When you visit a professional breeder to choose a puppy, it is important that you know which selection criteria are important. Given that the pup you choose will be your companion for the remainder of his life, you’ll want to select wisely. Just because a particular pup is “cuter” than his littermates does not mean he will be a good match for you. There are many other factors that are more important.

Below, we’ll explain how to choose a puppy from among his littermates. You’ll learn why it is important to make the right selection, and some of the traits that suggest a particular pup will make a good companion. The following discussion will assume you have already considered which breeds offer the right fit for your lifestyle.

Why Choosing Carefully Is Important

As already mentioned, the puppy you select will spend the remainder of his life with you. For this reason, it’s worth spending time to look for signs that suggest an improper match (which we’ll explore in more detail in a moment). If you choose him based solely on cuteness or playfulness, you are essentially gambling with regard to his suitability for your lifestyle. Neither characteristic suggests anything about the adult canine into which he will develop.

All puppies pose a certain degree of developmental uncertainty. There’s no way to be sure regarding the type of dogs they will become down the road. That said, identifying hints of health issues, or extreme behavioral challenges, proves valuable since both tend to become more pronounced with time. Identifying them now will prevent unpleasant surprises in the future.

For example, many owners adopted their puppies only to discover they needed perpetual – and expensive – veterinary care as they grew older. Others adopted puppies that showed signs of extreme shyness or fear, and watched them develop into fearful and aggressive adult canines. This is the reason it is important to carefully choose your puppy. The following suggestions will help.

Watch A Pup’s Interaction With His Littermates

As your puppy develops into a full-grown adult, you’ll want him to be sociable with other pets and people. A friendly canine makes a better companion. The manner in which a pup interacts with his littermates is a good gauge of his social skills and future affability.

For example, does he play well without barking? Is he comfortable with his littermates on top of him? If not, it may suggest he’s uncompromising. Does he enjoy their company, or does he seem to prefer being by himself? Also, take note of the pup’s reaction when his littermate yelps at him. Puppies from the same litter do this to inform each other when they are playing too roughly. If a puppy disregards his littermate’s yelp, it may imply he’ll do the same with others when he is an adult.

How Does The Pup Treat People?

Next, pay particular attention to the manner in which a pup interacts with you and other people. Does he seem overly shy or fearful, or is he willing to approach people and remain near them? Dow he wander away when you encourage him to come to you? This may suggest he is self-reliant, and has an independent nature (an ideal match for some owners, but not for others).

Also, take note regarding how relaxed the puppy is when you handle him. When you slip an arm underneath him, is he willing to follow your lead, or does he scramble away? Are there areas on his body where he dislikes being touched? Try to gently restrain him for a few moments to test his response. Does he remain calm, or become aggressive? If the latter, this may be an indication he’ll be aggressive as he grows into an adult.

You can improve the likelihood that you and your pup will enjoy each other’s company by watching him at the breeder, and making your choice based on your observations. This is the best way to ensure your puppy will make a good companion throughout his life.

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categories: dogs, dog, pets, canine, dog training, dog care, dog behavior

Landlords and property management companies often disallow tenants with dogs from living in the apartments they oversee. The reasons are varied, but most focus on whether the pets will create an atmosphere that is unpleasant to other tenants. Moreover, some landlords have had less-than-ideal experiences in the past with other tenants who were pet owners.

Despite some resistance, canines and apartment living can go together. Many property managers are willing to rent their units to owners as long as specific conditions are clearly defined in the rental contracts. We’ll approach this issue from two perspectives below. First, we’ll assume you already own a dog, and are looking for an apartment to rent. We’ll then assume you already rent an apartment, and would like to adopt a canine.

When You’re Looking For An Apartment

The most important thing to do when searching for an apartment for you and your pet is to be forthright with the property manager. A lot of owners, fearful they may be turned away, attempt to move in with their dogs in tow. If discovered, and your rental or lease contract prohibits canines, you can be evicted.

Be honest. Ask the landlord whether pets are allowed prior to moving in. If you’re using a broker to help you find a rental unit, make sure you inform that person of your pet.

Once you find a facility that accepts dogs, take the time to carefully review their pet policies. Don’t assume you know what it includes. Read it point by point to uncover any specifics that may be problematic. For example, if the facility limits the size of the pets on their grounds, and you own a Great Dane, you may risk a violation, fine, and even eviction. It is far simpler to familiarize yourself the expectations upfront.

