GETTING A DOG?
Tips and Resources
Do you have a “fur baby”, “fur family” or are you considering getting a “furry friend” to join your family? There are many great websites that will help you train and care for your dog, and I’ve listed a few of the best for you to look over. I’ve also prepared some information on Dog Rescues and things to consider BEFORE you chose your furry friend.
Dog Rescues
* DID YOU KNOW: There are hundreds of Dog Rescues in the U.S. ( and abroad) who regularly pull ( take) dogs from local Animal Shelters and care for them until a good home is found? This is called re-homing a dog. They also take in strays, confiscated dogs from abusive homes and dogs whose owner has died. These are only a few of the ways that a dog is taken in by a rescue.
Once a dog is taken in, the rescue does temperament tests and helps the dog overcome any behavioral issues so the dog is happy and ready for a forever ( they hope) home. They will even take a dog back if the dog turns out not to be a good fit for the owner. Rescues spay and neuter dogs because there are too many unwanted and stray dogs in the U.S. and globally. The rescue will make sure all shots are given and up-to-date; they feed and board dogs and have a Foster Program that allows dogs to live temporarily with a family until a permanent home is found.*Fosters are always needed.
A Dog Should Match Your Lifestyle
Before you get a dog, please research the various breeds to see which dog is suited well for your lifestyle. For instance if you live in an apartment, consider a breed that doesn’t need a lot of exercise; if you have toddlers or little kids, get a breed that’s even-tempered, relaxed and suited for children. If you live in a hot climate, look for a breed that doesn’t mind the heat. All dogs dander, but some breeds don’t shed much, so if you have allergies, get a breed that is short-haired and known not to shed a lot. Some breeds are easily trained; some breeds are suited best with only one owner; some are over bred through the years resulting in serious medical concerns (ex. a Bulldog has breathing issues; German Shepherds can get hip dysplasia).
There a low and high maintenance breeds, and high to low energy breeds. The bottom line: Do your research BEFORE you get a dog. If you want a puppy, understand that dogs are not born knowing anything!! They have the mental capacity of a 3 year old. Puppies are just like BABIES!! You must train them and be patient. Never hit a puppy or dog- you will teach them to bite in fear. * A good Rescue will match a dog with your personality and lifestyle. DO NOT SUPPORT PUPPY MILLS or BACKYARD BREEDERS!
PUPPY MILLS:
(Humane Society definition) “A puppy mill is an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility that churns out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. Dogs from puppy mills are often sick and unsocialized. Puppy mills commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets and pet stores. In fact, the majority of puppies sold in pet stores and online are from puppy mills.”
The Humane Society has a great page on Puppy Mills including how to avoid buying your fur baby from a Puppy Mill. PLEASE LOOK at THIS PAGE BEFORE YOU BUY A DOG! And “ADOPT DON’T SHOP”! For the Fur Babies..
NOW THAT YOU HAVE A NEW FUR BABY
* Websites Every New Dog Owner Should Bookmark
As a dog parent, you’re facing challenges and venturing into new territory. Thankfully, the web is full of helpful resources—here are ten favorite sites for new owners.
1. The Dog People- Rover
Rover’s blog is your one-stop-shop for cute dog stories, health and wellness advice, awesome dog lifestyle tips, training articles, and so much more.
2. MSPCA
This resource library for dog owners has information that we tend to forget: disaster preparedness, home insurance, and poison control.
3.* BringFido ( MY Favorite)
This is the Yelp of all places dog. If you’re looking for dog-friendly restaurants, dog parks, or even events in your neighborhood, this website will have the answers.
4. Best Friends Animal Society
When this awesome organization isn’t “saving them all,” they’re providing helpful tips to new adoptees about training, behavior issues, and getting help.
6. Muttropolis
You can get customized beds for your pup, or even cute little coats that will keep them cozy during cold days.
7. Amazon
When you don’t have the time stop at the store for your pup’s necessities, Amazon’s pet hub is the place to get food, medications, and other useful supplies delivered to your door quickly.
8. BarkBox
Every month, BarkBox will send you a surprise package filled with goodies for your dog. This is a great way to check out new products and spoil your pooch without breaking the bank!
9. American Kennel Club (AKC)
This is the encyclopedia of dog breeds on the Internet. When you want to know more about the breed(s) that makes up your dog, go to the AKC!** Beware: Puppy Mills are listed under AKC. Read the Humane Society page above.
10. Puppyhood by Purina
One of the cutest websites we’ve ever seen—and all about puppies. Puppyhood will guide you through training, exercising, grooming, and taking care of the new puppy in your life. They also have custom tools for you to keep track of milestones and get expert advice.
