Friday, June 27, 2008
The First Night with your New Puppy
Congratulations! You have finally made the big commitment and brought an adorable new puppy into your family. Bringing your new puppy home marks the start of a long and rewarding companionship, but puppy ownership is not always unproblematic the first night. Your puppy is used to the company of his mom, brothers and sisters, and moving into an unfamiliar home with his new human family will require some adjustment.
First, you must decide whether you want your puppy – and soon to be full-grown dog – to sleep in the bed with you or stay in a separate bed in the floor or crate. Some people believe that allowing a dog to sleep in the bed leads to behavioral problems, but the decision is a matter of personal preference. Either way, it is a decision that requires commitment. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and being fickle about the boundaries will only lead to confusion for your puppy. Remember, if your puppy has the opportunity to sleep in the bed with you once, he will likely try to do so every night.
There are steps you can take before bedtime to make for a better night’s sleep. Remove the puppy’s water and food bowls in advance, and have a good play session to wear him out before bedtime. And of course, always take your puppy outside to relieve himself right before turning in for the night.
If you intend to crate train your dog, the crate is an excellent place to establish his bed. Keeping the crate in the bedroom where you sleep may help eliminate or minimize your puppy’s crying. Keeping your puppy confined to his crate at night should also help with house breaking too, as dogs tend to naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas.
Many puppies whine the first night or so in their new homes, which can result in frustration for the new owner. Remember, your puppy’s first night at home with you is also his first experience separated from his mother and littermates, and instincts will lead him to cry in effort to reunite with them. Your reaction to the puppy’s crying will set the stage for his future behavior, so it is important to react appropriately to his cries. First, realize that your puppy may cry because he needs to use the bathroom. If he is quiet and then suddenly begins to cry, this may be the case. Young puppies in the two-month old age range need to use the bathroom about every three hours, so you will need to take your puppy out more than once during the night during the early months. Be sure to pick up your puppy and carry him outside to his spot so that he is not tempted to eliminate too soon in the house.
On the other hand, if the puppy has been outside recently and seems to be constantly crying for attention, it is important not to encourage this behavior. If he cries and you react by soothing and petting him, you can bet he will use crying as a tool to get your attention in the future. While it can be difficult to resist comforting your crying puppy, doing so will teach him that crying is not the trigger for attention. A firm “no” or “quiet” may help some puppies understand what you want them to do, but under no circumstances should you get angry and shout at the puppy.
From the first day you bring your new puppy home, a consistent routine should be established, and sleeping arrangements should be a part of the routine. Your puppy will soon be accustomed to his new home and bed, and will no longer cry during the night. Though the first few nights may be trying for a new puppy owner, establishing your expectations from the start will lead to a fulfilling relationship with your new best friend.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of purebred puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
First, you must decide whether you want your puppy – and soon to be full-grown dog – to sleep in the bed with you or stay in a separate bed in the floor or crate. Some people believe that allowing a dog to sleep in the bed leads to behavioral problems, but the decision is a matter of personal preference. Either way, it is a decision that requires commitment. Dogs thrive on routine and consistency, and being fickle about the boundaries will only lead to confusion for your puppy. Remember, if your puppy has the opportunity to sleep in the bed with you once, he will likely try to do so every night.
There are steps you can take before bedtime to make for a better night’s sleep. Remove the puppy’s water and food bowls in advance, and have a good play session to wear him out before bedtime. And of course, always take your puppy outside to relieve himself right before turning in for the night.
If you intend to crate train your dog, the crate is an excellent place to establish his bed. Keeping the crate in the bedroom where you sleep may help eliminate or minimize your puppy’s crying. Keeping your puppy confined to his crate at night should also help with house breaking too, as dogs tend to naturally avoid soiling their sleeping areas.
Many puppies whine the first night or so in their new homes, which can result in frustration for the new owner. Remember, your puppy’s first night at home with you is also his first experience separated from his mother and littermates, and instincts will lead him to cry in effort to reunite with them. Your reaction to the puppy’s crying will set the stage for his future behavior, so it is important to react appropriately to his cries. First, realize that your puppy may cry because he needs to use the bathroom. If he is quiet and then suddenly begins to cry, this may be the case. Young puppies in the two-month old age range need to use the bathroom about every three hours, so you will need to take your puppy out more than once during the night during the early months. Be sure to pick up your puppy and carry him outside to his spot so that he is not tempted to eliminate too soon in the house.
