Dog Sports

Canine sports provide a great way for dogs to not only get exercise and mental stimulation, but also bond with their owners and participate in activities together. There are many different canine sports to choose from, and almost any activity you can think of doing with your dog can become a sport with a little bit of creativity and effort.

When getting started in a canine sport, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable instructor or training facility. You’ll want to find someone who uses positive and rewards-based training methods, and who can provide guidance and support as you and your dog learn and progress in the sport. It’s also important to make sure your dog is in good physical health before starting any new activity. This may involve getting a check-up from your veterinarian and making sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations.

Some sports may require specialized equipment, such as agility equipment or flyball equipment, which may limit practice at home. However, many sports can be practiced anywhere with enough space, and there are also online resources and forums where you can learn more and connect with other dog owners and trainers.

It’s important to remember that every dog is different, and not all dogs will be suited for every canine sport. It’s important to find a sport that is a good fit for both you and your dog, and to take it at a pace that is comfortable for both of you. With dedication, patience, and a little bit of luck, you and your dog can have a lot of fun participating in a canine sport together.

1. Conformation

Conformation is a canine sport in which dogs are judged on their appearance, movement, and overall conformation to a written standard for their breed. In order to participate in conformation shows, dogs must be registered, purebred, and unneutered.

During a conformation show, dogs are typically judged by a panel of judges who evaluate the dog’s physical characteristics and compare them to the written standard for the breed. The judges may look at the dog’s overall appearance, including its size, proportion, and coat quality. They will also pay attention to the dog’s movement, looking for smooth and efficient movement as well as overall balance and coordination.

In order to participate in conformation shows, dogs must be registered with a recognized kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Dogs must also be purebred, meaning that they must have a pedigree that can be traced back to a specific breed. Finally, dogs must be unneutered in order to participate in conformation shows.

Conformation shows can be a fun and rewarding activity for both dogs and their owners. They provide an opportunity for owners to showcase their dogs and for dogs to socialize with other dogs and people. In addition, conformation shows can be a great way to learn more about the specific breed standards for your dog and to improve your dog’s appearance and movement.

2. Obedience

Obedience training is a canine sport in which dogs learn to perform a variety of tasks on command. These tasks can range from simple commands like “sit” and “stay” to more complex tasks such as retrieving objects and jumping obstacles. Obedience training is an important part of responsible dog ownership, as it helps to ensure that dogs are well-behaved and well-mannered in a variety of situations.

Obedience training can be done through group classes, which are widely available at dog training facilities and through local organizations. It’s important to choose a training method that is positive and rewards-based, as this type of training is more effective and more enjoyable for both dogs and their owners.

In obedience training, dogs learn to respond to commands from their owners and to follow basic rules and guidelines. This can help to improve the bond between dogs and their owners, and it can also help to improve communication and understanding between the two. Obedience training can also help to reduce problem behaviors in dogs, such as aggression, barking, and disobedience.

Overall, obedience training is a valuable activity for both dogs and their owners. It can help to improve the bond between dogs and their owners, as well as improve communication and understanding. It’s an important part of responsible dog ownership, and it can also be a lot of fun for both dogs and their owners.

3. Rally obedience

Rally obedience is a canine sport that is a variation on regular obedience training. In rally obedience, dogs and their owners perform a series of obedience tasks while the dog is walking at heel position. This sport combines elements of obedience training with the excitement of a rally-style event, making it a fun and challenging activity for both dogs and their owners.

To participate in rally obedience, dogs should have a basic understanding of obedience skills such as “heel” and “sit.” Rally obedience courses typically involve a series of stations, each with a specific task that the dog and owner must complete. These tasks can include basic obedience commands, as well as more advanced tasks such as jumps, turns, and figure eights.

Rally obedience is a great way to build upon the skills learned in basic obedience training and to challenge both dogs and their owners. It can also be a lot of fun, as it allows dogs and their owners to work together as a team to navigate the course and complete the tasks. Rally obedience can be practiced at dog training facilities or through local organizations, and there are often opportunities to compete in rally obedience trials and events. Overall, rally obedience is a fun and rewarding activity for both dogs and their owners.

4. Canine freestyle

Canine freestyle is a canine sport that involves performing choreographed movements with your dog to music. This sport is a great way for dogs and their owners to bond and have fun together, as it involves working as a team to coordinate your movements to the music.

To participate in canine freestyle, both you and your dog will need to have basic obedience skills. This will help to ensure that you are able to communicate effectively and that your dog is able to follow your commands. Canine freestyle also requires a high level of teamwork and trust between dogs and their owners, as the two must work together to coordinate their movements to the music.

In canine freestyle, dogs and their owners perform a series of choreographed movements to music. These movements can include basic obedience commands, as well as more advanced tricks and maneuvers. Canine freestyle routines can be as simple or as complex as you and your dog are comfortable with, and they can be performed to a wide range of music styles.

Canine freestyle is a fun and rewarding activity for both dogs and their owners. It can help to improve the bond between dogs and their owners, as well as improve communication and understanding. It’s also a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation for dogs, and it can be a lot of fun to watch and participate in.

5. Agility

Agility is a canine sport in which dogs learn to navigate a variety of obstacles, such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. In this sport, owners and dogs work together to communicate and navigate the course in the correct sequence. Agility is a fast-paced and exciting activity that provides both physical and mental stimulation for dogs.

To participate in agility, dogs should have basic obedience skills, as these will be necessary for communication and control on the course. While some basic agility exercises can be practiced at home, the specific equipment and space needed for agility training usualy requires practice at a training facility.

Agility courses are typically set up with a series of obstacles that dogs must navigate in a specific order. These obstacles can include jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more. Dogs and their owners work together to communicate and navigate the course, with the goal of completing the course as quickly and accurately as possible.

Agility is a fun and rewarding activity for both dogs and their owners. It helps to improve the bond between dogs and their owners, as well as improve communication and understandiing. It’s also a great way to provide physical and mental stimulation for dogs, and it can be a lot of fun to watch and participate in.

6. Flyball

Flyball is a canine sport that involves teams of dogs racing down a lane, jumping over obstacles, and retrieving a tennis ball from a flyball box. In this sport, the team with the fastest time wins. Flyball is a high-energy and exciting activity that provides both physical and mental stimulation for dogs.

To participate in flyball, dogs should have some basic obedience skills, such as the ability to follow commands and work as part of a team. However, these skills are not necessary for all dogs, as some may be able to excel in flyball even without prior training. It’s important to keep in mind that flyball is a high-energy sport, so it may not be suitable for all dogs.

Flyball requires specialized equipment, such as a flyball box and obstacles, which means that practice is usually done at a training facility. Teams of dogs work together to navigate the course and retrieve the ball as quickly as possible. Flyball can be a lot of fun for both dogs and their owners, and it provides an opportunity for dogs to socialize and work as part of a team.

7. Flying disc

Flying disc, also known as Frisbee, is a canine sport in which dogs chase and catch a flying disc thrown by their handler. This sport can be as simple or as complex as you and your dog are comfortable with, and it can be practiced anywhere with enough space.

To participate in flying disc, dogs should have good ball-fetching skills and the ability to follow commands. Some dogs may also be able to perform tricks and flashy style, such as catching the disc in mid-air or catching it while performing other tricks. The goal of flying disc can be to catch the disc as far as possible, to perform tricks and flashy style, or a combination of both.

Flying disc is a fun and rewarding activity for both dogs and their owners. It provides an opportunity for dogs to get exercise and mental stimulation, and it can also help to improve the bond between dogs and their owners. Flying disc can be practiced anywhere with enough space, and there are even organized leagues and competitions for this sport. Overall, flying disc is a fun and exciting activity that provides a great way for dogs and their owners to have fun and bond together.

8. Dock jumping

Dock jumping is a canine sport in which dogs jump off a dock into the water to chase a toy or retrieve an object. This sport is a great way for dogs to get exercise and have fun in the water, and it can also help to improve their swimming and retrieving skills.

