they learn when it’s time to eat each day without reading the clock, they will also learn when it’s time to use the bathroom.

You should feed your new puppy three to four times a day, and then take him outside shortly after each feeding to use the bathroom or use an indoor dog potty when you’re not home.  Eating will automatically trigger the need to go potty, so the puppy will most likely go when you take him out, offering you the opportunity to reward him for his good behavior. He will quickly learn to associate going to the bathroom outside with your praise.

Make sure you take your puppy to the same place to go potty each time, since they will learn this association as well. This may be in your yard, at the park, or somewhere near your house. If you don’t have a yard or an appropriate spot, you can buy a indoor dog litter box for easy clean up when you’re not home!

You may choose to limit your puppy’s water intake to times just before you take him out to use the bathroom, or you may give him unlimited access to the water bowl. Either way, you need to give him the opportunity to pee when you know he needs to, shortly after he drinks the water, avoiding accidents indoors and creating the opportunity to offer a reward for good behavior.

Don’t Throw that Poop Away Just Yet!

Accidents in the house will happen, but they are an important part of the training process. If the puppy never goes in the house at all, or only goes on an indoor dog potty, he might not learn the difference between the right place (outside), or on his dog toilet, and the wrong place (inside), or anywhere other than his potty, so think of accidents as an opportunity for your puppy to learn.

You need to keep a close eye on your puppy at all times when he is free-ranging in the house, so you can catch him in the act. Try to stop him while he is going inside, tell him “No,” and take him immediately outside to the place where he is allowed to go. If you live in an apartment building, you may simply be taking him over his indoor dog potty, instead of outside, but the idea is to immediately correct the behavior.

When the puppy leaves a mess behind, consider it an opportunity to create a positive experience next time. Put the poop or some pee-soaked paper towels directly in or on the spot where you do want the puppy to use the bathroom, or on his indoor potty. You don’t have to leave it there for hours stinking up the house, just long enough for the puppy to sniff it and for some of the scent to be left behind. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and he will begin to associate the smell of his pee and poop with the place he is supposed to go to the bathroom.

Indoor Dog Potties Can Be Used Outside Too:

Indoor dog potties, sometimes called doggie litter boxes, are an excellent investment and greatly speed up the housebreaking process by giving the puppy an appropriate place to go indoors. This is an especially good option for times when you have to leave the puppy home alone, which you will need to do anyway as part of the training process.

You can also use the indoor dog potty to teach your puppy to go outside. First, use the dog potty inside while you establish it as the appropriate place to go to the bathroom. After a few days of successful use, you can move the dog potty to the place you would like the puppy to go to the bathroom outside. When you take him out to go, show him his dog potty and he’ll likely use it. Once you put the dog potty back inside, he will still associate the spot it was in outside as the place he’s supposed to use the bathroom.

Popularity: 5% [?]

There are many benefits of owning a dog, and many of them are deemed common sense.  Canines can provide you with loyalty and companionship, act as a guard dog or watch dog, serve as a tool for teaching responsibility, perform fun tricks, and so on.  However, a less obvious effect of dog ownership is improved health.  Dog owners are often healthier than people without a pet in numerous ways, both physically and mentally.  The following is a discussion of some of the health benefits of owning a dog.

Reduced Blood Pressure

If you get yourself a dog, you may not have to renew your blood pressure medication.  Petting or stroking your pet gives it immense satisfaction, as can easily be ascertained by its body language and any noises it makes.  What you may not know, however, is that petting a dog positively affects the human as well.  Petting animals has been demonstrated to reduce blood pressure, including lowering high blood pressure that has been brought on by stress or tension.  One study on stress and pet ownership showed that stock brokers who received a dog or cat as a pet had lower blood pressure and healthier heart rates than colleagues who did not receive a pet.

Increased Happiness

In general, dog owners live longer than non-dog owners.  The unconditional love and companionship provided by the dog enables people to better cope with stress and acts as a safeguard against depression.  A person with a dog, whether living alone or with other people, knows that he will always be there to cuddle up with him, to go take a walk at the park, or even just to sit on his lap and keep him company while he reads a book or watches television.  Research has shown that a person who dealt with a stressful situation was better able to cope with and recover from the situation by spending time with their dog than by talking it over with a friend or relative.  A friend might not give you the advice you want to hear or might say something that makes you even more despondent – a dog on the other hand, will give you only love and affection.  Having such a great companion acts an outlet for stress or anxiety that increases a person’s overall wellbeing.

