Dogs
- Choosing Your Pet
- Stages of Life
- Housing and Equipment
- Diet & Nutrition
- Daily Care and Grooming
- Physical and Mental Stimulation
- Socialization
- Behaviror and Training
- Health Care
- Special Needs
Choosing Your Pet
There are more than 400 different breeds of dogs, each with its own unique characteristics and personality. Understanding the characteristics of breeds is a good place to begin your selection process. Before your start, though, develop a list of the personality traits you'd like in your dog, then consider your lifestyle and how much daily responsibility you are willing to take on to make sure you make the right match.
Dog Breeds
The American Kennel Club divides breeds into seven categories, determined primarily by the purpose for each breed historically. Within each category, you'll find dogs of different types and sizes, but, overall, they possess definable traits and behaviors.
Sporting dogs were bred to hunt game birds and are good choices for active families. Recognized breeds in this category include Setters, Spaniels, Retrievers and Pointers of all kinds.
Hounds are searching dogs, bred either based on scent or sight. Scent hounds can get excited by a found scent and include Beagles and Bassets. Sight hounds tend to be independent and slightly aloof. They can often be described as having long legs, slim bodies and long noses. Breeds in this category include Dachshunds, Afghans and Greyhounds.
Working dogs were bred to for hard work and to serve as guard dogs, such as Huskies, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. Some large breeds make particularly hard workers: Mastiffs, Great Danes and Alaskan Malamutes.
Terriers, also hunting dogs, were originally trained to help find rats, mice and other predators on farms. Today they still have a tendency to be excitable and yappy. They include Airedales and Border, Irish and Scottish Terriers.
Toy breeds were bred for their size and have historically been the pets of noblemen and royalty. But don't be fooled by their size – some of them can be as tough as larger dogs. Examples of toy breeds are Shih-Tzu, Pomeranian, Maltese, Pekinese and Chihuahuas. These dogs may require more grooming than other breeds and they can be more difficult to housetrain.
Non-sporting dogs were bred to be companions for a variety of jobs around the world. The category is diverse, ranging from three varieties of Poodles and Bichon Frise to Dalmatians, Bulldogs and Chow Chows.
Herding dogs helped keep cattle and other livestock from straying. They are often active, intelligent and determined. Familiar breeds include Collies, German Shepherds and Corgis.
You'll need to do in-depth research to find the right fit for your household, but here is some information about dog breeds that match certain lifestyles.
For Families & Kids
- Beagle
- Border Collie
- Bichon Frise
- Chihuahua
- Cocker Spaniel
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Pug
Active
- Border Collie
- Cocker Spaniel
- Fox Terrier
- Labrador
Easy Going & Resilient
- Airedale
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Boxer
- Fox Terrier
- Pug
Intelligent
- Australian Sheepdog
- Belgian Sheepdog
- German Shepherd
- Keeshond
- Poodle
Less Active
- Basset Hound
- Boston Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Dachshund
- French Bulldog
- King Charles Spaniel
- Toy Breeds
City Dogs
- Basenji
- Boston Terrier
- Bulldog
- Lhasa Apso
- Pug
- Scottish Terrier
- Toy Breeds
- Welsh Corgi
Where To Get Your Dog
You can obtain a puppy or grown dog from a wide variety of sources: pet stores, classified ads, rescue groups, shelters, breeders or a neighbor. In many cases, people handle the dogs responsibly before you take them home. However, there are puppy mills and brokers, some of which supply other sources, that focus purely on the business of making money and do not follow safe practices or treat dogs properly. That's why it is important to check out your dog carefully and make sure you review and receive detailed documentation.
Wherever you obtain your dog, make sure the place is kept clean. The dog should look clean and healthy. Avoid dogs that appear lethargic. Take time to engage with each dog alone that you are considering and see whether it responds to you by listening to your voice, coming to you and accepting your touch. Lack of response or excessive shyness may mean there is a problem. Carefully examine the dog by looking at its underbelly, feet, eyes and ears to make sure they appear healthy and clean. While you may feel a desire to "save" a dog that has health issues, in most cases, unhealthy dogs don't survive.
