برچسب: Tips

5 Grooming Tips Every Long-Haired Dog Breed Owner Should Be Following

Long-Haired Dog Breeds Can Be Rewarding They have luxurious coats that make them distinct, and they are so majestic-looking in a crowd. But such lovely coats — and maintenance responsibilities to match. Regular care of the long-haired dog is necessary to prevent matting, skin problems, and pain. In this complete guide, we will go over all the grooming steps you need to take, help you understand the best grooming tips and secrets for your long hair dogs so they remain healthy, comfortable and at their most beautiful.

1. Is Your Dog Long-Haired?

Long-haired dog breeds, such as the Golden retriever, Afghan hound, Shih Tzu and Yorkshire Terrier have their own set of grooming requirements that differ completely from those of their short-haired friends. Their coats also tend to get matted, tangled and trapping quite a lot of dirt so it may seem as though grooming is another one of those feces luxuries rather than essentials. The only secret to keeping your coat beautiful and healthy is in discipline. In addition to maintaining his beautiful appearance, regular grooming also helps secure that your dog has healthy skin and distances him from possible health problems like skin infections or parasites.

Another thing is, you should know whether your dog has a single coat or double coat so that it can guide you in taking care of them. For this reason single-coated breeds such as the Maltese (with only one layer of fur which is usually much silkier and can tangle more easily) may not be suitable for someone who has a lot of allergies, compared to double-coated breeds like the Samoyed which need regular grooming with an appropriate brush to keep shedding under control.

2. Don’t Let Your Yorkie Mat or Tangle

The daily brushing is part of one of the most critical grooming for long-haired dogs. Long coats can become matted and, if not addressed, these mats turn into painful clumps of hair that tug at the dog’s skin. A slicker brush or a large tooth comb can help to de-matt your dog without causing them any discomfort. Before they become so serious that matting takes place, while eliminating knots and matting.

Always begin from the bottom of your dog’s hair and work up to the tips, you have to take it easy and be patient. Keep an eye out for matting behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the tail. It also helps to spread the dog’s natural oils and keep their coat shiny and healthy.

When hitting a map, minimal or moderate harshness about it. Some dematting combs can be used in this way as well but using your fingers is the gentlest solution. If the mat was allowed to grow too tight, or if your dog is in pain from pulling on his skin, you may need to cut out the mat instead of loosening it.

3. Baths to Clean the Coat Regularly

Long-coated dogs do not need to be bathed as often as short-coated breeds, but they still need a scrub from time to time in order to keep that beautiful, furry coat clean and untangled. Try to bathe your doggie every 4-6 weeks and on their breed and activity level. Nevertheless, if your fur child gets extra filthy or messy, you might require to wash them a lot more often.

What shampoo should I use for my long-haired dog when bathing? Human shampoos can dry and strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat; stay away! Remember to rinse out the shampoo well, as even the smallest amount left over can cause irritation and dryness.

Once bath time is over, you can simply/carefully towel dry your dog (or on low heat setting blow dry if needed) This is critical for breeds with a thicker undercoat, as trapped moisture in the undercoat can lead to skin infections. Not brushing out your dog brush air dried hair causes the fur to knot up, so be sure you never use a bath.

4. Having Haircuts and Trims Done So Your Dog Is Comfortable

Keeping dogs with long hair nicely groomed will help them keep cool in hot weather and will also prevent matting. There are owners that take their dog to the professional groomer for haircuts, and those who will try to learn at home how to trim their dog’s fur. Grooming scissors and clippers (if you are doing home grooming)

For breeds like a Shih Tzu or Lhasa Apso, regular trimming around the eyes pads and sanitary areas is very important. The best methods usually involve keeping the hair short around these areas to avoid irritation and keep your dog clean. He should also get a good trim on the hair covering his paw pads, because longer hairs here can collect dirt and cause your dog to get less traction on slippery surfaces.

Do not shave your double coated dog all the way down unless medical necessity Your Dog has a double coat that helps regulate their body temperature, whether they are in hot or cold weather. If you shave a double-coated breed the coat will stop being able to insulate properly, and this may even cause permanent harm to the coat.

5. Ear Cleaning and Paw Care – The Overlooked Zones

Apart from fur coat care, you need to watch other areas of your dog’s body that are frequently overlooked such as his ears and paws. Long haired breeds sometimes have fur growing inside their ears, which can hold the moisture and debris inside causing infections. Regularly clean your dog’s ears with a veterinary-approved ear-cleaner and if necessary, have the fur inside their ears trimmed.

Long-haired breeds can have hair grow over the footpads trapping dirt and matted by debris. Routine maintenance may keep your furry friend more comfortable and cut down on the chances of slipping or debris caught between their toe pads.

