A pet store sells to whoever has the money with no concern as to where that puppy lives or what kind of life it will have. The puppies at pet stores are often in ill health. Most of them have had little or no socialization since they are taken from their mothers at an early age. Many of these puppies die on the journey to the pet stores crammed in cages with other sickly puppies in the backs of poorly ventilated, large trucks establishments.
If you're deliberating over getting your puppy from a pet store, here are some basic facts that are good to know Pet stores do not always get their puppies from puppy mills, but many do. Ask to speak to the breeder who sent the puppy to the store. Willingness is a good sign. Most puppies are shipped to pet stores by bus or plane at 8 weeks and may be fearful of loud noises and big men. Breeders do not send the best puppies to pet stores. If you choose a puppy from a pet store, you are not doomed. Your pup has the same capacity for love. That said, avoid buying a puppy who looks sickly, acts nervous or afraid, or can't calm down after half an hour of interaction.
Before you bring home your new friend, you will want to find a few pet professionals you will be able to work with. A veterinarian will help you keep your new APBT healthy, as well as provide necessary vaccinations. They will also be able to spay or neuter your APBT. A trainer can guide you through the pitfalls of puppyhood and canine adolescence and help you train your dog to be a good companion. These people will be of great help to you in the coming months, and you want to be able to talk with them and trust their opinions.
Before you bring your new dog (or puppy) home, you and other family members will need to do some necessary chores. These chores will help keep your puppy comfortable and safe and will enable you to care for him without making last-minute runs to the grocery or pet store. The first thing you need to do is go shopping. Baby gates and X-pens Baby gates and X-pens (foldable, portable exercise pens found at pet stores) are wonderful ways to limit a puppy's ability to wander around the house. Baby gates can block off hallways, and X-pens can fence off portions of rooms. Pooper scooper You will need a pooper scooper (available at pet stores) or a shovel and rake to clean up after your dog in the backyard. You can use plastic bags to pick up after him on walks either the commercially available bags made for this purpose or plastic grocery or newspaper bags.
When you enter the kennel or pet store to find which puppy you want to take home, you may be tempted on many occasions to take more than one puppy home with you. You'll see all their adorable faces and may not be able to resist the temptation to go home with more than one of them.
Make a list of at least five places to take your dog to train. All of these places should be outside of your home. Examples include veterinarian offices, the park, local shopping centers (outside), pet stores, or simply in town on the sidewalk. Visit at least three different environments per week during your first six to nine months of reinforcing the obedience commands.
We all know that cats love fish, but did you know that they also need to have a small amount of greens If your cat loves catnip, then a fun project is to grow your own. Many pet stores and some all-natural markets sell already-started grow-your-own catnip. You can cut off some fresh catnip and add it to any one of the recipes in this chapter. Not all cats respond to catnip you will know whether your own cat likes it or not. Test your cat after she reaches 6 months of age.
The moral Find out about your puppy's early life. Try to ascertain if he was handled kindly by many different people -- women, men, and children -- so that he has formed a good-natured attitude toward the world. Yet another reason why pet shop puppies should never be considered.
The trip from the kennel or pet shop to his new home can be an ordeal for the young puppy. Make it as easy on him as you can. Take along a container to carry him. This can be a cardboard box, basket or commercial dog carrier. If you use a box, punch holes in the sides for ventilation. Baskets that are not too tightly woven have breathing space between the reeds. The commercial dog carriers are well supplied with vent holes.
> Treatment Treatment usually consists of daily injections of insulin. Learn from your vet how best to administer these shots and adopt a time schedule. Monitor your dog's response to the insulin shots and their dosage. Testing his urine with test strips that you can get from a nearby drug store or pet shop does this. This strip will denote the level of sugar in his system-if it is too much, you reduce the insulin level and if it is low, you scale up the insulin dosage.
Aside from a client base, most of you will need to build a referral base. By this I mean a list of pet business contacts that recommend your service. Veterinary hospitals, groomers, pet sitters and pet supply stores fall into this category. When I started my training business in 1980, I built it to full-time in 14 months, relying on referrals. This can be done, but it takes work.