11.Dogster
This website is full of dog advice; it’s a must-have for all new dog owners.
12.*Chewy ( Another Favorite )
This site has hundreds of dog products from food to toys,medications, reviews, beds..you name it. You can set up Auto-ship to receive a discount for products that you frequently buy. Ships automatically, of course! Their
Customer Service is fantastic, and if you want to return certain items for credit, they ask you to donate the unwanted item to a local shelter or rescue and you still get your refund. Absolutely PAWSOME!
* Thanks to Rover for help with this list!
A Few…FUN FACTS!
1. Dogs noses are wet to help absorb scent chemicals
This amazing dog fact might answer a long-standing question that dog owners have. Why are dogs noses wet? Vetstreet says that the answer is that dog’s noses are wet to help them absorb scent chemicals! Their nose secretes a special mucus that helps to absorb these chemicals, and then they lick their noses to sample them, helping them understand what the smell is.
2. Newfoundlands are amazing lifeguards
Newfoundland dogs are the ultimate doggy lifeguards, because they have water resistant coats and webbed feet. They were originally bred as fisherman’s helpers
and to rescue people from drowning. Some owners have even reported that their Newfoundland tries to “rescue” them when they’re swimming!
3. The Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’ has a frequency only dogs can hear
In an interview in 2013, Paul McCartney said that he added a frequency only dogs can hear to the end of the Beatles song ‘A Day in the Life’. So watch your dog when you play the song! How’s that for an amazing dog fact?
4. Three dogs survived the Titanic sinking
Did you know that three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic? Vetstreet states that the dogs were in first class and included a Pomeranian puppy – which her owner wrapped in a blanket to escape with, and everyone thought she was carrying a baby. Another Pomeranian and a Pekingese were also rescued. Move over Rose and Jack!
5. A Bloodhound’s sense of smell can be used as evidence in court.
According to PBS, a Bloodhound’s sense of smell is so spot on that it can be admitted as evidence in a court of law. Now if you thought that was an incredible dog fact, prepare to have your mind blown. Bloodhounds can also follow tracks that are over 300 hours old and can stay on a trail for over 130 miles!
6. The tallest dog in the world is 44 inches tall
The tallest dog in the world ever was a Great Dane named Zeus! Measured at 44 inches tall on October 4th 2011, he’s the current Guinness World Record holder.
7. Basenji dogs don’t bark, they yodel
If you thought all dogs barked, then prepare yourself for this dog fact. The Basenji dog doesn’t tend to bark, instead they are known to yodel, whine or scream.
8. A Greyhound could beat a Cheetah in a long distance race
A Greyhound would actually beat a Cheetah in a long distance race! According to Psychology Today, Greyhounds are excellent long distance runners and can keep a speed of 35mph for up to 7 miles. Where the Cheetah is incredibly fast it can only keep its speed for around 200 -300 yards, so they may have the running start but it would soon be surpassed by a Greyhound!
9. A blind man and his guide dog hiked the Appalachian Trail
According to the Washington Post, for eight months during 1990 a blind man named Bill Irwin hiked the Appalachian Trail with his guide dog, Orient helping him along the way. Dogs truly are man’s best friend.
10. The Ewoks in Star Wars were based on a dog
If you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll love this amazing dog fact. The Los Angeles Times claims that George Lucas modelled the Ewoks after his family dog!
11. 30% of Dalmatians are deaf in one ear
UFAW states that on average around 30% of Dalmatians are deaf in one ear and 5% are deaf in both. This is due to the extreme piebald gene which is responsible for their white coat and blue eyes (in some of them). Dalmatians with larger dark patches are less likely to be deaf.
12. The Saluki is the oldest dog breed
The Guinness World Record for the oldest dog breed is held by the Saluki. The breed dates back to 329BC and were kept as royal pets in Ancient Egypt. Reportedly, there are also carvings found in Southern Iraq of a dog that looks similar to a Saluki which dates back to 7000BC.
13. Chow Chows and Shar-Peis have black tongues
The Chow Chow and the Shar-Pei are the only two dog breeds that have fully black tongues. Even more interesting, the cause of these black tongues is currently unknown.
14. Dogs have three eyelids
Many owners haven’t heard of this interesting dog fact, but did you know that your four-legged friend has three eyelids? According to iHeartDogs, the third lid is called the ‘haw’ or nictitating membrane, and it’s responsible for keeping the eye protected and lubricated.
15. The African Hunting dog is the most successful hunter in the world
The African Hunting Dog is the most successful land hunter in the world. They’re successful in 50-70% of their hunts, which makes them consistently the best mammalian hunter, they even hold the current Guinness World Record for it.
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