• Besides acting as a companion, dogs can improve your social life and interactions with human companions.  Having a dog can make you a more compassionate and caring individual, which will make people like you more.  In addition, a dog can often act as a catalyst for conversation.  You may be out walking you dog when someone stops to ask about your dog and ask if they can pet it.  This is the starting point for a conversation that could have any number of positive benefits: you could gain a new friend or acquaintance, find out useful information of which you were previously unaware, or learn about other dog-related events and information.

Exercise

Because the dog will want to get out and walk around, a person who owns a dog will be forced to go out and exercise.  You might take your dog out for a stroll around the neighborhood, or take him to the park and play catch, running back and forth with your canine companion.  Having a dog may even encourage activity where none would be found before.  A person going to the beach who would otherwise just sit on the sand and lie in the sun might instead go to a dog beach and take a beach jog with his furry friend.

• It should come as no surprise that dog owners have lower cholesterol than dog-less individuals.  Studies indicate that dog owners have lower triglycerides as well, and are at less risk of developing heart disease and various other cardiovascular problems.  Dog owners are healthier overall than the rest of the population.

There you have it – dogs are not only loyal companions, but a source of health, vigor, and positive energy.  A dog would make an indispensable companion in you life, and will provide you with many benefits you would ordinarily not consider.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Image courtesy of Branimirkvartuc.com

Housebreaking your puppy is never an easy process, but it can go a little more smoothly if you have chosen the best breed for your home. Are you living in a small home or apartment? Not every dog does well in tight spaces, but many do. It’s especially important to know what dog will enjoy an indoor environment when attempting to housebreak your puppy! Here are 15 dog breeds that do well in small homes and apartments.

1. Chihuahua: The best dog for a small home or apartment is the Chihuahua. It was practically bread to be an indoor dog. The miniature size and lack of a heavy coat makes a Chihuahua sensitive to the climate and they will be much more comfortable indoors in a small environment. Go for a mixed breed if you want a slightly larger dog than a pure Chihuahua. Small children may play a little too rough, but Chihuahuas are generally very good with kids.
2. Dachshund: The “wiener dog” is a great choice for an indoor dog because they will be fairly active indoors and do not usually need a yard. They are not the perfect play toy for your infants and toddlers, but if your child knows how to carefully play with these small pets, the Dachshund will be a great friend and very loyal pet.
3. Miniature Schnauzer: The Miniature Schnauzer is great for an apartment or small home because it is fun and playful indoors but not too hyper. You will still need to be sure to take them out for a daily walk or to a dog park so they can exercise, but they do great indoors. Kids love Miniature Schnauzers and vice versa.
4. Pug: The Pug is a fun dog for a family living in a small home or apartment. The Pug loves being indoors because it hates extreme weather conditions and wants to be very social with its owners. They are practically a part of the family (at least that’s what they think) and can be both great watch dogs and playful companions for any age child. Pugs can easily become overweight, so they still need to be taken outside to burn off some pounds and energy.
5. Pomeranian: A great indoor dog that can handle the small space is the attention-craving Pomeranian. They will love being by your side or even on top of you inside the house. Like most dogs though, they need their exercise outdoors either walking or running around a yard for a bit. Daily walks with your dog will help their overall indoor behavior and prevent any problems.
6. Shih-Tzu: The miniature lion is a great dog classified in the toy group, perfect for kids and a small indoor home. The tiny dog has the heart of a lion and will appear proud and arrogant but they are actually a very friendly pet. The Shih-Tzu is also a great companion for elderly living in small homes. These dogs were bread to be the ultimate pet, and that’s exactly what they turned out to be.
7. Yorkshire Terrier: The Yorkie is a great dog for an apartment lifestyle. They prefer the warmer indoor climate and will be playful and active despite the small quarters. The Yorkie is also very loyal and will stand by the owner at all times, even to the point of jealousy and protectiveness. Be careful to properly socialize your Yorkie so your guests and children will feel safe around the pet. The tiny dog is very strong and can handle both indoor and outdoor living conditions, but will do just fine in a small home.
8. Bichon Frise: Another small, sturdy dog like the Yorkie is the Bichon Frise. They are both active dogs and will be very playful indoors but also need daily exercise to keep them healthy, in shape, and socialized. The Bichon Frise is very gentle and loving, always in a good mood and willing to cuddle. If brought up with children around, this breed is great for the entire family, including grandparents.
9. Pekingese: Another proud lion-dog like the Shih-Tzu is the Pekingese. Their long flowing coat gives them a look of high self-esteem. With good training, this breed can be great family dogs and will be very loyal. They are a little more independent than most dogs, which is why training is very important. They are good for apartment living, but should be kept away from small children who will likely play too rough.
10. Basset Hound: The Basset Hound is an excellent hunting dog and loves to run around outdoors for hours, but will be a very well-behaved and calm pet indoors. They are very loving to both children and adults and will likely impress you with their intelligence. They can be a bit stubborn, making training difficult, but will still be a fun indoor pet. Just don’t forget to let your dog loose outdoors on a regular basis or they won’t be sociable and may seem depressed, not to mention out of shape.

