Just like we humans your dogs teeth need looking after to ensure that they remain strong and healthy. Your dog’s adult teeth will start developing at around 3 months and you may find baby teeth scattered around the house in the first few months. As baby teeth drop out then the adult teeth start to grown through. As with babies, give your puppy a good supply of chew toys to help him teethe.
Taking the dogs out in the car can sometimes feel like a military operation but if you have the correct equipment in tow taking your dog out with you can be a joy.
There are various options for securing your dog so that he or she isn’t roaming lose in the car. The most obvious is to put them in the boot of the car if you have a hatchback. You can get railings that fit between the ceiling and floor to prevent them jumping up and over the back seats. If the boot isn’t adequate and you need to use the back seat the again railings can be bought to section off the rear of the car so that you don’t get you curious canine friend trying to sit on your knee as your driving.
This weekend I’m going to a wedding and will be away all weekend. Unfortunately by the time the invites came out it was too late for us to get them booked into a kennels. Secretly I was relieved as I’m always a bit worried about how the dogs will take to being caged up for a couple of days with the noise of other anxious dogs barking and yapping around them.
Lately I’ve come across a few friends and acquaintances that have recently got all romantic and giddy about the idea of having a dog as they now work from home. They look at my Shih Tzu, Tashi, and my Basset Hound, Harvey, all misty eyed and sigh longingly. ‘It would be so perfect!’ they declare, ‘I can take them out for a walk at lunch and after I’ve finished working. It’ll get me out of the house and I’ll be there to keep them company!’
I was watching TV this morning and was intrigued to hear that dog owners are much more unlikely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD syndrome. All animals react to changes in the seasons and the level of light that they are able to absorb throughout the day. According to a report on GMTV, with our atrocious weather in the summer, more and more people are starting to suffer the effects of SAD even in the summer months.
There have been several reports released claiming that taking your pet dog to work can help you reduce stress levels and create a calmer working environment. Its believed having a dog around can help to reduce blood pressure levels and get feel-good hormones pumping around your body!
My dog Tashi, has a strong guarding instinct despite his cute and cuddly Shih Tzu appearance! He is constantly alert to any noises or sound of oncoming cars or people and will puff his little body up into a menacing stance huffing and grumbling before he erupts into a throaty warning bark. As much as I feel reassured that he would make any burglar think twice about breaking in when I’m away or at night, it can be a bit irritating when he persists.
A recent report by the RSPCA has highlighted that it estimates that approximately 1000 puppies are being imported into Wales every week. Many have already been exposed to infectious diseases and are likely to become ill within a couple of weeks of being homed.
In an ideal world when you pick up your new puppy he’ll be paper trained, however no matter how well trained he was by the breeder he’s likely to have a relapse when you get him home. All the new sights and sounds of your home will frighten and confuse him. He’ll have been separated from his mum and the rest of the litter for the first time and he’ll be coping with meeting lots of new people and, possibly, your other pets. It can be all too much for the little one and before you know it there a puddle on the floor!
If you’re worried about your pet dog packing on the pounds and you’re looking for a way of keeping you both fit other than trudging the same circuit from the park, then agility training could be for you! It’s a sport for dogs that teaches them coordination, control and speed.
Any breed or size of dog can enjoy this doggie sport as long as they are over 12 months old. Other requirements are that they are in good health, are the ideal weight and are reasonably obedient. Some giant breeds might not find agility courses best suited to their powerful gait however. The requirements of you are hard work, persistence and dedicated training.