6. Nail Trimming and Dental Care

Nail Clipping – As a part of any dog grooming routine, nail clipping is vital for any breed, especially longer haired breeds. Long nails can be uncomfortable to walk on and cause them to get started often. So how will you know when to trim your dog’s nails? If they make a clickety-clack against the floor it’s time. If you are not comfortable cutting your dog’s nails on your own then take them to a groomer or vet.

Dental care is another important grooming priority. From regular cleanings and brushing to giving them dental chews, maintaining the proper care and cleanliness in your dog’s mouth is a must.

7. Professional Groomer Schedule

You can do much at home, but long-haired dogs will need to be groomed regularly by a professional to keep their coats in good condition. Groomers perform deep cleanings, intricate haircuts and mat removal for every breed of mutt. As dogs with wiry coats do not shed and continually grow new hair, a visit to the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks can be great for maintaining this coat — especially if you have opted to let your wire haired breed develop long tresses as you will likely need someone else regularly trimming up these locks.

Conclusion: Try to Be Consistent

Whenever you have a dog breed with long hair, you will need to commit time and effort into maintaining their coat healthy, clean and mat-free. You will also want to liberally brush and bathe, trim and professionally groom your dog as often as possible too. Taking care of that fluffy coat will ensure that your long haired dog is a regal beast, letting the world know you are as committed to being a pet owner.

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15/04/2025
Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Important Tips, And What Supplies To Get
Buying a kitten is a lot different than buying an older cat. Before you rush out and buy or take the first kitten that is offered to you, there are a few things that you should know.

As with any animal, there are certain things that you should look for to make sure that the kitten is healthy. By paying attention and looking for these different things, you might be able to save yourself and your family from picking a kitten that is going to be quite sickly or even die.

What Do You Need To Check Before Getting A New Cat?

Here is a list of things that you need to look for in any kittens that you are considering buying:
- Make sure that the kitten has clear, bright eyes.
- Look to see if the ears and nose are clean and not gunky.
- Look for a thick and shiny coat.
- You don’t want any skin that has fleas, scaly patches, or any types of lumps.
- Open the mouth of the kitten and look for firm, pink gums.
- Observe the kitten to make sure that they are attentive and playful.
Next comes the asking of the pet shop or breeder who is trying to sell you the kitten. You need to ask them certain questions that they should have no problems answering. If they try to avoid you or put your off it might be a good sign that you need to move onto a different pet shop or breeder:
- Ask about the kittens vaccinations.
- Ask about parasite checks.
- Have them tell you the age, gender, and breed of the kitten.
- Do not buy a kitten that is not at least six to eight weeks old.
- Ask about their diet and nutrition.
- Have them provide you with the Veterinarians name, number, and address.
- If you are looking at a purebred, ask about the kitten’s registration papers.
- Ask if you can have your own veterinarian check the kitten out before you buy it.
If the pet shop or breeder is reputable they should not have a problem answering any of these questions or letting you take the kitten to your own veterinarian for a checkup. Just remember that you can always find another pet shop or breeder that has the kitten you are looking for if something doesn’t seem quite right.

Are you new to the kitty world? You must educate yourself in order to choose the right cat for you. Here you go: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten

Dealing With Your New Kitten

If you are choosing to buy or get a kitten there will be quite a bit of training to do, just like with a baby, the kitten has to learn. The first lesson that will make life a lot easier for you and your kitten is litter box training. This really shouldn’t be too hard of a lesson for either of you since most kittens take to the litter box quite naturally.

What is important to note is not to be in your kittens face while he or she is trying to do their thing. Patience is the key to any type of training, and this is not different. Of course, there are a few things that you can do in order to help this be an easy experience for your kitten:
- Make sure that your kitten can climb in and out of the litter box; sometimes they will have trouble in a litter box that is too big.
- Put the litter box in a quite area that is always accessible.
- Clean the litter box on a daily basis and keep the litter changed regularly.
- In order to establish a pattern, make sure you put your kitten in their litter box when they wake up and after they eat.
- Everyone benefits from being told they did a good job, kittens are no different, make sure to let them know when they have done a good job.
- Keep the litter box in the same place, don’t move it around.
- If you have more than one cat, make sure they all have their own litter box.
You might have heard your friends or family talk about baby proofing their home when their child began to be mobile, if you plan on getting a kitten you will find yourself doing the same thing. A kitten is in essence a baby, but of the feline persuasion, as such they are just as curious as any other type of baby. You need to take the time and look at your home from a kitten’s perspective, find possible hazardous items, and remove them accordingly.

