Puppy Education

Getting a new dog is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming, especially for first-time pet owners. You know the basics—that your pup needs a collar, strong leash, a comfortable place to sleep, and ID tags on the off-chance he slips away. But you also know that’s not all you need to know.

How can you arm yourself with the knowledge to be a responsible dog owner? You can start by adding some of the latest pet-care apps. Make sure you’re ready for whatever surprises your new pup throws your way with a mobile upgrade. The newest iPhones and Androids, for instance, offer superior speed, a crystal-clear display, and ample memory to take on whatever apps you decide to load up. You can save on upgrading your phone if you sign up with a provider that offers plan and trade-in deals. For example, Verizon is currently offering a new iPhone 11 for around $29 a month.

There’s no shortage of iPhone and Android apps out there for dog lovers! Here are a few of our favorites to get you started.

PetCoach by PetCo

Do you wish you had a team of dog experts on call? With PetCoach by PetCo, you do. This mobile app connects you with an extensive network of veterinarians and pet trainers who are ready to answer your questions, free of charge. Whether you’re wondering if something is safe for dogs to chew on or you need to keep your pup from tearing up the couch, PetCoach can help.

Of course, no app is a substitute for your own veterinarian, so if you’re uncertain, give the vet’s office a call. Don’t have a vet yet? MyPet has a convenient tool you can use to find a new doctor for your dog based on your zip code.

Animal Poison by ASPCA

If your dog already has chewed on—or eaten—something you’re not sure they should have, you’ll want to turn to ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. This mobile app has info on more than 300 different everyday pet hazards, as well as advice on how to respond to them. The information comes from the ASPCA’s own veterinary experts, and it can help you decide whether you need to book it to the vet or just give your furry friend some extra love and attention.

Puppr

Ready to teach your new dog some old tricks? The Puppr app brings dog training into your living room with lessons by Sara Carson, one of the world’s top dog-trick instructors. If you’re looking for answers to specific questions, you can even upgrade to a premium option that includes real-time chats with Sara. The app teaches more than 50 tricks, so whether you want your dog to sit on command or jump through literal hoops, Puppr has you covered.

Just remember that every dog, just like every human, learns at his or her own pace. If your dog isn’t learning as fast as you’d like, PuppyLeaks notes you may be the one who needs to learn a new trick: patience.

Dog Monitor and Pet Cam by Annie

No matter how committed a pet owner you are, you can’t be with your dog 24/7. The Dog Monitor and Pet Cam by Annie can fill in the gaps. This pet monitoring app lets you check in on your pup while you’re away from home. You can both listen to and see your dog, and you can even talk to a pet who seems sad or anxious. The app will tell you if your dog is awake or asleep, too.

Annie’s Dog Monitor and Pet Cam makes a point of being compatible with older phones and operating systems, but as TechTarget points out, not all apps are backward compatible.

Gathering up the gear for your new friend is exciting, but it’s easy to overlook all that tech has to offer. Beyond the traditional essentials, make sure you have appropriate apps and a phone that can handle them. With just a handful of good tools, you’ll be ready for a life full of love and fun with your dog.

Just like human hair, your dog’s coat will reflect the dog’s health. This can be especially obvious if you live in a harsher climate such as Australia for example. What’s more, if the dog’s coat is dull and lackluster, the chances are that there’s something wrong with their diet. As your dog’s owner and friend, you have the power to keep your furry pal happy, healthy and properly groomed. That said, keep in mind the following tips that can give your dog a shiny coat.

1. Enrich the dog’s diet with Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids

Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and generally tend to improve the overall skin conditions. This also includes the look and feel of your dog’s fur. In general, it would be best to diversify the dog’s diet a bit by introducing fish, fish oil or flaxseed oil to it for added Omega-3. Essentially, two tablespoons of any of these are more than enough for a medium-sized dog. A teaspoon of sunflower oil, safflower oil or rapeseed oil is also beneficial as these are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids. Just make sure to opt for one addition of Omega-3 and one of Omega-6, as you don’t want to go overboard and risk your dog getting an upset stomach.

2. Use supplements to improve the dog’s coat and skin

In case your pooch doesn’t react well to oils or fish, it would be best to switch to some healthy supplement alternatives. During the extreme heat of Australian summers for instance, dogs seem to react better to supplements than oils in general. If you notice this problem in your pup, too, you might want to look into high-quality dog supplements in Australia or wherever you might reside in order to provide your animal friend with the most effective nutrients and vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. These supplements will add much-needed Omega fatty acids while tasting like chicken!

