You have just brought home a new puppy or dog so now you are probably wondering what you should call your new pet. As the name you pick will stay with your dog for life take your time and choose carefully. There are thousands of dog names to choose from and some are more popular than others but don’t always go for what is popular. What is popular today may not be tomorrow, so instead choose a dog name that will suit your pet.

If you have looked through a long list of dog names but still can’t decide what to call your puppy then start by thinking about the physical characteristics of your dog. Choosing a dog name is often tied to the breed of the dog. A female Cocker Spaniel might be called Lady, a Chihuahua might have a Mexican sounding name like Juanita and a collie could have the name Lassie.

The size of your dog can also influence your selection. The name Tiny might well suit a small dog but in same cases the complete opposite may also work – calling your small dog Titan for instance. Remember that when naming a puppy keep in mind that it will grow into a big dog.

You should also consider the sex of your dog when choosing a dog name. Many dog names will suit both genders but there are specific male dog names and female dog names.

These days, more and more people are giving their dogs human names as many people consider their dogs to be members of the family. It is not uncommon for dogs to be called Timothy, Anthony, Patricia or Gwendolyn.

The last thing you might like to consider when choosing a name for your dog is that this will be the name that you will be yelling across a crowded park when calling your dog, so choose a name that you will feel comfortable in using in all situations.

Dog kennels are available to purchase online but how do you decide which is the best kennel for your dog? If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside then for the dogs own comfort and safety you need to invest in a dog kennel. There  are  a variety of styles, sizes, colors and comfort levels and this guide will assist you in choosing the right dog house for your dog.

Dog kennels are considered an absolute necessity for an outside dog. It provides them with protection from the elements as well as a place to sleep that is warm and dry.

The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a dog kennel is the size of your dog. Dog kennels come in all sizes for even the largest of dogs but don’t make the mistake of purchasing a kennel that is too big for your pooch. If the kennel is too big your dog will feel the cold more. Too small and your pet won’t be able to stretch out.

Most dog kennels are made with raised floors. This keeps the floor of the kennel dry and also reduces the number of insects entering the kennel. Dog houses should always be kept as dry as possible to prevent mold building up inside.

If you are buying a kennel with a run attached, ensure that the kennel you purchase is waterproof. A kennel that isn’t waterproof  will leak, resulting in an uncomfortable experience for your dog and you will need to change the bedding regularly.

Choose a dog kennel with a removable roof. You will appreciate this feature later when trying to clean out the kennel. Dog kennels with removable roofs also make it easier for owners of dogs that have a habit of hiding at the back of the kennel during bath times.

Dog grooming is an important part of looking after a dog.

Even if you have a short-haired breed, grooming is still essential. Dog grooming does not only involve brushing your dog once day, there are other tasks that need to be performed such as nail clipping, examining ears and checking for fleas and ticks.

Grooming your dog on a regular basis will help you get to know your dog and the signs to look for if your dog is unwell or suffering from some sort of irritation.

This short article will provide you with some tips and hints to help with grooming your dog.

1. Get into the habit of brushing your dog’s coat at least once a day. This is especially important if you have a long haired breed. This will not only prevent tangling and matting of the fur but also provides a time to spend with your dog. Short-haired breeds should also be brushed to remove dirt and fleas.
2. Ensure that you purchase the correct brush for your dog. Long-haired breeds require a completely different brush to short-haired breeds. The slicker brush type is more suitable for dogs with a long coat. This type of brush would be too harsh on a short-haired dog.
3. If you think your dog has a problem with fleas then use a flea comb regularly. These combs are designed specifically to remove fleas from your dog. Used in conjunction with other flea control products it is an effective way of removing fleas.
4. When washing your dog, use a good dog shampoo or soap. Some dogs can be highly sensitive to inferior soaps. If your dog has skin problems use a sensitive skin shampoo and ensure that your rinse your dog thoroughly of all soap suds. Brush your dog before washing to remove mats, tangles and dirt.
5. If your dog requires professional dog grooming try and choose a company that specialises in your dog breed. You will find that your dog will look so much better if you find someone who knows their job.
6. Check your dogs ears weekly to ensure that they are free of problems. Dogs with long ears such as Cocker Spaniels are prone to ear infections so check often. Don’t pour anything into your dog’s ears without the advice of a vet.

Choosing the best dog food for your pet can be a daunting experience. The range of dog foods available on the market today has exploded with a huge variety for all shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking for a specific dog food or just simply some dog treats you need to keep in mind that to maintain the health of your dog you need to feed him or her quality products.

The first step is to feed your dog a wide variety of different foods to ensure that your pet is receiving all of the required nutrients. This will assist in maintaining its health. If you don’t have the time to prepare your dogs meals then by all means use a prepared dog food. The key however is maintaining variety. Don’t continue to use the same dog food day after day as it will most likely not have the recommended nutrients and your dog won’t be happy either.

If you are using prepared dog foods then ensure that you allow your pet a meal of raw meat at least once or twice a week. Raw chicken wings are cheap and dogs love them. Never give your dog cooked bones. These will only splinter and get caught in your dog’s throat. Raw bones are great, particularly the large soup type bone. Dogs will chew on them for hours.

Although vegetables are not considered a traditional dog food they are eaten and liked by many dogs. Mix them in cooked with their food or provide raw as dog treats. A lot of dogs love chewing on a raw carrot. Don’t overdo the vegetables; dogs will eat them but it should not be the mainstay of any dog’s diet. They are after all carnivores and require meat to survive.

If you have an overweight dog then consider many of the dietary dog foods available on the market today. Some of these products can be expensive but if they serve to bring your dog’s weight down to an acceptable level then you are not only improving your dog’s health but are saving money in future vet bills. Overweight dogs have greater health problems and the trips to the vet will cost you way more than the cost of the dog food.

