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Is Adopting a Dog a Good Christmas Present for the Kids?

December 25, 2019/0 Comments/in Informative, Most Popular /by Ivy L

Conventional wisdom says no. Arguments against adopting a dog for Christmas include the concern that the holiday season is too hectic, the idea that wishing for a dog is very different than caring for a dog, and the notion that an impulse buy can quickly turn into a regretful decision complete with a traumatic rehoming if things don’t work out.

However, if your kids are asking for a dog for Christmas, and you are considering a new furry addition to the family, then it just might be the perfect gift. To help you decide, here are some pointers:

#1: Make Sure the Timing is Right

One of the best ways to make sure your home is ready for the addition of a new dog is to take a look at your schedule. Are you planning to do a lot of traveling over the holiday season? Will you be hosting a crowd? Are there too many activities already filling up your planner? If so, then the holiday season might be a stressful time for a new dog.

On the other hand, if the kids are home from school and you plan to stay in most of the time, then a new dog may find it to be an ideal time to get plenty of attention, bond with the kids, and get used to a new routine.

If Christmas isn’t the ideal time, you can still plan on getting a dog after the holidays. To make it extra special on Christmas morning, consider wrapping some dog toys up and filling the stockings with them or place them under the tree. This way you can work some of the early expenses of dog ownership into your holiday budget and have the benefit of waiting until things calm down before bringing your new dog home.

#2: Find the Right Fit

All dogs are not alike. Each has their own personality. In addition, certain breeds have special needs and may or may not be a good fit for what your family is looking for in a dog. Do some research on dog breeds, even if you plan to adopt a mixed breed dog. Rescue shelter staff can usually approximate breed type and if you know what you are looking for it can make finding the right fit a lot easier once it is time to choose the right canine for you. A good source of information are dog websites like wileypup.com that break down breed information and much more.

#3: Work with Rescue Organizations

Unfortunately, demand for dogs and puppies spikes during the holiday season. This means that people who run inhumane puppy mills and grifters that run internet puppy scams are very active. One common scam is someone that promises a puppy, as long as you pay an expensive shipping charge to bring them in from out of state. Never fall for this. Reputable breeders will not ship a puppy without meeting the owner in person.

Check for local animal shelters and animal rescue groups (which can usually be found on Facebook or a local internet search). In addition, websites such as AdoptAPet help make finding adoptable dogs in your area that are being rehomed through reputable organizations easy. In fact, you can even search by breed type, age, and distance you are willing to travel for the ultimate in convenience.

#4: Talk About Care and Training in Advance

Getting a dog is a commitment and children of all ages can benefit from taking on some of the responsibility for caring for your new pet. For example, a 5 year old child can help keep the water bowl filled and fresh and a 12 year old can take on a daily walk.

Teens and preteens are the perfect age to start learning the basics of positive reinforcement based training. Consider enrolling in a training class hosted at your local animal shelter or pet boutique so that they can pick up skills to communicate with dogs that may well serve them for a lifetime.

Consider creating a dog care calendar, especially if you have multiple kids. This way everyone knows the chores they are responsible for each day. It also helps to establish a routine which will help your new family member adjust to their new home smoothly.

#5: Make Sure You Can Meet Your Dog’s Needs

Finally, before deciding if getting a dog for Christmas is a good idea, think about whether or not you have what it takes to meet a dog’s basic needs. This includes making sure your budget allows for routine vet visits, medications, and a healthy diet. In addition, gear such as leashes and harnesses add to your initial costs.

Another need that you will need to meet for your canine companion is exercise. In addition to regular potty breaks and walks, most dogs need some daily off-leash play in order to stay mentally and physically fit. A fenced yard or access to a nearby dog park or wilderness area are almost a must for most dogs over 20 pounds.

Finally, consider the time you may need to invest in training and companionship with your new furry family member. For example, puppies, while adorable, do require a great deal of time and training and are best adopted into situations where there is an adult present at home at all times. While adult dogs need less intensive time commitments, they still need to feel part of the pack and be taught basic manners and house rules.