3. Brush and bathe your dog regularly

Even if your pooch tends to spend most of their time outside in the yard, you still need to stay on top of their grooming schedule. After all, this will affect the shine and health of the dog’s coat considerably. When it comes to brushing, you want to do it on a daily basis. But, when bathing is concerned, it would be best to consult your vet to find out the optimal bathing frequency for your dog in particular. Some dogs might have oilier skin and fur while others can suffer from drier and flakier skin. In that respect, you need to adjust the bathing accordingly as well as get the right shampooing products for your pup.

4. Prevent fleas, ticks, and mites

One of the biggest concerns for dog owners is the infestation of pests such as fleas, ticks and mites. These can damage your dog’s health, especially when it comes to skin and coat. In case you notice any rashes or sores, and even just thinning spots in the fur, make sure to bring your dog to the vet asap. However, the best thing you can do is to take preventative measures in the first place. This includes cleaning your home regularly as well as areas where your dog tends to spend a lot of time with appropriate products. Also, special collars and treatments can keep these pests away from your dog so don’t hesitate to ask about your options when visiting a vet. This is especially important in tropical Australia-like climates.

5. Keep your pooch happy

Stress can affect your dog’s coat as much as it can human hair. Precisely because of that, it’s important that you keep your dog happy. Dogs need to feel loved so make sure that you give them enough attention and cuddles on a daily basis. Also, it’s very important to let them use up their energy; if you don’t have a yard to let them run around make it a point to take them out for a walk every day. Furthermore, if you notice that your dog experiences separation anxiety every time you go to work, start working on getting the pup used to this occurrence regularly or at least make sure that they have company by dropping the dog off at the renowned kennel.

For anything that you might be unsure about, definitely go and talk to the vet. Ask as many questions as you need in order to provide the best care for your canine friend.

Many people are a dog lover and want to keep a pet in their house. A god is a good friend, and this habit is also beneficial to avoid anxiety. There are numerous advantages to keeping a puppy. But one of the most significant problems they are facing is that they have kids who get scared of the dog. However, if you select wisely, you can choose a friendly family dog.

For helping this, I must prefer to check at least below points while adopting any dog:

1. a) Temperament: Different dogs possess a distinct type of temperament. One should have to check and investigate first about the suitable breed. Dog’s personality also depends upon the training conducted with a particular pet. Therefore, examine and check both types of characteristics in the specific dog.
2. b) Size & Appearance: Sometimes larger animal causes for scary feeling, however the smaller one won’t. Little kitty or puppy looks attractive. Children under 8 years like hairy and fleecy dogs. Moreover, large and adult dogs tend to be docile; that is another feature you can check before finalizing the pet.
3. c) Energy Level: If you are planning to spend more time with your dog and taking your kids along with your pet for jogging or exercising then the one having a good energy level will be best. But keep in mind, if you bring a good one and unable to meet a dog’s necessity, his energy can cause to convert to bad behavior and might be harmful to your loved ones.
4. d) Causes Allergies for Children: According to research, senior dogs have some common disease. It is not mean that every pet is infected. Numerously, human has an allergic issue with particular dogs & cats. Before selecting a special breed and a specific pet, check the history to know if it will not be the reason for allergy. Otherwise, your children’s fear will increase more.
5. e) Cost:It is the apparent factor that almost every person would take care of. This point has two perspectives. The first one is the price while buying it. However, the second aspect is regarding the cost you must have to bear for grooming and taking care of your puppy. In both cases, check if your savings permit you to handle this expense, then go for it. Otherwise, search for another.

Before investigating for mentioned above steps, it is necessary to know which breed has the characteristics that suit you, and your family members. Here I am listing 14 most appropriate and common dogs.

1) Beagle

Beagles are the most popular category of dog people love to keep in their house. It is one of the best bred for the company with your small kids. They look attractive, and the owners went for a walk with Beagle. They do not drool much; hence the allergic issue will be minimized. The features of Beagle are friendly, gentle, loving and enthusiastic.

For sacred kids, bring both of them on walk and exercise daily. You will notice that within 10 – 15 days, they both become good friends.