5 Unexpectedly Great Apartment Dogs: Newfoundland, Mastiff, Great Dane, St. Bernard, and Bulldog.

It is a common myth that people with small houses or apartments cannot have large dogs. That myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Big dogs love being outdoors just as much as their small counterparts, but a tiny bit of exercise goes a long way and they will enjoy being able to sleep all day by your side. Some of the largest breeds such as Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and even Great Danes, will likely lie around all day and enjoy the small space they get to share with you. A daily walk is necessary to keep their muscles and joints healthy, but once they come inside and eat a big bowl of food they will pass out in a heartbeat. When big dogs live indoors, they also tend to think of themselves as lap dogs so watch out when they jump up on the couch with you. Big dogs want to live with their family too.

Popularity: 9% [?]

When the holiday season comes around, you do not want to overlook you favorite canine friends! Here are some great gifts to keep your puppy happy and healthy all through the season.

10. A New Dog Bed

Just like people, dogs love to be comfortable. And just like babies, the more comfortable a puppy is, the better they sleep! Investing in a new resting spot for your dog doesn’t need to break the bank because dog beds can range in price from $20 to a few hundred, depending on the size and material. So be conservative, or splurge, splurge, splurge!

9. Microchip Implant

This gift is definitely more expensive than the previous, but it is worth investing in. Microchip implants can relocate lost or stolen puppies, this is especially worth thinking about if you have a full-bred puppy. The microchip implant is a pretty simple procedure that most veterinarians can perform. There is little recovery time for the pup, and the cost is approximately $100. However, if your little puppy ever runs away or gets lost or stolen, you’ll be happy you bought this gift.

8. A New Leash and Collar

This may seem like a regular ol’ gift, however a new collar and a new leash can be a very practical gift for your new puppy, especially if you are beginning leash training. One good idea is purchasing a leather leash. Yes, they are more expensive than a regular nylon lease. However, they last an extremely long time and are very hard for curious puppies to chew through! When it comes to the collar, a metal-choker collar may be a good choice for leash training, or perhaps a traditional cute and sassy collar will do.

7. Homemade Artisan Treats

If you are shopping on a budget this Christmas, homemade dog treats are a great way to treat your new puppy and show them how much you love them. You can get as creative and labor intensive as you want. Some people go all out and decorate little bone-shaped treats, but don’t forget, all that really matters is how they taste. Most recipes are based on wheat flour and flavorings, so all the ingredients can be picked up at your local grocery store.

6. Clothes

Let’s be honest, puppies in clothes are absolutely adorable. Certain breeds even require some extra clothing when going outside during those frigidly cold winter months. Christmas is a great opportunity to make your dog look exceptionally festive in a winter sweater, or get them geared up for Valentine’s Day with something pink or red. Even if your puppy doesn’t need doggie clothes, make the exception once in a while. Come on, its Christmas after all!

5. Personalized Feeding Dishes

Make your puppy’s food and water bowls stand out by getting them customized. You can add your puppy’s name, and favorite foods and toys to the bowls. This is also a good time to think about how large your puppy is going to get, and maybe getting feeding dishes that are elevated off the ground. If your breed is smaller, consider bowls with a slip guard so the bowl doesn’t move around and scratch your floor when your puppy is pigging out.

4. Gift Basket

This is a great idea if you are buying a puppy Christmas present for someone else. Most major pet stores, and lots of online retailers, offer the perfect gift baskets for new puppy owners. And since you don’t know exactly what the puppy and owner may need, these baskets give them a little bit of everything: training books, treats, chew toys, accident pads, etc.