I have seen dogs go through all sorts of repertoires in their attempt to prevail in this situation. They will leap and bound around the room, jumping on furniture, they will bark and wail and drag their favorite toys into the middle of the floor. Whatever particular act the dog treats you to, it must be ignored. By making eye contact, touching, or even simply shouting Stop it, you are conceding defeat and acknowledging your dog's primacy. You will have confirmed the dog's belief that it is the leader.
There is another practical side to teaching your dog to retrieve. One of our students wanted her Golden Retriever, Sunny, to bring in the morning paper, preferably in readable condition. So we first had her teach Sunny the formal retrieve. We then told her go out with Sunny, have him pick up the paper, bring it in the house, and reward him with a dog biscuit. The object we use for the Formal Retrieve is a wooden dumbbell. You can buy one at your local pet store or through catalogs. You need to get one that is commensurate to the size of your dog and the shape of his mouth. You want the bells to be big enough so your dog can pick it up off the ground without scraping his chin, and the diameter of the bar thick enough so he can comfortably carry it. The bar's length should be such that the bells just touch the sides of his face.
There are a few dangers to consider, too. Doors opening and closing can enable a puppy to slip out unnoticed in the confusion, and you'll be organizing a search party instead of playing host or hostess. Party food and buffet service are not for dogs. Let your APBT party in her crate with a nice big dog biscuit.
As part of the teething process, puppies need to chew. They can't help it. To get through this period, provide your dog with both a soft and a hard chew toy, such as a hard rubber bone or a real bone, as well as a canvas field dummy. Hard rubber Kong toys (www.kongcompany.com) with some peanut butter inserted can keep a dog amused for a long time. Don't give him anything he can destroy or ingest, except food items. Carrots, apples, dog biscuits, or ice cubes are great to relieve the monotony otherwise, he'll be impelled to find more interesting things to chew on, such as those new shoes you left lying around.
As much as you would want your dog to be able to reason, the answer is no, not in the sense that humans can. Dogs can, however, solve simple problems. By observing your dog, you learn his problem-solving techniques. Just watch him try to open the cupboard where the dog biscuits are kept. Or see how he works at trying to retrieve his favorite toy from under the couch. During your training, you'll also have the opportunity to see Buddy trying to work out what you're teaching him.
When you browse the dog-food aisles of your local pet store or supermarket, you probably notice dog foods targeted for senior dogs. Does your aging Dachshund need a change in diet As long as her health is fine, your Dachshund can continue on her regular diet for her entire life. In fact, switching your Dachshund's diet away from the food she thrives on can actually be detrimental.
Buddy needs to have access to water during the day, so put his water dish on the uncovered area in the corner of the X-pen (some water is bound to splash out, and the uncovered floor is easy to clean). Before you leave, place a couple toys on Buddy's blanket, put him into X-pen with a dog biscuit, and leave while he's occupied with the biscuit. Don't make a big deal out of leaving simply leave.
Okay, go in a quiet room with your dog & have a bowl of really tasty treats. Food such as hot dogs, chicken, roast beef, etc. works really well, so do high quality (all natural) dog treats such as the Oinker Roll or Natural Balance. The treats should be cut up into very small pieces & be soft (crunchy ones take too long to eat). Or have a large chunk that you break small pieces off of.
And lice Are they the same as in humans No, but they do leave their eggs on dogs in the same way they leave them on humans. In fact, that's how you'll be able to tell whether or not your pooch has lice at all. If you comb through her fur and notice egg-like flakes, get to the pet store and find a lice treatment. Shampoo her fur and spray her combs, bed, and any other areas she frequents with an insecticide. Because one variety of lice feeds on While many pet stores carry ear wash, the best idea is to speak with your vet. He or she can prescribe stronger washes and medications to get rid of the mites and their eggs as well as any secondary yeast infection they may have created.
Candy is bad for your Lab for the same reasons it's bad for you It contributes to dental problems, interferes with good nutrition and promotes weight gain. Not only is it unhealthy, some candy can actually be toxic to your Lab. Chocolate, for example, contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs if eaten in large enough quantities (and it's not at all difficult for a Lab to devour an entire box of chocolates). The easiest way to avoid these problems is to keep all candy away from your Lab. Instead, check out the many dog treats and biscuits that are available and reward your friend with a healthy treat.