Regarding the documentation, be sure to read the fine print about policies associated with health guarantees, returns and refunds. Make sure the contract includes, or can be supplemented with added pricing for, neutering or spaying. Documentation should include information about the puppy's birth, parents, age, health and living arrangements. Documents need to identify you clearly as the dog's owner. You will need this documentation in the future to register pure breeds with kennel clubs and all dogs in accordance with local registration requirements. Documentation may also be needed to travel with your dog internationally.
Preparing Your Home
Whether you plan to train a puppy or bring an adult dog into your life, your house and family need some preparation before your bring your new pet home. First, buy all the basic equipment and supplies you'll need: food and treats, collars and leashes, chew toys and balls, grooming tools, a crate, a bed and bedding. Get rid of any houseplants that may be poisonous to your dog or move them out of reach. Move any valuable or breakable items to higher ground, too. Cover or protect electrical cords throughout the house to keep them away from inquiring paws and mouths. Use baby fences to block off areas of the house you don't want to open up to the dog, at least initially. Get into the habit of putting the toilet lid down and keeping shoes behind closed doors in closets or up on shelves.
If you have a yard, create a fenced-in area for your dog to play in safely. Within the fenced-in area, create spaces for your dog to dig, chew, chase and run. For larger and active dogs, you might want to set up a dog run. Remember that your dog will need to be leashed whenever it is outdoors.
Prepare your family by discussing the new demands of a dog in the household. Set up a schedule for who will take responsibility for feeding, walking, playing and grooming the dog every hour of the day, seven days a week. Make sure your family, particularly children, understands the adjustments that will be required, especially in the first weeks.
Two other steps are needed prior to bringing your dog home. First, find a veterinarian and set up your initial vet visit for as close as possible to the date you plan to bring your dog home. Second, get identification for your dog. At a minimum, this means having an identification tag created with the dog's name and your name and telephone number in case the dog is lost or injured. These days most pet owners prefer to get a microchip implanted in their dog, or have their dog tattooed. Both of these identification methods deliver their benefit whether or not the collar and tag are lost. Additionally, they don't create a hazard, like tags, which dogs can get caught on crates or other items. Talk to your vet about which identification method is best for you and your dog and have the identification system in place before your dog comes home.
Bringing Your Dog Home
The day you bring your dog home is a big transition for your dog – and for you. It takes time to get used to having a new member of the family, particularly when you bring home a puppy. Remember that all these new sights, sounds, smells and people can be overwhelming to the dog, so give it time and space to become familiar. Start immediately with the routine you've identified for daily care with regular feeding, walking, playing and grooming times. Try not to let too many people greet the dog at one time. Let the dog get to know each person in your family individually. Also, give the dog time to explore around the rooms open to it to learn your family's scents and become familiar with the territory.
Stages of Life
Like people, dogs behaviors and health change through different stages of their lives. By knowing what to expect, you won't be thrown off balance when your dog suddenly adopts a unexpected behavior or shows signs of "unlearning" behaviors you thought it had mastered.
Puppies
They are unbelievably cute. You can literally watch them grow. It is fascinating, and sometimes amusing, to watch your puppy test its environment, practice new abilities and build a loving rapport with you. They can also be relentless, needy and tiring, so you need to be patient with your pup – and yourself – while your dog goes through these early stages in its life.
Puppies begin learning at birth. Research shows they are most receptive to learning between eight and 16 weeks of age. This is also an important time to begin their socialization in order to avoid creating fears. In many communities, puppy socialization classes are available for pets as young as eight to nine weeks old. Plan on beginning your training with your pup from the first minute you take charge. Use lots of praise to teach your puppy the behaviors you want it to learn.
Young puppies need a lot of attention, especially during the first few weeks you bring them home. You may need to take them outside for elimination as frequently as once an hour plus immediately after feeding. Usually, they can learn to hold it and get down to about five to eight times a day after a few weeks. You'll also need to start crate training right away so that your puppy will identify its crate as a safe, calm and secure space. Be sure you have lots of treats on hand from the start to reward and train new behaviors, but use other rewards as well, like positive comments, petting and cuddling.