On the other hand, if the puppy has been outside recently and seems to be constantly crying for attention, it is important not to encourage this behavior. If he cries and you react by soothing and petting him, you can bet he will use crying as a tool to get your attention in the future. While it can be difficult to resist comforting your crying puppy, doing so will teach him that crying is not the trigger for attention. A firm “no” or “quiet” may help some puppies understand what you want them to do, but under no circumstances should you get angry and shout at the puppy.
From the first day you bring your new puppy home, a consistent routine should be established, and sleeping arrangements should be a part of the routine. Your puppy will soon be accustomed to his new home and bed, and will no longer cry during the night. Though the first few nights may be trying for a new puppy owner, establishing your expectations from the start will lead to a fulfilling relationship with your new best friend.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of purebred puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: puppy crying at night, puppy crying tips, puppy first night, stop puppy crying
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Eye on your Dog’s Health: Ear Infections
Ear infections not only cause dogs pain and irritation, they can cause permanent damage and hearing loss if left untreated. Ear infections are very common in dogs, and are probably among the most frequent conditions treated by your veterinarian. Because dog ear infections do not go away without treatment and neglecting to treat one can lead the condition to worsen, it is important that dog owners be aware of the signs of an ear infection and seek veterinary care if symptoms are evident.
A dog suffering from an ear infection will usually show certain types of outward behavior in reaction to the ear pain and irritation. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it is a good indication that you should have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian:
-scratching the ear(s)
-presence of ear discharge
-shaking or tilting head
-swelling and/or redness in the ear area
-foul odor from the ear
-pain or sensitivity in ear area
Some symptoms may be caused or worsened by the dog’s reaction to the ear infection. For instance, an infection may cause the dog to repeatedly scratch the ear, which can prompt the development of a secondary infection. An untreated infection in the outer ear, which would generally be the most easily treated, can advance into the middle ear, which is more serious. Excessive head shaking can also lead to other health issues such as broken blood vessels. If you suspect an ear infection in your dog, it is recommended to seek medical attention sooner than later to constrain the severity of the infection and prevent other potential problems.
The underlying cause of an ear infection in a dog determines the type of treatment needed. Though there are several issues can be the root cause of ear infections, including ear mites, matted hair in the ear canal, or the accumulation of wax, ear infections are generally categorized in one of two ways – bacterial or fungal. Bacterial ear infections are caused by an excess of bacteria, which thrive particularly well in environments of high moisture and low airflow. This is one reason that a physical obstruction can lead to the development of an infection. Fungal infections include yeast infections, a very common cause of ear infections prompted by an overgrowth of yeast. Without treatment, fungal infections can be spread to other parts of the dog’s body. An examination by your veterinarian will determine what type of treatment is needed for your pet.
Some dogs experience chronic ear infections that are frustrating and costly to their owners. Chronic ear infections can be caused by underlying allergies or other health conditions. Dog breeds with dangling ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels are particularly prone to ear infections.
Usually, ear infections in dogs can be easily cured with the right kind of treatment. Many veterinarians recommend properly cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis, or having regular professional cleanings, to help identify the symptoms of an ear infection as early as possible.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of purebred puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
A dog suffering from an ear infection will usually show certain types of outward behavior in reaction to the ear pain and irritation. If your dog exhibits any of these signs, it is a good indication that you should have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian:
-scratching the ear(s)
-presence of ear discharge
-shaking or tilting head
-swelling and/or redness in the ear area
-foul odor from the ear
-pain or sensitivity in ear area
Some symptoms may be caused or worsened by the dog’s reaction to the ear infection. For instance, an infection may cause the dog to repeatedly scratch the ear, which can prompt the development of a secondary infection. An untreated infection in the outer ear, which would generally be the most easily treated, can advance into the middle ear, which is more serious. Excessive head shaking can also lead to other health issues such as broken blood vessels. If you suspect an ear infection in your dog, it is recommended to seek medical attention sooner than later to constrain the severity of the infection and prevent other potential problems.
The underlying cause of an ear infection in a dog determines the type of treatment needed. Though there are several issues can be the root cause of ear infections, including ear mites, matted hair in the ear canal, or the accumulation of wax, ear infections are generally categorized in one of two ways – bacterial or fungal. Bacterial ear infections are caused by an excess of bacteria, which thrive particularly well in environments of high moisture and low airflow. This is one reason that a physical obstruction can lead to the development of an infection. Fungal infections include yeast infections, a very common cause of ear infections prompted by an overgrowth of yeast. Without treatment, fungal infections can be spread to other parts of the dog’s body. An examination by your veterinarian will determine what type of treatment is needed for your pet.