3. Outside Toys

When it comes to playing with your puppy outside, think outside the box this year. Of course tennis balls and tug-of-war ropes are a fun choice, but there are lots of other options available. Rubber discs are a nice replacement for Frisbees because they are perfect for teething puppies. Jolly Balls are a fun blend between tug-of-war and fetch toys. Get creative with outside toys!

2. Puppy Toiletries

Puppies like to look good and feel good too! Get your new pet looking fresh and clean by buying them scented and freshening shampoos and conditioners this holiday season. Believe it or not, dog toothpastes and toothbrushes are another popular dog “toiletry.” Dental health is just as important to dogs as it is to us. And no one likes bad breath!

1. Indoor Dog Potty

This may actually be more of a gift to yourself than to your puppy. Accidents happen, especially when a new puppy is left at home by itself. Some indoor dog potties are made with synthetic grass, but they can be kind of messy. Either way, an indoor dog potty of any kind can help your pup relieve himself during the bustles of the holidays, without causing a huge mess!

Popularity: 15% [?]

It’s officially the holiday season, and with it comes a long list of things to do and to remember. Unfortunately, many people often forget about their pets during this season. Although it’s hard to forget that they’re there, it is hard to remember what things can be hazardous and stressful for your animal, especially when you’re stressed about making sure everything goes as planned during the holidays. Unfortunately, many things that come with the holidays can be extremely hazardous to your pet, including holiday food, decorations, and even just plenty of people hanging around can be potentially dangerous. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to help keep your pet safe and happy, all without having to make huge changes to your holiday plans. (Image Source)

Food

One of everyone’s favorite parts of the holidays is the tasty treats that everyone gets. Whether it is turkey, pumpkin pie, latkes, ham, eggnog, or cookies, there is something about the holidays that changes a normal food item into something special and something that everyone looks forward to. However, there are some holiday foods that can be very dangerous for your pet to ingest. When you do have your food ready though, there will always be that temptation to share the holiday spirit with your pet by giving them a few nibbles of the food, and while your intentions may be good, the result can be disastrous.First of all, giving animals too much people food can be dangerous for their long term health as they can contract serious diseases such as diabetes, but there a few foods in particular that you should avoid giving your pets. First of all, although it’s often a joke, never give alcoholic beverages to your animal. Giving them alcohol can cause a list of problems including alcohol poisoning or even make them go into a coma. Also on the list are foods such as chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, or anything with poultry bones. Each of these can cause very painful situations, or even death, for your pet. If you want to give your dog a little treat, and you’re sure it is in good health, remember that they’re carnivores and just give them meat!


Decorations

Decorating your home for the holidays is an important part of getting into the holiday spirit. It just seems to create an energy that makes people happy and relaxed, so it’s no real wonder why so many people take part in the decorations for the holidays. However, a lot of the decorations used in the home can be dangerous to your pets, including mistletoe berries. Fortunately, most disasters can be diverted with the simple use of common sense. One constant in most holiday celebrations is the use of candles. They set a great mood, smell nice, and provide a good ambience; however animals will chew on just about anything, including candles. The wax itself is harmful when swallowed, but any additional substances used in the candle can also be equally as dangerous, if not fatal. Chemicals used to make scents could be toxic if ingested, not to mention the risk of knocking over lit candles.Animals don’t know this so it’s up to you to make sure that these things stay out of their reach. It is probably a good idea to do this with all decorations. Potpourri and dried flowers in wreaths can all make animals sick, while small glass or plastic figurines can shatter and get stuck in paws and gums causing large amounts of pain to your pet. Old tinsel could be made of lead and even lead-free tinsel can get tangled in their mouths or be ingested. All of these events can cause your pet to get sick, but they can all be avoided with a little common sense. If you think your pet would be interested in playing with or eating a decoration, do your best to keep it out of their reach or sight to keep away temptation from coming into their mind.


People

Of course lots of animals love people, and vice versa. Dogs often find delight in the company of lots of people, and even some cats like the presence of another person to sit and play with. However, the holidays present a unique mass of cheerful visitors. With so many friends and family members coming over, your house could get crowded quickly, adding additional stress on your pet. This stress grows exponentially if it is a new puppy or kitten. An unfamiliar place with lots and lots of new people nearby can easily scare the pet, and a pet that is scared and stressed can often react in uncharacteristic ways. This means that even your pet who is the most gentle and loving animal could be scared into a position where they become unsocial or violent.And if this is their first time around a lot of people, there is a good chance that they will have an accident in the house out of fear or excitement. If you notice your pet starting to act scared or uncomfortable around so many people, take them into a quiet room and give them some food, water, and a toy for them to occupy themselves with. If they want they can always come back out, but if they have their own quiet spot then they will be far more likely to stay calm and collected.