When You Already Live In An Apartment, And Want A Dog

Suppose you’re currently a tenant, and would like to adopt a canine. Don’t assume your apartment complex accepts pets. A surprisingly large number of tenants adopt dogs without finding out whether pets are welcome at their facilities. They then find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to abandon their pets, or find another place to live.

First, carefully review your rental contract. Are pets mentioned? Are they allowed? If so, what restrictions apply? Second, check with your landlord or property manager, regardless of what is detailed within your rental agreement. The reason is because policies often change. Your original contract may prohibit canines, but your property manager may have since begun allowing them.

Being A Responsible Tenant And Pet Owner

Now suppose you’re living with your dog in your apartment. You’ll need to juggle being a responsible tenant and meeting your pet’s needs. For example, your neighbors will frown upon constant or late-night barking. If it persists, they will complain to your landlord.

You’ll also need to be vigilant about picking up after your canine. Two or three mistakes may be all that is needed for complaints to reach your landlord about you and your dog.

Also, make sure you keep your pet on a leash when you’re outside unless doing otherwise is explicitly allowed. One of your property manager’s main concerns is the threat of a lawsuit should a tenant’s pet harm someone on the property.

While you’re preventing your canine from becoming a nuisance to other tenants, you’ll need to care for his long-term health. This means taking him for daily walks, and providing veterinary care and grooming. It also means preventing him from consuming pesticides and other chemicals that may be used on the property’s grounds.

In the end, you’ll find renting an apartment while caring for a dog is a rewarding experience. While doing so requires patience, effort, and attentiveness, it also provides the type of companionship only a canine can offer.

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Landlords and property management companies often disallow tenants with dogs from living in the apartments they oversee. The reasons are varied, but most focus on whether the pets will create an atmosphere that is unpleasant to other tenants. Moreover, some landlords have had less-than-ideal experiences in the past with other tenants who were pet owners.

Despite some resistance, canines and apartment living can go together. Many property managers are willing to rent their units to owners as long as specific conditions are clearly defined in the rental contracts. We’ll approach this issue from two perspectives below. First, we’ll assume you already own a dog, and are looking for an apartment to rent. We’ll then assume you already rent an apartment, and would like to adopt a canine.

When You’re Looking For An Apartment

The most important thing to do when searching for an apartment for you and your pet is to be forthright with the property manager. A lot of owners, fearful they may be turned away, attempt to move in with their dogs in tow. If discovered, and your rental or lease contract prohibits canines, you can be evicted.

Be honest. Ask the landlord whether pets are allowed prior to moving in. If you’re using a broker to help you find a rental unit, make sure you inform that person of your pet.

Once you find a facility that accepts dogs, take the time to carefully review their pet policies. Don’t assume you know what it includes. Read it point by point to uncover any specifics that may be problematic. For example, if the facility limits the size of the pets on their grounds, and you own a Great Dane, you may risk a violation, fine, and even eviction. It is far simpler to familiarize yourself the expectations upfront.

When You Already Live In An Apartment, And Want A Dog

Suppose you’re currently a tenant, and would like to adopt a canine. Don’t assume your apartment complex accepts pets. A surprisingly large number of tenants adopt dogs without finding out whether pets are welcome at their facilities. They then find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to abandon their pets, or find another place to live.

First, carefully review your rental contract. Are pets mentioned? Are they allowed? If so, what restrictions apply? Second, check with your landlord or property manager, regardless of what is detailed within your rental agreement. The reason is because policies often change. Your original contract may prohibit canines, but your property manager may have since begun allowing them.

Being A Responsible Tenant And Pet Owner

Now suppose you’re living with your dog in your apartment. You’ll need to juggle being a responsible tenant and meeting your pet’s needs. For example, your neighbors will frown upon constant or late-night barking. If it persists, they will complain to your landlord.

You’ll also need to be vigilant about picking up after your canine. Two or three mistakes may be all that is needed for complaints to reach your landlord about you and your dog.

Also, make sure you keep your pet on a leash when you’re outside unless doing otherwise is explicitly allowed. One of your property manager’s main concerns is the threat of a lawsuit should a tenant’s pet harm someone on the property.

