You Got a Puppy Over the Holidays? Now What?

"New Puppy!"

Photo by hannah grace on Unsplash

Did you get a new puppy over the holidays? If the answer is yes, congratulations! Puppies can bring a great deal of joy and happiness to you and your family, but they also require a lot of training and responsibility. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what you need to do now that the puppy is home, worry not. We’re here to break down some of the things you need in your home and some of the things you should do in order to keep your new furry friend happy and healthy. 

What Items Do You Need?
With any new puppy, there are several items and products you’re going to want to get as soon as possible. These products will help keep your puppy healthy, safe, and aid in training them to behave properly in your home.

• A properly sized crate (not too small but a crate that is too large can also cause issues)

• Pet food appropriate for a puppy’s nutritional needs (talk to your veterinarian to get an expert opinion)

• Food and water bowls (stainless steel is preferable)

• Collar and leash

• Grooming supplies appropriate for your puppies specific breed (brushes, shampoo, toothbrush, nail clippers, etc.)

• Treats
  

• Chew toys

• ID Tags
  

Health and Well-Being
One of the most important things you need to do with a new puppy is assess their health through a routine physical exam. There are also several standard procedures you should have done to ensure the puppies health and happiness.

• Spay/Neuter - Assuming you want to avoid being responsible for a litter of puppies, spaying and neutering is a crucial procedure you should have done after your puppy is 4 months of age. Spaying and neutering has also been proven to drastically decrease breast cancer, prostate cancer, and uterine infections.

• Immunizations - Immunizations should ideally be administered beginning at 6 to 8 weeks of age. These routine vaccinations protect dogs from many potentially fatal diseases.

• Deworming - Intestinal parasites spring up pretty often in puppies and they can be infected with them before they are even born. There are many great deworming products that are safe and effective against some of the most common types of worms.

If you adopted from a shelter, sometimes these health considerations have already been taken care of. If so, lucky you! If not, it is crucial that you make these health and wellness considerations a priority.

Training & Socialization
We mentioned that one of the items you are going to need for your puppy is an appropriately sized crate and that is because crate training is one of the most effective techniques when house training a dog. To humans, a crate can have a negative connotation, but it is much different for dogs. An appropriately sized crate provides a space of comfort & security where they can relax, but it is important you don’t use the crate as punishment or negative reinforcement for behavior you don’t like. Dogs will also avoid going to the bathroom where they eat and sleep so crate training is helpful for potty training a puppy as well.

Dogs that are only a few months old can begin learning commands such as sit and stay, but when they are that young they have short attention spans so training sessions should be brief. Also dogs respond better and learn more when you reinforce positive behavior as opposed to using negative reinforcement. Treats are one of the best ways to reinforce positive behavior. If you want to be sure your dog is being trained right, consider reaching out to an experienced dog trainer in your area.

The early development period for a puppy is a critical period when it comes to socialization and ensuring a healthy relationship with people and other animals. The first few months are very important and you should introduce them to as many people and situations as possible in that time frame. Also, going on walks and getting them acquainted with a leash and collar should be done at an early age.

Enjoy Your Puppy!
Owning a dog can be a big responsibility, but there is a reason so many people choose to bring a four legged friend into their homes. Dogs are extremely loving animals and forming a close bond with them can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. Make the effort and you and your dog will enjoy many wonderful years together!

Author Bio: Michael’s Pack The professional dog trainers at Michael’s Pack, including owner and head trainer Michael Schaier, provide private in-home dog training in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Our training is based on positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and holistic methods. We strongly believe that “Communication is Key” and that the training process should strengthen the relationship between you and your pet by building mutual respect and trust.

Friday's Friend! Dog Adoption, Operation Paws for Homes

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson

Meet my friend David Wise! WOOF! Operation Paws for Homes had a contest and the lucky winner named the dog! BARKS, she chose to name him after the Olympic Medal Winner David Wise!