So when you start planning your holiday schedules, be sure that you don’t forget about your four-legged friend and take them into consideration as well, they’ll be just as thankful this holiday season.

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Dogs may be universally cute, but they definitely do not answer to a universal language. When you call for a perro to come to you in Spain but you use the word dog, you are probably just going to have one very confused animal. Dogs have different cultural significance depending on where you are in the world, but the average American will still want to lean in and pet the cute pups (as long as they look safe).Language barriers are never good between humans. They are probably even worse for dogs who barely know their own language, let alone mysterious sounds coming from your mouth. So do yourself and the canine a favor and brush up on how to say dog in the local language. After you figure that out, practice severalbasic commands and you might be able to control the animal.

Dog in Multiple Languages:

• Ainu = seta
• Afrikaans = hond
• Akkadian = kalbum
• Albanian = qen
• American Sign Language = slappingyour right flat hand against your leg, then snapping your fingers
• Amharic = wäshsha
• Anglo-Saxon = docga, hund
• Apache = góshé
• Arabic = calb
• Aramaic = oblkd
• Armenian = shun
• Assamese = kukur
• Assyrian = kalbu
• Basque = zakur, txakur
• Belarusian = sabaka
• Bemba = imbwa
• Bengali = kutro
• Bugotu = aku, iuiu
• Bulgarian = kuche
• Burmese = hkway:
• Cantonese = gáu, káu
• Catalan = gos
• Chechen = zhala
• Cherokee = gi li, gi-tli
• Chinese = gau
• Cornish = ky΄
• Croatian = pas
• Czech = pes
• Danish = hund
• Dholuo = guok
• Dutch = hond
• Ecuadorian Quechua = allcu
• Egyptian (ancient) = auau, uahr, uher
• Eskimo = kringmerk
• Esperanto = hundo
• Estonian = koer
• Faeroese = hundur
• Fijian = kolii
• Finnish = koira
• French = chien
• Gagauz = köpek
• Galician = can
• Georgian = dzahhli
• German = hund
• Grebo = gbe
• Greek = skylos
• Gujarati = kutto
• Haitian Creole = chen
• Hawaiian = ilio, ‘iilio
• Hebrew = kelev
• Hindi = kuttA or shvAna
• Hungarian = kutya
• Icelandic = hond
• Igbo = nkita
• Indonesian = anjing
• Interlingua = can
• Inuktitut = qimmiq
• Irish = madra
• Italian = cane
• Japanese = Inu
• Kobon = kain
• Komi-Permyak = pon
• Kongo = mbwa
• Korean = gae (개)
• Kurdish = seg, fendo, kelb, kûçik
• Kyrgyz = it
• Láadan = lanemid
• Latin = canis
• Latvian = suns
• Lingala = mbwa
• Lithuanian = sunis
• Loglan = kangu
• Lojban = gerku
• Macedonian = kuche, pes
• Malayalam = pa tti
• Maltese = kelb
• Malay = anjing
• Mandinka = wulo
• Manx = moddey
• Mohawk = erhar
• Moldavian = kyne
• Mongolian = noqai, nohoj
• Navajo = lha-cha-eh
• Nepali = kukur
• Nivkh = qan
• Norwegian = hund
• Ojibwe = animosh
• Pahlavi = en
• Papago-Pima = gogs
• Pashto = spay
• Persian, Farsi = sag
• Pidgin = dok
• Pilipino = aso
• Polish = pies
• Portuguese = cão or cachorros
• Pulaar = rawaandu
• Pushtu = spay
• Romanian = cîine
• Romany = rikono
• Roviana = siki
• Ruanda = inbwa
• Russian = sobaka (собака)
• Samoan = maile
• Sanskrit = sarameyah
• Sardinian = cane
• Scottish = cù
• Sepedi = mpaa
• Serbian = ker
• Shona = imbwá
• Sicilian = cani
• Slovak = pes
• Slovene = pes
• Somali = eey
• Sorbian, Wendish, Upper Lusatian = pos, psyk
• Sotho, Southern; Sesotho, Sesuto = ntja
• Spanish = perro
• Swahili = mbwa
• Swedish = hund
• Tagalog = áso
• Taiwanese = kao and kaẃ ar
• Tatar = et
• Tiano = ao ́n
• Thai = ёáò, mah, soonahk
• Tibetan = khyi
• Tocharian = ku
• Turkish = köpek
• Twi, Akan = okeraman
• Ukrainian = sobaka, pes
• Urdu = kutta
• Uzbek = it
• Vietnamese = chó
• Welsh = ci
• Wolof = hatch, xaj
• Yakut = yt
• Yiddish = kelef or hunt
• Yoeme = chuu’u
• Yoruba = aja
• Yucatec = peḱ
• Yup’ik = qimugta
• Zarma = hansi
• Zulu = inja

