New puppy? Learn how to prepare your home for a furry friend

(ARA) - Anyone who's welcomed a new pet into the home can tell you how important it is to prepare for that four-legged friend. Whether it's moving furniture to accommodate a dog cage or learning to host a puppy play-date with the bulldog next door, becoming a pet owner can be a definite learning process.

When getting your family and your home ready to welcome a furry friend, a few simple steps can go a long way:

* While your new pet is getting used to his/her surroundings, it's a good idea to keep them in a defined area of the house. Baby gates are perfect for closing off an area in your house and designating it as the "puppy area." Having a small rug in your puppy's play area will not only protect your floors, but also protect your dog from sliding and potentially getting hurt. Think twice about what furniture is included in your puppy area - the more excited they get, the clumsier they get.

* Keeping cleaning supplies on hand will be your greatest ally. The Swiffer Sweeper with new Wet Mopping Cloths are great for wiping up pet "mistakes" and dirt that they might track in the house.

* Don't forget to brush your new furry friends. Brushing your pet regularly and frequently helps to keep his/her coat in check, especially if they are going through seasonal shedding. Brushing stimulates the skin to keep it naturally moisturized, which can cut back on dander. If possible, brush your pet outside to avoid spreading pet hair in the house.

*Get down to your pet's level, on your hands and knees, to see what he could get into. Dogs love chew toys, so don't entice them with a ball of wires from your stereo system. Zip-tie the cords together so they stay neat and tucked behind furniture. Also, cord covers are a great idea for those extension cords running along the floor. Certain types of floor plants can be poisonous if ingested, so be sure to move them up and out of the way.

* Pets, especially puppies, need to expel excess energy by playing with others just as much as children do. When hosting a puppy play-date, keep collars on both dogs. If you need to grab one of the dogs in a hurry, you want to be sure you have something to take hold of. Also, when inviting a four-legged friend over to your home, have the dogs meet outside. This way, your pup won't feel threatened in his own territory.

It's no secret that having a pet can benefit a family, but making certain that you and your home are prepared to welcome a four-legged friend will also benefit you. Taking a few simple precautions and making the effort to keep your home pet-friendly will make the transition easy.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Keep Your Doggy Warm by Buying Him a Sweater

In wintertime, your pooch may get cold. Most people don't like to see their pets shiver, so they're looking for ways to keep them warm. And bless you for doing so, as this will be beneficial to your pet's health. With all the love your doggy gives you, you owe him this at the very least!

One good way of keeping your doggy warm on cold autumn and winter nights, is by buying him a trendy pooch sweater. There are a lot of choices when it comes to dog sweaters nowadays.

One of the more popular dog sweaters is a pooch sweater with a hood. These come in many styles, such as fleece, knit and cotton blends. Plenty of choice to go around, so there's no reason for your doggy not to own one! Next to keeping your pet warm, they also them him look much cuter than he already is. So that's two reasons to buy your doggy a sweater.

Next to different materials, dog sweaters also come in many shapes. We're talking v-necks and turtle necks here. There's almost as much choice in dog sweaters as there is in people sweaters, if not more!

You can find a lot of dog sweaters online by using the search engines. If you look closely, you will see that many come with discounts as well. Especially if you buy a few of them at a time. You can save a lot of money by shopping smart.

Shopping for dog sweaters online not only gets you discounts, it also saves you time and gasoline. Talk about double savings!

When it comes to dog sweaters, you can find the very largest selections online with a few clicks of the mouse.

So when you are looking to make your doggy the most fashionable pooch on the block, fire up your browser and start searching!

Looking for more information on dogs? Come visit http://thedoggyblog.net for daily dog updates!

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Top Five Gift Ideas for Your Perfect Pooch

(ARA) - From the doggie kisses to the warm snuggles, your dog has always brought a smile to your face and provided you with unconditional love when you needed it the most. Tis the season of giving, so don’t forget the four-legged friend in your family when it comes time to put up your holiday decorations or place the presents under the tree.

