The New Dog Owner

Just because you live in a flat, condo, or apartment, doesn't mean you can’t own a dog. There are numerous dog breeds for people living in a small house, flat or apartment. In general, low-energy dogs, no matter the breed, can adjust more easily to living in small spaces. Many dog breeds are ideal for families and seniors living in an apartment because of their small size, friendly personality, and low-energy levels.  However, there are some large breeds and designer dogs (mixes) that can also do well in apartments or small homes.  How To Choose the Best Apartment-Friendly Dogs Even if you live in a dog-friendly apartment, there are many factors to consider when choosing large or small dog breeds for apartments or small space living. Barking level: Does the dog breed bark a lot? Will it disturb or become a nusiance to your neigbors? Exercise Needs: Can the dog get sufficient exercise without a large living space or backyard? Shedding level: Will the shedding be hard to manage ...

It is not uncommon for dogs to experience constipation. This condition refers to the infrequent passage of poop.  Generally, dogs should poop once or twice a day . Dogs with constipation produce very hard stool or struggle to defecate.  But why do dogs become constipated, and how can you relieve it?  Here's everything you need to know about constipation in dogs and what you can do about it:  Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Dogs To tell if your dog is constipated, you should first recognize the signs and symptoms of constipation in dogs.  Whether you’re a first time owner or you have owned several dogs in the recent past, there are several signs of constipation in canines that you should keep in mind. Remember, healthy dogs will poop at least once a day . If your dog stops eating for some time for any reason whatsover, they will obviously eliminate fewer times since they have less food in the body.  If your pup doesn’t eliminate for longer than 3 days...

Like babies, young puppies tend to explore the world by chewing on things. Chewing eases the teething process and helps alleviate discomfort in their gums. While it might be normal for a puppy to chew on items such as walls, furniture, shoes, or even plants, this behavior can be problematic for owners.  Unfortunately, puppies won't simply outgrow these habits. Dog owners must take steps to shape their behavior and teach them what is acceptable and what isn't. Reasons Why puppies and Chew Things Excessively There can be several reasons for chewing behavior in puppies: 1. Puppy teething Puppies go through a teething phase usually between 3 to 6 months of age. Chewing helps relieve the discomfort and itchiness caused by their erupting teeth. 2. Exploration Puppies use their mouths to explore their environment. If your puppy chews on everything in the house or everything in sight, he may be trying to understand his surroundings. Chewing allows puppies to investigate and understand ...

Preparing your home and garden for the arrival of your new puppy is an important step to ensuring their safety.  With their natural curiosity and love for exploring, it's crucial to be aware of the potential dangers that exist in our homes.  Here are seven steps to consider when puppy-proofing your home. 1. Secure Your Garbage and Recycling Puppies are drawn to interesting smells and may eat dangerous items, such as decaying food or toxic substances. Make sure your bins have secure lids and keep them out of your puppy's reach. Items like cooked bones, corn cobs, moldy foods, onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, and grapes can be particularly harmful to dogs. 2. Keep household chemicals in a safe Place   Keep them locked away or on high shelves to prevent your puppy from accessing them. Rat and snail baits are especially dangerous and can lead to poisoning, so consider using more humane alternatives. 3. Cover electrical cords, cables, and wires Protect cords and wires,...

Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming for both the new pet parent and the puppy.  To ensure a smooth and stress-free transition and a successful start to your puppy's life in their new home, implementing these tips on the first day is crucial.  From managing their access and potty training to introducing them to the family and other pets , these guidelines will help set the stage for a happy and healthy life together. 1. Restrict your puppy's space Upon arrival, start house training your puppy as soon as possible. It's important to restrict your puppy's access to certain areas of your home. This serves two purposes: it helps them adjust to their new environment gradually and prevents accidents or damage to your belongings.  Set up a safe space for your puppy with a crate or playpen, equipped with their bed , toys , and food and water bowls. 2. Pick a potty spot and keep it clean Establishing a dedicated potty spot outside ...

If your dog poops excessively, its food might not be suitable for his digestive system. However, if the problem persists, it might be a sign of an underlying health problem.  What  Does It Mean if Your Dog Poops Too Much? Below are some of the major reasons why dogs poop too much:  1. Dietary Habits and Changes  Pooping too much might be a result of your dog eating too much food or food that is unsuitable for them. Make sure to feed your dog the correct amount of food depending on his age, size, lifestyle, and health. Reduce the amount accordingly or split it into two or three meals a day.  Avoid giving your dog human food,  leftovers or table scraps, (as some human foods are unsafe for dogs) . Also, stop them from eating anyting from your garbage because this might make them poop a lot.  Sudden changes in a dog’s dietary habits can make them poop frequently If you’re introducing new food to your dogs diet, make sure to do so gradually.  2....

How do you feed your dog? Do you simply place their food in a bowl and let them eat freely? Or do you give a verbal command to prompt them to eat? Have you ever considered hand feeding your dog? Hand feeding plays a crucial role in training your dog and should not be overlooked. Many professional dog trainers highly recommend hand feeding as the primary method of feeding your dog, and for good reason. Importance of Hand Feeding Your Dog Here’s how hand feeding your dog can benefit you and your four-legged friend: 1. Building relationship and trust   Hand feeding teaches your dog that reaching towards him leads to positive outcomes, such as being fed. It also helps in improving focus as your dog learns to pay attention to you. 2. Addressing resource guarding  Hand feeding can assist in managing resource guarding behavior or preventing it from developing. By feeding your dog only from your hand, you establish yourself as the provider of valuable resources and food. 3. Developin...

Meet the beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog: Your Loyal, Tri-Colored Companion The Bernese Mountain Dog, with its striking tri-colored coat, has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. These gentle giants were originally bred to assist farmers by pulling carts and safeguarding their homesteads from predators. But there’s more to these magnificent dogs than just their size and strength .  Before welcoming a new furry friend into your home , take the time to understand the breed’s quirks. Are you ready for their boundless love and occasional stubbornness? Consider your lifestyle and whether you can provide the care and attention these gentle giants deserve. In our comprehensive guide for first-time dog owners (and experienced pet owners alike), you’ll discover everything you need to know about owning a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. From grooming tips to training essentials, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s embark on this delightful journey w...