Puppy's Life
Puppy's Life Q&A
How should I brush my puppy's teeth?
By 6 to 8 months, your puppy has a full set of teeth, and it's safe to start brushing with a toothbrush designed for puppies. Dr. Raiczyk recommends brushing at least three times a week to prevent plaque and tartar. Only use dog toothpaste, which is meant to be swallowed. Human toothpaste isn't meant to be swallowed, and if your puppy ingests it, it may cause stomach discomfort, explains Dr. Raiczyk.
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Should I throw my puppy a birthday party?
No matter what the occasion, dogs deserve the best—but on birthdays and special occasions, it's fun to turn the celebration up a notch.
To learn about party themes and ideas, we turned to Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, author of Dog Parties. The author hosted numerous parties for her Chihuahua, Lola, when creating her book.
"It's like a social hour or play date for them, and they are spoiled rotten at these parties. There are games, massages, treats galore, and it's fun for them and gives them social interaction,' says Schlegel Whitman.
And don't worry about a big budget. One of the best things about puppy parties is that you don't have to spend extravagantly.
"All [they] really need is to be outside and have other [puppies] around,' Schlegel Whitman says.
Whether you're going to go crazy with décor or want to create a simple gathering, just remember the founding principle of puppy parties is to shower your best friend with love and attention.
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How often should I give my puppy a bath?
Puppies should be bathed with specially-made-for-puppies shampoos. Be mindful, says Dr. Raiczyk, to not bathe your puppy too much because doing so may remove some of his natural skin oils.
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How do I house-train my puppy?
Always assume your puppy needs to go outside more than you think he does. "Don't keep them in a crate so long they can't hold it,' says Diane Arrington, owner of the Dallas-based PetPerfect Academy.
"That's probably the number-one goof-up people make,' she says. "With smaller breeds, it can take up to 14 to 16 weeks to house-train, while the larger breeds could be done at 12 to 14 weeks. It's not because they're trying to make you mad. They just don't feel the pressure on their bladder until they get to be a certain age.'
How long is too long? An 8-week-old puppy can hold it for about five hours. From that point, it builds at about one hour per week.
Yes, this means a few nighttime interruptions, just like you would have with an infant.
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Where are the best places to share puppy stories online?
When you've got a great new puppy in your life, you want to tell the whole world about your new baby!
That's just what thousands of people do when they go online to post puppy pictures, share puppy stories, and ask questions about the puppies they love. Just how many puppies can you find on the Internet? Try an average of 2,000 blog posts each day, according to search engine Technorati.
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How do I know the best way to play with my puppy?
Puppy play is fun and frolicsome, and every little one will want to keep the activities going as long as they can before they tire out! Just remember, deep down your dog is also doing hard work. In addition to the fun of spending time together, play is an important part of cognitive, social, and physical development for your puppy, and the way you interact with him during games can set lifelong behavior patterns that affect your relationship.
"Play is entertaining, it's good mental exercise for the dog, and it dissipates pent-up energies," says Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and editor of the new book Puppy's First Steps: Raising a Happy, Healthy, Well-Behaved Dog. "It's an interactive thing and a social exercise, and you're serving a useful, biological purpose at the same time."
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How do I stop my puppy from chewing?
The key to understanding a puppy is recognizing that chewing, or teething, is natural-kids and dogs use their mouths not only to relieve the little aches that come with growing, but also to keep them busy.
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What are some tips for keeping my puppy safe around the pool?
The pool is another fantastic place for bonding—and baby-proofing. Install a removable mesh fence or a surface safety net. Make use of pool alarms that detect waves or underwater movement just in case your puppy gets curious and tumbles in. Pool time is playtime, so make it safe and secure for your best friend!
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Does my puppy like music?
Like you, your puppy enjoys entertainment, but when you're driving, your attention is focused on the road. Why not let your puppy select the music for the journey? Check out Amazon.com for dog-friendly CDs such as Relaxation Music for Cats and Dogs, Canine Lullabies, or Songs to Make Dogs Happy.
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