You aren’t going to be able to anticipate everything, but it is quite advantageous to the health and well being of your kitten to take some precautions:
- Kittens can be quite clumsy, make sure that all of your windows are secured and keep your kitten off of anything high such as a second story house walk out.
- Move all cleaners and anything else harmful in an area that your kitten can not access. This goes for any harmful plants as well, just as with a baby, kittens will chew on whatever is handy such as a plant.
- After you use the restroom, close the toilet lid. This is a handy piece of advice if you have kittens or small children in the home.
- Don’t leave plastic materials such as trash bags or plastic storage bags lying around, again helpful for kittens and children.
- After you have finished your six pack of beer or soda, cut up the plastic ring containers so that your cat doesn’t get caught up in them. This is also an environmentally kind thing to do so other animals don’t share a bad fate.
- Anything electric, sharp, or pointy needs to be responsibly stored so your kitten doesn’t decide to make a dangerous object its next chew toy.
Introducing The New Kitten To The Family

If you have children or other animals in the house you will need to make sure that your kitten is introduced to them slowly and properly. Older children are not as much of a concern as small children are. You need to make sure that they understand the proper way to treat their new kitten. You need to teach them how to hold it properly and not to pull on its legs, face, tail, or ears.

Young children must learn that the kitten is a living thing that they need to treat with love, care, and respect. You can help you kitten feel a little safer by getting down to his or her level when it comes to play time. This will make you not seem quite so huge and scary to the kitten.

You also need to pay close attention how other pets in the house treat the new kitten. It is not a good idea to simply leave a new kitten with an older cat or dog. Take the time to introduce them to one another while being attentive to their reactions to each other. Normally older cats will be tolerant of the new kitten and even tend to it after they are comfortable with one another.

Dogs may take a little longer to get used to the situation of a new kitten in the house. Just remember to be patient and to make sure your other animals in the house gets the love and attention that they need, make them feel just as special as the new kitten. Here are a few tips that might help you with this process:
- Don’t rush your animals to get along, take it slow and easy.
- It might be wise to keep the kitten in its carrier for the first little bit while the others animals can sniff around it without making direct contact with the kitten.
- Get a new toy and put the kittens scent on it, and vice versa with the older cats or dogs, then give it to the opposite parties so they can become accustomed to the scent.
After doing some of these steps for a while, everyone should begin to get along with little disturbance in the house.

Getting Supplies For Your New Cat

Anytime you choose to get a new pet, you need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of that pet with. Cats need certain things so before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home.

Although these seem like simple items, if you have never owned a cat there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.

The food and water bowl does not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pet’s name on it unless you want to. Mainly they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won’t tip over easily. Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in their bowls as well.

Unless you plan on teaching your cat how to use the toilet like in a popular movie, you will need to purchase a litter box and everything that goes in it. This involves the litter box, the scoop, and the litter. If you have a kitten it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it, but on the other hand you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full grown cat.

What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul smelling odors and make your cat unwilling to further use the litter box, so it may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.

Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box so that it will make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis, just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room. The last item is of course to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties that have odor control and clump better, what you choose is up to your own preferences.

Keep in mind that you must always think in what is best for your pets, for that reason you need to take care of what they eat. Take a look at this: The Best Homemade Pet Food According To Our Pet Food Advisor

Think On You Cat’s Needs

Your pet needs a place in which they can lay down, sleep, and take a nap. A cat bed will also help keep your cat from taking its naps on your bed or couch. A good choice is a bed that your cat will be able to snuggle in. You can choose from nesting beds, mats, or perches.

Your choice will depend on your cat’s sleeping habits and what will fit best in your home. Also, don’t be irritated if your cat doesn’t take to its new sleeping domain right away, it might take time or your cat might not adapt to it at all. A good tip is to find a bed that is washable so that any messes are easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to put the bed wherever your cat likes to sleep or in a quiet area.

Cats need to stretch and exercise their arms and legs, just like humans do. Unfortunately they choose to do this by scratching things since no one has invented a gym for cats. In order to avoid having them scratch up all of your furniture, it might be a good idea to invest in a cat scratching post, and the sooner the better. A scratching post will help your cat realize that they have their own piece of furniture to claw up and to leave yours alone.

When buying a scratching post for your cat, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the scratching post is actually tall enough for your cat to be able to get the full effect. This is so they can completely stretch their body out and still have room to spare. Next make sure that it won’t fall over as soon as it has something leaning against it or your cat will be tipping it over all of the time.

If your cat already has a few bad habits such as scratching furniture and such, you might need to train your cat to use the post instead. This might take a little time and patience, but if you make sure your cat is playing with it whenever you are around, they will begin to get the idea, and it also helps if it is in an accessible area to your cat.

If want want to give your cat the very best, we have exactly what you need.

Transporting You Cat And Keeping Them Entertained

Since you may have realized that trying to transport your cat or anyone else’s for that matter is no easy task, it is smart to invest in a cat carrier. A cat carrier is great for a cat or a kitten. It will enable you to transport your cat from point A to point B with little to no damage or injury. Plus you will not have to worry about your cat plunking around in your car or attaching itself to you with its claws while you are driving.

A cat carrier is the best choice all around and will help your cat feel secure as well. Since there are a variety of different cat carriers to choose from, again it will depend largely on your preference and how much you want to spend. It’s a good idea to make sure that the carrier is big enough to fit your cat and allow them to move around while in it.

