Dogs have benefited mankind in multiple ways. They assist in a variety of tasks (like security), provide emotional support, and even reduce stress levels.
Dogs have always been there for us, which makes it imperative that we give them the same courtesy. Dog owners must be responsible for the health, discipline, and appearance of their pets. Puppies, in particular, need much attention and care. Which puppy daycare is the, or what they should be eating are just some of the many factors you have to consider when getting a dog.
Are All Dogs Equal?
No. Dogs are not created equal. Different types of dogs have diverse needs and require different types of care and maintenance. Some may need more grooming and attention while others may need more freedom and time to run around and play.
The ancestry of your dog is what distinguishes them from other dogs. Each dog type was bred for different reasons, which is why some can perform certain tasks better than others. It's best to think of it as a unique characteristic that your dog possesses. An Australian Shepherd, for example, may like stunts, whilst Siberian Huskies are ideal for mountain climbing because of their agility.
Most Popular Dogs
If you're looking for a dog to keep you company, there are a lot of options to consider, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of some of the most popular breeds for you to consider.
Labrador Retriever - For almost 20 years, this dog breed has been one of the most popular in Canada. The Lab is the dog for you if you want a high-spirited breed. They are excellent family dogs and often weigh 55 to 75 lbs. They're gentle and have a "ready to please" personality.
Golden Retrievers - If you like Full House, you probably like the golden retriever, Comet, as well. After all, he had the uncanny ability to steal the show anytime he appeared on screen. Golden retrievers are well-known as a result of their frequent appearances on television shows. Because of their pleasant and charming appearance, they are thought to be excellent with youngsters.
Goldendoodle - Goldendoodles are a relatively new crossbreed in the industry. It's commonly referred to as a "designer dog," and it's a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They're more affectionate, clever, and they shed less. They are, however, known to have several common hip problems as a result of their crossbreeding history.
Shih Tzu - Shih Tzus, sometimes known as little lion dogs, are mischievous and playful. Shih Tzus are the greatest choice if you live in a densely populated region and can't afford to have larger pets. They adapt well to their surroundings and like cuddling on the couch.
Siberian Husky - Siberian huskies have a thick coat and are quite hardy. They were bred to be pack dogs, so if you have other dogs or pets at home, they will fit right in. Siberian Huskies are also excellent ski partners if you live in one of the snowiest areas.
Havanese - Havanese dogs are joyful dogs of Cuban origin. They're a pair of outgoing pals who constantly have a smile on their faces. They have compact, durable bodies that are well adapted to urban environments. They do, however, adapt well to their surroundings.
Bernese mountain dog - Bernese Mountain Pets, which originated in Switzerland, make wonderful family dogs. They get along well with kids and like participating in family activities such as walking or easy sports. . They're usually clingy, and if you leave them outside for an extended amount of time, they'll destroy your garden.
How to Teach a Puppy
Puppy training is crucial, and owners can start at any age. Both the owner and the puppy gain from training, and it ensures that the owner, the dog, and everyone else you come into contact with remains safe.
Puppy training also aids in the maintenance of a long-term relationship with your pets. The more you train your dog, the more he becomes acquainted with you, your routines, and your personality, and vice versa. As your training regimen progresses, you'll both learn to keep up and comprehend each other.
When it’s down to training and how to care for your puppies, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The Different Ways Puppies Sleep
Do puppies sleep a lot? Yes. One minute your puppy is an energy ball and the next he could be asleep in the most random places. Puppies at the age of 3 months still need at least 15 hours of sleep to recharge. Depending on their breed, some growth spurts last longer. So the question as to when puppies stop growing boils down to their breed. Because they’re growing, they need to recharge and sleep more.
Knowing what position your dog is sleeping in can tell you a lot about how they're feeling. Your dog’s sleeping habits can reveal much about their health, as well as state of contentment and happiness. Here’s what you need to look out for:
Lion pose - When your puppy sleeps with their head on top of their paws, they are in this position. They're probably only relaxing in this sleeping position and not in that deep sleep zone. They're asleep, but they're more than willing to play or hang out with you at any time.