Author Bio: Sharon is a professional writer and received her M.S. in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Tech and has worked as a professional dog trainer for over 10 years.

See what Internet Sensation OK Go does with Dogs in their new video!

May 2, 2018/0 Comments/in Fun, Most Popular, Pet Videos /by Ivy L

I have been a fan of the pop band OK Go for years, since their first treadmill video, “Here It Goes Again” in 2006 (over 41 million views). I have also been a fan of dogs and cats and reptiles and fish and birds… okay pretty much all pets and animals since I started crawling. This time OK Go puts their creative song writing and visual mind bending talents together with their “friends.”

Warning, if you don’t know the band OK Go and you like this video, you might find yourself a half hour into the future still watching their other mesmerizing videos.

Here’s How To Ensure Your Kids And Pets Become Friends

March 31, 2017/2 Comments/in Informative, Most Popular /by admin

The benefits of children having a family dog are huge. Owning a pet encourages compassion and respect and understanding for another being. It can also help improve social skills and teaches responsibility. However, this does not happen without adult help and supervision.

1. Dogs are not playground friends

Dogs are great companions and children and dogs can grow up together to be the best of friends. However, children do not communicate in the same way as an adult and their behaviour can be very confusing and often scary for a canine. They often treat their pet dog as they would a playground friend and too many dog owners let their children play rough and tease. Whilst some dogs are very tolerant and appear to put up with anything, it is totally unfair on the dog to allow this treatment. Many videos are shared showing children wrestling with a dog, often creating the ‘alpha roll’. This is seen as being fun and humorous, but actually the dog is most likely not enjoying it and is put in the precarious position of “shall I flight or fight”. If the dog cannot actually get away, he could decide to fight back and that is when a dog may bite or show aggression. Encourage games with interactive toys. Most dogs love ball games.

2. Teach children to respect dogs

Research tell us that people are more likely to be bitten by their own family dog than an unfamiliar dog and children are in the highest risk group. Children should be shown how to respect and interact safely with them.
Dogs cannot tell children when they want to be left alone, so it is best that close contact is always supervised by an adult. Dogs should be allowed to have their ‘own space’ to retreat to if they feel they have had enough. Often that will be their bed and children should be taught not to chase and continue playing if the dog has taken refuge away from the ‘action’!
It is best to keep your dog in another room when children have visiting noisy and rowdy friends
Children should never approach an unfamiliar dog unless you are sure it is a friendly.

3. Children should show caution or not approach a dog when….

· He is eating or has a tasty treat

· He has a toy he loves

· He is sleeping, feels unwell or is injured

· He is getting old and not so patient

· He is deaf or blind

4. Understand a dog’s body language

Dogs communicate through body language. Look out for stress signals such as yawning, lip-licking, whale eye, held-back ears, turning their head away, tucked in tail and body tension. If you notice any of these signs, calmly, without fuss, remove the dog from the situation. More aggressive gestures may occur if these signs are not noticed which include:
· baring of teeth

· narrowing of eyes

· hairs on back of neck are up (hackles)

· growling or snarling

5. Encourage children to get involved

Grooming and exercising your dog creates a strong bond. Older children should be encouraged to help with looking after the family dog. The whole family could go to training classes or agility sessions.

6. Bringing a new baby home

The excitement of a new arrival can be quite unsettling for a dog that has been the only other family member.

Introduce your dog to the new equipment that will be around e.g. cot and pram. There may be changes to his routine. Gradually introduce new walking times etc., before baby arrives. To get them used to the new sounds, play recordings of baby noises, especially crying.

When baby is home, do not exclude your dog. Allow them to see, hear and smell the new baby under close supervision, so they get to learn that the new smelling bundle is nothing to worry about! Sometimes the noises that new babies make and their wriggling actions, may remind some dogs of prey. It is absolutely vital that dogs are never left alone with babies, no matter how friendly you think they might be.

