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Top Dog Names

Posted by Clare Bristow | 1 Comment

If you need ideas for naming the new puppy I recommend you look at the lists of most popular dog names in 2007 petfinder.com has compiled from its 11,000 plus animal shelter and rescue group members.

I've included the top 10 cat names too because I've heard many of these used as dog and puppy names.

It can be difficult naming a puppy so I've added a third list of the top 10 most unusual names as a benchmark for wackiness!
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Dog Video - Housebreaking Your Puppy

Posted by Clare Bristow | 1 Comment

Here is a short video on the basics of house training puppies or new dog.

Potty training your puppy can be achieved in a short space of time but I've found it requires vigilance and routine.

Vigilance - watch your puppy for clues that he wants to go to the toilet, such as sniffing the ground, circling or starting to squat. Your dog will want to relieve himself after waking up and eating, so look for the signs he shows at these times and be ready to take him outside immediately.

Routine - take your dog to the same place via the same route so he learns where he should go to the toilet and how to get there. After a while he'll naturally start walking towards the door when he wants to go to the toilet.


VideoJug: How To Housetrain Your Dog

Always give your dog plenty of praise for going to the toilet in the right place and never punish your dog for having an accident in the house.

It can be very frustrating house training your dog, but if you punish him for peeing in the house your are teaching him that it's not safe to go to the toilet when you're around - which is the opposite of what you are trying to teach him.

Arm yourself with copious amounts of white vinegar and water (mixed 50:50 it's an excellent, and cheap, way of removing stains and odors), a great deal of patience and consistently apply vigilance and routine and you'll quickly have your dog house trained.

One final thing - remember that young puppies do not have good bladder control so you will need to pre-empt their need to go to the toilet after waking and eating and hourly in-between by walking them outside to where you want them to go to the toilet.

Puppy Video - How to Care For Puppies

Posted by Clare Bristow | 1 Comment

This puppy video gives a good overview of the basics of new puppy care, and is a good reminder of all the things you need to think about - bedding, toilet training, diet, grooming, playing and health issues.

The video runs for 4:59, and the dachshund puppies in the video are very cute!


VideoJug: How To Care For Puppies

Here are 5 good tips from the video:

1. Take one of your blankets to the breeder/rescue center a few days before bringing your puppy home so he gets used to sleeping on it and so he will have something that's familiar to him when you bring him home;
2. Take your puppy outside to go to the toilet frequently, particularly straight after meals and as soon as he wakes up;
3. Get your puppy used to being handled by picking him up and gently running your hand over his head, body and legs;
4. When your puppy is tired and sleeping in his bed (or crate), don't disturb him - teach your puppy that his bed is a safe place he can go to and won't be disturbed; and
5. Groom your puppy every day - not only will it help the two of you bond but you can check his skin and coat for any health problems at the same time.

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