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson

David Wise is around 6-weeks-old! He will be ready to go to his "Forever Home" around June 23, 2018! He is hoping to find a family soon so his foster can help other dogs in need! WOOF!

Barkingly, since I am so young, I have only received 2 sets of the required 3 sets of puppy vaccinations for distemper/parvo. Barks, this is very IMPORTANT because it means that his immune system will not be fully functioning until about 16 weeks of age. He MUST stay out of public places where he could be exposed to the germs of many other dogs for another 8-10 weeks after he goes home. These no puppy zones include all pet stores, dog parks, and for apartment dwellers, areas used by other dogs. These requirements are strictly for the puppy’s medical safety and longevity.

Interested in learning more about dog adoption? Pawlease visit Operation Paws for Homes Dog Adoption Guide.

If you would like to apply to meet or adopt David Wise, pawlease complete the Operation Paws for Homes Adoption Application.

Unable to adopt? Barkingly, how about supporting David Wise financially? Donations will assist with David Wise's care. Any extra funds will be used to assist other dogs at Operation Paws for Homes. Interested, please donate HERE!

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson

Photo Credit: Operation Paws for Homes
Creative: Allen Pearson

#dogadoption, #dogadoptions, #dogadoptionoption, #dogadoptionsvirginia, #dogadoptionva, #dogadoptionmaryland, #dogadoptionmd, #dogadoptionwashingtondc, #dogadoptionwdc, #dogadoptiondc, #dogadoptionpennsylvania, #dogadoptionpa, #adoptdontshop #dogadoptionfairfaxco #dogadoptionnorthernvirginia

Friday's Friday! Dog Adoption, PetConnect Rescue!

Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue Creative: Allen Pearson

HAPPY SPRING! We've finally had a few pawsome days to enjoy being outside! WOOF! My friends from PetConnect Rescue brought by a pawsome lady for you to meet who will make the Spring, and every other season, ones to enjoy and remember!  Meet Baby Rita!

Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue Creative: Allen Pearson

Rita is an adorably cute 13-week-old Labrador Retriever mix! She is looking for a human with previous dog experience who will be patient, kind, and loving with her as she can be a little reserved at first! Barks! Then, it's time to play!

Rita loves putting things in her mouth as she is teething and has a lot of Labrador in her!

Rita loves to run around a big yard! Sometimes she gets the puppy zoomies making it fun for everyone! WOOF! She is a got fetcher, enjoying chasing leaves, chewing sticks and just having puppy fun.

Rita is doing great learning crate and house training. Barkingly, she is doing well-learning stair climbing.

Rita is food motivated so training will go very well.  Cookies are a favorite!

Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue Creative: Allen Pearson

Since Rita is a puppy, she requires a human who is home a good part of the day to continue her training, no exceptions! She is up-to-date on age appropriate vaccines and preventatives.  She will need to be spayed at the age of 6 months.

WOOF! A note from my friends at PetConnect Rescue: Rita's immune system will not be fully functioning until about 16 weeks of age and therefore, she is not suited for apartment/condo, townhouse or office/work setting without a private fenced yard. She will not be able to go to public places where she could possibly be exposed to the germs of unvaccinated dogs, such as PetSmart/PetCo and dog parks until s/he is 16 weeks old.

The adoption fee for Rita is $350, which helps with the cost of routine vet care. The fee DOES NOT INCLUDE spay/neuter if the pup is not already spayed/neutered. If the animal you are adopting is not already spayed/neutered, you will be required to sign a contract legally obligating you to have the animal altered. 

Photo Credit: PetConnect Rescue Creative: Allen Pearson

Puppy adoption fees help generate revenue that goes towards older, special needs animals needing our help. Surgeries, heartworm treatment, boarding costs are things that often result in adoptable dogs and cats being left behind to be euthanized. So adopting a puppy saves not just one life, but many!

 
The first step in PetConnect Rescue approving adoption applicants is to complete a Veterinarian check. Vetting of current and past pets is very important so they will be speaking with the Veterinarian(s) listed on your application to ensure that your current and previous pet(s) are kept up to date on vaccines (including rabies), spayed or neutered, maintained on appropriate monthly preventatives and examined annually by your Veterinarian.