Common Canine Commands in Different Languages

Resource: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/languages.htm

Popularity: 8% [?]

Choosing to bring a new pet into your home is a huge decision. Once you have decided on the type of animal you want, there are still lots of additional things to consider. Dogs are one of the most popular pets to have because they provide companionship and tons of affection. This is why they are man’s best friend! When it comes to bringing a new dog into your home, here are a few key things to consider.

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For starters, where should you purchase your new dog? Adopting from a local animal shelters or SPCA is a great way to save an otherwise homeless animal. Not only do you find a loving pet, but you also help control the pet population. Most SPCAs and animal shelters include spaying/neutering and the first round of an animal’s shots and vaccinations is included in their purchase price. Best of all, the cost usually remains around $100. However, some animal shelters require a pretty rigorous application process so be prepared to wait a few weeks for approval.Some people prefer to buy a very specific breed of dog. Full-bred dogs are usually hard to find at animal shelters and so you have to seek out breeders. The cost for a full-bred dog can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the desired breed. One of the easiest ways to find a breeder near you is through online directories. Depending on the availability of the breed you want, you may have to wait a few weeks, or even months, for an available litter.

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Before contacting a breeder, it is important to consider exactly what kind of dog is best for you and your situation. Do you live in a smaller-sized apartment, or do you have a house with lots of space, including a backyard? Generally, smaller-sized dogs are best for smaller spaces. Bull dogs, for instance, are small to medium-sized dogs that require light physical activity. They are very mild mannered and will do okay living in a place without a yard. However, just because you live in an apartment without a yard doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get a lap dog. Some larger breeds, like Great Danes, are known for their calm and lazy demeanor, therefore making them great apartment dogs too.If you are looking for a dog and have a fenced-in yard, you have a lot more flexibility in choosing a breed. Golden retrievers and Labradors are two of the most popular family-friendly breeds. These larger sized dogs love physical activity and benefit from having a lot of space to exercise. Field dogs, such as Irish Setters and Field Setters, are smaller in size but high energy dogs that love running around and jumping. For this reason, they are not recommended for apartments.

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Another consideration when buying a dog is whether or not you have children. Often times, people only think about the size of the dog, or how cute it is, instead of its demeanor. As mentioned before, most breeds have distinct “personalities,” so to speak. Beagles and Collies are known for being very patient and child-friendly. More aggressive dogs, like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are not recommended for homes with small children. Young children may accidently agitate these extremely protective and defensive breeds. When introducing any new dog into your home (regardless of its breed), never leave young children—especially toddler-aged kids—alone with the new dog until you are sure that the new dog is completely comfortable in its new space. This phase may take several months.One of the most overlooked things to consider is your pre-existing pets! Cats and dogs are notoriously known for not getting along, but this stereotype isn’t necessarily true. Dogs that have been raised around cats at an early age usually adjust quite well to new cats. Breeds that have been traditionally bred for hunting, like terriers, may not be well-suited to cohabitate with cats or any small animal. These dogs are instinctively bred to hunt small animals. If you already have a cat and are planning to get a dog, its best to choose a dog that is young in age and has a calm demeanor.

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Before purchasing a new dog, be sure to do a little research and read about the different tendencies and personalities of each breed. Consider your overall living space, including the size of your home, the size of your yard, and the rest of your family, including pets. The transition to a new home requires a bit of time both for the family and the new pet, so be patient. If you’ve done your homework and patiently sought out the right dog for you and your family, it will be a smooth transition!

Popularity: 21% [?]