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Watch as Expert Dog Trainer Kathy Santo talks about all the research that goes into finding the perfect puppy. From breed and temperament to barking, you’ll learn all the details that are often overlooked by people when they’re shopping around for a new best friend.
Hi, I'm Kathy Santo with IAMS. Are you thinking of getting a dog? Bringing a new dog into your home is a big responsibility. You'll need to take the time to train and socialize your dog, as well as be prepared for the financial commitment that goes with pet ownership. Your dig will need food, supplies, veterinary care, and more. Remember, he'll depend on you for his health and well being. So be sure you're ready for a dog before you start the process. No surprise puppies. Make sure everyone in your household is on board with getting a puppy. Too often, puppies are given up if the family isn't ready for the commitment that puppies require. Once you've thought through the commitments and responsibilities associated with dog ownership, the next step is to figure out what type of dog is right for you and your family. Today we're going to discuss a variety of things you should think about before choosing your dog. What type of family do you have? Do you have kids or other pets? What size of dog works best for your family? Do you know how much cleaning and grooming time you can commit to? How much time do you have for training your new pup? What energy level is a good fit for your home? Is barking something to consider? What kind of temperament is right for your family? We all know how cute puppies and dogs are, and it can be hard to resist when you go to pick them out. Remember, they'll have an easier transition into your home if you think about the best type of dog for you. Consider the following aspects to help you choose the best dog for you and your family. Large dogs-- generally they aren't as suitable for apartment dwellers. They need a bit more space to move around, mostly for their long tails that need wagging space. They tend to be more expensive-- more dog food supplies and medical treatment. Small dogs-- they are more delicate and vulnerable. Being stepped on or mishandled can cause serious injury. Also, little dogs can be more sensitive to colder temperatures, so be ready to keep them warm. They're generally less expensive to maintain. How much cleaning up can you commit to? Long coated and double coated dogs shed, shed, and shed some more, leaving tufts of hair to float about the house and land everywhere. How much time are you willing to spend brushing or grooming? Make sure to consider the costs. A monthly grooming service can really add up over the years. If you lack time and patience to deal with a dog that's difficult to train, then an older dog from a rescue may fit your bill as well as a pup of a breed that is traditionally easier to train. Intelligence is not necessarily an indicator of train ability. Smart dogs often have their own agenda and require consistency on the part of their owners. Dogs with a willingness to work and a desire to please you often turn out to be the best companions. I recommend hiring a dog trainer to perform a few tests to help determine if the dog is a good fit for you. As a rule, terriers, hounds, and northern dogs are tough to train because of their intelligent and independent natures, while sporting and herding dogs are easier to train. The sharpest working obedience breeds are golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, border collies, German shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs, breeds that develop closely with humans. Some dogs enjoy lounging at your feet to sleep the day away, while others are very energetic and ready to run a marathon right alongside you. Cute as they are, basset hounds, dachshunds, and corgis are not jogging companions. And Airedales, German shepherds, and border collies are not typical couch potatoes. All dogs need some exercise to stay healthy. Most adult dogs will not exercise themselves, so time for walks and other activities is important. Some dogs bark a lot, and the amount can vary by breed. Terriers and scent hounds use their voices to broadcast their progress in chasing prey. Shelties and collies bark to tell the sheep to get back to the barn. Canaan dogs bark to alert their families of potential intruders. Many dogs will bark if they're bored, so owners should also be sure to assess their own time and ability for training, walking, and play times, and should properly confine the dog when they can't otherwise keep it from disturbing the neighbors. There are some special collars available to deter barking dogs, and training methods that can help in some cases. But if potential owners take the noise factor into consideration, problems are more likely to be minimized. Breed and temperament can be described, but there is room within that description for individuality. For example, akitas are declared to be tough, loyal, aloof, dominant, aggressive to other animals, and often challenging. However, many akitas are sweet and cuddly, loves small critters, will climb in laps if allowed, and are anything but aloof and dominant. Terriers are scrappy, yappy, tough, and independent. But Airedale terriers bond very closely to their humans, and are somewhat protective. Hounds follow their eyes or noses, and are often oblivious to human presence. Dachshunds bond closely with their families, and greyhounds and whippets are sweet, gentle pets. Because temperament isn't always easy to judge when meeting a new dog, I strongly recommend hiring or asking a professional dog trainer to come with you to evaluate temperament. They'll be able to assess the dog's personality, compare it with your wish list, and determine what dog is the best fit for you. If you can arrange this, ask the people who've interacted with the dog the most about his temperament. Once you've thought about the commitments and have a good idea of what type of dog is the best fit for your family's lifestyle, check out your local animal shelter or animal rescue to see if a new addition is waiting there for you. I'm Kathy Santo with IAMS, and I hope you found this helpful as you welcome your new addition into your family.