The best gifts are those that capture the spirit of the season and honor the essence of our four-legged friends -- fun, generous and unique. But since your dog can’t tell you what’s on his wish list, you’ll just have to trust your dog-loving instincts to help you sniff out the perfect gift. For a little inspiration, here are five ideas for spot-on holiday gifts for your perfect pooch:

1. Photos with Santa

Santa loves children, but he also has a special place in his heart for animals, especially reindeer and of course, dogs. Plan a road trip to your nearest pet specialty retailer to give your dog some much-needed face time with the ultimate gift-giver. Plus, your dog will also get a chance to socialize with some of his doggie friends when the photo session is over. The best part is that professional photographers take the pictures and they are able to snap the photo at just the right time when your dog has his ears perked up and his tongue lolling. The experience isn’t complete, though, until you make a stop in the apparel aisle to pick out a nice Christmas sweater for your canine companion. You want to make sure your dog stays cozy and warm as the weather turns colder.

2. An Ornament to Get Your Dogs Barking

Show your dog how much you love him by paying tribute to him on your tree with a special ornament. Purina Dog Chow is celebrating the upcoming release of the Fox comedy “Marley & Me” with a limited edition holiday ornament featuring the most rascally dog in America, a yellow lab named Marley. The ornament celebrates the upcoming release of the Marley & Me movie on Christmas Day and depicts Marley riding on a sled and crashing into a snowman. This collector’s item will be available in specially-marked bags of Purina Dog Chow brand Dog Food and Purina Puppy Chow brand Puppy Food this holiday season. Visit www.longliveyourdog.com to find out more about how you can get your paws on one.

3. Stocking Stuffed with Treats

Make a personalized stocking for your dog with his name on it, and then stuff it with his favorite treats. Don’t be surprised when your dog skips his morning ritual of nuzzling you with his cold nose, and instead follows the scents of his favorite snacks and heads straight for his hanging stocking. To really get your dog drooling, fill the stocking with a variety of delicious selections like crunchy bones, mouth-watering bacon-flavored strips and long-lasting chews. Keep some extras on hand because your dog is sure to want seconds.

4. Toys that Make Noise

A dog can never have too many squeaky toys, especially since dogs have a natural instinct to chew. Pamper your dog’s playful side by placing a variety of sweet-sounding toys in a decorative box that can be easily accessed by your curious canine. Consider toys of different materials like rubber or rope that will pique your dog’s interest. Then, when your holiday guests start to arrive, pull out the box and your dog will be busy for hours.

5. Winter Wonderland Walk

Some gifts won’t fit under the tree, but those are the gifts that dogs love most. Carve out time after your holiday feast to take your dog for a walk around the block. With all of the commotion around the holidays, your dog will be excited for a little one-on-one time with his favorite human companion. This is another great time to break out the doggie Christmas sweater to really get your dog in a festive mood.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Save Pets from Stress During the Holiday Season

(ARA) - ‘Tis the season for holiday cheer with Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching quite near. End-of-the-year festivities may bring friends and families closer, but with all of the season’s hustle and bustle, many pets may become overwhelmed and confused or exhibit negative behaviors resulting from unfamiliar sounds, smells and visitors that surround them before the New Year.


“Holidays can be a hectic time for everyone, including the family pet, which is why it’s important to make sure pets receive the attention and care they need amidst this busy time of year,” says certified veterinary technician and dog trainer, Gayle DiMenna. “Providing consistency for your pet by maintaining the same feeding and exercise schedule will lessen your pet’s stress and confusion.”


“During the holidays we always have friends and family over, which is difficult for our dog who is very shy and tentative around strangers,” says Jill Diffendaffer, pet parent to beagle-dachshund mix, Gracie. “We’ve found over the past couple of years that by planning ahead for guests and setting aside some play time for Gracie, the holidays are much more enjoyable for everyone.”


