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The Quest For Dog: 6 Steps For Prepping Your House For A Puppy

Amanda Schlee
by Amanda Schlee
Published:  January 18th, 2014

Amanda Schlee doesn’t have a dog… yet. But she’s in full doggy mode and is doing all her research before she and her husband decide on the right dog for them. In this article, she’s sharing what she’s learned about what you need to do to prep your home – even before your new puppy joins your family.


What an exciting time! You’re getting ready to bring home your very own puppy! I tend to think puppies are like toddlers; they get into everything therefore requiring a house to be puppy proofed. This is an essential step, most importantly for the safety of your puppy, but to also protect your goods you worked hard to pay for – like your favorite pair of shoes or your beloved comfy couch. These are some important things to think about when getting a house ready for a new furry bundle of joy.


Step 1: Pick a space in your house you can dedicate as the puppy zone


This space needs to be large enough to fit a crate for the size of your growing puppy, some toys, blankets and anything you think will bring comfort to them those first couple of nights He is in his new environment. I know lots of people leave shirts with their scent on it in their puppy’s crate. It’s probably best to keep this area away from any breakable décor; I personally recommend a corner of the room in a common area like the family room. This way you can enjoy playing with your puppy in the main hangout room for your house.


Step 2: Shopping!


Who doesn’t love shopping? Take a drive down to the local pet store and get out your credit card… it’s time to buy the puppy essentials. This is the time to purchase a puppy crate. It’s best to tell the experts at the pet store what type of breed you’re bringing home and let them recommend the size and type of crate to get. Not everyone has their dogs sleep in a crate, a lot of times their only used until the dog is house trained and to keep them in when being left home alone. Depending on the size of your breed, crates can be large and tall, they take up a lot of room in your house and aren’t nice to look at. So if you’re not interested in always having your puppy or dog sleep in the crate and you’re not a fan of letting them share your bed with you, I suggest also buying a puppy bed. This is something that will replace the crate in the puppy zone. Make sure it’s large enough for your full grown dog, which will avoid you having to upgrade in size as they get bigger. This is also the time to buy all the other puppy essentials like a collar, lease, food bowls, and chew toys. Don’t forget the chew toys because puppies love to chew whatever they can get their little paws on. Think about picking up a couple baskets to keep their toys organized and your house clutter-free when the toys aren’t in use.


Step 3: Setting up your house


Now that everything is purchased and set-up in the designated puppy zone, make a comfy and inviting environment for your new little buddy. Make a conscious effort to find a new home for anything out in the open they could possibly chew. Things such as shoes, throw pillows and blankets; anything you don’t want destroyed. A friend of mine brought her new golden retriever puppy home around Christmas time and she tried eating a few lower ornaments on the Christmas tree. Fortunately, after a day at the veterinary office, she was fine. Moral of the story: expect the unexpected with a puppy.


Step 4: Research


If you’re a real planner like me, you like to take care of things before they happen. Therefore, I think it’s a good idea to start researching which veterinarian you’re going to use. In my opinion, referrals are always a great way to go. If that’s not an option, then look up veterinarian offices in your area and go with the one who is accepting new patients and has the best office hours for your schedule. This is also a good time to start researching puppy classes. Obedience training is important no matter what breed you have. Small or large, having a puppy properly trained will make day to day life more enjoyable and less stressful for both you and the puppy. There are options to choose from and you can do group puppy classes or opt for one-on-one puppy training. Whichever you choose is up to you, but please choose one; it makes a world of difference.


Step 5: Schedule


Now is time to set a schedule to take care of your puppy. Whether you live alone or not, make sure someone is there to take care of your puppy’s needs. This includes being home to feed them, letting them out for bathroom breaks, cleaning up after them, house training them and getting them familiar and comfortable with their new home. This is a really important part for preparing for your puppy and deserves proper planning and consideration.


Step 6: Pick up your puppy and enjoy your new addition!

Amanda Schlee loves all things fury. She is a huge animal person, with dogs holding a special place in her heart. She is constantly researching about our canine friends and can’t ever learn enough about them. New to the world of online blogging, Amanda hopes to continue reporting on all things pet related and her quest to someday soon be a dog owner.

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Amanda Schlee
Amanda Schlee

Amanda Schlee loves all things fury. She is a huge animal person, with dogs holding a special place in her heart. She is constantly researching about our canine friends and can't ever learn enough about them. New to the world of online blogging, Amanda hopes to continue reporting on all things pet related and her quest to someday soon be a dog owner.

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What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

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Protein is a very important part of a dog’s diet. However, some doggos might have a sensitive digestive system or even allergies. In such cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet becomes essential as it provides important nutrients without being heavy on their tummy. But what is hydrolyzed protein exactly? A hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs is a type of food that is formulated specifically for dogs that have allergies or certain food sensitivities. The protein sources in this diet are all broken down into smaller molecules, thanks to a complex process called hydrolysis. What this process does is reduce the size of the protein molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. So, if your doggo is a bit sensitive, this could be what’s needed!Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed protein for dogs that are diagnosed with intolerances or  food allergies. Thanks to this, your pet can receive all the essential nutrients without any adverse reactions being triggered. The most common sources of hydrolyzed protein in these diets are beef, chicken, salmon, or soy. So it’s just like most of the common dog foods - but in a different, better form. 

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog Around the World?