BARK! If you would like to learn about dog adoption, pawlease visit PetConnect Rescue's Dog Adoption Guide.

If you would like to meet Baby Rita, pawlease complete the PetConnect Rescue Dog Adoption Application. Once it's complete, and submitted, please email CWood@petconnectrescue.org. WOOF! 

#puppyadoption, #dogadoption, #puppy, #dog, #dontadoptshop, #petconnectrescue

National Puppy Day

To celebrate the pawsomeness of puppies-

Buyer Beware: How to Tell a True Breeder from a Puppy Mill

Photo taken by: Krotz

Dogs make for one of the best pets we could ask for. They can be trained to perform a multitude of tasks from simple tricks for amusement or obedience to tasks that can greatly increase quality of life for those suffering from impairment. When it comes to finding your furry companion, it’s important to know where your dog is coming from. There are a lot of pitfalls when buying a dog that take the form of puppy mills or BYB’s (back yard breeders) If you’re looking for a quality pure breed dog, here are some things to keep in mind when looking for the right breeder.

If it’s advertised, it’s probably not a true Breeder
Dog breeders have a genuine love of their breed. When breeding their pups, it’s not for the monetary outcome but for the betterment of the breed. Because these dogs are among the best of their breed, a true breeder won’t advertise with signs or ads. In fact, most breeders pups are sold before the litter is born, meaning there is typically a wait list for their pups.

Shows a genuine Love and concern for their Pups
A true breeder sees a dog for what it is, a sweet animal in need of a good home, not just another paycheck. True breeders not only keep tabs on their pups to see how their doing, but will also encourage you to come visit their homes and see their conditions for yourself. Puppy Mills and backyard breeders will typically try to get you in and out as quickly as possible, answering the questions they have to with answers they think will make you happy. Not only will a true breeder be happy to answer any of your questions, but will likely have just as many for you, ensuring that their pup is going to a good and loving home.

The Proof is in the Papers
Anyone who sells dogs will have some titling involved. A common one is AKC which stands for the American Kennel Club. If you have any doubts about where your dog is coming from, check with the AKC to make sure their kennel is not only registered but is also in good standing. A true breeder will also have an equal amount of documentation on the health of your pup. Genetics, hips, heart, thyroid and eyes are all things that are inspected and certified before a true breeder is willing to sell you a dog. If their Dam fails any one of these qualifications, she isn’t bred. This means that your pup is coming to you in the best possible health and condition it can be.

It’s always encouraged to do a little research when it comes to any major purchases in your life, this is especially important when it comes to buying a pet. Your dog is more than just some animal, it’s a part of your family and will be for many years to come. There’s nothing wrong with purchasing a purebred pup, it’s just important to make sure that you’re funding someone who’s breeding them out of love of the dog, rather than love of the money.

+Neil Kilgore is the Jack (Russell) of all trades at Greenfield Puppies in Lancaster Pa. He regularly blogs about dogs, breeders and puppies on the Greenfield Puppies website.

6 Tips To Ease Up Puppy Potty Training

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time in you and your family’s life. They are absolutely adorable and can bring an instant smile to your face. That said, they are also a lot of work and you need to start training them as soon as they arrive in your home. One of the first things that they need to learn is toilet training. It can be a stressful time with a lot of mess and accidents however there are a few things that you can do or use which will make your job a lot easier.

1. DESIGNATE A SPOT: Designate a specific spot for your puppy to go to the toilet. If you have an outdoor area, make it the garden. If you are live in an apartment, place puppy training pads or news paper on a tiled area such as a balcony, laundry or bathroom.

• TIP: A good tip is to ‘scent-mark’ this place. Place a bit of fabric with the puppy’s urine in the designated spot the first time you take them there. This will encourage your dog to go there.

