Pet Goddess

It is that time of year again, when the shelters are teeming with animals all desperate for forever homes, and people are thinking about adding a pet to their lives just in time for the holidays. A pet does NOT make a great gift. It is a serious commitment and undertaking, a ‘marriage’ that can endure for at least 15 years depending on the age and breed and type of pet. Many of our dogs have lived to well over 16 and our cats to over 18.

Many people are eager to help a dog with an unfortunate background, and puppy mill rescue dogs certainly fit the bill. The trouble is that if an adopter is looking for a ‘normal’ dog, they might be sadly disappointed with their new furry friend. The truth is that puppy mill dogs, especially the breeding females, often lack a lot of the basic people-friendly skills their new human might be hoping for.

They might be confused on a leash, very timid and scared, and have toileting issues. They might go inside the house all the time, go at will anywhere they like, and so on. The good news is that the ASPCA has produced this excellent page to give you some pointers on what to expect if you are considering taking on a dog who has been rescued from a puppy mill: Puppy Mill Dog Advice from the ASPCA.

Read this carefully before deciding if you have the patience to deal with a puppy mill rescue dog. Many of them are very biddable and loving and eager to please their new owner, so if you are willing to give them a second chance, they will be more than grateful.

Posted November 28, 2011 Comments(0)

We here at Pet Goddess are proud to announce our new Dog Training Academy. You can access our free 7-day ecourse today: Dog Training Academy Ecourse

Posted July 26, 2010 Comments(0)

One of our friends, a great dog lover, has a new pet column at Examiner.com. If you love all things dog, this will be a great way to keep up to date on terrific resources for your pet. Plus, if you live in New York City, you’ll get information on great services for you and your dog.

Just visit the Chelsea Dog Examiner column for more information.

Posted June 3, 2010 Comments(0)

When you bring your new boxer puppy home, you should start house training it as soon as possible. Many new dog owners will start out by using old newspapers for their dog to potty on; it will more than likely soak up the urine. However, many dog owners will put the dog on a tile floor instead of on the carpet; this will keep the urine from soaking throw the newspaper and into the carpet. In addition, this method will let the dog know that he or she can always come back to this area to potty in, and not get into trouble for relieving itself somewhere else in the house.

However, if your dog is going to be outside most of the time, then training him or her to potty in the house could fail over time, especially when the paper is removed. The dog will remember that it is okay to go potty where the paper was placed. Moreover, when your dog is outside, give it a large area just for itself; this could be a place where he will sleep, eat, relieve himself, etc. Many dog owners have a certain set schedule where they wake up in the morning and let their dog outside to go potty. This will keep him or her from using the carpet to relieve itself.

Crate training is another kind of method you as a dog owner could use for potty training. However, it is, not recommended to leave the dog in the crate for a long period as the dog will not go potty in the same area he is resting in. Moreover, this method will teach your boxer that he or she must hold the urge to go potty.

Moreover, some dog owners will testify that their dog will in fact use a litter box in the house. When using the litter box as a place for your dog to go potty, remember to leave the litter box in the area where you first put it. If you constantly move the litter box around the house, then your dog may not make it to the litter box, and go potty on your carpet instead. Moreover, when litter box training, remember that dogs do not cover up their feces as cats do. Therefore, the litter box needs to be cleaned out frequently.

However, if all of these methods fail to work, and the dog by accident relieves itself on your carpet, do not scold your dog or rub his or her nose in it. You will be doing more damage than good, as this will only confuse the dog. Simply take the dog to the appropriate area and show the dog where to go potty. After a while, you will get better results from your dog if this method of litter training is done properly.

Posted January 20, 2010 Comments(0)

One question we get quite often from readers is how to introduce two new dogs to each other when they intended to adopt a new addition to the family.

One of the best ways of doing this is to have them meet on the street as if they are just passing by, and then walking together and going home. If you have a cat, try to make sure that they do not meet each other too abruptly, but are kept in separate rooms where they can become aware of each other without any danger to either pet.

By introducing them on the street, most of the time they will not get too fiesty outdoors, or feel too territorial. They will feel less need to protect you and their home. If you use a crate, you can also make sure that the new arrival has one as well, so that no one feels compelled to share or be too sociable if they don’t wish.

Remember that a crate is not a punishment at all, but the dog’s den where he can feel safe and secure, a room of his own.

There will also be a big difference in attitude depending on if they are two girls, two boys, or a mix. All but Bedlington terrier females do not tend to get too territorial or aggravated towards each other, so they should be fine. Any snarling and growling should be 2 girls so they should be taken as a serious warning sign that they should not be allowed to go too close.

If the new dog is a replacement for a bereaved pet, the other advice we want to give you is that even though the dogs might be the same breed, and even look identical, no two dogs are alike, so make sure you do not have any unfair or unreasonable expectations in this situation. The personalities and relationships will not be the same, but the good things is, they might be even closer!

Another helpful hint is to feed them separately for a while too, plus keep toys separate and so on, especially if they get snarly with each other.