To participate in dock jumping, dogs should be comfortable in the water and have good fetching skills. They should also be able to follow basic commands, such as “fetch” or “retrieve.” Dock jumping typically requires a body of water and a dock or platform for the dogs to jump from, as well as a toy or object for the dogs to chase or retrieve.

Dock jumping is a fun and rewarding activity for both dogs and their owners. It provides an opportuniity for dogs to get exercise and mental stimulation, and it can also help to improve the bond between dogs and their owners. Dock jumping can be practiced at facilities that offer this activity, and there are also organized competitions and events for dock jumping. Overall, dock jumping is a fun and exciting activity that provides a great way for dogs and their owners to have fun and bond together.

9. Tracking

Tracking is a canine sport in which dogs use their sense of smell to follow a scent trail laid out by a person. This sport requires preparation and practice, as well as specialized equipment such as a tracking harness and leash. Tracking is a great way for dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts, and it can also provide mental and physical stimulation.

To participate in tracking, dogs should have a strong sense of smell and the ability to focus and concentrate for long periods of time. They should also be able to follow basic commands and work independently, as trscking typically involves working alone or with minimal guidance from their handler.

Tracking requires preparation and practice, as it involves following a scent trail laid out by a person. This can involve using a tracking harness and leash, as well as other specialized equipment such as flags or markers to indicate the scent trail. Tracking can be practiced at dog training facilities or through local organizations, and there are often opportunities to compete in tracking trials and events.

Overall, tracking is a rewarding and challenging activity for both dogs and their owners. It allows dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts, and it pruvides an opportunity for dogs to get mental and physical stimulation. Tracking is a great way for dogs and their owners to bond and have fun together.

10. Herding

Herding is a canine sport in which dogs work with livestock, using their natural instincts to move and control the animals. This sport requires specialized training and equipment, as well as access to livestock. Herding is a great way for dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts, and it can also provide mental and physical stimulation.

To participate in herding, dogs should have a strong herding instinct and the ability to focus and concentrate for long periods of time. They should also be able to follow basic commands and work independently, as herding typically involves working alone or with minimal guidance from their handler.

Herding requires specialized training and equipment, as it involves working with livestock. This can include using herding dogs, sheepdogs, or other types of herding breeds, as well as specialized equipment such as collars, leashes, and whistles. Herding can be practiced at dog training facilities or through local organizations, and there are often opportunities to compete in herding trials and events.

Overall, herding is a rewarding and challenging activity for both dogs and their owners. It allows dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts, and it provides an opportunity for dogs to get mental and physical stimulation. Herding is a great way for dogs and their owners to bond and have fun together.

11. Search and rescue

Search and rescue is a canine sport in which dogs are trained to locate missing people or objects. This sport requires specialized training and equipment, and is often done in conjunction with local search and rescue organizations. Search and rescue is a great way for dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts to help locate missing people or objects, and it can also provide mental and physical stimulation.

To participate in search and rescue, dogs should have a strong sense of smell and the ability to focus and concentrate for long periods of time. They should also be able to follow basic commands and work independently, as search and rescue typically involves working alone or with minimal guidance from their handler.

Search and rescue requires specialized training and equipment, as it involves working with local search and rescue organizations to locate missing people or objects. This can include using specialized search and rescue dogs, as well as specialized equipment such as tracking harnesses and leashes, radios, and other communication devices. Search and rescue can be practiced at dog training facilities or through local organizations, and there are often opportunities to participate in search and rescue missions and events.

Overall, search and rescue is a rewarding and challenging activity for both dogs and their owners. It allows dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts to help locate missing people or objects, and it provides an opportunity for dogs to get mental and physical stimulation. Search and rescue is a great way for dogs and their owners to bond and have fun together while also helping to make a positive impact in their community.

12. Therapy work

Therapy work is a canine sport in which dogs are trained to provide comfort and companionship to people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. This sport requires specialized training and certification, as well as a calm and friendly temperament. Therapy work is a great way for dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts to help bring joy and comfort to people in need, and it can also provide mental and physical stimulation for the dogs.

To participate in therapy work, dogs should have a calm and friendly temperament, as well as the ability to follow basic commands and work in close proximity to people. They should also be comfortable in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities.

Therapy work requires specialized training and certification, as it involves working with people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. This can include training in areas such as behavior, manners, and safety, as well as obtaining certification through a recognized therapy dog organization. Therapy work can be practiced at dog training facilities or through local organizations, and there are often opportunities to participate in therapy work visits and events.

Overall, therapy work is a rewarding and fulfilling activity for both dogs and their owners. It allows dogs to use their natural abilities and instincts to bring joy and comfort to people in need, and it provides an opportunity for dogs to get mental and physical stimulation. Therapy work is a great way for dogs and their owners to bond and have fun together while also making a positive impact in their community.

No matter which canine sport you choose, it’s important to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your dog. Consider your own physical abilities and limitations, as well as your dog’s interests and abilities. Some sports may require specialized equipment or training, while others can be practiced anywhere with enough space. Don’t be afraid to ask the instructor or other people involved in the sport for advice and guidance. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you and your dog can have a lot of fun participating in a canine sport together.

How to Get Started in Canine Sports

Starting your dog in canine sports can be a great way to provide them with mental and physical stimulation and strengthen your bond with them. However, it’s important to remember that each dog is different and it may take some trial and error to find the right activity. Here are a few steps to get started:

1. Consider your dog’s interests and energy level. Different dogs will enjoy different activities, so it’s important to think about what your dog likes to do and what will be a good match for their energy level. For example, if your dog enjoys chewing, puzzle toys and chew toys may be a good option. If your dog likes to dig, you could try setting up a sandbox or dirt box with hidden toys or treats. For dogs that enjoy exploring their surroundings, sniff walks can be a great way to provide mental stimulation. And for dogs that enjoy chasing and retrieving objects, sports like fetch, flying disc, flyball, or treibball may be a good fit.
2. Evaluate your dog’s response to the activity. Look for signs of enjoyment, such as a relaxed body language and enthusiasm, to determine whether the activity is a good fit for your dog. Make sure the activity is safe and doesn’t pose any risks to your dog.
3. Gradually increase the difficulty of the activity as your dog becomes more skilled. This will keep the activity challenging and prevent boredom.
   Consider the time and resources required for the activity. Some activities, such as dog sports, may require a significant time commitment and may be more expwnsive than others.
4. If you are interested in a particular sport, go watch it in a class or a competition to see if it interests you and to assess whether your dog will enjoy it too.
5. Evaluating Your Dog’s Response

You may think you’ve found the perfect activity for your dog, only to discover that they aren’t interested or become overstimulated. To determine whether an activity is a good fit for your dog, pay attention to their body language and level of enjoyment. If they show enthusiasm and seem to be having a good time, the activity is likely a good fit. On the other hand, if they seem anxious or uninterested, it may be worth trying a different activity. It’s also important to ensure that the activity poses little or no risk of damage to property or injury to your dog.

By following these steps, you can find the perfect activity for your dog and enjoy the benefits of canine sports together.

Canine Occupations

Sources

• The American Kennel Club (AKC)
• CKC

Best Dog Life Jackets 2020: The Ultimate [Buying] Guide

Me: “I’m sorry, you said what?!”
Friend: repeats “Dog Life Jacket”
Me: *lets out a giggle*
Friend: *gives me a puzzled look*
Me: “Wait, you’re serious?!”

That was my reaction when I first learned about doggie life jackets. It seemed like a needless product—“Dogs can swim just fine,” I thought to myself.

I was wrong. Even more so, because an estimated 5,000 pets (dogs constituting a substantial percentage) drown in swimming pools annually and the tally is increasing. This figure balloons when it includes pet drowning in other water bodies, such as lakes, rivers et cetera.

It is amazing to have your dog join in the fun when you take trips to the lake, pool, beach, or engage in fun water activities, like boating, kayaking, canoeing, or rafting; rather than leaving him at home or with a pet sitter. But as you gather relevant equipment, wears, and safety gear for yourself (and other members of your family or friends), ensure that you aren’t missing a vital piece of gear to keep Fido safe.