While you’re preventing your canine from becoming a nuisance to other tenants, you’ll need to care for his long-term health. This means taking him for daily walks, and providing veterinary care and grooming. It also means preventing him from consuming pesticides and other chemicals that may be used on the property’s grounds.

In the end, you’ll find renting an apartment while caring for a dog is a rewarding experience. While doing so requires patience, effort, and attentiveness, it also provides the type of companionship only a canine can offer.

Receive the best Bully Sticks dog treats and Odor Free Bully Sticks from the eco friendly dog company www.pawlux.com

Like most people, canines love food. They’re willing to sacrifice their dignity in order to obtain it. If food is not given freely, but instead eaten in front of them, they will beg. Some will do so relentlessly.

A begging dog can be particularly frustrating for his owner. He’ll sit and stare longingly at his owner’s plate, hoping to receive a tasty morsel, regardless of size. Unfortunately, many people acquiesce under the pressure, and give their pets table scraps just to send them away. This is a bad idea for a number of reasons.

Below, we’ll explain the side effects table scraps can have on your canine; you’ll learn the reasons you should avoid providing them. We’ll also describe a few methods you can use to discourage the behavior, so you and your family can eat in peace.

Reasons To Avoid Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

Commercial brands of dog food are specially formulated with the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy. The vitamins and minerals contained in these brands are necessary for whatever stage of development your canine is in. Table scraps rarely provide the same level of nutrition. Instead, they usually deliver excess calories, which are likely to cause weight problems for your pet. And that leads to avoidable health issues.

Another reason to avoid giving your dog table scraps is because doing so can lead to digestive problems. Even though your pet will eat anything placed in front of him, his body may be unable to tolerate some types of food.

Also, given a steady diet of people food, your canine may eventually become fussy with his own meals. He’ll essentially acquire a taste for the foods you feed your family. And that’s when his begging will begin to take on a new level of urgency.

Preventing Access To Your Table

This method removes your pet’s opportunity to beg. You can use a couple of different approaches depending on whether you would like your canine to remain in the room in which you’re eating, or to stay out.

If you’d like his company in the room, place a lead and collar on him, and secure him to a nearby chair or other piece of furniture. He should be kept far enough away from the table to minimize the temptation to beg. Consider providing a chew toy to give him something to do while you and your family eat.

You can also bar him from the room, which can be done easily with a baby gate. Confine your dog to a room elsewhere in your home, so he’s unable to watch you eat through the gate. This will prevent him from whining to gain your attention.

Sending Him Elsewhere

This method requires more time and patience since there is training involved. The goal is to give your canine something to do elsewhere in your home without confining him to that particular space. You’ll need to train him to stay in his space while you and your family enjoy meals.

At first, your dog will be tempted to abandon his designated spot, and come looking for table scraps. Over time, however, you can teach him to remain there, thereby preventing him from begging.

This method has the added benefit of being helpful in other circumstances. For example, suppose you’re entertaining guests, and would like to prevent your canine from bothering them. Simply instruct him to go to his designated space while your guests are visiting. As long as he has a few toys to occupy his attention, he’ll be fine.

When your dog begs, he does so because he has an expectation his begging will produce results. This is the reason owners who have given in to their canines in the past find it difficult to curb the behavior. But it’s never too late. Use the methods above to turn your begging pooch into a patient, pleasant companion.

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categories: dogs, dog, pets, canine, dog behavior

Dogs love to chase vehicles. Unfortunately, doing so often leads to their injury or death. In some cases, they chase an automobile until it stops, at which point they run into its back end, and damage their spine. In other cases, the canine is hit by another car.

Another problem is that drivers who see dogs lunging into the street are likely to brake quickly, or swerve into oncoming traffic. This poses a serious danger to other drivers and pedestrians.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons canines chase vehicles. If you’re able to pinpoint the trigger, you’ll be more effective in curbing the tendency. We’ll then offer a few suggestions for discouraging the behavior in your pooch.

Understanding Why Dogs Chase Cars

Your dog is a natural predator, even if he doesn’t seem so. This can manifest in different ways. For example, if given the opportunity, he’ll stalk and chase small rodents. If he happens to corner one, he’ll rarely follow through in harming it. The reason? Because stalking his prey is a game for him. He has no intention of harming or killing the rodent.

The same is true when your canine chases people riding bicycles, kids on skateboards, or even other pets. It is the mark of a normal, happy, and well-balanced pooch socializing with others.