2 What equipment will you need To do a good job, you need the right equipment to do a good job in the shortest amount of time and for the best effect. These tools are easily available at your nearest pet store or can also be ordered from catalogs. But remember that all good things in life don't come cheap, so you have to pay for quality.
Ask a knowledgeable person, either in a pet store or at a vet clinic, to help you decipher the list of ingredients. Protein sources can vary it is best to choose a food that uses meat or animal protein over vegetable or grain proteins, which can cause large, odorous stools.
So this is indeed a leading factor to consider when selecting a pup. Observe the nature of the parent dogs. You will get a fairly good idea about how the nature of the offspring will be. So avoid buying a puppy from a pet store. You will never be able to see the parents in a pet store.
Most commercial canned food is filled with 75 percent water, so if you choose this diet, follow instructions or ask your veterinarian how much you should feed your dog. Grocery store canned food is often filled with strong-smelling meatlike contents that in actuality may not be a healthy choice. Chemicals are used to create both the coloring and the smell of the food. A better alternative is to visit a reputable pet store and select a higher-quality canned food made with natural ingredients.
Go to any pet store and you will find charms that can be personalized. These often come in a variety of shapes and sizes but aren't too unique. If you are looking for something special and different, go to an accessory store and pick up a charm or pendant marketed towards humans. There are many to choose from with the variety ranging from Viking protection amulets to hearts and beads. Simply put this on a split ring (used for key rings, available at any hardware store) and attach it to your dog's collar.
Your puppy is going to grow fast, so check his collar frequently to prevent tightness. Make sure you're able to slip two fingers comfortably between his neck and collar. If you select a harness for your puppy, the same rules apply. Harnesses can be harder to fit, so take your puppy to the pet store, and ask a professional for assistance in finding one suited for your particular puppy.
Among many new trends for dog owners, bakeries for dogs are one of the hottest. These barkeries have a little for both two- and four-legged patrons and most allow you to enjoy your treats together in the establishment. The best way to find one in your city is to inquire at the local pet store or ask fellow dog owners. You can also try to find a listing in the phone book under Pets or check on the Internet.
Each one looks similar, so let the ingredients and the percentage of various nutrients be your guide. With few exceptions, you get what you pay for a high-quality dry food has human grade ingredients, and in the end, your dog will be healthier both mentally and physically for it. Speak to a pet store professional about your options.
You can also take your dog puppy to a day care facility that is specifically suited to stimulate, nurture, and exercise your dog during the day. It is a great option if you are gone from home for long hours or if you feel that your dog will benefit from the socialization and exercise. To see if there is a facility in your area, call your veterinarian or speak to the people at a local pet store. Use the same list mentioned in the Kennel section to determine if it is a healthy environment in which to leave your dog.
To this end, I recommend using white wee-wee pads and rolling up carpet until this habit is formed. You can purchase wee-wee pads through pet stores or catalogs, or in bulk at a pharmacy, where they are marketed as human incontinence pads. There are products on the market that can be used to mask the odor of a dog's housetraining accidents. It's important to eliminate this scent indoors, as dogs like to go to the bathroom in the same area repeatedly. Nature's Miracle is the name of the original solution, although your pet store may carry other effective products. A 50-percent mixture of vinegar and water also works well.
When you have to go somewhere without your dog and you know you'll only be gone for a couple of hours, why not throw a movie on for him watch. There are videos and DVDs available at the pet store geared towards a canine audience however, why spend the dough when you can just record a nature show -preferably one with lots of animal sounds - and play it when you're gone. The neighbors may not love you (some dogs react by barking non-stop) but your dog sure will and that's all that matters.
You can find a vast number of cleansers, pet deodorizers and odor neutralizers in pet stores. These products are very effective because they contain enzymes that neutralize the urine and feces by breaking them down. Once broken down, your puppy won't be attracted to that spot anymore.
These can be treated with an over-the-counter wormer found in pet stores. However, a vet is the best source of information and medication to deal with intestinal parasites. Dewormers are poisonous to the worms and can make the dog sick, especially if not used in proper dosage.