There is no denying the fact that pet ownership can be expensive. From the expected costs of vaccinations and high-quality dog food to the increased fees associated with traveling with your dog by your side, it adds up fast! But exactly how much does it cost to feed your dog? How do these costs stack up compared to dog parents in other areas? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in luck. A recent study by CashNetUSA compares the cost of feeding a dog in 97 countries, and the findings are surprising.Let’s start with the most exciting news for American pet parents. While the cost of feeding a dog in the US didn’t make the list of the least expensive countries, it did rank as one of the most affordable countries when assessing the annual cost versus the national net income per capita. Other countries that made this list include Ireland, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, and Denmark. Of course, this value can vary depending on the quality of dog food you are feeding and the size of your dog (therefore, the amount of food they consume daily). The study collected data based on the cost of feeding a medium-sized dog 540 grams of kibble daily using the cheapest dry food available in local supermarkets. If a country didn’t have available comparable food, the price was calculated using an international supermarket that would ship to the country. The least expensive country to feed a dog was Botswana, at a cost of $163.59 USD annually. This was closely followed by Lesotho ($201.29) and Hungary ($246.38). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive country was Japan, with dog food costs reaching a staggering $2,056.88 USD annually. The top 3 most costly countries also included Andorra ($1854.71) and Estonia ($1518.98). What causes such a variation in cost? In addition to the living costs and average income for each country, food quality should also be considered. Countries with exceptionally low annual prices often fed dogs a diet that failed to meet their nutritional needs. “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulae often resulting in dogs suffering from inflamed skin and increased scratching caused by (an) imbalance in levels of Omera 3 and 6 along with insufficient levels of essential fatty acids like DHA and FPA,” a local entrepreneur told the National Post. If you are struggling with pet food's growing cost, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are seeking ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing the quality of their dog’s diet. Here are a few tips to help keep the costs down: Bake Your Own Dog Treats Dog treats are one of the bigger costs that many dog parents spend on. After all, there are so many incredible treat options available on the shelves of our local pet stores. How do you not want to spoil your furry best friend? Making your treats is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to control the quality of what your dog is eating. Buy in Bulk If your budget allows, purchase a larger bag of dog food or buy your dog’s food in bulk. These products are designed to last surprisingly well on the shelf over time. By buying larger quantities at once, you may spend more in the moment, but the cost per meal drops considerably. If your local pet store doesn’t have a bulk discount, consider asking about purchasing a bulk order and how it could impact the price. Join Loyalty Programs or Subscriptions Many pet stores and online pet retailers offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that help reduce your costs if you continue purchasing from one location. This could mean a lower price per bag with a pre-scheduled subscription order or a loyalty points program where you are rewarded with a free bag after buying a certain number of dog food bags. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

What Is Dog Folliculitis and How to Treat It?

Folliculitis in dogs is a disease which causes infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is one of the more common skin diseases amongst dogs and is caused by bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritations, or  parasites. What is more, it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, so if it happens to your four-legged friend unexpectedly, it is best to know how to treat this pesky skin issue.What Is Dog Folliculitis?The symptoms and causes of dog folliculitis can vary. In most cases, the healthy follicle is “compromised”, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that are otherwise normally found on your pet’s skin. The end result is great discomfort for your dog, and it should be treated as quickly as possible. But how will you know that it is dog folliculitis and not some other health issue? Well, one of the foremost symptoms to look out for is red and inflamed skin. This condition causes excessive redness and even swelling in certain areas of the skin. This should be a telltale sign that something is amiss. Together with this, you could notice pimples, also known as pustules. They are small raised bumps and often contain pus. Of course, your dog will show signs of discomfort as well. They will try to itch and  lick the affected areas, in hopes of relieving the discomfort and making themselves more comfortable. This can all be accompanied by hair loss, mostly in the directly affected areas of your dog’s coat and skin. Ultimately, in the most severe cases, open sores, scabs, and skin lesions may appear. At this point, veterinary care is needed immediately.If you suspect your dog has folliculitis, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to identify the specific cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is crucial that you do not attempt any solution on your own. Self-diagnosis and do-it-yourself treatment can lead to complications or ineffective outcomes, so professional guidance is essential. Based on the evaluation, your vet can introduce a number of treatments and solutions – here’s what to expect.How Is Dog Folliculitis Treated?Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams are the most common treatment options. They are applied directly to the affected areas and are most efficient in early and moderate cases of dog folliculitis. Of course, if the case with your dog is more serious, your vet could propose an oral treatment. This consists of special medications that work to eliminate the infection at the core. Another possible solution is using special medicated shampoos that work to heal the follicles through gentle washing. 

This Special Camera Reveals How Our Pets See the World Around Them

Have you ever wondered how your pet  sees the world around them? We all know that the eyes of dogs, cats, and all other animals are not the same as ours, and they often see the world in a very different way. While all we could do is imagine and theorize up until now, thanks to a new breakthrough in technology we will be able to take a peek through the eyes of animals!Scientists have  invented a special camera that uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software, in order to create videos and images that show us exactly how certain animals see. For example, with this latest tech, you will be able to see the vivid world of colors that are seen through the eyes of birds and bees. One of the recent demonstrations revealed how a UV-sensitive vision of a bird renders an orange sulfur butterfly - the result is more than striking, as it doesn’t look like anything related to human vision.

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