7. Make sure you understand what owning a dog means

Under the Animal Welfare Act, owners have a duty of care to ensure they are meeting the welfare needs of their dog. They should provide a happy and healthy lifestyle. If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, research about the breed you are wanting to ensure it will be the right dog to fit in with your lifestyle.

Owning a dog is a full time commitment. Make sure you know what you are taking on.

About the Author: Paws Plus One is a Dog Behaviour Consultancy and online retailer all about dogs and the owner. We pride our self on providing quality dog products and useful information for dog owners.

5 Ways to Make Your Dog Smell Better

March 23, 2017/10 Comments/in Fun, Most Popular /by admin

Dogs are adorable, but when they’re sporting that “doggy smell” they can be a real turn-off. Help your pooch ditch the D’O by trying one (or all) of these 5 ways to make your dog smell better – we even have a bonus tip!

1. Give ‘Em a Bath

We wouldn’t smell very pleasant if we rarely had a bath, the same is for our dogs. Some pet parents may believe that dogs will “clean themselves,” but they still need a good once-over at least once-a-month (depending on the breed). To do this, buy a dog shampoo specially formulated for the canine species. Human shampoo is not designed for the dog’s PH levels and may even cause your pup’s hair to dry out. Plus, pet retailers usually carry some great scented products (in both shampoos and spritzers).

2. Pet Wipes

These moist towelettes are great for those times when you need a quick-fix for a stinky dog. This includes when you’re out and Fido decides to roll in something funky or to even wipe off muddy paws before your dog gets into a vehicle or the rest of the house. Pet wipes are made especially for dogs and, like doggy shampoo, come in a variety of fragrances.

3. Regular Brushing

Dog fur that is left unkempt can develop many conditions like severe mats, tangles and even smells. Be sure to regularly brush your dog’s coat to clean off any debris and dirt that may be trapped in it. This is also a good time to check for lumps, bumps, bites, nicks/cuts and fleas and ticks. Plus, your dog will love the one-on-one time with you and the great massaging effects a good brushing provides.

In addition to the brushing, you may also want to sprinkle baking soda into your dog’s fur. This all-natural ingredient is great for neutralizing dog odor and is super easy-to-do.

First – brush your dog to eliminate the visible dirt and debris
Second – work the baking soda through the coat making sure to avoid the eyes.
Third – leave it on for a few minutes
Lastly – Thoroughly brush it out.

This method works great for those in-between-bath times.

5. Clean the Ears, Eyes and Teeth

If your dog smells, it could be coming from his ears, eyes and/or teeth. Cleaning these parts of your dog’s face is crucial to maintaining good health.

For your dog’s ears there are products available that can make cleaning the goop out easier, or you can use a cotton ball with plain warm water on it. If your dog is scratching at his ears in excess, or has black dirt inside of the ear canal, it could be ear mites. Visit your veterinarian to get rid of these parasites.

Your dog’s eyes should be gently wiped around as needed with a wet facecloth, pet facial wipe or wet cotton ball.

If your pooch has nasty doggy breath, it could be due to tartar and plaque buildup on his teeth. Daily brushing of your dog’s teeth with a toothpaste made for pooches (don’t use human as it could be toxic) will help conquer the odor emitting from his mouth and will also keep his teeth strong and healthy.

6. Clean His Bedding

There’s no sense in grooming your dog with everything pleasant, only for him to go and sleep in dirty bedding. Washing your dog’s blankets, kennel, and even those soft toys can help keep him smelling fresh. If you have a dog bed that cannot be cleaned through a washing machine, try using a fabric odor eliminator or a dry shampoo made for furniture.

Bonus Tip – They Are What They Eat

The old saying, “we are what we eat,” also applies to our canine companions. By providing your pooch with a good quality dog food you will be giving his body the nutrients he needs to be healthy and happy.

Look for foods that provide an identified meat source (like chicken, beef etc) and stay away from those that use by-products and cheap fillers like corn, soy and wheat.

