You’re going to have to get over your old idea that crates are punishment for dogs. The truth is that your Golden Retriever will love his crate. It’s a safe place that satisfies his natural instinct for his den.

All dogs are instinctively den-dwelling creatures, and his crate may be an excellent substitute that meets your Golden Retriever’s genetic need for a warm, safe place, particularly when he’s afraid or confused. At the same time, it’s not a good idea to let your Golden stay in
his crate for hours on end, as this could cause other behavioral problems that will be difficult to solve.

When you bring your Golden Retriever puppy home for the first time, the open crate should already be there in the spot you want it to be permanently. The crate should probably be located centrally in the house but not in a high-traffic area. Read the rest of this entry »

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Hypoallergenic dog breeds are the most suitable for people who are allergic to dog dander and fur. Some of the more popular hypoallergenic dog breeds include terrier, basenji, bichon frise, poodle, Chinese crested, greyhound, havanese, Irish water spaniel, and shih Tzu.

While they do produce some dander, the dander of hypoallergenic dogs is little enough to create minimal discomfort for those who come in contact with them. There are many breeds of hypoallergenic dog. Many of them are miniatures or toys that have lots of energy and may have difficult temperaments for the more sedate dog owner.

Nonetheless, even the allergic dog owner can follow a few simple steps to limit discomfort and enjoy your life with your furry companion. These tips will also generally apply to any household welcoming a new dog into its family, especially the hypoallergenic dog breeds. Read the rest of this entry »

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Most people like cuddly puppies and grown-up dogs. But before you welcome a new dog into your home, there are some things you need to think through to be sure both you and your new best friend are happy and healthy.

Remember that dogs, no matter what they are today, were predators in the past. Wolves,hyenas, dingoes, and foxes are carnivorous creatures who hunt to survive. Dogs were most likely domesticated from their wolf ancestors from 20,000 to 15,000 years ago. In fact, the many dog breeds have only proliferated in the last 200-300 years. Before that, a few breeds existed to meet their masters’ needs for work.

When you own a dog, remember that the wolf is somewhere in there hiding. Depending on its breed and the way you treat it, that wolf could surprise you with a quick snip or a more vicious attack. Careful selection and training of your dog will assure that your best friend remains a best friend. Read the rest of this entry »

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Understand the proper food requirements of your pet! The better dog foods are called Premium for they contain the best of everything nutritious and healthy. You can find these types of dog foods at your Vet or specialty stores.

Some grocery stores will carry some of these brands, too, but read those labels. Cheaper brands of dog food are called Commercial and are found commonly in your corner store and grocery food store where you shop for the family food.

If you feel you must buy cheaply, keep in mind that you will purchase cheap ingredients. This includes cheap sources of protein, which you really should not be skimping on. They will include cheap by-products and fillers, which provide little to no nutrition for your dog. Read the rest of this entry »

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Premium dog foods are the best foods for your dog. They do cost more because they are of high value and so pay off in the end both for your dog and for your pocketbook. Premium dog foods do not contain harmful fillers and inferior ingredients. They are both sound and nutritious. There are no colors or preservatives so your dog will be fed nature’s finest.

Learn how to calculate to convert to dry matter when reading labels. This is the best value for your dollar and the best nutrition for your dog. Taurine is an excellent ingredient in some dog foods. It is an amino acid and works to benefit the dog’s heart, kidneys and blood. It works to carry essential ingredients to and from cells.

You should read labels carefully to see if Taurine is included in your dog’s food. Not all dog foods will. When so many dog food manufacturers are just in business for the buck, keep this in mind when you select your choice of dog food. Read the rest of this entry »

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