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Welcome to Daily Puppy's articles section. Here
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how to care for a sick puppy. Browse
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Originally from central Africa, the basenji is a small, short-haired dog with high energy and a tendency to chew. The breed has no bark, but an excited basenji may make a sound described as a yodel or howl. Basenjis are intelligent, inquisitive and stubborn. They require consistent, careful training to encourage proper behavior. Social and friendly, the basenji can be loving, but is not overly affectionate. The breed was originally used for hunting, and a basenji generally is not an effective guard dog. Because of his short coat and a tendency to spend long periods self-grooming, the basenji requires few baths or dedicated grooming sessions. read more
Known for its unique, wolflike appearance, the Siberian husky was developed in northeast Asia and lives happily in cooler weather due to its luxurious, thick coat. The husky enjoys an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise. If you are looking for a friendly, outgoing dog with which to share your life, the Siberian husky may be the breed for you. read more
It can be sad, and expensive, to put your dog in boarding while you travel. Traveling by car allows you to set your own schedule, and you can easily drive to Canada with your canine buddy as a traveling companion. Family pets are not the only dogs commonly crossing the Canadian border in their owners' vehicles. Sled and hunting dogs often cross from the U.S. into Canada, either from the Lower 48 or Alaska. Driving into Canada with your pet dog does not require any more documentation than you should carry with you when you drive with the dog between U.S. states. The only difference is, you are certain to have to produce the documents when you cross into Canada. read more
The amount and quality of the food you feed your dog is one of the most significant predictors of dog health. Obesity is a serious problem in dogs, and poor nutrition can lead to bone and joint issues, cancer, allergies and other serious health problems. While most people feed their dogs twice a day -- once in the morning and once in the evening -- there are several different feeding schedules you can adopt, depending on your dog's needs and your veterinarian's recommendations. read more
Dog skin rashes can appear suddenly, and they can be irritating. When a dog scratches vigorously at an itchy area, he may break the skin and make the infected area much worse: Bacteria can enter the scratch and lead to an infection. An insect bite can cause a canine rash that grows rapidly in size in a 24-hour period. It is important to keep your pet from continuing to scratch the area so the rash will heal quickly. read more
Once you conclude that an invisible fence will be the method you use to contain your dog, you are not finished with the decision-making process. Many types of dog fences exist on the retail market, and if you do not understand the differences between them, you might wonder why you wouldn’t just buy the cheapest one. Each fence has advantages and disadvantages. Once you learn to match your needs with fence features, you can feel confident you're making the right purchase. read more
A problem commonly faced by those who share their homes with both cats and dogs is the tendency for a dog to view a cat's droppings as a gastronomic treat. The reason an otherwise normal dog will take this view of his housemate's waste is unclear. Some experts theorize the higher fat and protein content in the cat's food makes the waste attractive. Whatever the cause, from the viewpoint of the third species in the house -- the fastidious human -- the habit is beyond disgusting. Depending on your situation, dogproofing your cat's litter box might be easy, or it might require some thought and ingenuity. read more
Chinese cresteds are believed to have their origins in African hairless dogs. Originally used to hunt rats on board ships, Chinese cresteds now earn their keep as companion dogs. They are 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 12 pounds. There are two varieties of Chinese crested: hairless and powderpuff. Both can occur in the same litter. The hairless variety has soft, exposed skin that may be mottled with patterns or spots. They are not completely hairless, but usually have a crest, plume and socks of silky hair, and some hairs on their bodies; some also have beards. Powderpuff Chinese cresteds have a normal double coat. Care needed by the two varieties is somewhat different. read more
The loss of a dog can be an emotionally devastating experience for someone to go through. If you have a friend or family member who has recently lost a beloved pet dog, give her something as a token of your sympathy. Both elaborate and simple gifts demonstrate your support for your loved one, letting her know that you are thinking of her in her time of grief. read more