This gear is the dog life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). It goes by other names that are open compound words derived from any word in three word groups—[dog/doggie/canine], [life/flotation/swim], and [jacket/vest/device/preserver]—in that order. For example, other synonyms are doggie swim vest, canine life preserver, dog flotation device et cetera.

The dangers are profound and it is your duty as a safety-conscious pet owner to have a canine life jacket on your pup when he is in or around bodies of water. A quality flotation device would also provide buoyancy that would minimize fatigue, which translates to longer water fun moments for you and your dog.

JUMP TO TOP 7 Best Dog Life Jackets

Why Life Jackets Are An Absolute Necessity for Dogs

Every dog lover knows that most dogs are good swimmers. There is a reason why dog paddle is the name of a swimming style. But there are several dog breeds that do poorly in water—brachycephalic dogs, dachshunds, maltese, basset hounds are some of the better known breeds. Also in this category are dogs with low body fat such as greyhounds, older dogs, and dogs with mobility or health issues.

Certainly, you do not want your dog to be unprotected from water hazards if he is unequipped to swim for natural (heavy heads and chests, short legs, or ageing) or unnatural (health or mobility issues) reasons. Especially if he is a big fan of water as many dogs are.

And while this is obvious, there is a case to be made to outfit the good swimmers as well with PFDs. One reason for this is the unpredictability of dog behavior (and sometimes, predictable behavior in the case of swimming addicts that you typically have to drag off the water shivering and exhausted). Another is the unpredictability of nature—a stream that may appear calm on the surface may very well have an undercurrent that would be too strong for your dog to swim against.

Underestimating the combination of these two is taking an unnecessary risk.

An even more compelling reason rests on the basic tenet of safety—being prepared for worst-case scenarios. Your dog may fall into the water accidentally, struggle to swim or get tired while swimming, not have the option of swimming to land in the event of a disaster, or may be incapacitated due to an accident such as receiving a blow to the head.

In any of these (and many other) scenarios, the best chances of survival for your dog is a life jacket that keeps him afloat with zero effort on his part, has bright colors for easier identification, and has a resilient handle to make the task of pulling your dog out of the water easier. A canine swim jacket would prevent drowning as well as reduce anxiety, disorientation, and exhaustion from your dog, especially in the event of a serious water/maritime accident when any able person would give priority to human rescue.

But: Before we proceed to discuss how to get a quality canine flotation device and the top choices available, we need to make an important distinction.

Dog Life Vests vs Dog Life Jackets: How They Differ

You’d be forgiven to think they are synonyms. On the surface, they appear to serve the same purpose—keep your dog afloat. However, they have simple differences that are not necessarily microscopic. Compared to a life jacket, the life vest is

• smaller,
• easier to remove, and
• mainly covers the front of your dog’s body

Essentially, a dog life jacket is the beefier, more restrictive, and expectedly, more expensive flotation device of the two. Which is interestingly similar to the difference between traditional jackets and vests (waistcoats) in formal wear.

The dog life vest has its peculiar uses. It is most suitable:

• for use in less turbulent bodies of water, such as a swimming pool
• to provide a sense of security to an uneasy pup when you first introduce him to water

For virtually every other scenario, a life jacket is the recommended choice. As the minor amount of buoyancy as well as fewer snaps and buckles make canine life vests unsuitable for use in and around bodies of water that are more turbulent. Sure, life jackets take more time to put on and take off, but the better buoyancy, better coverage of your dog’s body, brighter (and often reflective) coloring, more robust handles, and more buckles and snaps are far more important plus features.

Introducing a dog to water

There are dogs like the Golden Retrievers and Labradors that have unreserved love for water and would be the ideal pooch pets for Poseidon. And there are others on the opposite end of the spectrum like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers that shy away from anything larger than a bowl of water.

If you enjoy water activities, you’d definitely want to share the fun experience with your dog, which would present an immediate challenge if your dog just doesn’t share your water interests. All hope is not lost however, as lots of dog owners have consistently been able to get their water-shy Fidos to loosen up. The deal is to make small efforts gently and slowly work your way up.

You should begin to get your dog accustomed to wearing a life vest when venturing into a body of water, by making him comfortable in a life vest at home. Then you should introduce your dog to water with a wading pool that has a gentle, calm water movement that does not raise the anxiety of your dog. You want your dog’s first life vest and water experience to be pleasant. A couple of pleasant experiences in a calm setting would be the primer to moving on to bigger and less calm bodies of water such as the beach.

Important Considerations to Make When Buying a Dog Life Jacket

Buoyancy

This is undoubtedly the top factor to consider. After all, the primary purpose of a doggie flotation jacket is to keep your dog afloat with as little or no effort contributed by the dog. Without optimal level of buoyancy, your dog gets to expend energy to stay afloat, which is undesirable.

Most canine life jackets would have flotation padding at the key parts—under the belly, surrounding back, and sides. However, a preferable buy should also have flotation in the neck and chest areas to help keep your dog’s head above the water.

Bright Color and Reflective Strips

This isn’t purely about aesthetics. The practicality of having a canine swim jacket with bright color is that it improves visibility of your dog both during safe, fun times and in the event of an accident.

If your dog is in the water having a merry time while others in boats and jet skis are having fun as well, a bright colored doggie life device stands out clearly to make it easier for these people to avoid unintended contact.

Furthermore, should the worst happen, the improved visibility would help search and rescue efforts, especially when there isn’t much sunlight. Several top-quality PFD manufacturers go the extra mile to outfit their premium products with bright reflective strips that further improves visibility considerably.

Handles

The purpose of this feature is glaring. Any decent dog flotation jacket should have at least one strong handle. A doggie life jacket with two handles is ideal for larger and heavier dogs. Handles make it much easier to pull your dog out of the water, especially when he may be scared and uncooperative to your commands by frantically flailing, wriggling, and moving bundles that can be difficult to maneuver.
Make certain that the handle is sturdy.

High-Quality Material/Durability

I believe I speak for most dog owners when I say a dog life jacket shouldn’t be a regular purchase like a grocery. It isn’t so much about money savings as it is about a quality product holding its own in the event of an emergency. Set your sights on doggie swim devices with rip resistant high-density material that can sustain extended strain, numerous tugging and strapping, and function effectively in all weather conditions.

Size, Fit, and Adjustability

Dogs have several sizes and life jacket manufacturers accordingly offer products in different sizes. The sizes vary between manufacturers, so you want to get the right measurements of your dog.

To purchase the best PFD fit, get your dog’s:

• weight
• length (measurement of the back from base of the head to base of the tail)
• neck measurement
• girth measurement (of the ribcage behind the front legs)

After you get these measurements, compare them to list of measurements provided by the manufacturer (most products have them) and choose the closest.

The dog life jacket you purchase should be adjustable and you should be able to outfit your dog by:

• Sliding the vest over the neck
• Closing the straps and buckles around the neck, chest, and belly
• Ensuring that your dog has wiggle room when closing the straps and buckles so it is not too tight (you should preferably be able to slide your fingers between your dog’s body and each strap)

Fitting your dog snugly but not too tightly is very important so they do not slip out of the jacket.

1. Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat(Best Premium Life Jacket)

Product overview

The Ruffwear K-9 Float Coatis the Mercedes of dog life jackets. It is elegant, stylish, expertly built, and its reputation precedes it. Despite holding the crown as the priciest premium PFD on the market, at the time of writing, it had the best review rating on Amazon.

This is no coincidence.

The K-9 Float Coat uses abrasion-resistant materials complemented by strategically placed cell foam panels and water-compatible webbing that guarantees optimal buoyancy, stability, comfort, and durability.

The K-9 has a light loop to which you can attach The Beacon (it is a bright LED light manufactured by Ruffwear) designed to improve visibility in low-lighting conditions.

For the build quality and ease of mind you get for using the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat, the price is justifiable. If you are looking for the absolute best dog swim device for your dog, and you aren’t on a tight budget, look no further.