Feed your puppy a diet of high-quality dry dog food that has the vitamins and minerals growing dogs need. Keep human food down to a bare minimum – it can cause imbalances that affect the formation of bones, muscles and healthy organs and lead to obesity later on. Puppies need to be fed four meals a day between eight and 12 weeks of age. This can be reduced to three meals a day once they reach three to six months of age. Sometime between six months and one year old, they will only need to be fed twice a day, which is normal for adult dogs.
One other characteristic of puppies is a tendency for destructive chewing. For dogs, chewing helps strengthen their teeth, provides a form of mental stimulation and is one way they learn about the world. Give you puppy chew toys and try to keep things you don't want chewed out of their way. If chewing does become a problem, there are training techniques that can help you overcome this problem.
The other important activity to undertake with puppies is to make sure they get the vaccinations they need for a healthy life. (For more information, see the Vaccinations section by clicking here).
Adolescence
Adolescence is as physically and mentally challenging and confusing for dogs as it is for people! Both male and female dogs go through hormonal changes that can be disturbing. Dogs reach adolescence between six and 18 months. During adolescence, your dog will go through rapid growth spurts, which may cause some mild pain. When permanent teeth come in, your dog will need chew toys to relieve the pressure on the jaw. Be careful about any extreme activity, because growth plates are fragile and susceptible to injury. During this period, a dog's baby coat falls off and the adult hair comes in. That means you may encounter more shedding for a while.
Adolescence in dogs marks their sexual maturity, usually between eight and 12 months. Spaying and neutering between two and six months of age can alleviate most of the symptoms associated with sexual maturity. For female dogs, this leads up to their first heat. You may notice that your dog becomes more playful and flirtatious around male dogs. Some female dogs become more inclined to roam, so you'll need to be extra careful not to let your dog get away from you. Female adolescent dogs often need to urinate more frequently. Sometimes they develop some aggressive behaviors, particularly toward other female dogs. Use training techniques to reinforce the behaviors you want and remember that this is just a phase.
Adolescent males will exhibit new behaviors, some of which may seem more aggressive. Their bodies are producing testosterone at levels higher than is found in adult male dogs, which explains their extreme behaviors. At the same time, male dogs begin holding other dogs responsible as adults during adolescence, which can lead to more aggressive behavior or fighting with other dogs. It takes time for a male dog to learn how to manage these new feelings and responsibilities. Other typical problem behaviors adolescent males exhibit include urine marking and roaming. All of these behaviors can be offset by standard training techniques.
If your adolescent dog exhibits destructive behavior, it is likely a sign of boredom or anxiousness. Plan on giving your adolescent dog more exercise to help counter all their physical changes, provide the mental stimulation they need and tire them for calmer times at home. Adolescence is also a good time to spend time on training for dogs because they are learning about their limits with people and other dogs. At this age, they distinguish between people they know and people they don't know. Try to be patient and playful to overcome your frustration with misbehaviors and remember that adolescence in dogs is a phase – it does pass.
Old Age
A dog's senior years truly are golden. Older dogs tend to be happy. They are settled into a familiar routine and become particularly affectionate during this time in their lives. Different breeds reach this phase in life at different times, but it is important for you to know when your dog reaches this advanced stage of life because of the changes needed to its diet, nutrition, exercise and health. Your vet can help you identify when your dog needs to make these adjustments.
Common problems dogs develop in older age are:
- Hip dysplasia, which makes it difficult or uncomfortable for your dog to walk or run. Solutions range from medication to surgery, depending on the severity.
- Orthopedic problems in joints and bones through the regular wear and tear of living. Arthritis occurs for many dogs at this stage.
- Hypothyroidism, which can slow your dog down and lead to obesity and poor heart health. Your vet can check on this with a simple blood test and it is easy to manage with medication.
- Eye problems, like cataracts and other issues, hamper vision and may lead to blindness.
- Cancers of all kinds will show up in dogs at this phase of life.