Fortunately you don’t have to spend a fortune on toys for your feline friend. This is largely due to the fact that they will play with whatever it is you have handy. Whether it is a string, a leaf, wrapping paper, or a ball, they will be completely content swatting it, biting it, and tearing it apart. Of course, many of these items that you have lying around your house are not the safest for kittens and cats, nor do you want them thinking that it’s ok to chew on whatever they want, this is why it’s important that they have some of their own toys.

You can choose to go through your house and find toys that will be safe for your cat or to go to the store and purchase a few cat designated toys. Some toys that are safe to give your cat that you find around the house are:
- Small balls that bounce, but they can’t chew apart and aren’t so small that they will get caught in their throat.
- Sewing supplies such as a empty wooden thread spool.
- Balled up paper.
- Boxes and gift bags filled with tissue paper.
Items around the house that you should not give your cat or kitten for health and safety reasons:
- Balls of string, yarn, or spools with thread on them.
- Anything with wire in it.
- Anything aluminum or cellophane.
- Plastic bags.
- Rubber bands.
- Nothing that is sharp or pointy.
- Nothing that can break and hurt your cat.
- Nothing that they can chew off and get stuck in their throat.
You can find many fun and colorful cat toys at your local supermarket or pet store. The key is to use your judgment before you buy any of them. Carefully look them over and make sure they won’t become hazardous to your cat as he plays with them. It’s smart and cost effective to start out with a few toys so that you can see what your cat chooses to play with and what they do not. Also it’s important to note that some cat toys should only be used when you are there playing with your cat or kitten.

Suit Up Your Cat

A collar is a very important thing if you have a cat who enjoys both the indoors as well as the outdoors. An important thing to keep in mind when buying a collar for your cat is that if they are quite active and curious, you will need to find a collar that can break away. Although a breakaway collar seems kind of strange, it is really in the best interest for your cat and their safety.

If you cat is outdoors or even inside and their collar gets caught on something you do not want them to choke, that is why it’s important to look for a breakaway collar. You should have your kitten or cat begins wearing their collar as soon as possible so that they become accustomed to it.

Also make sure that your cat has some sort of identification on their collar if they get lost or find themselves out of your house. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. If you have the opportunity to train them how to walk with a leash when they are young they will adapt to it much better.

Not all cats like the leash around their neck which is why it might be necessary to purchase a harness which will be more comfortable for the cat and give you more control as well.

Grooming is a big part of having a cat, especially if you have a long haired cat so you will need to have the proper grooming tools, even if you have a short haired cat. Mainly you will just need to have a flea comb and a brush, but the tools that you will need depend largely on what type of fur your cat has. Grooming is important in order to prevent hairballs and it will also help to cut down on how much cat hair will be on your furniture.

Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!

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14/04/2025
Welcome Home Buddy: Tips For Adopting A New Puppy Or Dog

On a past entry we talked about getting a new cat (Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten), and we also made an entire series on how to own a new puppy; but we never mentioned how to pick the perfect dog for you. That’s why we are here today to share our best tips for adopting a new puppy or dog.

When you are planning to adopt a dog, there are some very important points to keep in mind to make sure that you are delighted with your new dog. They can mean the difference between regretting your decision and having a wonderful new friend whom you will enjoy and cherish.

Adopting a new dog can be a great experience. Owning a dog can greatly enhance your life. When you do some research and apply common sense, you are taking the first step toward acquiring and enjoying a brand-new friend.

Mistakes To Avoid

One mistake to avoid is buying a dog on the spur of the moment. You may see a dog in a pet shop, or read an ad in the newspaper, and decide that you absolutely must have that dog. A hasty decision in purchasing a new dog is never a good idea. Instead, you should read through this book, learn all there is to know about the breed of dog you are thinking about, and decide if he will fit well into your life and your home.

A second mistake is to underestimate the cost of a new dog. Whether you choose an expensive purebred or a mixed breed, buying a dog is far from being the only cost involved. Your dog will need food and other supplies, and regular visits to the veterinarian. As you want your dog to always be in the fine condition as when you first bought him, you need to know that you can afford his upkeep.

Another factor in disappointment is trying to recreate a relationship you had with a dog in your childhood or youth. You may be tempted to think that all dogs of this particular breed are exactly the same. You can avoid disappointment by realizing that every dog is an individual, just like people. Your new dog’s personality and needs may be much different from the dog you had before, even if they are the same breed.

You will see how different a dog is from another once you train them, it won’t only teach you this, but it also help you connect with your little buddy on a different level of confidence and love: Puppy 101: A beautiful journey through dog training

You should also avoid getting a dog solely because a member of your family wants one. Regardless of which person is actually in charge of the dog’s daily upkeep and maintenance, when a dog lives with a family they are a part of the family. Only if you know that they will be welcomed by everyone should you purchase it and bring it home.