Dogs, like humans, require loving postoperative care after surgery. A dog must be monitored even more closely than her human counterpart, because a dog's own attention to a wound can cause damage, complicating healing. Also, your recuperating dog can't tell you if something is amiss. It's up to you to spot any sign that an immediate return to the vet's office is needed. No one can care for your dog as well as you can, says California veterinarian Dr. Bruce S. Silverman. Keep careful watch, and be your dog's healthcare advocate during the healing process. read more
With his short legs, large-boned body, loose skin and very long ears, the basset hound is an easily recognized dog breed that originated in France for trailing small game. The basset possesses a highly tuned sense of smell and moves with athleticism despite the short legs. Bassets possess a gentle and mild-mannered disposition, and they get along well with children and other pets. Like some other hounds, they drool profusely. They are intelligent and occasionally stubborn, and typically respond well to training. Caring for a basset hound requires some specific precautions due to their physical and mental traits, but otherwise is very similar to caring for any other dog breed. read more
Anyone who owns both a dog and a cat is aware of his canine friend's inclination to sneak an occasional "snack" from the cat's litter box. This very unappealing habit, called coprophagia, is normal behavior -- much to the dismay of many pet owners. Scavenging is a basic canine trait, handed down from the dog's wolf ancestors. Cat feces have high fat content, which is appealing to dogs. Though the behavior is common in dogs, you can take steps to prevent it. The main one is to simply remove the opportunity. read more
Dogs express emotions like fear, insecurity, pleasure or aggression through body signals. A dog owner or trainer needs to be able to read such signs in order to understand what's going on with a dog. Two separate behaviors that are important to understand are submission urination and excitement urination. A dog's submissive behavior tells another dog or a person that he is not a threat. Even house-broken dogs may exhibit this behavior if the dog is feeling particularly insecure. Submission urination is most often a puppy behavior, but a dog of any age may display it, particularly if he has no self-confidence or has been abused. It is acknowledgement of the superiority of another dog or a person. Excitement urination is typically an issue of young dogs who are excited and not quite yet completely able to control urination. They typically grow out of it. Punishing a dog for urinating either as a submissive behavior or in an excited state is very likely to make the problem worse. read more
Your dream is taking shape: You're going to turn your passion for pets into an animal boarding business. You've assessed your capabilities and space; your business plan is set; and you've ordered your equipment, crates and dog runs. Before you open your doors for business, you must obtain the appropriate licenses and permits to legally operate. There are no federal licensing requirements or standards for private animal boarding businesses. Whether you must meet some specific state or local standards to operate an animal boarding facility depends on the local laws in your jurisdiction. Some states, among them Ohio, Pennsylvania, California, Nebraska, North Carolina, Missouri, Connecticut, Michigan, Georgia and Illinois, require boarding kennel licensing and inspections at the state or local level. Business associations such as the International Boarding and Pet Services Association offer education, standards and certification. To operate your boarding business, regardless of the need in your jurisdiction for a specific animal boarding license, you will at least need to be licensed at the state, county or municipal level to run a business. Where you obtain your business license depends on the jurisdiction where you operate. Failure to obtain a business license is a misdemeanor in many areas. read more
Today’s dachshund, that adorable little “sausage dog” with a big personality, comes originally from Germany and is most likely a blend of the basset hound and the terrier, according to Liz Palika, author of Howell Book of Dogs. This little dog is independent and fearless, but it’s also clever and affectionate. Dachshunds form strong bonds with their owners. Like other dog breeds, the dachshund is prone to specific health disorders, and it requires training and consistency to help it develop acceptable social behaviors. read more
Irish setters are known for their beautiful, long, glossy coats. The mahogany or chestnut red color is striking. The setter's hair grows in "feathers" on the tail, the ears, the back of forelegs, and the abdomen, which is considered a "skirt" in the animal grooming industry. The optimal coat is fine-textured and the hair should be straight and curl-free, according to the AKC standard. An Irish setter can be groomed for show purposes or trimmed shorter for easier maintenance if he is a companion dog. The silky hair of an Irish setter can quickly become matted if it is not properly and routinely cared for. The Irish setter is among the breeds that require the greatest amount of routine grooming maintenance. read more
