Dog Care 101

First, some things you need to think about BEFORE bringing your new dog home (like whether you should get a puppy vs. an older dog, which dog breed is best for you, and how to puppyproof your house inside & outside). Then, important things you should do during the very first days home with your new dog that will make potty training and sleeping go a whole lot smoother. Finally, fun ways to get to know your dog better and begin the bonding process. Not sure where to begin with your new dog?

Start here –> Puppy Care 101.

 

Yes, dog sunscreen is a must -- because dogs get sunburns too! Also important: dog sunsuits, limiting your dog's time out in the sun, how short you cut your dog's fur, and doggie eyewear like goggles: Doggles.

A well-socialized dog will be much more relaxed in the world and less likely to have unwanted behaviors. Socializing your dog -- as a puppy -- is definitely a win-win for both you and your dog!

It's important to keep your dog's health and safety high in the forefront, so summertime will be a fun time, rather than a tragic time for your dog. Following are some things to watch out for this summer, in order to make sure that your dog is around to enjoy many long hot summers for years to come.

Here are my best tips for determining the 'right' dog for you... it all starts with asking the right questions.

Chihuahuas can make wonderful pets, but it is important that you first understand the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Chihuahua before you bring one into your home. Here's what you need to know.

Our aging dog is still in reasonably good health and not suffering from many aches and pains, but his navigational skills have been reduced to what he can smell. With doggie cataracts and acute hearing loss that has eliminated most of our ability to communicate with him, he still seems to get around the house with little trouble.

Any time a guest inside our house physically moves (e.g. to get up after sitting down, to reach out to pet Tenor, or to give him a treat), Tenor immediately darts away... fast as lightning! When I mentioned this to our dog trainer, Suzy Godsey, here's what she suggested...

Wondering how to rent a dog or if renting a dog is even legal where you live? Here are the pros and cons of dog rental companies like Flex Pets.

We will be moving into a new house soon. I've asked Suzy Godsey -- who helped us train our dog to stop barking -- for some tips to help us get our through the move, with the least amount of stress. These are her best tips for moving with your dog...

As dogs age, they face the same physical problems that most elderly people find themselves dealing with, including incontinence. Our 18-year-old dog, Rascal, is no exception. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to help maintain your sanity when you have an incontinent dog...

Here are lots of interesting facts about the Portuguese water dog. Despite having a few health issues, the Portuguese water dog is an excellent dog for families, apartment dwellers, and those with allergies. Did you know that President Barack Obama chose a Portuguese water dog for his family... and the White House?

We got a new German Shepherd/Labrador Retriever puppy. Here are some of the things we considered that might also help you when naming your dog...