As dogs reach old age, they may have memory lapses or exhibit signs of confusion. Many dogs need to eliminate more frequently because of declining kidney and bladder functions. If your dog was not spayed or neutered, there is an increased likelihood of infections or cancers of the reproductive organs. By keeping an eye on your dog, you'll be able to recognize these changes early. Medications can help overcome some of them and there are other resources and techniques available as well, particularly devices to help dogs with orthopedic problems. You can teach your dog new ways to work around any health issue. Most importantly, treat your dog gently and don't push it beyond its changing level of abilities. Some activities, such as jumping to catch a toy, should be avoided to prevent pain, injury and further deterioration.
Over time, your dog may need help with simple activities of daily living. Talk to your vet about the resources that can help at this phase as well. Minor adjustments can help your dog continue functioning relatively normally for as long as possible. Most importantly, spend time giving your dog lots of affection and touch. This is often a dog's most loving time of life and provides you with an opportunity to build happy memories together.
Housing and Equipment
Housing
Different people have different expectations about how freely they want their dogs to roam in their homes day and night. Whether you choose to allow you dog on the furniture, sleep in bed with a family member or have access to all areas of your home, it is still important that you keep a crate and teach your dog to use it. At different times in your life together, you may need to transport your dog in a crate, such as when it is ill or traveling by plane or car. Weather emergencies may require your dog to be crated for transporting and management. In households with multiple pets, crates offer a safe environment when you're out of the house. Crates also serve an important role in training dogs by creating a safe environment in which your dog can learn to be calm.
Crates come in a number of materials, including wire, mesh and plastic. The important thing is to be sure that the crate you choose is big enough to accommodate your dog as an adult so that when it stands up there is room enough to turn around. Also make sure the access door is easily manageable for entering and exiting. The breed and personality of your dog may suggest choosing one crate material over another. For example, some dogs calm more easily with less visual exposure to the room, while others need things to look at. This may incline you more or less toward a crate with solid walls versus mesh or wire surroundings.
You'll want to place the crate in your bedroom or a quiet room. From the first day you bring your dog home, start getting your dog familiar with its crate. Let your puppy sniff the crate and wander in and out. Give it words of encouragement. Place a few toys in the crate to attract the dog's attention. Once your dog is familiar with the crate, begin training it to go in, turn around, lie down and come out of the crate on cue using positive reinforcement and repetition over time. This allows you to use your crate as a training device as you teach your new dog all the behaviors it has to learn. A crate also becomes a safe place for your dog when it is home alone before it is fully housebroken. Throughout its life, you can use the crate to help your dog calm down when it gets overexcited or aggressive. Be careful not to establish the crate as a form of punishment, but as a comfortable environment for quiet times.
It is important to pay attention to how long you keep your dog in a crate. Dogs need exercise and shouldn't be left in a crate for an extended period of time. Puppies between two and four months old shouldn't be left in the crate longer than two hours. The length of time can be increased as your dog gains the ability to hold its elimination needs longer. Adult dogs can be kept in a crate up to eight hours, but that's pushing it. It's better to establish at least short periods of time to let the dog out. Also, remember to take your dog for a walk before putting it in the crate, both for exercise and to do its doggie duty!
Equipment
Leashes and Collars. Most localities in the U.S. require dogs to be licensed and leashed when outside of your home. These regulations actually help protect your pet from dangers, such as a moving vehicle or getting lost. Leashes also keep your dog in check when people are passing by. After all, not everybody likes dogs or wants to engage with them. You are responsible for your dog's behavior in public; a leash gives you a means of keeping control over your dog to assure its safety and good behavior.
When choosing a leash, select one that is four to six feet long. Retractable leashes can be very convenient, but are not a good option if you will be walking your dog on crowded sidewalks. The line can be overlooked and cause accidents with pedestrians, joggers bikers, and other sport enthusiasts.
Choosing a collar is contingent more on your pet's size and behavior. You want a collar that gives you the level of control you need over your dog outdoors. Be sure the collar won't choke your dog when you pull on the leash. A fixed-circumference collar is both adjustable and size-appropriate. The most common form of these collars is the buckle collar - a good solution for most any dog. However, if you have a large, powerful or aggressive dog, you may need a correction collar (also known as a choke collar) or harness, at least while you are training your dog, to make sure you can keep it in check. One note of warning: if your dog has kennel cough or has been identified with a tracheal problem, use a harness instead of a collar. Collars come in a variety of materials, from plastics or fabrics to leather. You may want to experiment to find the best solution for your dog.