You love your dog, but if you are allergic to him, you certainly do not love the symptoms caused by his presence in your home. While many people who are allergic to dogs assume the animal's hair causes their misery, the real cause is dander, the microscopic particles of dead skin cells that all animals, including dogs and humans, constantly shed. If you want to enjoy your dog's company while suffering fewer allergy symptoms, take steps to minimize the amount of dog dander and other allergy-causing inhalants in your environment. These steps may also help your dog if he is allergic to human dander and other inhalants. read more
Walk into any pet store and you'll find a dizzying array of collars, leashes and harnesses to choose from. But if your dog needs a new harness, it's not always easy -- or possible -- to take her into a store to try one on. Since harnesses are worn around the chest and shoulders, they work well for dogs that have trachea or respiratory issues. In a 1992 study, animal behaviorist Anders Hallgren found that 91 percent of dogs that had neck injuries either pulled hard on the leash or were pulled by their owners. Harnesses also work well for dogs for pups that haven't yet mastered the skill of walking alongside you. There is only one place you need to measure a dog when ordering a harness. read more
Puppies chew because they're teething. Typically they will chew on tough materials such as rawhide. Since bedding is soft, dogs that chew on it aren’t trying to relieve sore teeth; rather, the behavior is probably linked to anxiety or boredom. Your dog can create a big mess by chewing on bedding, and it can be expensive as you have to replace the bedding frequently. To correct this behavior, it’s imperative to identify the cause. read more
Bull mastiffs are very large, very strong working dogs developed in England from a cross of bulldogs and mastiffs, and used by 19th century gameskeepers for tracking and capture of poachers. Easygoing and affectionate yet alert, bull mastiffs today are often quiet family companions and protectors. Weighing 100 to 130 pounds at maturity, these powerful dogs can suffer a number of heritable diseases. Their average lifespan is less than 10 years. Despite their size, their coats and their family bonds make them best-suited as indoor dogs. Care must include proper training, daily exercise, bloat prevention measures, and attention to special health needs such as temperature control and skin problems. read more
Teaching a dog commands in sign language allows you to communicate with your dog even if she loses her hearing. Many dog owners opt to teach their dogs both verbal and sign-language commands. Dogs do not have very good vision, so verbal commands are better from a distance; sign-language commands provide a backup system if your dog is unable to understand verbal commands. A variety of dog sign-language options are available, ranging from American Sign Language to signals you've developed just for your dog. Choose a sign that works, that you're comfortable with, and that you will be able to consistently use for commands. read more
Moving to another state can be stressful, particularly if you have pets. Shipping a dog from state to state requires advance planning with a shipper who will provide proper care for your dog. Fortunately, when shipping dogs within the United States, owners don't typically have to quarantine their dogs or provide voluminous paperwork to shipping companies. read more
If you keep your dog outside, it is important to provide him with a bed that will keep his body cushioned and off the cold ground. Even dogs that are kept indoors appreciate having a space to call their own. When purchasing a dog bed online or from a pet store, you can expect to spend $30 or more, depending on the size of your dog. By building your own dog bed, however, you can save money and customize the size and shape of the bed to suit your dog's preferences. read more
Building a trusting relationship that lasts between you and your puppy can be achieved through early agility training. Encouraging your puppy to focus on you rather than the many distractions around you sets the stage for a successful agility career. Giving the puppy confidence is essential, and it's important to keep jumps and obstacles low to the ground while your puppy is still growing. Begin with small tasks and reward your puppy often. Before beginning agility training, your puppy should know how to sit on command. read more
Protecting your dog's paws from ice and snow is essential to his well-being. In freezing temperatures, dogs are susceptible to various conditions ranging from dry, cracking paw pads to frostbite. Additionally, paw pads may come in contact with toxic chemicals from ice-melting agents on the ground. If your pet licks his paws afterward, it may result in illness. Before taking your dog for a walk in the snow, protect him from the elements just as you would protect yourself. read more
Here at The Daily Puppy, we love puppies of all shapes, sizes, breeds, and colors. We encourage visitors to browse our puppy picture archives to look at all the adorable photos of past daily puppies, and to bookmark this page and visit often to see what cutie-pie graces the front page. Want us to run a feature of your special little puppy? We are always looking for submissions of the cutest puppies on the planet.
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