Pet Goddess

One other thing to consider is to ,make sure the name is easy to spell and pronounce, when you take him to the vet or have to board him, and always make sure your animal is wearing a tag.  

You might even consider microchipping your dog just to be on the safe side, so if it ever wanders, it can be reunited with you easily so long as someone turns it into a vet or shelter. 

Take your time when naming puppy.  Consider his behavior and personality, but above all, treat him with dignity when it comes to naming him.  He’ll thank you for taking the time to consider a good name for many years to come.

Posted November 16, 2008 Comments(0)

Dog experts recommend short names that end in vowel sounds.  Most commands don’t end in vowel sounds, so puppy won’t get confused when he’s called.   If you own a Dachshund, you can name him “Hero” like a hero sandwich.  These dogs always remind me of a sausage without the bun.  The name is short, easy to remember, and not disrespectful to puppy. Actually, it is quite a brave name for your little guy.Below is a list of the more popular names for dogs.  Choose a name from this list or come up with your own.

* Max

* Lady

* Lucy

* Princess

* Rusty

* Rocky

* Buster

* Shelby

* Jake

* Ginger

* Sandy

* Sophie

* Sparky

* Buddy

* Missy

Posted November 14, 2008 Comments(0)

If names are too long, puppy won’t remember it, and others might not either.  One simple rule to make choosing a name for your puppy easier is to keep it to three or less syllables. One syllable is ideal, especially if you have to call the name quickly. Also, think about what your puppy’s name may sound like to him or her.  If it sounds like a command, he may take off running or jump at the mailman instead of sitting down.   

Puppy names that are similar to the commands you give can be confusing to your pup.  If you use these commands:  sit, run, stop, quiet, stay, heel, roll over, and fetch, don’t use puppy names like Fletch, Kit, Sun, Bill, and Cole.  Pets are not people, but they do deserve respect as another member of the family.  You are supposed to be welcoming them into your home and your life.  Names like Butt, Loser, Dummy, and Nitwit are demeaning. Four letter words are also inappropriate, and not ones you want to shout when you are walking down the street or in a crowded park. 

Nasty names encourage teasing from others who come in contact with your puppy, and disrespect.  Most animals don’t like to be teased, especially dogs.  They can respond by biting or pouncing on the unfortunate teaser.   They can also sense the energy behind the way you speak to it and the words you use, so anything negative should be discouraged. 

Posted November 12, 2008 Comments(0)

What will you call your new companion?  He may be brown with long ears, short, with a coat like snow, or tall and muscular. So you might want to name it according to what it looks like, Patch, Snowy, Snoopy.  

Whatever you decide, the fact is that choosing a name is a big decision.  Whatever you call the dog, that name will belong to your dog for the rest of his life, and wil be the one you have to call and it has to answer to as you train it to be a happy and well-adjusted animal. 

As humans, we select names for our children based on heritage and meaning.  You can do this with your puppy, but it is not necessary.   

Puppy doesn’t care that “Lily” is a beautiful flower or that “Jack” has English origins.  He just wants to know what you want him to respond to when you call. 

One rule of thumb for puppy naming is to keep it simple.  It may be cute and unusual to name a dog “Crouching Tiger”, but it isn’t practical.

Posted November 10, 2008 Comments(0)

 If you work with registered breeders, your kennel club will most likely offer health and dog insurance in case of accident or loss.  With pet shops or side-of-the-road breeders, you may not know what you are getting until it is too late, there is no ‘money-back guarantee’, and you might get stuck with all sorts of vet’s bills.    The most important thing is not the dog’s looks, but that it is healthy, and you have the ability to raise It  to be a happy and well-adjusted animal.  Knowing where to buy a puppy is as important as what breed of puppy to buy.   Take advice from trusted friends about reputable breeders.  If in doubt, visit the humane society or dog rescue groups.  They will be glad to help in your search for the perfect puppy companion.   And don’t forget to consider a young adult rescue dog.  There are many rescues available through the economic crisis, who are homeless through no fault of their own.    Go to http://www.petfinder.com/ for more information on shelters and breed rescue groups in your area. You could just find the puppy your adult dog of your dreams sooner than you think. 