To ensure your pets have a happy, safe and low stress holiday, take extra care for your pet and plan ahead with these simple solutions:


* Try to maintain your pet’s usual routine, including consistent feeding, play and exercise schedules.


* If possible, try to exercise your pet, especially dogs, before guests come over to help decrease any hyperactivity and stress.


* Consider leashing your dog before opening the door for visitors to ensure greater control over your pet and to prevent escapes.


* Dogs tend to pant more when they become stressed. Be sure to keep water readily available to prevent dehydration.


* Prepare a quiet place for your pet to use as a retreat when holiday activities and guests become overwhelming.


* Try a pheromone-based product, such as Comfort Zone with D.A.P. for dogs and Comfort Zone with Feliway for cats, which can calm and soothe pets having trouble coping with holiday stress.


* Never leave your pet alone with unfamiliar children, regardless of how well behaved your pet is, to avoid potential incidents.


* Make sure your pet wears his tags at all times in case he escapes from the house or yard.


* Do not let guests feed your pet food from their plates, which can be hazardous to your pet’s health. Instead, leave treats out for your guests to give to your favorite furry friends as a reward for good behavior.


Pet parents looking for additional tips and advice can visit www.petcomfortzone.com for more information.


Courtesy of ARAcontent

Think Twice Before Taking Your Pooch to a Picnic

(ARA) - This scenario plays out everywhere. You’re about to head out to a picnic or other outdoor gathering and you know that dog of yours loves going to the park. It can be difficult to leave a beloved pet at home. However, before you melt and reach for the leash when the dog looks at you with pleading eyes, there are many things to consider.

“Taking your dog with you on a picnic can be a wonderful experience. It can also turn into a nightmare if you are not properly prepared,“ says Paula Lind (CVT, BS) chair of the veterinary technology program at Argosy University, Twin Cities. According to Lind, you should inquire ahead of time whether the picnic location allows pets. Many parks ban dogs altogether, and arriving with your pooch could prohibit you from attending the event.

To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, Lind recommends that dog owners consider several basic issues before taking a pet to a picnic.

* Vaccinations. The New York Department of Health reports that raccoons present a growing risk for rabies, particularly across the eastern seaboard. Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date before exposure to wooded areas and other wild or domestic animals.

* Obedience Training. “A dog must be trained at home with no distractions,” says Lind. “Children running and throwing balls are big distractions that can put stress on a dog. It’s impossible to teach anything when a dog is stressed. If the ‘down’ and ‘stay’ commands are not heeded in the home, it’s not fair to expect that the dog will behave elsewhere. Another consideration is proper off-leash obedience. Do you have reliable recall? Can you get him back if he takes off? If not, it becomes a safety issue.”

* Socialization. “Many unfortunate situations can occur when a dog is not properly socialized. Consider how your dog reacts to children, strangers and other animals” says Lind. A dog that jumps up to say hello can frighten a child and become a nuisance to other guests. One that becomes aggressive toward other dogs should not attend a gathering where another animal could be present.

* Supplies. When a trusted dog with established training accompanies you to a picnic, it’s important to take supplies with you. Lind outlines these basic items: water supply and bowl, food, leash and/or chain, appropriate treats, a toy to keep your pet occupied, and “poop bags” for waste disposal. Lind recommends not allowing guests to feed your pet “people food,” which can cause an upset stomach on the ride home.

* Backup Plan. If your pet disrupts an event away from home, you will need to remove the dog to a safe place. What will you do? “Cars become dangerously hot in the summer months, even with the windows down. Unless you’re prepared to leave early and take your pet home, you will need to arrange for the dog’s safekeeping for the duration of your stay at the event,” states Lind.