There are a few breeds that have a stronger predatorial sense than most. For them, the act of stalking and catching their prey is not a game. If they catch their prey, there is a good chance they will kill it. While this level of stalking is rarely directed toward vehicles, it is possible. It is also difficult to control.

Even though chasing cars comes naturally to a dog, the tendency can be discouraged before it becomes a problem. The key is addressing the behavior as early as possible.

Preventing The Problem Before It Starts

When your canine first shows signs of interest in passing vehicles, immediately call his name to capture his attention. Once he looks at you, and keeps his eyes on you, praise him and give him a treat. This trains him to understand that ignoring traffic and giving you his attention when you call results in a positive outcome. This will prove invaluable if you accidentally release his leash while traffic is passing nearby.

A lot of owners assume that because their pets only chase vehicles while behind a fence, the behavior poses no danger. In reality, it does since the tendency reinforces itself. Eventually, your dog may jump into the fence out of excitement, harming himself in the process. Thus, you should take the time to curb the behavior.

Curbing An Existing Tendency To Chase

If your canine has already developed a habit of chasing cars, you’ll need to first test his ability to come when you call him. This is critical. Everything revolves around his perception that you are the priority. Start by testing him in a quiet environment with no distractions.

After he consistently responds to your commands, take him to a park or similar setting that offers distractions without the danger of traffic. This will teach him to ignore other things, and focus his attention on you.

Next, test his ability to focus near semi-busy streets. Make sure you keep a tight hold on his leash to prevent him from bolting into traffic. Many dogs will respond consistently to their owners at home or at a park, but will lose their focus when presented with the opportunity to chase a car. Be wary.

Many canines have been injured or killed as the result of chasing vehicles. Train your dog to ignore traffic, and listen to your voice. It may one day save his life.

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Puppies chew as a way to explore and relate to the world around them. The activity is instinctive to them. Unfortunately, if chewing behavior is focused in the wrong direction, it can result in damaged clothes, shoes, and furniture.

It’s important to realize that adult dogs also chew, but do so for a variety of reasons that extend further than mere exploration. For example, your pooch might feel separation anxiety if you leave him alone for long periods. Or, he might be bored. This happens often when canines lack an outlet through which to expend their pent-up energy. Your pooch may also chew on your belongings as a way to get your attention.

Whatever the reasons for the destructive behavior, you can control the problem. Below, we’ll provide a few tips for training your dog to avoid chewing on your possessions.

Use A Crate

Crating your puppy is an ideal strategy for confining him when you’re unable to watch him. Not only will he come to see his crate as his personal space, but you’ll prevent him from ruining your furniture and clothes when you’re not home. If you plan to keep him crated, be sure to give him a few toys with which he can entertain himself.

Provide Chew Toys

The goal is not to eliminate your pooch’s penchant for chewing; again, that’s his way of relating to the world around him. Instead, redirect the behavior toward objects that are acceptable for him to chew.

For example, all pet supply stores sell chew toys that can keep your canine occupied. Some are rubber; others are made from durable rope; still others are designed from strong leather and rawhide. Any of these toys will keep your dog’s attention while providing the stimulation he desires.

Keep Your Departures Understated

Owners often unwittingly worsen their dogs’ separation anxiety by overstating their departures. When they return home, they’re surprised to find their furniture partially destroyed. Downplay leaving your home. The bigger fuss you make, the more likely your dog will sense that your leaving is a major event. That raises the likelihood of his chewing.

Provide An Outlet For Exercise

When canines lack an outlet for physical activity, they become bored. Moreover, their energy level remains unspent and stifled. That’s a recipe for destructive chewing. Make sure your pooch receives at least an hour of exercise each day. He’s less likely to suffer boredom and he’ll have less pent-up energy to direct toward your couch.

Offer A Swap

Puppies find chewing new objects to be irresistible. If you see your pup gnawing on something he shouldn’t be, take the item away and replace it immediately with a chew toy. Avoid getting into a tug-of-war contest with him. Instead, have a toy on hand and swap it quickly.

Some dogs love to chew almost anything they can get into their mouths. Other canines are more selective, though they can cause just as much destruction. Learn to control the problem by redirecting your dog’s chewing behavior to objects you don’t mind being destroyed.

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categories: dogs, canine, puppies, dog behavior, dog tips