Major selling points

• Exquisite material and build quality; it’ll serve you (and your pooch) dutifully for years to come
• Very sturdy handle for easy lifting
• Extra flotation added beneath the dog’s belly; for excellent buoyancy
• Reflective trim to improve visibility
• Wide, telescoping neck closure to keep your dog’s head well above water; it also adjusts and fits to several neck positions
• ITW Nexus Airloc sheltered buckles keeps straps unexposed to prevent potential snagging
• Complete range of sizes from XX-Small to X-Large
• Bright colors—Blue Atoll, Dandelion Yellow, Red Currant, Sockeye Red, and Wave Orange; newer colors made available regularly

Why we recommend it

The quality of the material got to us with the extra flotation, immense build, and sheltered buckles and straps. That trumped the competition. It also lived up to its premium tag with reflective trim, strong handle, and adjustable neck closure.

The support for several sizes and provision for more color options were the icing on the cake.

A few downsides to note

This is a near-perfect product and it’s incredibly difficult to find something to pick on. The jacket is worth every penny of the price tag and the simple handle is large enough and strategically positioned to be adequate for pulling large dogs.

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2. Kyjen Outward Hound Ripstop(Best Bang for Buck Dog Life Jacket)

Product overview

If for some reason the Ruffwear Float Coat is above your budget, then the Outward Hound Ripstop, now called the Outward Hound Granby Splash, is your perfect bet.

Kyjen is the leader in travel and outdoor gear for dogs, so they have the experience and wherewithal to develop a premium PFD with an affordable price tag.

Although they make compromises in the material quality, flotation pads, and use of exposed straps; they more than make up for it with effective buoyancy, multiple reflective strips, and the Outward Hound signature feature—double handles.

And dog owners all around appreciate the balance and value making the Granby Splash unarguably the most popular canine swim jacket on the market.

At the time of writing, it is the #1 Bestselling dog life jacket on Amazon. It is without question a premium doggie life jacket on a budget.

Major selling points

• Top quality buoyancy with sufficient belly padding
• Strong straps and quick-release buckles; that are easily adjustable to help attain desired fit
• Signature double handle design; to make rescue much easier and distributes pressure exerted by the straps on your dog
• Front neck float; to keep your dog’s head above water
• Multiple reflective strips
• Complete range of sizes from XX-Small to X-Large
• Bright colors—Fun Fish,Orange, and Pink

Other products in the Outward Hound series are the

• Dawson Swim, which offers better buoyancy and foam neoprene side panels to naturally insulate your dog and keep him warm while he swim for longer endurance; and
• Standley Sport, designed for top-performance dogs and ideal for experience swimmers with its unique sternum design, mesh bellyband for water drainage, and rugged build for frequent use

Both have the series’ signature double handle design, although in different orientations.

Why we recommend it

We’d tell you in one sentence: It is a complete package at a price you can’t ignore.

A few downsides to note

With the K-9, it was hard to pick out something to thumb down, with the Ripstop, it is hard to complain about anything when it is abundantly clear that it is a bargain.

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3. Paws Aboard Neoprene (Best Dog Life Jacket under $50)

Product overview

The Neoprene is Fido Pets Product flagship dog life jacket in its PAWS Aboard series. It’s got decent flotation on the side, back, and neck; heavy-duty velcro straps complemented by quick-release buckles to make certain your dog never slips out; and a sturdy handle.

It is well built with the right kind of fabric, as such the Neoprene would be a lasting purchase. Like the flagship and more expensive Outward Hound Standley Sport, the Paws Aboard Neoprene has an advanced breathable mesh bellyband for proper draining, drying, and additional comfort.

In addition, its dual reflective strips, stylish design, and affordable price tag reiterate the fact that you can’t go wrong by purchasing the Neoprene.

Major selling points

• Terrific build; that is both elegant and durable
• Decent flotation on sides and back
• Adjustable straps and buckles; to get desired and secure fit
• Advanced breathable underbelly mesh offers more comfort and prevent exhaustion & chaffing
• Neck float; to keep your dog’s head above water and strong handle; for quick and easy grabbing
• Dual reflective strips; for improved visibility
• Complete range of sizes from XX-Small to X-Large
• Bright colors—Red,Yellow, Blue and Yellow, Blue Polka Dots, and Pink Polka Dots

Why we recommend it

The Paws Aboard Neoprene checks all the boxes of a premium life jacket at a reasonable price point. It appears to justify its marginal higher price over the Ripstop by providing more room in the neck, which is good news if your dog has bulky shoulders or thick neck.

A few downsides to note

The only significant con is its flotation, which is decent but could be better. In FPP’s defense, the price tag prohibits including extra flotation.

However, the Neoprene is the flagship product from FPP (aptly studded with top-of-the line features like classy design and breathable underbelly mesh), outfitting it with maximum flotation, and say, double handles would have aced its feature list, even though it’d mean a higher price tag.

The Paws Aboard line already has the Double Designer model to offer great value at a bargain.

That said, as far as premium packages go, the Neoprene is a terrific buy. If maximum flotation is a big deal for you then you’d have to up your budget and go for the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat.

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4. Kurgo Surf n Turf Dog Life Jacket(Best Multipurpose Dog Life Jacket)

Product overview

The Surf n Turf is Kurgo’s only life jacket in the market, and it occupies a unique, lofty spot of offering lots of value even if it isn’t as cheap as the Ripstop.

For starters, the Kurgo Surf n Turf bears strong semblance to the Ruffwear K-9 Float and although its material and build quality doesn’t measure up to the K-9, it holds up all right with rugged ripstop polyester material to stay firm in the premium category. Buoyancy is top-notch and it ticks all the right premium boxes too.

Reflective trim and high-contrast color, double metal D-rings for connecting leashes, neck padding, and adjustable straps and buckles for desired fit.

However, the Surf n Turf isn’t just another run-off-the-mill jacket in the premium category, it packs some serious unique punch.

• The first is its 3-in-1 functionality, which are as a life vest, rain (waterproof) coat, or a 3-season shell jacket. To convert it to a waterproof jacket, you only have to remove the flotation layer.

This layer isn’t just removable, you could very well beef it up to provide extra warmth, especially during colder seasons. The perfect product to use is the Kurgo Wander Coat, which fits well because this is one of its dual purposes.

• Another is a feature reserved for the most expensive model in the Kyjen Outward Hound line (the Standley Sport)—transverse double handles in opposing orientations.

It is an arguably better implementation than the Ruffwear K-9 sturdy single handle, and certainly better than the double handles with same orientation on the Kyjen Ripstop and Dawson Swim jackets.

• Then there is the feature that is a testament to true American service delivery—no-hassle lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. This feature is rare in the canine flotation device segment.

Major selling points

• Decent design, build quality, and buoyancy
• Adjustable straps and buckles
• Best transverse double handles; for extraction
• Neck float
• Reflective trim
• Versatility as a 3-in-1 dog jacket
• Lifetime warranty
• Near complete range of sizes from X-Small to X-Large
• Bright colors—Red/Red and Red/Grey

Why we recommend it

It is no surprise that the features that set the Surf n Turf apart from the competition endeared it to our hearts—the versatility, double handles, and lifetime warranty aren’t gimmicks.

Beyond its unique offerings, it is a very capable doggie life jacket with the right mix of rugged materials for durability, bright color accents and reflective trim, and quick-release buckles for secure fit.

A few downsides to note

You must be wondering why the Surf n Turf isn’t higher up in this year’s ranking if it is so great. Well, it has a few quirks that need Kurgo’s attention.

• Top on the list is the underbelly nylon covering that could use more padding. The argument of unique features isn’t convincing when the cheapest jacket on the list has better padding.

It doesn’t have a belly Velcro fastening system either found on the more expensive Ruffwear K-9 and cheaper Paws Aboard Neoprene.

• The second is a con it shares with the Paws Aboard Neoprene—non-optimal flotation. This time however, it is understandable as the life jacket is a hybrid meant for multiple uses.

Therefore, if your dog would be using the jacket mostly in shallow, calm waters, then you needn’t worry about the buoyancy. If you’d be taking your dog to deeper, rougher waters, then you’d have to go for the Ruffwear K-9.

• It also lacks the XX-small, size which would be a deal breaker for owners with very small dogs.