Some dogs experience chronic ear infections that are frustrating and costly to their owners. Chronic ear infections can be caused by underlying allergies or other health conditions. Dog breeds with dangling ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels are particularly prone to ear infections.
Usually, ear infections in dogs can be easily cured with the right kind of treatment. Many veterinarians recommend properly cleaning your dog’s ears on a regular basis, or having regular professional cleanings, to help identify the symptoms of an ear infection as early as possible.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of purebred puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: dog ear infection, dog ear infection symptoms, symptoms ear infection dog
Friday, June 6, 2008
Choosing a Boarding Facility for your Dog
Most dog owners encounter the need to seek overnight or longer term care for their pets at some point. Vacation, business trips and unexpected family emergencies are a few situations for which extended dog care is often sought. For millions of dog owners, professional boarding facilities are the ideal means of ensuring that their pets receive proper care in their owners’ absence. In selecting a boarding facility for your dog, care should be taken to ensure that the facility and its staff provide a suitable environment and care for your pet during his or her stay.
If possible, a boarding kennel should be selected and reservations made well in advance. Advance reservations are particularly important if the dates of services needed are during the summer or coincide with a holiday, when demand is particularly high. Scheduling boarding services in advance also allows you time to ensure that your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, including those required by the boarding kennel. Below we offer some guidelines to get you started on your search for a boarding facility for your dog.
What to Do:
-Use the phone book or the internet to locate boarding facilities in your area.
-Ask friends and relatives who have patronized boarding facilities in your area for recommendations.
-Compile a list of questions to ask of the staff at each facility, make phone calls, and follow up with a visit to the facilities that stand out (make appointments if necessary). Some examples of questions to include in your evaluation are below.
What to Ask:
-Does your facility belong to any recognized pet care organizations? (For example, The Pet Care Services Association requires members to adhere to a strict code of ethics focusing on the security, safety, and well-being of animals).
-Do you have size or other restrictions? Does your facility have availability on (dates services needed)?
-What vaccinations are required prior to boarding?
-What services are included in the fee? What additional services do you offer for an extra charge (for example, one-on-one play time, grooming, extra exercise, etc.)
-Will my dog be staying in a kennel or a run? How much exercise and interaction will my dog receive per day?
-What is the procedure for veterinary care and medical emergencies during my pet’s stay?
-What is the policy regarding administering medication to my dog?
Be sure to address any special needs or requirements unique to your dog, such as medications, allergies, behavioral issues and dietary restrictions. If your dog has never been boarded and you will be away for an extended period, you may consider taking your dog to the facility for an overnight stay or during day care first. Some dog owners find it helpful to allow their dogs to adjust to the boarding facility and staff prior to leaving their dogs for an extended stay.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
If possible, a boarding kennel should be selected and reservations made well in advance. Advance reservations are particularly important if the dates of services needed are during the summer or coincide with a holiday, when demand is particularly high. Scheduling boarding services in advance also allows you time to ensure that your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, including those required by the boarding kennel. Below we offer some guidelines to get you started on your search for a boarding facility for your dog.
What to Do:
-Use the phone book or the internet to locate boarding facilities in your area.
-Ask friends and relatives who have patronized boarding facilities in your area for recommendations.
-Compile a list of questions to ask of the staff at each facility, make phone calls, and follow up with a visit to the facilities that stand out (make appointments if necessary). Some examples of questions to include in your evaluation are below.
What to Ask:
-Does your facility belong to any recognized pet care organizations? (For example, The Pet Care Services Association requires members to adhere to a strict code of ethics focusing on the security, safety, and well-being of animals).
-Do you have size or other restrictions? Does your facility have availability on (dates services needed)?
-What vaccinations are required prior to boarding?
-What services are included in the fee? What additional services do you offer for an extra charge (for example, one-on-one play time, grooming, extra exercise, etc.)
-Will my dog be staying in a kennel or a run? How much exercise and interaction will my dog receive per day?
-What is the procedure for veterinary care and medical emergencies during my pet’s stay?
-What is the policy regarding administering medication to my dog?
Be sure to address any special needs or requirements unique to your dog, such as medications, allergies, behavioral issues and dietary restrictions. If your dog has never been boarded and you will be away for an extended period, you may consider taking your dog to the facility for an overnight stay or during day care first. Some dog owners find it helpful to allow their dogs to adjust to the boarding facility and staff prior to leaving their dogs for an extended stay.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of puppies for sale. For more information, please visit www.MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: choosing boarding facility, dog boarding, dog boarding tips
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