If you have never owned a dog before, your first dog can be a pleasure. It does mean, however, that you need to do your research well in advance of making your final decision. You must know what to expect, and that you are ready to become a dog owner.

What Breed Is Best Suited For You

When you think about comparing breeds of dogs, their size and appearance may be the first things to come to mind. There are many other factors involved in choosing the breed of dog that is right for you.

Comparing breeds involves considering your family’s needs as well as your prospective pet’s. For example, some breeds are generally good with small children while others are not. If there are children in your household, choosing a breed of dog which is known for gentleness and playfulness is wiser than choosing one that is tougher or aloof. It is much better to make a wise decision about a breed than to expect your new dog to conform to your household.

As breeds of dogs have their own personality traits and characteristics, you should choose the best match for yourself and your family. You may be thinking of a pet who will be a good guard dog, one that will be your companion, or one who loves to frolic and play. When you make note of your expectations, it will be easier to find the breed best matched to you.

Another important point to consider when comparing breeds are health issues. As many purebreds are much more susceptible to developing various types of health problems, knowing which issues pertain to the breed you are considering can help you to avoid heartache and costly veterinarian expenses. You should know what to expect from the particular breed before you make your final decision.

Some breeds require more upkeep than others. Whether it is a matter of frequent shedding, or bathing more regularly than others, you can narrow your choices down to the breeds which best match your ability to take care of a new dog. It is also a good idea to consider how much food and other supplies he will need on a regular basis. We have an extended talk about this last part in Healthy Dog: The Raw Dog Diet, Food Allergies And Vitamins

When you have taken all of these points into consideration, there is an additional factor which will also help you to choose the breed that is best for you: you want a dog that you will love, and enjoy spending time with for many years to come. You may have a particular breed in mind, or you may be waiting to find the right one. When you keep in mind that you and your new dog will establish a mutually-beneficial relationship, you will find the ideal breed of dog to invite into your life.

Consider A Mixed Breed

Whether you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog or are waiting to find one which seems appealing, there is another option for you to consider. A mixed breed may be exactly the kind of dog you want.

Contrary to common opinion, there is nothing substandard about mixed breed dogs. Not only do they make ideal pets, they are also quality animals. If you have not yet made up your mind about a specific breed, or are open to other possibilities, you might want to think about adopting a mixed breed dog.

There are some important benefits to mixed breeds. First, logically, a mixed breed dog will almost always be much less expensive than its purebred counterpart. If you want a delightful pet which does not break your budget, a mixed breed dog may be a good option for you.

Second, mixed breed dogs do not generally have the health complications often associated with many purebred dogs. If you choose a mixed breed, it is more likely that he will remain healthier, long into his older years.

There are a number of places where you can acquire a mixed breed dog. If you have not yet reached a decision about the kind of dog you want, you can also look around to see what is available. You can find advertisements for mixed breed dogs in nearly any newspaper, or you can visit your local animal shelter. Many people advertise dogs free-of-charge or at low prices when they are moving, or for other reasons. Animal shelters have a surplus of mixed breed dogs. Many animal shelters include spaying or neutering, deworming, and canine immunizations for dogs who are adopted.

The most important reason to get a mixed breed of dog: As people tend to prefer purebred dogs, there are large numbers of mixed breed dogs who need homes. When you consider adopting a mixed breed dog, you can give a wonderful dog a new home of his own. In return, your mixed breed pet will be the light of your life and a source of joy.

What To Expect

A successful adoption means being reasonable about your own expectations, and about what you can offer to your new pet. You will have the best results if you consider these expectations before you make your final decision about adopting a dog.

First, you should think about what you expect from the dog you want to adopt. The role he will play in your life is one factor. Are you looking for a dog who will guard your home and family, one who will be your buddy, or a dog who will get along well with your children and other pets in your home? When you have the answers to these kinds of questions, it will help you to decide on the dog that is best for you.

You also need to know the expectations you have regarding your new pet’s personality, temperament, and character. You may be looking for a dog who has a boisterous personality and is very active, or a dog who is calm and quiet. These factors also influence the kind of dog you should adopt.

As expectations are a two-way street, you also need to think about what you can offer to your new pet. You may have an abundance of free time to spend with your dog, or a busy schedule where the amount of time you can devote to your dog will be rather limited. Although all dogs need their owners’ time, some are more demanding than others. This includes play time, and time which you must put into your dog’s upkeep. The dog you choose should fit into your lifestyle without many adjustments on either his part or yours.

The lifestyle factor is relevant to your family, also. Which person will be taking care of the dog on a regular basis is one example. Whether he will be a family dog, or primarily one person’s special pet, the responsibilities for his care should be discussed and agreed upon before you adopt him. In some families, giving a new pet to a child is often seen as a good way for youngsters to learn about responsibility. However, whether your child is a toddler or a teen, it is probably unwise to give them full responsibility for this new pet.

