Tag: dog

Animal Pets

The 5 Best Small Dog Breeds for Kids

Dogs and children are like best friends. The two are very close, lively, play together, and take care of each other. Unfortunately, not all dog breeds are child-friendly. Finding the right dog breed for children can be tricky.

Even small dogs are not always recommended for families with young children as dogs can get nervous around noisy small children.

Many veterinarians recommend waiting until your child is five years old to own a dog. Because, at that age, most children already have good impulse control and are better able to understand and follow rules about dogs.

The rules themselves are made from the way parents train their dogs. For beginners, dogs are usually trained to be able to sit, stand, run and pick up things. That way, the dog’s behavior and motor skills will be trained properly over time.

Also read: Dog Door for Small Dogs

However, there are several small dog breeds that are known to get along well with children of all ages. However, parents still have to supervise all interactions between the little one and the dog for the safety of the child.

Beagle

Part of the American Kennel Club Hound Group, the Beagle was developed to hunt rabbits in groups. The Beagle enjoys working with a large group of dogs, horses and people.

Beagles are very friendly and able to handle the noise and chaos of family life calmly. Although small, the Beagle is sturdy, athletic, and loves to play with children of all ages.

However, beagles are known to bark and howl. Even some Beagles become destructive or try to escape if left too much alone and not given enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Bichon Frise

Originally from France, the Bichon frise initially lived a life of luxury as a pet pampered by royalty.

After the French Revolution, the Bichon frise fell into the hands of the commoners and turned into a street dog. Thanks to his intelligence, liveliness and charm, the white-haired dog later became a popular circus dog and delighted many with his impressive tricks.

To this day, Bichons frises are playful, fun, and want nothing more than to be with their beloved family. These dogs are known to be gentle and affectionate with people of all ages, including children.

As long as children are taught to handle them gently and respectfully, the Bichon frise can make great friends. However, its fine fur requires professional care.

Boston Terriers

Friendly and passionate, Boston terriers love everyone, including children. Originating in Boston in the late 1800s, this dog breed has one goal: to be loyal friends. No wonder the Boston terrier makes a wonderful family dog.

Fairly small in size, the Boston fits in small dwellings such as apartments and is easy to train by taking him for walks every day. Lively, affectionate, and always ready to play, the Boston terrier is a fun companion for children.

Havanese

True to its name, this dog breed was developed in Havana more than 300 years ago. The … Read More..

Pets and Attention: Using Dogs as a Case Study

My Dog Won't Leave Me Alone - How To Manage An Attention Seeking Dog

Life comes at us so fast, and no matter how we try to keep things in perspective, it’s practically impossible to be at the beck and call of our pets. With family members sometimes in the mix, giving dogs the care they deserve is relegated to the background.

You may wonder, is my dog getting the attention it deserves? How much attention is the benchmark anyway? Although there aren’t any definitive answers to these questions, we’ve hand-picked several warning signs that point towards your dog craving attention.

1. Napping All the Time

When your dog tends to take naps that are longer than usual, it may signal a deeper issue than mere fatigue. Naturally, dogs are playful and tend to run around a lot, and this agility plays a role in promoting the animal’s health and, more importantly, its lifespan.

That said, if your once bubbly canine companion starts spending most of the day laying down at one spot napping away, your dog might just be lonely.

Try to map out a daily routine where you engage in a training session or an indoor activity to boost their energy levels. Doing this will also strengthen the pre-existing bond between you two.

2. Showing Signs of a Mental Breakdown

Imagine getting the best pet insurance for your dog using BritainReviews and realizing that your pet’s undergoing what appears to be a mental crisis – that’d be nerve-wracking even for you.

The fact is that dogs tend to get out of sync when you don’t give them as much attention as they’re used to. As a result, depression, sometimes, might set in. They may get reluctant to eat and develop a destructive tendency. Plus, they may no longer greet you with excitement like they used to.

When you notice your dog’s in a state like this, spend some quality time with your dog to lift its spirits.

3. Misdemeanour Becomes the Order of the Day

Sometimes, depression can lead to erratic behaviour. You may find that your perfectly trained dog starts urinating or defecating in different areas of the house.

Contacting a certified veterinarian is the next logical step to take. Thankfully, with a truckload of pet insurance comparison online reviews, you can make use of an insurance provider that provides coverage for issues of that nature. However, it may not necessarily be health-related. Maybe your dog is losing its mind from boredom.

Health-related or not, this is a sign that you need to pay attention to your dog.

4. Weight Gain

While most individuals might think that adding weight is a good thing, this stereotype isn’t true in its entirety. Many dog owners have the habit of feeding their pets junk food instead of the proper dog treats.

Remember that just as unhealthy food is bad for you, it does an equal amount of harm to dogs, if not more.

If you’re a dog owner who’s guilty of this, make concerted efforts to monitor your dog’s calorie intake, as … Read More..

The Best Toys For Puppies

If you have just got a new puppy, then you know you are in for an exciting time!

Once you’ve got all of the essentials sorted out, then you are going to want, and need, to invest in some new toys for your puppy to play with.

Keeping young dogs active and engaged with lots of fun play and learning is vital for their well being and development.

Without proper play, your puppy can grow into an unhappy dog that is not well adjusted.

By allocating lots of pay time to let them get used to human interaction, and mental stimulation, your puppy will grow into a well rounded and intelligent dog.

If you are buying toys online, then you should check that you’re getting the right thing by reading reviews on reviewsbird.com. You’ll be sure to get the right toys once you’ve read some user reviews. And don’t forget to check out the best place to buy before you spend your hard earned cash at the pet shops.

Teething

During the first months of a puppy’s development, they will be teething and exploring the world with their mouths as well.

You need to give your puppy toys that fulfil their needs to exercise their new teth, and also that are breed specific. You’ll need to do some homework here. The American Kennel Club is a great place to start.

The best toys for a teething puppy are those that allow them to chew and test out their new teeth. Nylon bones that can be put in the freezer before use are great as they are cool and soothing for your puppy.

Chew Ropes

Chew ropes are another great addition to your toy arsenal!

Every puppy with love chewing on one of these classic dog toys. Chew ropes come in many shapes and sizes now so you can be sure to find one that is appropriately sized for your puppy.

Make sure that the rope you choose is non toxic and safe for your young dog to use.

If you’re good with your hands, you can even try your hand at making one!

Puzzle Toys

Another great option are toys in which you can hide a treat. All dogs love these and it’s a great way to encourage your puppy to use its imagination to get at the snack inside. Go easy on the treats and keep to your vet’s advice, but let your puppy have some fun!

Flavored Toys

Flavored toys are another great addition. Your puppy will love chewing on them and you may get some down time as well whilst the little one is otherwise engaged.

There’s lots of flavors to choose from. Just make sure, as usual, that you get toys that are safe for your puppy. Always make sure that they are from a reputable manufacturer.

Exercise

Puppies need lots of exercise, but not too much! Speak to your vet about this, but you may want to avoid toys such as balls … Read More..