In summary, the Kurgo Surf n Turf does come close to snatching the crown from the Ruffwear K-9, but fell short on select features that shouldn’t be lacking on a dog life jacket hoping to reinvigorate the market with innovation.

That said, the Surf n Turf is a really nice package once you look past the few omissions that may not be deal breakers to majority of dog owners, and probably had to be made for the product to be competitively priced with its unique offerings.

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5. EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device

Product overview

EzyDog has a reputation in the dog gear industry that can only be honed by unbridled, consistent quality service delivery. Its PFD rides on this outstanding reputation and delivers strongly.

From the front end of the neck float to the back end of the back float, the EzyDog Doggy Flotation Devicescreams exceptional quality, a unique design, as it is an epitome of what a premium life jacket should be.

EzyDog did not bet on the popular designs of the Ruffwear K-9 or the Outward Hound Ripstop, rather it offers a design refresh that is as unique as it is stylish. It isn’t perfect, nor does it take the crown from the K-9 Float Coat, but it is befitting for a top-dollar canine swim jacket.

If the design came close to the mark, the build quality aced it. With 50% more flotation material evenly distributed and superior durable construction, only the Ruffwear can match its amazing buoyancy.

Even better, the dual handles on this jacket are integrated in an elegant way to foreclose the possibility of ripping off. Adjustable neoprene straps and quick-release buckles keep your dog secured and the jacket is fitted with highly reflective strips for greater visibility and improved nighttime safety.

Major selling points

• Exquisite design and build quality; that is easy to clean and long-lasting
• Off the charts buoyancy
• Fully adjustable neoprene straps and quick-release buckles; give perfect fit
• Very sturdy, integrated dual handles; make extracting your dog a breeze
• Reflective trim
• Neck float
• Complete range of sizes from XX-Small to X-Large
• Bright colors—Green Camo, Red, and Yellow

Why we recommend it

The build quality of the EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device is phenomenal bringing very obvious buoyancy and durability benefits that only the more expensive Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat can rival.

You do not have to stay on your toes when you are heading out to deeper, rougher waters with your dog; nor do you have to be concerned about its weight and the jacket not holding up at a crucial moment. This tough jacket is built to last, give your dog optimal comfort, and give you maximum peace of mind.

A few downsides to note

The EzyDog Doggy Flotation Device offers top-quality from front to back and while this is a point in its favor for astute crafting, it does have a downside. It keeps the dog straight in water, which counteracts the ability of the neck float to keep the dog’s head above water.

The Ruffwear avoids this by having a smaller footprint, and the Outward Hound Ripstop avoids this by using less flotation at the rear end and an additional flap on the neck float. Both options allow the dog’s rear to sink a tad lower to place the dog at an angle in water for better head positioning.

A way around this is to tighten the rear underbelly strap & buckle less than the front underbelly strap & buckle.

That said, EzyDog should have gone the extra mile to include a strap in the neck float, and could have made the buckles sheltered/hidden to be in direct competition to the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat.

Nonetheless, if you want the Ruffwear K-9 Float Coat (you do not want to make a compromise on quality, buoyancy, and durability) at a lower price and are willing to forego both features and slightly better design, then the EzyDog DFD is your obvious choice.

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6. Paws Aboard Double Designer

Product overview

The Double Designer is Fido Pets Product entry-level dog life jacket. It is in direct competition with the Outward Hound Ripstop and is a five-star alternative to the Ripstop.

The idea is simple—a canine swim jacket that covers the essentials in a premium product offered at an affordable price, and the execution is perfect. Unsurprisingly, the product has been a hit with buyers rolling over it (it has the second largest number of positive reviews on Amazon after the Ripstop).

The Double Designer has a similar design to the Ripstop with an extended back padding, Velcro fastening/buckle neck float, and dual side buckles for a secure fit. There are subtle differences though, such as the extended lip on the neck float of the Ripstop, coloring scheme, and the signature double handles on the Ripstop.

None of these differences offers huge functionality or performance improvements however, as the neck float on the Double Designer offers similar top quality buoyancy to keep your dog’s head above water, and the single handle on the DD is large enough for you to use two hands for easier extraction.

The Double Designer however has an outstanding feature—advanced underbelly mesh for quicker draining of water and extra comfort; it is found only on flagship products such as the Paws Aboard Neoprene and Outward Hound Standley Sport. It isn’t a make or break feature, but it does justify why the Ripstop is marginally cheaper (a few dollars) than the Paws Aboard Double Designer.

Major selling points

• Terrific buoyancy with neck float
• Sturdy heavy-duty straps and adjustable buckles
• Large, strong handle; for easy lifting
• Exquisite advanced breathable underbelly mesh
• Product exchange process is a breeze; should you make the mistake of ordering an incorrect size
• Reflective strips
• Complete range of sizes from XX-Small to X-Large
• Bright colors—Nautical, Neon Yellow, Blue Polka Dot, and Pink Polka Dot

Why we recommend it

We recommend the DD for the same reason that we recommend the Kyjen Outward Hound Ripstop (Granby Splash). It is a complete package at an amazing price point.

If you are a big fan of Paws Aboard line of products, the Double Designer is an obvious choice for buyers on economy drive. Furthermore, if you can increase your budget slightly above the price point of the Ripstop, then you should get the Double Designer for its underbelly mesh that’d enable your dog stay longer in water.

A few downsides to note

Like the Ripstop, the DD is so affordable it’s hard to pick on something to rant about. Fido Pets Product has improved on the build quality over the years after receiving reports of a few defective models having durability issues, especially with larger, heavier dogs.

That said the Double Designer enjoys raving reviews from owners and we heartily recommend it.

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7. Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket

Product overview

The Vivaglory Dog Life Jacket has very similar design to the Paws Aboard Double Designer, like really close. It has same shape, same color scheme, same Velcro/buckle combinations and location, and a single handle.

However, the Vivaglory has a sturdier handle, extra flotation, and more color variations. The Double Designer and Ripstop are better bargains, but the Vivaglory is a premium life jacket in its own right that’s worth every penny.

Major selling points

• Decent buoyancy
• Quality Velcro straps and buckles
• Sturdy handle
• Reflective strips
• Near complete range of sizes—X-Small, Small, Medium, and X-Large
• Bright colors—Blue, Green, Light Green, Orange, Pink, and Yellow

Why we recommend it

Aside the fact that it satisfies our basic requirements as a premium life jacket, the Vivaglory has extra flotation and a sturdy handle, which are desirable.

A few downsides to note

Quite frankly, compared to higher-ranked dog life jackets, the Vivaglory falls short on a number of counts, especially the lack of XX-Small and Large sizes (at the time of writing), that it shouldn’t have considering its price tag.

Nonetheless, all things considered, it is a satisfying buy.

Vivaglory has a second product—the New Sports Style Ripstop—with a smaller footprint that is similar to the Ruffwear K-9. It is nowhere near the same quality, but it occupies almost same price point as the traditional Vivaglory with same features, so you may want to consider it before making a purchase.

Breeds that are good with cats

1. Newfoundland

Big Boy with an Even Bigger Heart:

Don’t let his massive size fool you, this big guy is just an enormous softy. Newfoundlands, despite their intimidating size, generally get along with most creatures, especially those that are smaller than them (so, the majority!). He is more likely to become a friend, and fierce protector to his new feline friend, than to hurt him.

This large breed would make the purr-fect kitty-cat companion. They are friendly, loyal, protective, and surprisingly gentle. They have the perfect disposition for a multi-pet household. Though your Newfoundland’s size may be intimidating, he has no intention of causing harm. With the right training and supervision, your furry friends will soon become firmly bonded. Patience and understanding are key in helping them form a strong friendship that will last for many years.

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is especially good with cats. This dog breed is smart, social, and lovable, and with time, patience, and a few tricks ,your Golden Retriever and cat will get along in not time. For example, when introducing the dog, use a leash and be sure he knows some basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Also, exercise him before the meeting. This will get rid of excess energy and make him more calm and relaxed when meeting your cat.