Although developing a sense of responsibility, and developing a relationship with a dog can both be good experiences for children, too much emphasis on responsibility may lead to them resenting their dog and not taking proper care of it. It is important to be reasonable with how much you can expect from the child.

The best way to raise a puppy is with positive dog training. Develop a beautiful bond with your animal partner and learn how to build your relationship on confidence and love: Time for puppy preschool: Get the basics for positive dog training

Keep In Mind

If your family frequently takes family vacations, or if you often go away on business trips, these factors need to be considered. Whether you plan to take your dog with you on vacation, or must leave him behind when you travel, making decisions in advance about how he will fit into your lifestyle can save time, confusion, and even money, later on.

The financial obligations of a dog are important factors. Veterinarian bills, dog food, and other routine parts of dog maintenance should be thought through well in advance of adopting a dog. The upkeep and maintenance of some dogs is more costly than that of others. You must know that you can easily afford him. You would not want a high-maintenance dog if you are on a limited budget, nor would you want unforeseen expenses after you have adopted him and brought him home.

A successful adoption includes being reasonable about your expectations. You need to know what you expect from him, and what he can reasonably expect from you. When you put a little time into thinking about these factors before you adopt a dog, you will be more likely to be completely satisfied with the dog you choose.

If your new pet will be living with your entire family, devoting some time into discussing these subjects with your family will be beneficial to everyone concerned. It will reduce the chance of unforeseen surprises, and result in the adoption being a positive experience for your new pet and every member of your household. He will truly be a welcome addition to your family.

Networking With Others

You may not have thought of networking as being an important part of adopting a dog. There are a number of reasons why networking can make the adoption more successful. It can help you in choosing the right dog, and enhance the experience of being a dog owner.

Before you actually adopt a dog, you can learn a lot about the breed by networking with people who already own one. While there are many good ways to learn about dogs, nothing beats the first-hand experience of a dog owner. You can network with owners, either in person or online, and get very positive results. Most dog owners will love to share information with you, as well as personal stories about life with their pet. You can gain a wealth of valuable information and input from dog owners, and you may even make some new friends.

Networking is also good after you have adopted your new dog and taken him home. In many instances, the best place to get advice and the answers to questions is from people who have owned a dog for a long time. They can be the ideal source of information, as well as friendships based on your common interest.

No matter what kind of dog you are considering, it is likely that you can find online forums and clubs devoted to your particular breed of dog and their owners. In some regions, you may even be able to find clubs in person not far from where you live.

Whether you have already adopted a dog, or are still considering all of the possibilities, the firsthand information you receive by networking with other dog owners will be beyond compare. It should definitely be in your plans when you are adopting a new pet.

A concerned dog owner would want to be sure their pet is healthy, take a look at this: Dog food for puppies: Why is it so important to get the best food for dogs

Researching Your Breed

The more you know about the dog you adopt, the happier you will be about your decision. Getting the facts by researching the breed you have chosen is an essential step in being satisfied with your new pet. There are some key points which you should look for when you are researching a breed.

If you have decided to adopt a purebred dog, you may have much or little interest in his pedigree. However, even if you do not consider it to be an important factor, you should still gain all of the information. You can request a copy of the dog’s pedigree papers, which should include all of the details about his parentage and bloodline. As many breeders of purebred dogs own the parents of the puppies they have for sale, visiting your new dog’s parents can be a positive experience.

It is a good idea to be wary of breeders or individual dog owners who state that their dog is a purebred but do not have papers as proof of this. While they may be completely honest, the possibility that they are not is something to keep in mind before you agree to adopt the dog.

When you are researching the breed you have chosen, the main points are to help you in deciding if this is the right breed for you, and what to expect from owning your new pet. You can research on the internet, by talking to owners and breeders, and by visiting the section about dogs in your local library.

You Dog’s Breed History

Learning about the history of your breed can be an enlightening experience. Whether you have interest in such factors as where the breed originated or not, there is valuable information to be found in the breed’s history. One example is the breed that has been bred for a specific purpose. Not only will you find this interesting, it will also help you to understand your dog’s temperament, attitude, and personality.

What can you find in the history of a breed? The facts you come up with may be astounding! The dog you adopt may be the descendant of dogs owned by royalty, dogs which were primarily used as work animals, or dogs which were chosen as guardians of their masters. The more you know about where your breed came from, the more you will understand how the pet you choose fits into your life today.

Researching a breed includes learning about the standards for this particular breed. Even if you are thinking no further than gaining a good companion, you may want the very best example of your breed. A little research will provide information on the factors which constitute top standards in color and markings, size, body tone, and other physical characteristics. The highest quality dog will meet these standards.

As you have already read in brief, purebred dogs can come with a variety of health issues. Before you adopt a purebred, researching the health issues commonly associated with your breed can help you to decide if you want to take this risk, and to be prepared in advance. You need to know whether your breed is prone to developing health conditions from bone problems to cancer, and how you will deal with such conditions if they do occur.