D.A.P. is marketed in an electrical plug-in diffuser that dispenses the pheromone, which the dog's sense of smell detects. (D.A.P. is odorless to people.) The pheromone reminds the dog of the well-being he felt as a puppy. In clinical trials, D.A.P. was effective in about 75 percent of cases in improving separation-related behaviors. To be effective, the diffuser must be left plugged in 24 hours a day. D.A.P. is available at pet stores and from pet-product catalogs.
The best cleaning products are those specially designed for this purpose. They are available in pet stores or sometimes at veterinarians. Bacteria enzyme products work best. Look for this on the label. If you are doing a good job with housebreaking and accidents are kept to a minimum, it may not be necessary to purchase such a product. Instead you can use a mixture of half water and half white distilled vinegar. This is convenient to use if kept in a spray bottle.
Like people, dogs have very different temperaments. Some of the smaller breeds, though extremely popular, can be very nervous and don't make suitable companions for younger children. With their nippy personalities and penchant for barking, little dogs usually make better pets for older children. Three of the smaller breeds that are readily available are Chihuahuas, miniature poodles and Pomeranians. If your child has his heart set on one of the toy breeds, find someone who has this type of dog and let the child see the dog. Do the dog and your child get along If so, and if this is the dog your child has set his heart on, check your newspaper for breeder listings, or ask at pet stores and veterinarian offices about the availability of puppies. Be aware that sometimes there is a waiting list for these pups.
To block part of the room, you can use baby gates. They are easy to install and to open when it's time to get your puppy outside. You can also use a play pen to confine your dog. Most pet stores have them. These tools are more expensive though. When I was housetraining my dogs, I used a couple of plywood boards to block the kitchen entries and they worked just fine.
Many people are not aware that most of the premium-quality dry dog foods are not sold in supermarkets. These foods cost more but usually are fed in smaller quantities. They are available in pet stores and at some kennels. If you are having a housebreaking problem with defecating in the house, it is worth trying one of these foods.
Breeders, especially backyard breeder and pet shops highlight the good points of any particular breed. They will not want to bring up the problems high occurrence of epilepsy in Belgium Tuvereens, deafness in Dalmatians, skin allergies in West Highland White Terriers, hip dysplasia in almost all the large breeds, progressive retinal atrophy in poodles, the high numbers of Boxers who develop cancer or the collie eye anomalies in Collies. Many small breeds such as Yorkies, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Poodles and such will require regular dental hygiene as well as actual dental scaling and polishing by a veterinarian. The dental procedures for cleaning the teeth can run between 100 to 150 dollars.
All dogs need socialization to keep a healthy mental attitude toward the world around them, and APBTs are no exception. Walking is an excellent time to do that. Carry some dog treats in your pocket and when you see friendly people on your walk, stop and talk. If they seem worried about your APBT, ask if they would like to give your friendly dog a treat. When your APBT takes it nicely, they will then be more open to him and may even want to pat his head.
Pretend you are not paying attention. Tell him to leave it. If he does not, you can correct him in a number of ways. You can just grab him by his collar and pull him away. If you don't think you'll be quick enough to do this, let him drag his leash. You can also use a spray bottle filled with half water and half white distilled vinegar. If he tries to grab the sandwich, spray him in the face. When your dog backs away and possibly sits, reward him with a low-level treat, like a dog biscuit. The spray bottle is a great tool for counter surfing dogs or dogs who jump up while you are eating.
This is one of the easiest tricks to teach to a dog. First, teach your dog to sit on command. Probably the easiest way to teach a dog to sit on command is to have a treat (dog biscuit, piece of cheese,) on your hand, lift it up above the dog's nose and say 'sit '' If the dog is standing and tries to grab the treat, don't let him get it, but repeat the same maneuver again. When he sits, immediately give him the treat and praise him. Repeat the trick a few times.
I must confess that my Irish Setter does on occasion grab a glove or a sock. She heads for the dog biscuit jar, sits, and waits for me to make a trade. I usually comply, even though she responds to a drop it command. I think it's kind of cute, and I'm happy she never destroys anything. If your dog is guarding an object and threatening you, do not confront him. Punishment will make your dog more defensive and more likely to bite the next time. Do what I describe above make a trade. At first, you may have to use very powerful treats, especially if your dog has a history of being afraid of being punished. If he only guards certain objects, like rawhide bones, stop giving them to him. You should also read the section on Dominance Aggression in chapter 9 on aggression. You should also seek the help of a professional.