You won’t want to leave your Golden Retriever and cat alone at first. It could go bad either way. Your dog could get a little too nosy and your cat takes a good swipe at his face. There’s many scenarios that could happen when a new dog and cat are left unattended, so it’s best to place barriers between them. Over time, however, these two will be the best of furry friends and you won’t have to worry about leaving them together. They’ll love each other’s company.

By using proper training techniques, you can expect your dog and cat to bond quickly, especially if the Golden Retriever is a puppy or has already been socialized around cats. As for your cat, she may take some time warming up to this new furry friend, which she may see as a threat. Cats hate change!

Final Verdict: Yes! Golden Retrievers are good with cats.

3. German Shepherd

Despite their sharp intellect, German Shepherds may struggle to differentiate between play and prey when it comes to cats. With patience and training, these intelligent pups can learn to recognize their instincts and enjoy the companionship of cats without any trouble.

However, there is good news. Start socializing a German Shepherd with cats and kittens early on and he will grow up to be great around cats. It’s up to you to give your puppy the proper training he needs to know how to behave around cats. Some tips to help your dog overcome his instincts include:

• Feeding your puppy in close proximity to your cat can help form a strong bond between the two. Start by keeping each animal behind a closed door and on a leash, and gradually bring them side-by-side – with patience, they will become best friends forever!
• Train your German Shepherd with the essential commands of ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘leave it’ before introducing them to your cat – it will be a great help in keeping both animals safe and secure!

Final Verdict: German shepherds are good with cats if you can socialize them young and help them overcome their prey chasing instincts.

4. Collie

When considering if a collie is the right fit for your home, it’s important to consider some may have an instinctive urge to chase cats. Luckily, many collies are very well suited for homes with cats and can make wonderful companions!

The Collie was genetically bred to herd. They’ll herd sheep, cattle, small children – and, yes, cats. If you have a particularly obsessive Collie, she may follow your cat around the house, herding him, chasing him, always keeping him in her sight. This can be stressful for an independent cat – and what cat isn’t independent?

Depending on the individual characteristics of your dog, it typically takes some time and training to introduce a collie and cat. It’s important to build trust and familiarity between the two animals before leaving them alone together. With patience and guidance, you can help foster a wonderful friendship between your collie and cat!

Final Verdict: Collies make excellent companions for other dogs and cats! While some may have strong prey drives, their loving and kind natures typically make them great playmates. With the right guidance, your collie’s natural instincts can be managed to ensure they get along with all the animals in your home.

5. Labrador Retriever

Labradors make great companions for cats and can be easily trained to get along with felines. Though there are some cases where Labs might not be as friendly with cats, each dog is unique and their behavior is affected by various factors like temperament, training, and more! With patience, care, and understanding, you can help ensure that your Labradors and cats live happily together.

When introducing a Labrador Retriever and a cat, it’s important to take is slow. The animals will need to works some things out on their own at first – like boundaries. In the beginning, don’t leave the cat and dog alone. Wait until you’re certain their friendship is solid.

Training your Labrador Retriever to get along can be done in a relatively short amount of time, as long as you have the right attitude and provide the necessary guidance for both your cat and dog. Be sure to do your research and remain patient throughout the process; with the right approach, your bond will grow stronger with each passing day!

Final Verdict: The Labrador Retriever is a good choice of breed to have with cats.

6. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog, otherwise known as shelties, is a breed that enjoys herding activities – but this trait doesn’t have to get in the way of their relationship with cats. Your feline friend will naturally establish dominance over your pup; although, with a little patience and guidance, they’re sure to become best buddies in no time!

This beautiful breed is gentle, playful, intelligent, easy to train, and will quickly adapt to sharing a home with a cat when properly trained. As with most breeds, it’s best to introduce the  Shetland Sheepdog to cats when he is still a puppy. This will guarantee a great relationship with almost all cats (some kitties will not cooperate no matter what).

To ensure a smooth first introduction between your sheltie and cat, keep the sheltie on a leash with a “way out” for the cat in case things get too overwhelming. It’s important to not leave the two together unsupervised at first; rather, you can let the cat roam free while keeping the dog kenneled or vice versa to help them get used to each other. With careful guidance, your furry friends will soon be snuggling together!

Eventually, you will fee confident enough to leave them alone. and the sheltie will be grateful for the company – he get’s bored easily, It shouldn’t long for the two to become fast, furry friends.

Final Verdict: Yes! The Shetland Sheepdog is good with cats.

7. English Setter

The English Setter is a highly intelligent, active breed known for their superior memories and extraordinary sense of smell – perfect for bird-hunters. Not only are they gentle, loyal companions but they get along great with cats. Although the English Setter requires plenty of exercise to stay calm in the home, your feline friend won’t be taking them on any walks! All in all, this breed is a great choice for busy, active families or individuals.

It’s safe to leave a cat alone with an English Setter, as they lack a prey instinct and get along with almost everyone. The breed quickly forms bonds with felines, so it should be nearly instantaneous for the English Setter and cat to become friends – though how long it takes for the individual cat may depend on its own personality.

Final Verdict: Yes! The English Setter is a good with cats.

8. Bernese Mountain Dogs

Whether your Bernese Mountain Dog will get along with your cat depends upon his prior socialization, which should begin when he’s a puppy. It’s the same for the cat. If you’re introducing a kitten, she will probably just want to play, but an older cat should have some socialization with dogs to get the best results.

Tip: Start training your Bernese Mountain Dog right away as they become more difficult to control later on. Also, these dogs do not respond to harsh training. You must be as gentle and loving as them.

Final Verdict: Yes! The Bernese Mountain dog is good with cats.

Tricks to Help Your Cat and Dog to Get Along

Being an animal lover is often a very rewarding experience, as it’s a lot of fun and provides plenty of love. However, when you start combining the animals that reside with you in your home, you may find yourself with a bit of an issue. Plenty of people have struggled with getting a dog and cat to get along in the past, and while it may seem near impossible, it’s not impossible at all. But how does one go about getting their dog and cat to get along better? There are a few steps you can take to try and improve the relationship between your dog and cat, such as:

Prepare For Introduction 

When welcoming a new pet into the home, taking proactive steps to facilitate harmony between your dog and cat is key. Prep the area by providing a safe space for both animals to escape to and removing any stressors, like other people or loud noises. The introduction process should be comfortable and relaxed, giving each animal plenty of time to become acquainted with the other and offering an exit plan if either gets overwhelmed.

Reinforce Positive Interaction 

As your dog and cat begin to explore each other, it’s a great idea to reinforce this positive behavior with treats or kind words. You may offer praise and treats, as well as physical touch to encourage the animals to continue the good behavior. Much like training your pet to do anything else, sometimes you need to train them to get along as well.

Bringing a pet into your home is an exciting experience that requires patience and understanding. Give the two animals time to adjust by keeping them separated in their own areas until they are ready to meet. This allows them to become familiar with the sights, sounds, and smells before having to be around one another face-to-face. When they’re ready, gently guide each animal through the introduction process at their own pace, without rushing or forcing anything.

Introduce Scents

During this period of separation, it may be wise to introduce an article or object that smells like the other animal into each habitat or area. For example, place a t-shirt in each animal’s area, and switch the shirt location after a day or so. This will allow the animal to become more familiar with the smell and presence of the other animal, without them actually being there quite yet. Animals rely widely on their sense of smell, so introducing scent is crucial.

Let The Cat Lead 

It’s wise to let the cat decide when a meeting will take place. Wait until the cat seems content and calm before introducing the dog to the environment. This will allow the cat to be more receptive to the dog’s greeting and may make or break a meeting, especially since cats may become more temperamental when threatened. Dogs are also easier to train and may follow commands to back down when cats cannot.

Your dog & cold

Like humans, dogs are also affected by the weather. In winters, they feel cold, and if they are exposed to the cold weather, they can get sick as well. Some dogs are more prone to be affected by the cold than others. This depends on the age, health, breed, weight, and fur of the pooch.

Small dogs tend to be more sensitive to weather conditions. Those with shorter hair or a coat that is not thick are also easily affected. Sometimes, even healthy dogs with thick coats feel cold. If you notice that the thick-furred dog’s hair is matted or wet, then that dog might also be getting cold.