You want the experience of owning a dog to be positive for both yourself and your new pet. When you do a little research ahead of time, the experience can be a good one indeed! You can gain a better understanding of your dog before he becomes a part of your family. When you have all of this important knowledge in advance, you can focus on enjoying many years together with your new pet.

Depending on your dog’s breed, they will be easier or harder to train. You might want to take a look at this too: Time for puppy preschool Part 2: Training Your New Puppy

Getting To Know Your Dog

No matter how much time you put into learning about the breed you have chosen, there is an additional point which you should consider: while there are many factors common to a particular breed, each dog is still an individual. You can gain a fair amount of understanding of what the breed is like, but getting to know your own dog means going a little further.

The best way to get to know your dog is with in-person visits before you make your final decision to adopt him. If the breeder you have chosen lives fairly close to you, or if you are able to travel, the time you put into this will be invaluable. When you can meet, visit, and spend time with a dog, you will be able to determine if he is the right “fit” for you.

Spending just a small amount of time in your dog’s company will help you to see what his personality and behavior are like. You may find that you both are a good match immediately, that you grow to adore each other, or that there are clashes which prod you to decide that this is not the right dog for you. If you have the opportunity to do so, meeting and spending time with the dog before you adopt will be very beneficial to you both.

Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!

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14/04/2025
How To Make Your Dog Smarter, Tips For Raising Smart Puppies

Dogs are already very smart. They can recognize words when we talk and understand our emotions. This is why they are (with no doubt) our best friends.

Some dog’ breeds are smarter than others on average, like the Border Collie which has always been considered a very good choice for TV and movies. Stars like Murray from Mad About You, Fly from Babe, or Bandit from the Little House on the Prairie, have become iconic companions on screen.

Other breeds like Poodles, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, are also among the smartest dog breeds, and are also very popular pets. But even when your dog’s breed is not on the list of the smartest dog breeds, there is not a really big gap between dog breeds’ intelligence. You should understand that a key factor on your dog’s brain development is the way you raise them.

What Is Dog Intelligence?

There is no real way to say “this dog is smarter than the other” because there are several elements that work together to make a dog the way they are. Some dogs are very good at using their instincts, others are very quick learners and ace amazingly on obedience, and some dogs just have fantastic and unique abilities.

Some dogs can learn up to 165 words, including signals, while other “smarter” dogs can learn up to 250. Other dogs have a clear advantage with a superior sense of smell or hearing. There are certain parameters we can use to determine if our dog is truly exceptional on something, but their behavior will always be unique.

Living with humans so long has definitely affected dogs’ development during these years of companionship. We are still trying to figure out how dogs’ minds work, and there is still a lot that needs to be understood about our best friends. But it takes only a very good dog owner to look at their pet in the eyes and realize they are capable of many complex emotions like gratitude, shame, complicity, and even love. Some of us don’t ever stop getting surprised by something our dog does at any given moment. When an animal is capable of understanding you are sad, and they try to comfort you by laying in your lap, that is an incredibly intelligent animal in my opinion.

A happy dog is more willing to learn faster, this is why we recommend a positive approach when trying to train them, this is certainly the best way there is: Time for puppy preschool: Get the basics for positive dog training. Learn the importance of dog training, how to make your dog come and sit, what are the basic commands, and more.

What Is Intelligent Behavior In Dogs?

The cognitive behavior of dogs will determine the process by which they acquire knowledge, store memories, retrieve and process information. When a dog is exposed to a new situation, individual or scenario, they use all their cognitive skills to analyze, combine and compare the information that comes to them.

Dogs display many different behaviors that are associated with intelligence, such as read and react appropriately to humans’ commands and body language. Even the chimpanzees that are so close to us humans in the primate family tree can’t understand our pointing gestures; meanwhile dogs without any kind of training respond quickly and accurately to us pointing at things.

Dogs are also capable of learning through both simple reinforcement and by watching humans or other dogs do things. This means, a dog can learn new things by just looking at us or some of their canine friends, or by us teaching them tricks using rewards when they do something we like.

If all of this is debatable as “intelligent behaviour” there is one type of intelligence that dogs continually demonstrate to be amazing at: emotional intelligence. You don’t need to be a scientist to verify this, your dog is capable of even feeling jealousy! Dogs are very good at identifying our emotions, even when they don’t learn the words we use the most, they can read our voices and define if we are angry, happy or sad.

Reward and obedience training is often seen as the most modern method of training a dog, but reward training is probably much older than other methods of dog training. Here in Time For Puppy Preschool Part 3: Reward & Obedience Training we take a deeper look on how reward training your dog works, how to make it worth and the use of positive reinforcement to effectively achieve obedience. Proper obedience training opens up important lines of communication between handler and dog. The basis of any obedience training program is to gain the cooperation and respect of the animal. It is always much easier to train proper obedience behaviors the first time than it is to go back and retrain a problem dog later on. That does not of course mean that retraining is impossible, it simply means that it is more difficult.

