As with human children, puppies have their own set of health concerns that you need to be aware of. Taking your puppy to a veterinarian for a checkup is a good way to make sure he’s starting out healthy, but because some conditions can occur in later puppyhood, you need to be aware of them…
Puppy Care
Am I a Bad Pet Owner If I Let My Puppy Sleep in the Bed With Me?
Q: We just got a 2-month-old puppy. We are crate training her and know it’s important to teach her that it’s OK to be on her own, so she doesn’t develop separation anxiety. But she’s so cute! We know that eventually she will end up sleeping on the bed with us. How soon is too…
How To Pick A Puppy That’s A Right Fit For You
Though all puppies are incredibly cute, not all are a good fit for your lifestyle. With the proper research and preparation, you can find a dog who will be a great addition to the family. The decision to adopt is far too important to be based on puppy-love-at-first-sight. The incredible range of breeds, exercise needs…
Tips to Create a Safe Home for Your Rambunctious Puppy
You’ve puppy-proofed your home by covering electrical cords, putting away items your pup could swallow and removing toxic plants from the yard. You’re set for safe puppyhood, right? Not so fast! Your puppy may be at risk in other ways, including sliding on slick floors, running into walls, falling down stairs and jumping off furniture.…
The Holiday Puppy
The honeymoon phase of a relationship ends when your love and infatuation for the other has passed and you begin to see this fantastic new being in your life more realistically. In the weeks after the holidays, therefore, it is not uncommon for parents to find that their kids may have been more excited about…
Puppy Basics 101 – How to Care for Your New Dog
Puppies are without a doubt some of the most adorable things on the planet. Parenting a new puppy, however, is no walk in the park. Here’s a guide to help you care for the new addition to the family. When the time comes to finally bring your new puppy home for the first time, you…
Train My Puppy Before or After a Walk?
What is the best time of day to train my dog? Should I train him before or after his walk? My problem with training him before walking him is that he is too excited to pay attention, but I worry that he’ll be too tired after. Getting to go on a walk is often the…
Tips for Welcoming Your Puppy Home
Welcoming your new puppy home is an exciting event — but it can also be a stressful one. Fortunately, you can make it less so by following a few simple tips. Ease Your Puppy Into His New Home You should plan to puppy-proof your home before bringing in your new pup, so that he has…
Surviving Your First 30 Days With a New Puppy
You want to know the first two thoughts of a new puppy owner? I got a new puppy! Now what do I do? Congratulations! You’ve just entered the Twilight Zone. In a good way, of course. For the next 10 or more years, you are going to have more fun and love and licks than…
6 Commandments for Puppy Training, Plus the Worst Time of Year to Bring One Home
Q: I’m a college professor, which means I have time off over the holidays. My kids are grown and gone with their own families far away, and my marriage is a thing of the past. I have done my homework, and I know “the experts” say Christmas isn’t a good time to raise a puppy.…