2) Newfoundland

The appearance of Newfoundland itself shows the cuteness of this puppy. They are lovely in characteristics and welcome you eagerly when you come back home. It has a sweet nature and could be the best friend for your kid. Make sure to brush its hairs on a daily basis with a quality brush, else the hairs will shed more than regular quantity. You need to take care of its emergencies.

Newfoundland is easy to train and handle. They learn the instruction quickly. This breed enjoys more to attention seeker nature. Children love to spend their time with Newfoundlands.One of the reasons why kids love this breed is that they watched PeterPan. Newfoundland worked as a character named “Nana” for the Darling Family’s Pet Dog.

3) Collie

Keep the difference between Collie and BorderCollie. Both look like the same, but the characteristics are dissimilar like energetic, closely-look appearance, training struggles, etc. Collie usually has a brown color. It is faithful to the owner and friendly nature. The behavior of Collie is quite understandable and predictable. His body is full of long hairs that attract the children towards him. Addition to the above, the training process is very easy. An essential and critical point is its cleanliness due to thick hairs.

4) Golden Retriever

The golden look of Golden Retriever is exciting. Kids like such look and the fluffy touch as it has due to hairs on all over the body. It looks like a coat of fur. This dog loves the company of the human. Training of Golden Retriever could be achieved through several plays like fetching and bringing back the objects. They are obedient, calm in nature, engaging in play when you take it in the park, and becomes friend quickly with every member of your family.

5) Bichon Frise

Mrs. Rihana James, a psychology tutor at UK essay writing services, shared her research thesis on multi behavior:

The Bichon Frise looks like a toy. Therefore children attracted toward it. In fact, its nature is similar to the small kids, and they smile when seeing it because the look of Bichon seems that it is smiling. Human always behaves according to the thought constructed for others.

Bichon Frises are full of energy, and their appearance is too appealing. It looks fluffy and covered with snow or coat of fur. If you have children smaller than 5 years, it is the best breed to bring with you at home. Infants love to play with them.

6) Bull Terrier

The name is scary, but dog experts count Bull Terrier under friendly dogs. Don’t worry if there are more than 5 children in a house along with this breed. It is one of the muscular animals and won’t drool too much. Since you take care of its needs, it will be safe for your family. Bull Terrier has an obedient characteristic. If you involve your kid in the training of this breed, they both become friends as fast as you could think.

7) Vizsla

It is an intelligent breed among all the dogs. But unfortunately, people ignore it while making the selection of puppy for their family. One of the important natures of Vizsla advised by Mr. Peter Sylvester from Assignment Guarantee:

“Vizsla is a sensitive breed among all dogs. They have the most critical fear that their master will not come back to him if they go somewhere. I think their face features were constructed as is, due to this fear.”

Vizsla usually sticks with their owner. If you leave it with your kid, they will remain happy. They love exercising more than another breed. Therefore, they get engaged with your child for a long time without injuring them.

8) Bulldog

Some professional trainers recommend Bulldog as a family favorite. However, its appearance is fearsome. When Bulldogs are in starting age, they look friendly more than scary. This breed is very energetic and suitable for your children to play with them. By nature, they become calmer when they grow. Furthermore, they cause less expensive to feed and nurture.

House hunting when you own a dog can be a challenge. Your home must accommodate your dog’s needs as well as your own. You’ll also need to keep him safe while you move and help him adjust to relocating. Let’s take a look at what you can do to make sure that your dog is as happy as you are in your new home.

Selecting the Right Home with Your Dog in Mind

It all begins with choosing the right house that fits your family, your budget, and your dog. Here’s what you should consider:

Find the Right Realtor

From the very first step, you want to make sure your realtor has plenty of experience with selling homes to dog owners. Better yet, find one who has a dog. Of course, even that might not be enough. Rhona Sutter, president of Pet Protect, says a realtor should be knowledgeable about local pet ordinances and other rules that apply to your dog. “Also, when out looking at homes, listen for mentions of local pet amenities instead of just, ‘Great home, great price, must move quickly,'” she says.

Pick the Location Carefully

Make that you can comply with all homeowners association, apartment, or other rules and local ordinances regarding dogs. Conveniences can be important too. A nearby veterinarian can be crucial in emergencies, and pet stores and grooming shops will be helpful. While it might not be at the top of your mind, a nearby dog park can be an enticing feature too!