Brain Food For Dogs?

Just like humans, the way a dog eats affects their brain function and development. A good nutrition will help a dog become the best version of themselves.

The most critical part of puppy brain development is during the first week after they’re born. Then, their development decelerates slowly until they reach adulthood. Polyunsaturated fat in fish is one of the best components to add to a puppy’s diet during their development; it is shown that it increases their learning ability, retinal function, and cognitive development.

You should be aware that it is vital for your pup to receive a balanced nutrition during the first year of their life. This will allow their brain cells to mature properly, and their brains will grow as they should.

Some fresh salmon, sweet potatoes and peas are a premium meal full of nutrients to boost your pup’s cognitive power. Maize, coconut oil, carrots and pumpkins are also very good elements to add to your dog’s diet during the growth phase.

Don’t forget when you think of your dog’s diet you must take care of their general health and not only on brain development. Remember there are worms and parasites that can severely affect the health of your dog. You might want to read our entry specially dedicated to this topic: Protecting Your Dog’s Health And The Best Way To Deal With Worms. There are natural ways to deworm your dog and to boost their immune system. The best way to achieve both is by giving your dog the right blend specially designed for these purposes.

Best Tips To Raise A Smart Dog

You must build a very good relationship with your puppy so they will feel comfortable and willing to “play” with you during your training sessions. If they see these sessions as a way to spend time with you and have fun, they will do their best to please you.

Your dog also needs to be properly socialized with other humans and dogs, this will allow them to rapidly understand the world and the rules by which humans and dogs work. Puppies learn a very big deal from their mother and littermates. Some basic things like how hard to bite might look too simple; but they won’t have a better chance to learn this than those first months of life.

Training your dog as soon as possible is always the best bet. Like we explained in depth on Time For Puppy Preschool Part 2: Training Your New Puppy, dog obedience is a challenge we must ace as soon in the pup’s life as possible. The involvement of different elements, and understanding your puppy’s pace and learning process will determine how effective your efforts are going to be.

Never stop challenging your dog’s ability to solve problems and use their brain. If you let your dog live an easy life without having to do much to get the things they like or want, they will stop using their cognitives abilities and just expect you to give them everything. That’s why dog trainers use food rewards to encourage certain behaviors. Working for rewards is not only good for their brains, but it also means a lot of fun for the canine partner. Who doesn’t feel proud of their dog when they perform a trick perfectly? It’s because that was a joined effort between you and your pet that strengthened the bond between the two of you.

But food rewards are not the only way to positively communicate with your dog when they do something good. Praise and love are also a terrific way to show your dog how much you like it when they do (or avoid to do) something in particular.

Another important way to encourage your dog to be smarter is by giving them a purpose. By giving your dog a job you are telling them they are important and valuable. You can train your dog to collect things when you go out to a specific location, you can train them to protect your home, you can train them to shephard or to perform a variety of tricks for exhibitions. You can even give your dog the task to be a fateful companion for someone who needs therapy of some kind.

Your Older Dog’s Brain

Even if your dog is already old, there are ways to stimulate them mentally. Introducing them to new activities and toys, is a good way to keep them active and encourage interaction. Going to new places is also a good way to keep their minds sharp, meeting new people and dogs will also help.

Have you heard “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Well that is not true at all. It’s very easy to teach a young pup new tricks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t teach a new trick to your old dog just because a saying became popular. In fact, it has its perks that an old dog who already trusts you will remember a new trick olver the long term and become less distracted during the process than a young puppy that can easily get overstimulated.

Antioxidant supplements are a very good suggestion to avoid conditions like Alzheimer in senior dogs. These supplements will also slow down the deterioration of the key features of the dog’s brain activity when they reach a certain age. Vitamin C and E will do a great job on fighting oxidative damage and keeping optimal health.

We can’t stress it enough on how important it is for your dog to receive the best nutrition. We must take good care of our beloved buddies, so we must be aware of how to feed them in the best way possible. This is why we have an entire entry specially created for this topic: Dog food for puppies: Why is it so important to get the best food for dogs. The way our dogs eat affects them in many ways, finding the best diet for dogs is a challenge for every dog owner, dedication which is the best food for puppies is up to you.

The Bottom Line

Everyone can argue about which dog is smarter than the other based on their own parameters; but dog intelligence is complex and it depends on many factors. Even when you acquire the “most intelligent” breed with the best pedigree, that won’t guarantee that a mixed race dog won’t beat yours at dancing salsa.

All dogs are good at some things while being really slow for others. Just like some people are great with numbers but have poor memory. Everyone is different and even if your dog’s breed is listed among the “not so sharp” breeds, that doesn’t mean you can prove your dog has something that others don’t.

Remember love and food are the best ways to encourage your dog to do anything.

Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from

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11/04/2025