Side sleeper - Your dog prefers to sleep on his or her side. This is one of the most popular sleeping positions for dogs, and it is most commonly observed in pups and older canines. They're lying on their side with their legs out in this position. This demonstrates that your dog is relaxed and at ease in his surroundings.
Doughnut - A doughnut is a sleeping position in which your dog curls up into a little ball. They will most likely be spread out if the weather or surroundings are warm. When they're curled up like that, though, it suggests they're trying to regulate their body temperature because the weather or environment is chilly.
Superman - You might be seeing your dog or other dogs sprawled on the floor with their legs above their heads. This is known as the superman sleeping position and just like the doughnut position, it helps them regulate their body temperatures. This also means that they’re a little tired but will play with you anytime.
Cuddle position - This happens when they’re curled up with their owners or with other pets you might have at home. This means that your dog wants to get to know you better and wants to become closer to you.
Feeding, Teething, and Chewing
Feeding, bathing, and grooming your puppy, as simple as it may seem, requires specific understanding. To minimize future health difficulties, it's always crucial to be knowledgeable of your puppy's breed and different sorts of treatment.
Feeding your new puppy
If you're new to dog ownership, you might be wondering what puppies eat. When pups reach a certain age, should your puppy chew on sticks or should they eat a certain diet?
Puppies mature quickly, and their bones, muscles, and teeth are still developing.
If your puppy's mother's milk is no longer sufficient, he should begin eating solid food at the age of 4 weeks. However, most puppies are not weaned until they are 6 weeks old. For puppies under the age of 8 weeks, you need to wet puppy food until it feels spongy.
If your puppy vomits, they may not be taking the food too well or it could be something in the environment they’ve ingested. Make sure you’ve got the right food and check if your pup has eaten something they’re not supposed to.
Always check with your veterinarian before choosing food for your puppy.
Teething and chewing
It's very normal for your puppy to chew on anything he comes across. Chewing seems to help them cope with some of the discomforts they feel when they're teething. They start teething at around 3 weeks and have almost all of their temporary teeth by 6 weeks, but their permanent teeth don't come in until about 6 months.
If your pup is in the teething stage, make sure to avoid giving them dried animal parts or any hard food or toy because these usually cause a variety of gastrointestinal problems. Ask your veterinarian about some food or toys he can chew on and supervise your dog. Always remember to award your dog for a behaviour you’d like them to keep. If it’s not something you want them to keep, yelp in the same way he does and move away.
How to Recognize the Warning Signs
We like our puppies to remain as healthy as they can be. We strive to give them the right food and care. But with common diseases always knocking on our doors, it’s almost impossible for our puppies to stay healthy. This is why it’s very important for dog owners to be aware of their puppies and their behaviours so they can immediately detect when something’s off.
Change in eating habits
Your dog may skip meals on occasion, especially if it is hot outside. It's not unusual for them to skip a meal or two. However, if it lasts for several days, you should take them to your veterinarian for a checkup. Something is wrong if your pup generally behaves properly, especially around mealtimes, but is now plundering the trash. This is one of the most prevalent red flags to look out for, and you should be wary of it.
Excessive thirst
If you notice that your puppy is drinking more than usual and it usually lasts for a day, there’s usually nothing to worry about. They tend to drink more when they play more or if it’s hot. Because you’re aware of your puppy’s habits, you’ll know when he’s drinking more than usual. If it happens, bring them immediately to the vet so he can get to the root of the problem.
Whimpering
Whimpering can be a positive or negative indicator. Whimpering might be a dog's way of communicating or it can indicate an underlying health problem. Context is crucial in this circumstance. Your pup may be crying and vomiting, limping, or suffering from diarrhea, for example. This time, you must pay close attention and determine why your dog is acting in this manner. As always, if you notice anything is wrong, take them to the vet right away.
Dogs are delicate creatures who require ongoing love and attention. Always keep an eye out for your puppy's needs and how to best meet them. Whether you're looking for a doctor, food, toys, or the best dog daycare in your region, make sure you do so with the help of an expert.
If you need someone to walk or care for your dog, or if you're looking for a dog sitter in Etobicoke, give us a call at 647-931-9103 or send us an email at info@hotdiggitydogstoronto.com.
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