Grooming your dog regularly is essential not only for his appearance but it also gives you a chance to make sure he is free of parasites, fleas, ticks and other things that can cause him harm. It may be a bit of a pain but you should try and groom your dog at least once a week.

It may take some time to figure out your grooming schedule while you and your dog adjust. He may dislike it at first but he will end up enjoying every minute of it once he’s used to it! Before beginning, allow your dog to sniff all the tools you will be using during his grooming session and be sure to also have dog treats right near by to reward him! The basic tools you will need to groom your dog are: comb, a brush, nail Clippers, scissors, cotton balls, dog Shampoo/conditioner, towel and lastly dog treats.
(more…)

Adding a new dog to your family can be a cumbersome yet rewarding job! For your home and family to run smoothly with the inclusion of your new furry family member, you will need to train him early on to live in his new human world! There are three important words to remember and use when training your dog, the 3 P words: Patience, Persistence and Praise. Using the 3 P’s during training sessions with your dog, will help to ensure success. (more…)

Many people don’t realize the health risk for your dog if his teeth are not cared for. It is very much like that of our human teeth. Many health risks and problems can occur to your dog’s teeth and gums when not properly cared for. Dental care is just as necessary for your dog’s health as it is for your own.

The potential risk for dental disease in your dog rises dramatically without routine and proper dental care. Studies taken, have shown that over 85% of adult pets (both cats and dogs) have some form of Periodontal Disease, which is the most common infectious dental disease. If Periodontal Disease is left untreated, problems can occur that may have otherwise been avoided. Including pain in your dogs mouth, bad breath and possibly even tooth loss.
(more…)

Cleaning your dog’s ears can be a bit frustrating but its an essential part of good health. Most dogs do not like having to sit still. However, it is important to keep your dog’s ears clean to help prevent potential health hazards such as ear mites, ear infections and wax build up (which in turn will be excruciatingly painful for your dog).

To help reduce your dog’s health risk with any of the above listed problems, be sure to perform a routine ear check during your weekly grooming sessions. Below we have listed some helpful tips for checking and cleaning your dog’s ears: (more…)

The distinction between dog training and control is most times too easily lost. Using commands and hand gestures, with leashes or treats, to solicit desired behavior is training. Using choke or ‘no-bark’ collars, electronic fences and similar devices on your dog is for control.

Control isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Dogs naturally have and seek a social hierarchy in which one is the alpha (leader) and in any human-dog pair the human has to take that role. The alternative is property destruction, unsafe conditions for dogs and humans, human frustration and a maladjusted dog.
(more…)

Dogs bite more than 4.7 million people per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), . Lawsuits, medical bills and sometimes dog euthanasia are common results from this unwanted – and often avoidable – behavior.

As with any dog training issue, how easy or difficult it is to train a dog not to bite will vary with the breed, age and individual temperament of the dog. But there are some common techniques that will usually help suppress biting behavior.
(more…)