And remember, you are the boss and alpha so it is up to you to make it work, which, if you have confidence, it will.

If you are adopting now, just think of what a kind thing you are doing, rescuing a dog that needs a home, especially in this economy. Best of luck with your new family member!

Posted October 19, 2009 Comments(0)

Then we have the suddenly less lovable puppy because it is your Italian leather couch he is munching on.  It is puppy’s instinct to chew, but he needs to be taught what is his and what isn’t. A lot of the expense incurred by pet owners comes as a result of chewing.  Puppies chew the most when you either aren’t home or aren’t looking. They are bored, sad, or just plain teething. It also calms them to be able to chew, especially if they are hungry and there is no dinner available. 

The first step to curbing the chewing habit is to puppy proof your home.  Keep puppy confined to areas of the house where you have no valuables.    Don’t leave your puppy alone even when you are in the house.  When puppy is in the room with you, use a baby gate to prevent him from wandering around, or make sure he is in his crate.   Use a curio cabinet for collectibles and other trinkets.  Coffee tables need to be free of vases, flowers, and other things that can be potentially dangerous to puppy. Many flowers are poisonous. So can plants and things like Christmas trees, and even the water in the stand if you have a fresh tree.

Posted December 16, 2008 Comments(0)

Puppies love to chew – on anything.  However, chewing can cost you thousands of dollars in vet’s bills, not to mention damaged furniture and household goods.   Follow a few simple tips to keep puppy’s teeth free of your valuables, and healthy and happy. 

Puppies are so lovable.  People are entertained when puppy chews on a sock as if it were a snake in the bushes.  He will wag his tail at it, pounce, and then chew until it’s shredded on the floor. The trouble is, eating things that he is not supposed to can get his stomach and digestive tract into all sorts of trouble, which could potentially ever require surgery.   

Your children, for example, may have many toys all over the place. Most of these are not made or durable puppy chew-proof rubber.  They can chew a ball or toy to pieces in no time.  Some dogs even love to eat metal. All of these bits can result in puppy indigestion, diarrhea, which can be fatal in pups, or intestinal blockages, also potentially fatal.

Posted December 14, 2008 Comments(0)

If your dog soils in the house, wait until puppy is somewhere else in the room and then clean up his mistake.  Continue with your housetraining routine as before.   

Cleaning up all of the mess keeps puppy from coming back to that spot later.  He is little, but he will learn.  

There is a wide variety of cleaners on the market now that will help clean up in no time, and also discourage puppy from going there again. 

If you are really houseproud, a puppy might not be the right pet for you, and an older dog or a cat might be a better option.  Toilet training takes time and effort on your part, so it is no good blaming the puppy if you are not training it right. 

A crate will also help with toilet training. Dogs are animals, and will never want to soil in their own house, so when you let them out, they will get a signal to go potty.  Now just make sure you get them out of your house too, and they will soon get the hang of it.  

Remember, puppies are always eager to please, so lavish praise on them, and a doggy treat or two, and you will have a well trained pet in no time. 

Being prepared is key when you have a new pet.  Be observant.  Watch for tell-tale signs that puppy is ready to go to the bathroom.  He may whine, scratch at the floor or the door, or wiggle.   

Don’t trust puppy to make it outside by himself.  If he starts to go in the house, scoot him outside quickly to the bathroom area so he can finish. 

Don’t blame the puppy if you are not fast enough off the mark. And don’t expect a pup or dog to hold it for hours.  How often do you go to the bathroom yourself each day? 

The same is true of adopting an adult dog. If you work long hours, make sure you arrange for a dog walker or doggie daycare. They hate being left alone, especially people-oriented breeds, and they detest soiling their own house.

Posted December 10, 2008 Comments(0)

 The advantage of getting one from a shelter is that they are often put through many tests to determine their character and temperament, so you will know a lot about them prior to adopting them.  

Are they good with kids? Cats? Other dogs? Lots of people and activity in the house?  This will not be like getting a puppy and having no idea what its personality will be.  

The humane society shelters puppies that are waiting for you to give them a good home.  You may even find a purebred amongst the group. Choose carefully.   

Don’t choose a large breed puppy because he gives you the “sad eye” and then later find out that he barks all night to your neighbors’ dismay and your own misery. 

Posted November 4, 2008 Comments(0)

 Many puppies are dropped off by owners at the humane society.  The humane society has gotten a bad rap as a place for unwell strays and difficult dogs.   

This is NOT always so.  Many puppies end up at humane societies because their previous owner didn’t take their decision to have a pet seriously.   

Again, they go for dogs based on looks rather than personality and how they will fit in with everyone’s generally busy lifestyle. 

Many times it’s something as simple as the previous owner has become sick and can no longer care for the animal properly. Otherwise the animal is healthy and was well cared for and loved prior being taken to the humane society.   

There can be many other reasons a puppy may end up in a humane society, so be sure to ask lots of questions about any puppy you may be considering getting. 

Posted November 2, 2008 Comments(0)