During graduation, does the trainer encourage all the students Is the graduation a positive event, or does the trainer spend most of the time telling the students they could have done better Does the trainer give out diplomas Trophies Dog biscuits Little gifts at the end of class do not mean you are looking at a good trainer. However, often trainers who are willing to spend a little extra time and money to give students just a little bit more are trainers who take their job more seriously.
Add chicken stock and pour into dry ingredients. Knead for 3 minutes, working into a stiff dough. Roll dough into a 1 4 thick sheet and cut with cookie cutters (cutters shaped like dog biscuits are available). Bake in 300 degree oven for 45 min., then turn oven off and leave biscuits in oven overnight. In the morning the biscuits will be bone hard.
Let's start with 'sit.' Use small pieces of dog biscuits or any other treat for this training. Hold a small piece of treat at the level of the puppy's nose. Your puppy will smell the treat and move his head toward it. When he sniffs the food, slowly move the hand holding the food back and slightly over the top of his head. As he stretches his neck to reach for the food, continue moving the treat over the top of his back toward his rump and repeat the command 'sit' several times.
I have tried all the pet store remedies that claim they will rid dogs of smelly breath, but none of these miracle cures worked that well. Finally I went to the vet and begged for the secret of how I could once again sit beside my dog when he yawned and not almost pass out. What went wrong, I asked the knowledgeable doctor. When he was a puppy, he had the most wonderful breath. Why does he now stink like a garbage dump on a hot summer day And it was then that the vet let me in on the solution to swamp mouth parsley pills and baking soda.
If you go to your local pet store and walk down the grooming supplies aisle, you might be overwhelmed by all the tools and products. There are combs, rakes, and brushes of all sizes and styles, scissors, clippers, shedding blades, and more. Then there are all different kinds of shampoos and conditioners. Grooming dogs is big business, and all these supplies support the industry.
You can purchase a crate or kennel for your Dachshund at most pet stores or even at discount-type department stores. You can also find a huge variety of pet housing on the Internet, ranging in price from 15.00 or 20.00 to almost 100.00, depending on the brand, the design, and the store.
Cheyletiella mange, or walking dandruff, usually affects puppies. (Dog dandruff is white and flaky just like human dandruff.) Although this type of mange is contagious, it's also fairly rare, typically affecting dogs in large breeding kennels or pet shops. It's caused by a red mite that can infect humans. You usually see these mites along the back with a considerable amount of dandruff.
Is the breeder experienced Will he be able to answer your questions or help with any problems that arise That's one of the biggest disadvantages in buying a pet shop or commercially raised pup. No one cares whether or not you're having trouble. They only want your money.
Older dogs that live indoors most of their lives need to have their nails trimmed every two weeks or so. You can easily judge when the nails need trimming. Either the nails make a clatter when the dog walks on the floor or they touch the floor when he is standing up straight. If your dog has noisy nails or they are too long, a nail-trimming session is in order. Use regular human toenail clippers for small dogs. Larger breeds need special nail clippers available is most pet shops or pet supply stores.
Generally if a behavior is successful, it will likely occur again. In most cases of excessive barking, there will be some learned behavior regardless of whether the initial motivation for barking was excited play barking, boredom or something else. The most common examples of learned barking include barking at the owner or other people for attention, barking at the door to be let in or out, barking at a ball or toy so the owner will throw it, and barking at an owner or a cabinet for food. Often, owners will reward the exact behavior they wish to prevent. For example, the dog barks to be let in or out and you let the dog in or out. The dog barks to be petted and you pet the dog. You're by the cabinet that contains the dog treats when your dog barks and you say something like, She's so smart. She knows where the food is, and then give the dog a treat. In situations like these, it's easy to see why some dogs learn to bark It gets them what they want.
There are several types of toenail trimmers on the market, but the two easiest styles are the scissors type and the guillotine type. Ask for help at your local pet store to find the correct size for your breed of dog. You will also need some styptic powder on hand (also available from the pet store) in case you do make one of your dog's nails bleed.
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