Most dogs adjust quickly to collars and leashes. You will need to train your dog not to pull on the leash and to walk in unison with you, close to your body, when you reign it in. Some dogs are initially frightened of leashes and freeze when it is put on. If this happens, give your dog some time to adjust. Stand in front of your dog and don't move until it does. Then give it praise and encouragement until you can get the dog used to the leash.
Doggy Beds. Doggy beds come in different sizes and are designed to provide the comfort your dog needs for a restful sleep. You can find them in pet stores and catalogs along with the bedding they need. Many people find it is useful to place the dog's bed in their bedroom to encourage the dog to sleep during the same hours its owner does. Even if, in the long run, you plan to allow your dog to sleep with a human, you'll likely need a doggy bed until your dog is fully housetrained.
Fencing and Outdoor Equipment. When you bring your new dog home, you can use baby fencing to close off areas of your house you don't want your dog to access. If you have a yard, you should set up a fenced-in area for your dog to play in safely. Make sure the space gives your dog room to run, dig and play with balls and chew toys. Try to incorporate some shade area so your dog isn't constantly exposed to the hot sun in summer. Also, be sure to place a water bowl in the outdoor space so your dog can drink when it is thirsty.
Diet & Nutrition
Water
Water serves two primary purposes for dogs. First, it is important to keep dogs hydrated, which supports the healthy operations of its internal systems. Second, water acts as a cooling mechanism for dogs, because they don't perspire (except on their feet). To cool down and prevent overheating, dogs pant, which requires plenty of moisture in the respiratory system.
Because your dog can't tell you when it is thirsty, you need to keep a bowl of water available at all times. Change the water about three times a day to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial build-up. If you have more than one dog, put out one bowl for each dog so that there is always enough for each. Do not limit your dog's water intake, particularly for puppies when you are housetraining. Water is critical for normal kidney function and its absence can affect the gastrointestinal system.
In the heat of summer, you can use water outdoors to help cool off your dog or take it swimming. (For more information about how to manage the heat, click here.)
Food and Nutrition
Commercial dog food is designed to balance the protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals dogs need to live a long and healthy life. Specific food regimens are available for the changing needs of your dog at different life stages as well. Generally, these are the best solutions for feeding your pet and eliminates any need for supplements. If you do choose to offer your pet human food, be sure to limit it to no more than 10% of its daily intake to make sure it gets a correct balance of nutrients.
For puppies, a premium quality dry dog food is recommended. It is particularly important not to give puppies much, if any, human food to make sure they get the vitamins and minerals for proper development of bones, muscles and organs. Adult dogs can be offered dry dog food mixed with water, broth or canned food. You can also provide your adult dog with cooked eggs, cottage cheese, fruits and vegetables on a limited basis.
From day one, it is important to establish a policy preventing anyone from feeding your dog real food at the table. In addition to throwing off your dog's diet, this leads to begging behavior that can become a bad habit -- one that is difficult to overcome later on.
Daily Care and Grooming
Handling
For small dogs, place one hand under the dog to support its chest and use the other forearm or hand to support its hind legs. For larger dogs, lift the dog from the underside. Place one hand and forearm supporting the chest and the other hand and forearm supporting the hindquarters.
Please note: Never lift or pull on a dog from its tail, legs or the back of the neck.
Waste Management
The cleanest, safest way for dogs to do their waste elimination activities is outdoors. This may not be achievable when they are young pups, but housetraining is well worth the effort, even for toy breeds and little dogs. You can avoid a lifetime of doggie paddies or a doggie litterbox by starting your housetraining right away. The key is to take your dog out frequently while it is adjusting to your home and routine. You'll want to designate particular areas in your yard or nearby your door for your dog to do its duty. As the dog becomes familiar with this space and scent, it will get used to going to that spot to do its business every time.
If you have a puppy, you initially may need to take it outdoors every hour and immediately after feeding. Over time, you can add a little more time between ea