Deworming is the process of eliminating worms from the body, and it's an essential part of caring for your furry friend. Whether your puppy has already been diagnosed with worms or you simply want to take preventative measures, understanding how to deworm puppies is crucial for their health and well-being.
But what exactly are worms, and how do puppies get them? Many types of worms can infect dogs, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are usually transmitted through contaminated soil, water, or food, and they can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
As a responsible pet parent, it's imperative to understand the process of deworming and how to keep your puppy safe and healthy. This blog will cover everything you need to know about deworming puppies, including the symptoms to look out for and the best ways to deworm your furry friend. Whether you are a new puppy parent or just looking to refresh your knowledge, this blog will provide the information you need to keep your pawfect pal worm-free.
Deworming your new pup is an indispensable part of adopting a dog. However, navigating the various deworming options and methods can be overwhelming. Here, we will uncover 4 must-knows to successfully deworming your puppy, including how often your puppy needs to be dewormed, the most effective treatment methods, and the importance of prevention. By understanding these key factors, you can ensure that your puppy remains happy and healthy, free from the discomfort and potential health risks caused by worms.
It's important to understand the importance of deworming your furry friend. This helps prevent the spread of worms and parasites, which can harm their health. Puppies need to be dewormed often due to their small size and underdeveloped immune systems.
According to experts, puppies should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months of age and then every month until they are 6 months old. This helps to ensure that the worms are effectively eliminated from their system. It's also important to deworm pregnant dogs as they can pass worms on to their puppies in utero.
Along with deworming at regular intervals, good hygiene is essential to guarding against the spread of worms. Make sure you wash your hands after touching or playing with your puppy and clean up their waste immediately.
Overall, deworming is a crucial part of keeping your puppy healthy. Following a regular puppy deworming schedule and practising good hygiene can help protect your furry friend from harmful parasites.
Several worms can infect puppies, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These worms can cause various symptoms in puppies, including diarrhoea, vomiting, weight loss, and anaemia. It is important to deworm puppies regularly to prevent these worms from causing serious health problems.
Even if worms are not visible on your puppy, it does not mean they are not present. Some worms, such as tapeworms, can be challenging to detect because they are small and often pass through the stool in small pieces. Additionally, some worms can be present in the intestine without causing visible symptoms. Hence, follow a regular puppy deworming schedule and ensure that this four-legged angel is protected against these worms.
Worms in puppies can have many symptoms that can be difficult to spot, especially in young and small dogs. Common symptoms of worms in puppies include:
Deworming is especially important for puppies born to mothers who have worms, as they can be infected even before their birth. Following a proper deworming schedule and keeping an eye out for these symptoms can help keep your puppy healthy and happy. If you suspect your puppy has worms, it's important to take them to a veterinarian for treatment.
Worms are a common problem in puppies and can cause serious health issues if left untreated. The most common types of worms affecting puppies include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Symptoms of a worm infestation may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance.
The good news is that worms are easily preventable and treatable in puppies. It's important to get your puppy on a regular deworming schedule, as recommended by your veterinarian. This will typically involve giving your puppy a deworming medication every few weeks until they reach a certain age. In addition, keeping your puppy's environment clean and preventing them from ingesting potentially contaminated objects can help prevent worms.
Suppose your puppy does end up with worms. In that case, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a deworming medication that can be given orally or through injection. It's important to follow the recommended treatment plan and continue the treatment for the entire prescribed course to ensure all the worms are eliminated.
Overall, it's important to be proactive in preventing and treating worms in puppies.
If you're looking for the perfect dog for you, try our Dog Breed Selector today and enjoy a lifetime of tail-wagging joy.