"Puppy Pads"
Used by Permission - Real Smart Pet Products

2. USE TOILET TRAINING PADS: If you do not have an outdoor area or need to keep your puppy inside while you are out, a great way to minimize mess is to use toilet training pads such as the below. Puppies prefer to pee on something soft and absorbent and these pads encourage them to use the same place again and again. These toilet training pads make your job a lot easier. They offer maximum protection, are made out of high quality non-woven fabric and are extremely absorbent. They neutralize odours, are tear resistant and easily disposed of so perfect for your new puppy.

3. THE WAITING GAME: When you think your puppy needs to go, take them to the designated area and wait for them to do their business. If they do not go within five minutes, bring them back inside and try again 15 minutes later. If they do go, give them a treat and lots of praise so they know it’s a good thing.

Signs a puppy needs to go potty.

• After a meal or nap
• If they are sniffing
• If they are circling (looking for a place to go)
• Coming to a sudden halt
• Dropping his bottom

4. ROUTINE ROUTINE ROUTINE: The most important thing for you puppy is creating a routine. Take them to their designated potty area as soon as they wake up, after a feed or when you get home from work. They’ll soon learn to hold until these times.

5. DISTRACTION: Distract your dog if you think he’s about to go in the house and quickly take him outside or to his designated area.

6. DON’T PUNISH: Don’t get angry if your puppy forgets where to go to the toilet as they won’t understand what they have done wrong. Clean up the mess with a paper towel and take it, along with your puppy to its designated area, then let them sniff the towel. If you then praise them, your puppy will associate the area as good place to go to the toilet.

About the Author: Melanie has 2 dogs and loves blogging about tips and tricks to make their lives easier and more fun! When not blogging, Melanie is a reviewer for Real Smart Dog Products.

Friday's Friend: Dog Adoption, PetConnect Rescue

My friend Ms. Cathy from PetConnect Rescue brought me a friend by for to meet.  Before she left, she mentioned an event, you might be interested in- 

Puppy Palooza Adoption Event

Muddy Paws Farm

26330 Mullinix Mill Road

Mt. Airy, MD 

Saturday, 12 - 2 p.m. 

Admission: Free

"Come and meet the Petconnect Rescue puppies 

who are available for adoption. 

You won't be able to resist the cuteness!!"

As for our friend, please meet Lizette, a young 8 month old German Shepherd - Rottweiler pup mix!

"Aren't I just the Cutest Thing- Take Me Home - Lizette"
Credit: PetConnect Rescue

Doesn't her picture just say "take me home!"  Dog Adoption is one of the great things you can do for yourself- a companion to spend life with- 

Lizette and her siblings are came to the Washington D.C. area on January 4, 2014.  They are in foster care awaiting their forever home. 

Lizette's talents include fun-loving, running, playing and cuddling.  She loves being picked up and held. 

The pups will need an adopter who is home a good part of the day to work on house training and social skills. The pups are up-to-date on age appropriate vaccines and will need to be spayed/neutered when they reach 6 months of age.

For more information on Lizette and her siblings, please visit PetConnect Rescue.

How To Choose A Dog From A Rescue Centre

I have a guest blogger with me today from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a UK charity promoting the care and welfare of animals.

If you’ve decided to welcome a dog into your family and have also decided to choose one who is currently residing in a rescue centre then first of all – congratulations!  You’ve made a good choice – choosing one of the many rescue dogs for adoption is the right thing to do.  There are more dogs in the UK (and US) than there are responsible owners and whenever people choose to buy dogs from specialist breeders the problem will continue to increase.

"Two Puppies"

But how do you choose from the many dogs housed in rescue centres?  The average person looking for a rescue dog for adoption will be a family member looking for a dog who will fit into their lives and home.  There are many dogs awaiting adoption who simply won’t fit that mould – they need extra time, special attention and training to be cared for properly.

The important thing to remember is that you have to go to the rescue centre with a pretty good idea of what sort of dog you want before you get there.  It’s just too easy to see all the dogs and fall for their sad little faces and big puppy eyes and then end up with a dog whose temperament or behaviour just doesn’t fit with your family or home situation. 

