Pet Goddess

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)

When you have pets that live both indoors and outdoors, you run the risk of fleas. Fleas not only attack your pets, but also the other people living in the house. Here are a few ways to rid your puppy and yourself of this minuscule menace.

Fleas are a fact of life for animals. Your puppy will get them if he ever goes outdoors without adequate flea protection.

Fleas are small, so they can jump from puppy to another surface like the couch and then to you.

Fleas bite, and can carry diseases. For most puppies, the bites are irritating and cause scratching. For some puppies, the bites cause flea bite dermatitis. This condition is miserable for puppy.

Flea bites can also result in a severe allergic reaction that can lead to anemia and even tapeworm infestation.

Once fleas have infested your puppy, they can be the devil to get rid of. Some owners use flea baths, over-the-counter pesticides, and flea collars. These work for some, but not for all. Also, over-the-counter remedies can be dangerous to a young puppy, and even your family.

Flea products like growth regulators and pesticides attack the flea eggs and the adult insect, respectively. Growth regulators take a few weeks to work, but produce non-viable egg offspring from the adult fleas. However, killing the adult insects doesn’t guarantee that the eggs will die as well.

If the infestation is severe, a stronger substance may be warranted. Before buying anything, consult with your veterinarian to find out the best course of treatment for a young puppy. The items that they carry are safer and more effective than what is found in the stores.

Flea combs are also a good course of treatment. Combing puppy’s fur once or twice a week can rid him of harmful fleas. Comb him when he comes in from outdoors before he has a chance to jump on everything in the house.

Cleaning puppy’s normal haunts on a regular basis will cut down on problems with fleas as well. This includes puppy’s bed, his blanket, his crate, and his toys. Vacuuming the rugs and the furniture keeps fleas away from others in the household.

Don’t forget to throw away the bag after you vacuum, or they will come right back out again!

If you decide to treat your home for fleas consult a professional. Using substances like borate powder can be dangerous. Inhaling the powder can make everyone very sick. Professional application is the only way to go.

Fleas are a nuisance and a health hazard for the whole family. They can love puppy to an irritating distraction. Protect puppy as best you can through routine cleaning, combing and visits to the vet.

Posted June 3, 2009 Comments(0)

There are also healthy edible bones, and natural rawhide-avoid the colored stuff, and cheap rawhide that comes from South America. 

Puppies are excitable creatures.  This excitement can cause them to chew everything in sight.  To avoid destruction and mayhem, stay calm around your puppy and remember, he will grow out of this sooner or later.   

Some dogs stay puppyish for life, and they chew to relax, but not all dogs remain so playful and high-energy. 

One final word of warning-make sure you NEVER allow puppy to teeth on human body parts. You may not mind it having a go at your finger, but a stranger on the street, or worse still, a child, might think it was a bite. Always give it a chew toy instead.   

Always make sure the dog is supervised as well with bones and balls-choose something large enough in proportion to the dogs mouth that it can’t be swallowed.   

Never play tug of war with your pet. In addition to possible hurting its teeth, if you ‘lose’, it will think it is the boss of the pack, the alpha, and start showing more aggression. 

With a bit of consistency and forethought, training your puppy to only chew on his chew toys will pay off in a happy, healthy dog that is welcome wherever he goes.

Posted December 22, 2008 Comments(0)

Leaving and entering the house showing a lot of emotion (waving wildly at puppy, making a big fuss over him) will get puppy hyped up, or confused.   

Not knowing what to do with his heightened emotional level, he will begin chewing on anything he can find.  Try to keep things low key when you leave the house, and always say the same words, like “I’ll be right back.” 

Then when you get home, don’t immediately make a fuss over the puppy and greet it. Instead, put down your bags, take off your coat, basically get settled, and THEN turn your attention to your puppy for a few minutes of low key attention and bonding.   

Of course, one of the easiest ways to stop your new pup from becoming a one-dog wrecking crew in your house is to give it a chew toy.  There are many safe, well designed chews, some of them durable, some of them edible. 

When he must chew, he will chew on something that is meant to be used for chewing.  Nylafloss is a piece of nylon rope that helps to clean puppy’s teeth while he is releasing his emotional energy.

Posted December 20, 2008 Comments(0)

Of course, never EVER give a puppy a stick to play with, or bones to gnaw on. One single bone chip can literally be the difference between life and death. Store anything you value and don’t want to have chewed in higher places where puppy can’t reach or knock them over.  It is the same thing as child-proofing your home like a responsible parent. 

If puppy gets a hold of marbles, coins, or small kid’s toys, he could choke while chewing on them, so be sure these small things are picked up and out of puppy’s reach at all times. Puppies chew when they are excited.  It is a way of releasing pent up energy.   

He also doesn’t know that he has done anything wrong unless you tell him so. You have to educate him firmly.   If puppy does chew on stuff in the house, don’t spank him.  He may be responding to your behavior and chewing even more out of defiance.

Posted December 18, 2008 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)

Leaving dogs alone too long can result in behavioral problems, including chewing and inappropriate toilet habits.   

Our dog used to look at us angrily and ‘pee wrathfully’ whenever she was particularly displeased, which fortunately was not too often! 

Housetraining puppy or new dog can be trying at times, and patience is a virtue in this case.  As you continue with the routine, your hard work will pay off with a well trained puppy or dog. 

One final piece of advice is that there is such a thing as doggie diapers.  There are belly bands for the male and bloomers for the female, which do double duty as sanitary bloomers if you have not spayed your pet. These are good if you are really houseproud, or want to travel with your dog and are afraid of accidents. 

They are ideal for the older dog who might have some leakage problems-after all, they make Poise pads and Depends diapers for adult humans, don’t they? 

So again, patience and tolerance are the watch words. Your pet will more than make up for the inconvenience with love and affection.  

Posted December 12, 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)