“It’s all about training, socialization, and common sense,” says Lind. A dog that is well behaved at home, and proven to be a “good canine citizen” in public, can be a welcome addition at a picnic or outdoor gathering. “As a general rule, if the dog can’t walk on a leash properly around the neighborhood, please don’t take him,” Lind says.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Names For Dogs

Naming the family puppy can be a difficult task. There are many resources to help out with ideas and brainstorming, but in the end, a name that really fits your dog is hard to find in a book. The Internet provides a wide variety of searchable databases with thousands of names for dogs and some even allow you to purchase products such as nametags directly through their site.

Internet websites providing lists of names for dogs can be very particular. There are amazing amounts of websites that have names for dogs that only would be suitable for a small number of dogs. For example, I have found sites that list only aristocratic names for dogs, Celtic names for dogs, French names for dogs, Japanese names for dogs, Irish names for dogs, and Native American names for dogs. The most common names for dogs are usually non-gender names. Websites listing names for dogs pertaining to male or female gender, as well as non-gender names are also very abundant. The Pet Net Bookstore offers a wide assortment of names for dogs and you can purchase books, etc, directly from their site.

There are several people who want to help out with this difficult family task, and they have created their own personal websites in an attempt to help you brainstorm. These sites are usually just a comprehensive list of names for dogs, but these can still be very helpful suggestions. Try surfing through geocities.com to find this type of website.

There are professional sites that have lots of suggestions too.

www.dog-names.com is a free and searchable database list of over 6000 popular names for dogs and their meaning. www.petnamesworld.com is a really cool site listing a lot of names of dogs- including ethnic names for dogs and puppies.

www.doggynames.com displays thousands of names for dogs and puppies in a searchable database that provides the meanings of the names as well.

www.puppy-names.com has lots of good suggestions for naming your new puppy.

Hillary Kuenn is an author with a psychology major who specializes in creative writing, based on Marketing Strategies. To read more of her articles please visit http://www.dogs-cats-pets.reviewplace.com

How To Potty Train Your New Puppy

Many questions arise when you bring your new puppy home.

Such as....
How do you potty train your puppy?
What can you do about your puppy when you are at work?
Are there steps to follow when potty training your puppy?

Keep in mind that raising a new puppy is a lot like raising a child. It is a lot of work, they keep you up at night, they get into things and make messes, but your new baby (puppy) also gives you a lot of joy and love.

Potty training puppies is not that hard.

Here are some proven steps to potty train your new puppy:

1) Purchase a play pen or kennel.

2) Line the kennel or play pen with newspaper or puppy pads.
In the play pen there is room for newspaper on one side and bedding on the other. If you use a kennel it is a little smaller and your puppy may have a few accidents at first. Generally dogs do not potty where they sleep but when they are very young they just can't hold it for long.

NOTE: Using a play pen is such a great way to potty train your puppy. The play pen is also great for when you are unable to give your puppy undivided attention. You can place your puppy in the play pen and it is a safe place for them to play and not get hurt or get into anything.

3) Keep your puppy in the play pen or kennel when not attended or when you are not at home.

4) Within 30 minutes of feeding your puppy make sure there is newspaper or puppy pads accessible for your puppy to go on.

5) If you catch your puppy in the act - place your puppy immediately on the newspaper or pads so they can finish there.

6) Do not hit your puppy. They do not respond to cruelty. Instead reward your puppy with treats whenever they go potty properly on the paper or pads.

7) As soon as your puppy has received its third set of shots you can begin putting them outside to go potty. You can move the newspaper outside to help them get used to going outside.

8)After a while (usually 4-6 months) they will get trained to go outside.

9) The end result will be that you will get a well trained well behaved puppy and a happy owner too!

The first week of potty training your new puppy may be a little trying at times but you have to remember this is a commitment to a life long friend and your new puppy is getting used to his or her new family.

You really want to be consistent in your training of your puppy. Your puppy will be more easily trained if you follow a routine -- otherwise you will confuse your puppy, cause your puppy to have more accidents and have a much harder time with potty training.

Putting time into your puppy at the beginning of its life will pay big dividends in good behavior later.