However, you cannot help your furry friend if you are not sure of what is wrong with it or if you cannot detect that your dog has cold. Thus, your ignorance increases its suffering which can lead to a condition that can pose severe risks to the doggie’s health. We as pet parents should be aware of if our dog is uncomfortable in any way and should provide it the necessary requirements for its ease.

Signs that show your dog might be feeling cold

Here are some tricks that can help you figure out if your dog is feeling too cold. Once you know that your dog is feeling cold, you can help it.

• The cold outdoors

Head outside and see for yourself how cold it is. That is common sense. A dog’s body temperature is higher than that of humans, and it has a fur coat, but when you go out and feel cold despite having a jacket, gloves, and boots on, it means that it is too cold for the hound as well. Your garments act as your fur, and if you feel very cold though you are amply covered, then it is time for you to keep your pooch inside.

• Cold body or ears

Another way you could get to know that your canine is getting cold is by touching its body. If it is cold rather than warm, then it means that the cold has seeped into the dog. When it is cold outside, the blood circulation in the pooch’s body is concentrated in its essential parts; that is the trunk area. The flow of blood reduces in its paws, legs, nose, and ears. By touching these parts, particularly the edges of the ears, you get to know if the dog has got cold.

• Body language

The reactions of a dog’s body when it is freezing are very similar to those of us humans. They tend to shiver and tremble in the cold, move slowly, and hunch their backs to feel somewhat warm. They keep their tails tucked close to their body to not expose it.

Dogs also tend to hide behind things as a means of seeking shelter from the cold weather. These are clear signs that your dog is uncomfy in the harsh winds. If you find your dog acting like this, limping, barking or moaning, feeling worried or agitated, these are also a sign that it is feeling cold.

• THE COMMON DOG HEALTH PROBLEMS

What exposure to the cold can do to the pooch

Being in the cold for prolonged hours naturally has adverse effects on the dog’s health. Dogs can catch a cold not because they feel cold but because of the disturbing situation they have faced because of it. Being exposed to the strict weather for long hours could cause even more problems. It could cause frostbite or some infection.

Look for red marks on the pooch’s limbs that indicate frostbite. A pooch can also catch pneumonia, hypothermia, or other such life-threatening ailments. If you find your dog in a vulnerable and oddly sick situation, take it to a vet immediately.

What to do about it?

When winters come, try to keep an eye on how your dog behaves. That would quickly tell you if it is troubled with the weather or not. Here are some ways you can help out your furry fellow when it is the cold.

• Housing

Your indoor pooch will head inside with you but if your canine is an outdoor fellow, you can get it a warm house that is properly insulated. Make sure the bed of the pooch is soft and heated. The bed should be raised up from the ground. If the bed is not raised, it can get wet. Also, give your dog a blanket so that it can feel snug. The same goes for your indoor dog; it does not need a separate house but just a bed.

• Covering

Walking out with your pooch and it is frigid? Consider keeping it warm by giving it warm clothes. There are several pooch jackets and boots available. You can get one that suits your pooch and is of an appropriately thick material.

• Food & drink

Give your dog healthy food like you always do. But for winters give it warm fresh water instead of cold. That will make the dog feel comfier.

• Take it to vet

If your dog is very sick for quite some days, take it to a vet for a checkup. There might be some illness that better be treated soon.

Sign that shows your dog has caught a cold

Pooches can also catch a cold. A virus can infect it, and if the cold is left untreated, it can evolve into a much bigger issue. The bacteria can spread and defect the respiratory system in a dangerous way. You can only help your doggie if you know that it is unwell. However, you would not catch its cold like it cannot catch it yours. Following are the symptoms that hint that your hound has a cold.

• If the dog is sneezing too much

The first sign that shows that the pooch has caught a cold is that in such a case it tends to sneeze a lot every hour. That does not necessarily mean that the pooch has cold rather it could also indicate an allergy. But when accompanied by other common signs that are mentioned below you could be sure that it has the flu.

• Leaking red eyes & nose

Bacteria tend to make way to the dog’s eyes and nose through its fur quickly. A thick whitish or greenish discharge comes out of the nose and eyes of the canine as a result. The consistency and color of the discharge can help you decide if the pooch has a cold or some other sickness. Colds in dogs promote conjunctivitis which gives the dog red eyes with such discharge.

• Troubled breathing

If you notice your dog is inhaling via its mouth or lying on its chest because it is having difficulty in taking breath; that is another sure sign that it has a cold. When a dog has a cold, its nasal passages get blocked which further causes congestion and problem in breathing.

• Tiredness & loss of appetite

You will notice your dog tiring quickly and not being able to enjoy things like it does. It will sleep more and play less due to exhaustion. Also, dogs mostly lose appetite and do not want to feed when they have a cold. They do not want to eat because the bacteria affect their esophagus. If it does not feed for more than a day, you should book an appointment with the vet.

What to do about it?

If the condition seems severe, head to the veterinarian immediately. However, if not, wait for a few days and if the pooch still does not feel better, then head to the pet doctor. Try to do as much as you could to make your pooch feel better. After all, a dog is a loyal member of your family. Here are some ways you can treat the dog’s cold at home.

• Feed it on chicken soup

A chicken soup that is not hot but lukewarm could be of aid. One that is made of chicken breast, some healthy cooked veggies, and brown rice would give your pooch the nutrition it needs to combat the cold. This will strengthen the pooch’s immune system and give it energy.

• Keep it hydrated

Give your dog warm fresh water to drink and to stay hydrated. Dehydration causes more suffering.

• Give it rest on a heating pad

The best way to fight the flu is to take enough rest. Let your pooch rest on a heating pad so that it can have a comfortable and relaxed sleep.

• Give it steam

Steam can help the pooch breathe easily as its nose and throat are congested. You can do this by running hot water in the washroom and letting the pooch breathe in the steam.

Follow professional advice

Go with the words of someone who knows what they are saying and is knowledgeable about the matter. Do as directed by the vet. Do not feed the medications on your own without consultation.

More Related Articles:

• The Common Dog Health Problems
• Pet Insurance Reviews
• How to Assess Health by Looking at Your Dog’s Gums
• Are Vegetables for Dogs Healthy?
• The Keys to Having Healthy Dogs

Dogs are our best friend, indeed! We like to see them happy and try to provide the best of everything we can for our pets. They are food lovers and drools whenever they see us gorging on our food. We just can’t avoid their puppy eye look, and we tend to give them a morsel of what we eat. But this should be a strict no-no, as most of the human foods are not eligible for their consumption and milk tops the list. So if a dog drools for whipped cream, we need to know first if the whipped cream is bad for the dogs.

Most of the dogs are lactose intolerant. Hence they cannot digest milk or any other dairy product. Whipped cream is also a dairy product. So before we let our dogs lick a good amount of whipped cream, let’s see if it is fit for their tummy!

The answer to the question “Is whipped cream bad for dogs?” is “Yes.” Since whipped cream is a dairy product, so it is not advisable to feed it in large quantities. Whipped cream cannot be considered as a toxic product for the dogs, but because whipped cream contains a large quantity of sugar as well as fat, which are harmful not only for the canine’s teeth but also for their overall health. An occasional treat of whipped cream is acceptable and causes no harm. It should never be turned into a habit, though.

The renowned brand Starbucks came up with several delicious foods specially made for the pooches. Puppuccino is the whipped cream that has been introduced by Starbucks for our canine friends. The whipped cream, Puppuccino, has some consistency thickening agents, too, but is safe for the dogs. But again, an occasional serving is fine. It is not good for a dog to have it regularly. Whipped cream made at home without any added flavors is also a good alternative for a relishing lick!

Now the question might arise that how much of whipped cream a dog can eat daily. A tiny quantity of whipped cream will not cause any harm. But giving the dog in large amounts will not be a good option as the high quantity of sugar is always toxic for the dogs. If one is quite lucky to have a dog who is not lactose intolerant, then they can be given whipped cream or ice cream in limited quantity.