Feeding your dog a balanced nutritional diet will lessen his chances of getting gas and give him an overall better coat, skin and quality of life.

Your dog doesn’t have to be smelly, follow these handy tips to help your pup stay snuggly fresh. If you encounter a bigger problem related to your dog’s odor, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

About the Author: Sandie lee is a regular contributor to the ThePetGod.com. She enjoys writing informational articles to help pet parents everywhere. She hails from a small town in Ontario Canada, with her three rescue cats, two goldfish and a hubby of 20 years.

7 Ways To Keep Your Dog Well-Behaved This Holiday Season

November 11, 2016/0 Comments/in Most Popular, Products /by admin

Holidays can be super fun, especially when your family and friends visit. But the holiday will be a little less fun if your pooch is rowdy and untrained. Keeping your pets well mannered is key to a calm and peaceful holiday season.

1. Teach your dog to respond to the “sit” command.

The first thing that you have to consider is teaching your dog the “sit” command. If you have no experience in training dogs or pets in general, then, try using treats to make the training procedure easier for you. Treat the treats as a reward when your dog does the trick well. Do not forget to use verbal encouragement when training your dog because this instills a positive attitude in your dog. Always remember to never give your dog rewards until he does the job well. You can use this “sit” command, so when your guests arrive, you can simply ask your dog to sit instead of his usual greeting of jumping up and down.

2. Involve your family in the training process.

When you teach your dog the “sit” command, or any command, for that matter, you should inform everyone in the house about it to make it easier for you to control your dog when the guests arrive. Tell the family to discourage the dog going up and down when greeting all of you once you get home. On the day of your party, you can also ask your visitors and guests to help out. Simply ask them to command your dog to sit when he greets them at the door. When he sits, ask your guests to give out a treat and lots of hugs and kisses (if possible!) as a reward.

This will also make your dog used to having guests at home so he won’t become too excited in the future.

3. Put your dog on a leash when the guests arrive.

If training is not going well for you, there is still a chance! You can consider putting your dog on leash. Do this before people start to come to your house. There may be guests that are not quite fond of dogs so this method is good for them. On the other hand, if you have guests that want to pet your dog, tell them that he is still on training, and they have to approach your pet dog gently so as not to startle him. Try out the “sit” command you are training him for, and when he does it, give him a treat, and tell the guests that they can pet him already.

Note: This is best for dogs who are more of outdoor pups.

4. Keep your dog in another room where guests won’t be coming in.

If your dog is more of an indoor pup, you can keep him in one of the rooms where you know guests won’t come in. Just make sure to put his bowl with food and water in there just in case he gets hungry or thirsty. Also lay out newspapers in case he pees or defecates. So he won’t get too bored, bring his favorite toy with him in there.

5. As much as possible, don’t let guests feed your pet.

Aside from the fact that they may feed him something that he shouldn’t eat, this will also give your dog the impression that it is okay to ask for food.

6. Make sure your dog is in a quiet place.

Parties can be quite loud, and this leads to nervous dogs, and we don’t want that. So prepare a place, only for your dog, that would be quiet. Prepare something like a safe zone for your little dog. We don’t want to stress him out, don’t we?

7. Teach only one command a time.

Just like us in school, the teacher can’t teach us 10 lessons at once, right? Dogs are the same. Make sure to teach them only one command at a time to avoid confusing them, and to bring out their full potential.

In the end, keeping your dog well-behaved this holiday season will be quite a tedious chore, and will require some amount of time and effort. But worry not, just give it a little patience, and your pup will be a well-trained and educated dog in no time. Happy holidays, everyone!

Author Bio: My name is Lauren. I am the founder of lovablepawsandclaws.com. I’m a young woman with a true passion for animals. I have kept many pets over the years and has intimate knowledge of their needs both emotionally and physically. I love that her dogs keep her so active and satisfy her desire to spend lots of time in nature.