Dog collars are an essential item for any new dog or puppy but how do you know which is the right one for your pet when there is such a huge range to choose from? There are dog training collars, designer dog collars, leather collars, electronic dog collars, fancy, spiked and beaded collars, dog tracking collars, reflective collars, personalized collars, anti-bark collars and the list goes on.

Before you begin to choose from the vast array of dog collars, decide whether your puppy is ready for a collar. It is important to start them as soon as possible to get your pup used to the feel of the collar around its neck. You don’t want to find yourself six months down the track putting a dog collar on your dog for the first time. It will only irritate your dog and create a lot of extra problems that you don’t really need. Most puppies won’t even feel a new collar around their neck.

Ensure that you adjust the collar so that it isn’t choking your dog. Check by placing your fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. A one finger width would probably be enough for a puppy but for bigger puppies and adult dogs you may require a two or three finger width and check it regularly. For puppies it is extremely important that you check the collar every couple of weeks to ensure that as the puppy grows so too does the collar. Puppies grow pretty quick so check regularly and adjust as required.

Dog collars should always have some form of ID attached. How many times have you seen advertisements in the paper for lost dogs? The rate of lost dogs could easily be reduced by the use of dog tags that are kept up-to-date and legible.

So just what collar should you choose for your new pet? The following list will provide you with a run-down of the various dog collars available on the market today and hopefully provide you with the information you need to make a valid choice.

Regular Dog Collars

The collar that your dog will wear everyday will depend on a number of factors including the size of your dog, its coat, and the type of environment your pet spends most of its time in.

If you have a brand new puppy you will need to buy a collar specifically for puppies. You don’t want anything too cumbersome or heavy for your little one. They need to start off small to give them time to get used to the feel of a dog collar around their neck. Try and avoid the hard leather collars as they will most likely irritate your puppy.

For an adult dog, you have a vast array of dog collars to choose from. The nylon style collar has become the most popular superseding the regular leather collar. They are generally long lasting and come in all sorts of colors from your basics to fluorescent. Generally the nylon style collar has a softer feel to the leather version which is probably why it is more widely used.

Hemp dog collars are also becoming popular. They have several advantages over nylon or leather dog collars including being more resistant to tearing and abrasions, and less likely to shrink. They are also machine-washable.

Designer Dog Collars

Designer dog collars are becoming all the rage with studded or beaded dog collars being a mainstay of any over-the-top dog owner. This is the best way to show of your dog but other types of fancy dog collars are available that don’t include studs or beads. Collars overlaid with interwoven ribbon can also provide your pet with something different.

Reflective Dog Collars

Reflective dog collars are great for those night-time walks. The reflective collar glows when light is reflected onto it, from a car or street light for instance.

Training Dog Collars

The most commonly used training collar for dogs used to be the choke or slip chain but this sort of training collar is being used less and less. It is effective if used correctly but unfortunately most people do not have the required skills. If not used correctly it can cause damage to your pet. It has been known to cause the death of some dogs when it has been left on as a regular collar as it can easily hook on to a fence and choke the dog.

More commonly used is the halter collar also known as the Halti or Gentle Leader collar. Although it looks like a muzzle, it isn’t – when fitted correctly the dog is still able to bark, eat, drink and bite if necessary. However, this wonderful product allows you to control your pet without tugging and pulling which only results in hurting both you and the dog. To control pulling a gentle pull back on the lead is all you will need for small to medium sized dogs and a slightly firmly pull back for larger dogs. This is perfect for teaching your dog to heal.

Flea Dog Collars

Check out our Flea Control page for Flea Dog Collars.

Dog breeders are a dime a dozen – so how do you choose a reputable breeder?

There are a huge number of dog breeders that you can choose from to purchase your new puppy but how do you know you are dealing with a reputable breeder?

Although many dog breeders are good, others can be just plain bad.

This article will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts to help you find a reputable dog breeder.

Reputable dog breeders will allow you to see the mother and if possible the father of the pups. You can get some indication of the disposition of the puppies by viewing the temperament of the parent dogs.

Check out the dog’s environment. Dog breeders who provide filthy or unkempt environments for their dogs are generally not thinking of their dog’s health and well-being. Ensure that the dog’s bedding is clean and tidy and adequate water and shelter has been provided. These are all signs that the breeder takes the time and effort to look after their animals.

Dog breeders that are worth their salt will be able to answer any breed related question you might throw them. Read all about your breed in books or on the internet and have a list of questions ready. Make the list as long as you need. A good breeder will be happy to know that you are concerned enough to ask a lot of questions. Some of the questions you might ask include:

• How much grooming is involved?
• How much exercise is needed?
• What is the general temperament of this breed?
• Have the necessary immunisations been administered and/or what immunisations will become my responsibility once the pet is purchased?
• Is there some sort of warranty if the puppy becomes ill and dies after I have taken him home?
• Is this breed predisposed to any health risks or congenital diseases?

Don’t be upset if in turn the breeder asks you lots of questions. You must remember that reputable dog breeders care about their animals and want to know that they will be going to a suitable home. Feel grateful that they are as concerned about the puppy as you are.

Reputable dog breeders will tell you as much as they can about the puppy you will be taking home. They should provide you with details about the feed that the puppy is currently on as well as any other issues that may be important in the care of the puppy.

In a nutshell you are looking for dog breeders that are not in it solely for the money. Anyone who makes a huge profit on dog breeding is ultimately disadvantaging their animals in some way. Dog breeding is expensive which reflects in the price of the animal.

Take your time to do the proper research and you will find a dog breeder that meets all the criteria above and more.