Posted November 8, 2008 Comments(0)

 No one wants to have to give a dog back, of course, but you also need to know what your limitations are and what is practical for you depending on your personal situation. A lively puppy may not be a big deal if you live in a house, but it can be a nightmare in a small apartment. 

In your puppy search, steer clear of pet shops and puppy mills.  Unfortunately, pet shops are usually supplied by puppy mills.  These breeders do it purely for the money. 

They treat their dogs like livestock, keeping them in cages, breeding the females over and over again in order to produce more puppies.  

You might get  a good dog cheaply if it is a male, and many of the females end up in rescue when they are seven or eight and no longer able to produce large litters of pups. 

In some cases, they are ignorant of any knowledge about the dogs they breed, and give only a minimum amount of veterinary care.   

This could spell doom for your puppy if he is predisposed to any life-threatening diseases.  Veterinarians can perform preventive care on breeds that can suffer certain conditions.  You need to thoroughly research the breed of dog you are interested in, in order to become aware of any major cause of health concern before you get your puppy. 

Posted November 6, 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)

 You can find breeders through referrals from friends and family.  If they are happy with the puppy they have, many will happily recommend their breeder to you.   The breeder may not carry the breed of puppy you are looking for, but they, in turn, can recommend the appropriate puppy breeder or a purebred rescue group looking for owners, a situation which is sadly all too common.  

Many people start out with a cute puppy, but end up with an adult dog they don’t have time for, or any interest in any longer.    One would think they would value something they might have paid literally thousands of dollars for in some cases, depending on the breed.   Still other people have changed circumstances, such as sudden bad health, and can’t keep the dog any longer. So keep in mind that most of the dogs in breed rescue are there through no fault of their own and are just looking for a second chance at love in a safe and happy home.   

Posted October 31, 2008 Comments(0)

(continued from Part 1)

The Fun Begins
So, now that I have got the serious considerations or puppy training out of the way, I want to put your puppy training in a more entertaining light. The time you train your puppy, feed it, walk it, is a wonderful bonding experience which you will remember for the rest of your life. You will be able to have all sorts of fun with your puppy, so long as you stay consistent.

You will develop a wonderful bond and with your pet, and it will come to trust you. Most puppies are very eager to please and quick to learn, and are energetic, lively and fun. So long as you keep your ‘play dates’ and training sessions structured and safe, they will learn quickly and enjoy learning what you have to teach. They will definitely love being praised, petted, and given rewards.

With dog training, making everything a structured lesson to show your puppy his new world (like the Puppy Rule of 12) helps the to gain confidence and self-esteem. It will also stop him from being bored.

One reason for so many different kinds of behavior problems is because the puppy is bored or lonely, with nobody to play with. It might feel it is not getting enough attention, or having separation anxiety, which is why spending time with your dog is so very important. If they are experiencing any of the above feelings, they can destroy property, go to the toilet in inappropriate places, bark, or show signs of serious distress and upset.

Let your dog know how very proud of him you are any time that he does something worth rewarding, even if it is just something small. The more you praise them, the more likely they will be to continue their good behavior for you.

Have fun with your puppy every day. Try throwing a ball for him to fetch, but make sure that he does give it back, to show that you are the alpha in control. Each time that he brings it back to you and lets you have it, really praise him, or reward him with a treat. I usually keep dry food in a small tin that rattles, and so if he hears the rattling noise he will try to win a treat. This training aid can help you quickly turn your lessons into an enjoyable and non-stressful game for you to play with one another, and is really a fun way for you and your dog to pass some time and help burn up some of his energy to help him sleeps soundly throughout the night.

You and your dog will be much happier thanks to you giving him the attention that he requires, and applying dog training techniques on him every single chance that you do get with him. Keep it fun, but be firm, and he will be even more eager to learn and please. Then he will grow into a well-adjusted, confident dog that everyone will enjoy spending time with.

Posted December 15, 2007 Comments(0)