However, be aware that your dog can be in danger if he gets loose around a busy street. Always keep his safety in mind, and invest in things that have safety in mind. While a good fence can keep him from escaping, look into getting a GPS pet tracker just in case he manages to get free.

The Living Space Your Dog Needs

Every dog loves a backyard, but what size yard does yours need? Do you need a fence? Is the house itself big enough? If you have a puppy, you’ll need to consider how big he’ll grow – or not, depending on the breed. Michelle Christie, corporate affairs manager for Royal Canin South Africa says certain medium to large dogs, like bulldogs, can do well in smaller spaces.

Think About The Future

It’s also wise to consider future needs. What if his leg is injured? What will we do when he is elderly? You can buy a two-story home, but you should map out what you’ll do for your pet if he can no longer climb the stairs.

Other Pets

Local animals and pets can also play a key factor. Are there predators living nearby? Also, find out if the previous owner had a pet. Pets can leave behind dander, bacteria, fleas, and ticks, so clean and exterminate beforehand.

Helping Your Dog Adjust To His New Home

There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is comfortable and happy with his new home.

• Packing and relocating will stress out your pet. Take time to prepare him by getting him used to packed boxes and your new area, little by little.
• Moving day is difficult for any pet. Make sure he is safe. You may want to leave him with a friend to ensure he does not get lost with all the open doors. Make sure to tire out your dog before the big move with a long walk.
• Create a space just for your dog. Load it with his toys, blankets, and bed.
• Give him a special treat and show him love — even after a tiring moving day. After all, you are his best source of comfort.
• Help him acclimate by keeping the food and water bowls in a similar area as the previous house.
• Don’t wash any of his blankets, beds, or toys as the old smells are comforting.

Your dog is more than just a companion — he’s a member of the family. Put his needs next to yours when buying a new home.

We all love our pets. They are family, just like all other members and we want to care for them the same way. Pets don’t come with a handbook on how to take care of them, and we often need some help with getting used to all of their needs. But on the top of the list will always be their safety. However, emergencies do happen, and we need to be prepared in hopes to prevent those and know how to react if something does happen. So here are the most common pet emergencies and how to deal with them to ensure the safety of your pet:

Food poisoning

Pets tend to eat some weird things. Whether it’s the things that we happen to drop or throw away, or something they find on the street, eating something contaminated is the easiest way for your pet to get sick. As for inside the house, you should always be aware of where you throw your food and tie up your trash bags as well as have a lid on the trash cans. If your pets go outside in the street, keep a watchful eye and teach them when they are still young not to eat anything off the street because you never know if it might be contaminated. Next, you should know how to spot the symptoms: usually, you can’t miss them because they include vomiting or diarrhea. If you do notice anything wrong, take your pet to the vet immediately. Also, keep in mind that there are some food items that might make them sick, and if you notice a pattern, stop giving them those foods.

Environmental hazards

Pets don’t find it natural to live in small, enclosed spaces such as our homes, which is why they have to be trained or otherwise adjusted to the living environment. But you also have to make sure that the things that aren’t a danger to you also aren’t a danger to them, especially while they are small and still getting used to them. I had to call a local Sydney electrician to come and tuck away all of the cables above ground and within plastic guards so that my little pup doesn’t get to them and chew on them. This is a real danger, especially for younger, smaller animals, because an electrical shock could kill them. If they do get to the cables and get shocked, call your veterinarian immediately and closely follow what they say. Chewing on objects is a way for puppies to deal with teething, so to prevent them from chewing on things you don’t want them to, buy them plenty of interesting toys they can chew on.

Trauma

Any kind of injury caused by external blows is called trauma, and it’s very common in all animals. Any time they bump into a wall, break their paw or unfortunately get hit by a vehicle, it’s called trauma. The best thing you can do to prevent this is to constantly keep an eye on your pet when they are outside, never letting them off the leash unless they are in a secured, dog-friendly area. If something does happen, the only thing you should do is rush them to the nearest vet or animal hospital and have them checked out.

Having a pet is not a small responsibility and you need to take it as seriously as you would raising a child. Pets aren’t toys nor accessories, they are living creatures deserving of love, attention and care. Remember that they depend on us for everything, so if you do take a pet in, make sure you are giving it the best possible life it can get, including protecting them from dangers.