You can search online for specific breeds that crop up in rescue centres quite frequently – you don’t have to choose a mongrel or mixed-breed dog just because you’re choosing one from a shelter or animal charity.  You can also phone round the local rescue centres and ask about specific breeds (or particular sizes or temperaments) and ask for your name and number to be taken in case a suitable dog becomes available. 

Check the rescue centre’s ‘return policy’ – a reputable rescue centre will accept the return of a dog at any time during its life for any reason.  You shouldn’t expect to get any money back, but it is a good indication of a reputable shelter that they should be willing to accept long-term responsibility for the dogs that they arrange to be re-homed.

As part of the adoption process, you should be able to see the dog you are considering adopting away from the shelter’s enclosures.  Dogs can behave very differently inside enclosed spaces than they do outside and with several people present and it’s important that you choose a dog that you know will suit the life you have planned for them.

Check whether the dogs at the rescue centre are tested for temperament and behaviour and whether a history is available for the dog you are interested in (why was the dog taken into the rescue centre?  Is there a history of biting?  Has the dog lived with children previously and, if so, of what age were those children?). 

If you don’t have a particular breed in mind, then at least have a type of behavior in mind – do you want an energetic dog, a lap dog, a dog that will enjoy playing with the family?  Trust your instincts that are based on clear research and consideration and enjoy the benefits of giving a rescue dog a home for life.

You may want to look into pet insurancequotes (RSPCA Pet Insurance) to make sure that you are covered in case of illness with your dog.  The RSPCA is a UK charity promoting the care and welfare of animals. RSPCA pet insurance will look after your dog in the case of an accident, and 20% of the policy premium goes straight back into the charity.

How to Train your Puppy in Housebreaking

I've got a guest blogger, Richie Richardson, with me today- he's writing about Puppy Training.

Puppies are adorable. With their presence, they make everyone happy. But if your pup hasn’t learned housebreaking then it will be more of a trouble than a lovable pet. Housebreaking is not an easy task. It requires patience and an eagle eye. Below are some tips to train your pup in housebreaking.

"Rex"

Keep a Close watch on your pup:

At the beginnings, pups are unsure of where to relieve themselves. Any place irrespective of whether is clean or filled with dirt will be perfect for them. The best way is to watch them closely for the first few months. Of course, be prepared to clean and mop. No matter how careful you are, a pup will pee in the house at first.

Catch them in action:

There is no point in scolding a pup after it has done its job. You need to catch him in action. By doing so, the pup is able to relate with the action. Several pet owners scold their pet after it has peed in the house. Such actions will have no effect on the pup. Hence, you need to catch them in action. A stern ‘No’ will pass the message to the pup that the action is undesirable.

Leash them:

After a month or two, have your pet leashed. Take them out every few hours. When they have relieved themselves, quickly bring them in. If not, then tie them and take back again later until they have relieved themselves. Through this way, the pup will know outdoor is meant for relieving.

Communication:

Continuing the above process, your pup will know what to do. It will start to communicate with you. There are different ways of communication. Without no reason the pup will whine. In some other cases, it will bark looking at you. However depending upon the breed there may be other indications. When you find such actions quickly take it out. At first, it will be hard to understand what your pup is trying to communicate. With patience you will come to understand your pet.

Do not shout:

Never shout at your pet. Your pet will take that as a compliment. As mentioned above, just say ‘No Doggy’ or ‘Bad Doggy’ with a stern voice. When it does its job outside the house, compliment it with a pat or a treat.

Leash it outdoor until it learns housebreaking:

Never leash them inside your house until it has completely learned housebreaking. Have them leashed next to your door or in the garden (from where it can feel your presence). In most cases, it will use the outdoor. Continue this for a month. Note: leash your pup at the same place so that it can relate the place and do its job.

About today's guest blogger:

Richie Richardson is full-time blogger and writes on pet training.