Note that you can start this process at any stage of your dog’s life! It’s faster and easier for young people to make positive connections than for adults, but it’s always worth trying to teach new ways of thinking. Achim Herzog | Wikimedia Commons 1. Choose a puppy whose parents …
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How far can I walk with my puppy?
For new puppies around 8 weeks old, keep walking time to 5 or 10 minutes. Let your puppy choose the speed and take breaks as needed. If she’s too tired to walk, carry her home. As your puppy grows, she can gradually walk longer walks. A puppy at 12 weeks …
Read More »How much exercise do dogs need?
Dogs from breeds originally bred for hunting or herding tend to thrive on high-mileage exercise programs, making them great jogging or hiking companions.Photography: Jordan Siemens, Getty Images Your dog’s age, overall health, and breed determine her exercise sweet spot. Puppies and young adult dogs need more exercise, while older, sick, …
Read More »Puppy Essentials: How to Prepare for a New Puppy
It’s the most exciting time for any dog lover: a new puppy is on the way! Being prepared in advance will make it easier for your puppy to adjust to his new life. Plan with your puppy care professional Once you start thinking about getting a puppy, find and hire …
Read More »Your dog’s teeth are chipped or broken
The canine suffered more than a little chipping during the high-speed collision with another dog; it nearly broke in two. Although the dog showed no signs of pain, veterinary dental X-rays revealed damage to the pulp and the tooth had to be removed.Photo by Nancy Kerns A chip or break …
Read More »Successfully Adopting a Dog, Part 1: Establishing Adoption Criteria
So, you’re thinking about adopting a dog. wonderful! Your entire future with your future new dog is right in front of you, and anything is possible. Dreams of agility, rally, obedience, stunts, and/or nose drills may be dancing in your head, or perhaps a leisurely walk in a nearby park, …
Read More »Should you shave your dog?Shaving despite advice
Most grooming experts recommend against shaving your dog, but in some cases, shaving may be the best option for the health and well-being of some older dogs. Shaving is discouraged Most veterinarians and organizations such as the American Kennel Club warn that double-coated dogs (i.e., dogs with an insulating undercoat) …
Read More »Successfully Adopting a Dog, Part 2: What to Do at the Shelter
[Updated August 24, 2018] So you’ve made a list of the qualities you want, found a highly regarded shelter, rescue group or breeder, and are ready to start your search. Maybe you’ve found a potential customer on an organization’s website. What should we do now? Go meet some dogs! Here …
Read More »When do dogs lose their baby teeth?
Puppies are born without teeth, but develop 28 baby teeth by about 6 weeks of age. Providing appropriate chew toys will help her through the eruption of baby teeth and the sometimes painful changes of permanent teeth.Photo credit: yellowsarah | Getty Images Between 12 and 16 weeks of age, your …
Read More »How to clean dog ears at home
Cleaning your dog’s ears at home is easy, as long as you have the right tools and know why your dog’s ears need cleaning.Credit: Maya | Getty Images For dogs who suffer from frequent ear infections, cleaning their ears at home may help. If you have a lop-eared dog, especially …
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