Giving saturated fat and sugar is not a healthy diet for the pooch. It is because of the high quantity of sugar as well as fat, and both are harmful to the dogs. The percentage of saturated fat in one hundred grams of whipped cream is seventy-five. The same amount of whipped cream also contains eight grams of sugar and twenty-five percent cholesterol. Consuming a huge quantity of fat and sugar will make a dog suffer from obesity and other cardiac diseases. Apart from this, a high level of sugar content will develop dental cavities and stomach upsets. It also increases the blood sugar level of dogs, and the dog can suffer from diabetes. So it is not at all a good idea to make whipped cream a part of the dog’s daily diet!

Overeating is not at all good for a dog. Overeating causes obesity and other health problems, like cardiac issues. Saturated fats and high sugar content in the dog’s food will make the dog diabetic and will also cause dental cavities. The worst health issue apart from these is that the dog will suffer from obesity that can be the major cause of all other health issues of the pooch. These health issues might be responsible for reducing the dog’s life span. There are various symptoms of overeating of whipped cream like vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, gas, cavities, and tooth decay.

Instead of whipped cream, there are plenty of other healthy snacks for our canine friends. Peanut butter is the healthiest alternative. Apples are rich in Vitamin C and are a healthy treat for the pup. Apart from these, carrots, blueberries, sweet potato, etc. are healthy treats for the dogs. There are various types of dog biscuits available in the market, which is quite healthy for the dogs. Being said so, we also need to remember that snacks are never to be given in large quantities and should never be a part of their main meal.

Choosing the right kind of food for the pooch is very important for those who have a canine member in their family. Selecting the right diet depends on the breed of dog. However, the nutritional facts are important while selecting dog food. The concept that meat is the only important addition to a dog’s meal is not quite true. Dogs also need minerals and fibers. They should be given an adequate quantity of rice or oats and also vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, potatoes and fruits like apples, blueberries, etc. Though these provide the required quantity of minerals and fibers to the dog, however, the quantity should be limited.

Fruits and certain vegetables should be given as treats and not in large quantities. Bananas also make a delicious and healthy treat for the pooches. Apart from meat, eggs are also healthy for dogs. At times the vegetables and fruits are given inadequate but limited quantities to the dogs who suffer from obesity. These are of low calories and keep the dog feel full for quite a long time. One should keep in mind that some of the vegetables, like potatoes, should not be given raw to the dogs. It might make the dog ill.

There are lots of options for choosing the right dog diet and as mentioned earlier that meat is not the only meal for a dog; however, it is one of the main and richest sources of protein. So a dog’s diet should consist of 25-30 percent meat, which is a mandate. Last but not least, one should not forget to add enough water in the dog’s diet from the day the canine member steps into your family!

One tends to spend quite a bit of time with their pets. As time passes, you start understanding every gesture of your pet. Dogs are among the most common pets that people keep owing to their affectionate nature and easy training. A lot can be gauged about the personality of a dog by its various gestures, and this is something that only a dog owner would be able to understand. An owner would be able to fathom why a dog is whining or wagging its tail as they know their pet inside out.

Among the various gestures that reveal the type of personality your dog has, one is the sleeping position that it adapts. Indoor and outdoor pups tend to have quite different sleeping positions, and every dog tends to have a different resting position. Thus, by observing the sleeping position that your dog adapts, there is quite a bit that you can know about it. We are going to go through some of the common positions that dogs tend to rest in and the meaning that they hold.

Various Sleeping Positions

Let us now proceed with the various sleeping positions of a dog and what they mean.

Crazy Legs

This is one of the most adorable and bizarre sleeping positions of dogs, which will leave you perplexed at times. One is often forced to wonder whether the dog is indeed comfortable in the position that it is resting in. In this position, the dog can be seen lying on its back with its legs stretched at certain angles.

This sleeping position is an indication that your dog is comfortable and confident with its surrounding. The exposed belly tells you that it is vulnerable and submissive. The legs stretched at angles are a sign that your dog has given you its complete trust and views your home as its. Dogs who adapt this sleeping position are found to be quite independent and have a laidback nature.

The Fuzzy Bagel

This is another interesting sleeping position that you might get to see with your dog. In this sleeping position, the dog tends to tuck its paws beneath it and curl up in such a way that its head rests on its tail. This sleeping position is done when your dog wants to make an effort to conserve body heat and provide protection to the vital body parts.

This sleeping position might be an indication that your dog has some sort of apprehension about any situation around it or the surrounding in general. However, there is no reason for you to worry if your dogs have a naturally sweet disposition. This is because such dogs tend to prefer to sleep in a curled up position.

Superpup

This is another bizarre sleeping position that would leave you bewildered and would not fail to bring a smile on your face. In this position, the dog can be seen sleeping on its stomach with its limbs extended outward. The first image that comes to mind when you see a dog resting in such a position is of Superman.

This position is not without meaning. It is easy for the dog to jump up on its feet from this position. Hence, this position is seen when dogs are taking a nap. You would not see a dog sleeping in this position at night. This sleeping position should tell you that your dog is ready to play and would not disappoint you if you want to have a bit of fun.

Side Sleeping

This is among the most common sleeping positions that are adapted by dogs. This position is viewed to be a calm and resting one. When a dog sleeps on its side, it should tell you that there are no worries on its mind. It is comfortable in the surrounding that it resides in and nothing bothers it. It is seen that dogs that are affectionate and enjoy a strong bond with their owners are the ones that adopt a side sleeping position.

Tummy Time

This is the position where the dog sleeps on its stomach. In this position, the muscles of the dog are tense and contracted that prevents it from falling into a deep sleep. Thus, this is the sleeping position adopted when dogs are under some sort of stress or have a reason to be uncomfortable.

Sometimes, dogs get into this position when they have ample energy and do not feel like sleeping. It would rather get up and play. It is seen that tummy sleepers are usually timid in the presence of people they do not know. They are also not very comfortable in unfamiliar situations and react in a negative manner. However, in contrast to this, they are found to be gentle and energetic around the people they know.

Passed Out

When you see your dog sleeping in this position, the first thing that would cross your mind is whether it is sleeping or it has fainted. You might feel the urge to check up on it. Commonly, indoor dogs adopt this sleeping position. In this position, they lie on their backs in order to cool down as quickly as possible.

This sleeping position might be an indication that your dog is now drained after being energetic throughout the day and just wants to rest. The dogs who adopt this sleeping position tend to be rather confident. They do not take long to adapt to different types of surroundings and people.

Sleeping on Back

Sometimes, you would get to see dogs sleeping on their backs where their paws are in such a position that they protect their chest. This should tell you that the dog does not want to be bothered at the moment. You might want to think twice before attempting to wake up a dog sleeping in this position.

The Light Doze

Dogs tend to doze off during the day when they are bored. In this position, they are found to be resting against something. You might think that they are sleeping, but it is their ears that you should take a closer look at. You will find that their ears are on alert. The moment you move or they hear something, they would not take a minute to wake up.

Back to Back

If you have more than one dog, you might catch them sleeping in the back to back position. This position can also be adopted by your dog with other pets. This is an indication that the pets are forming a bond. This is basically a way to show affection and reveal how much love they have for their family.

Circling and Digging

It is quite common for dogs to circle in their sleeping area and do a little digging before they doze off to sleep. This stems from the ancestors of dogs who use to trample down the grass in order to acquire optimal comfort. They might dig if they want to keep themselves warm. It is normal for dogs to circle for a few times before lying down. However, if your dog circles excessively, you might want to consult a vet since this might be a sign of some condition.

A Dog’s Sleeping Position Changes Depending on Its Mood

At the end of the day, the sleeping position of your dog might vary depending on its mood and level of comfort. At times, you might see your dog flying away like Superman in its sleep, while at other times, it would lie flat as if it is passed out. Sometimes, its sleeping position would let you know that something is amiss, while at other times, it would reveal that it is provided with optimal comfort and there are no worries on its mind. It would also enable you to fathom when your dog feels like playing and when it would like to be left alone.

Thus, it is apparent that a lot can be gauged from the sleeping position of the dog. You can acquire a better understanding of its behavior and personality and as a result, you can ensure that you are able to form a better bond with your dog.

All of us wish to make sure that all the measures are taken that would provide the dog with optimal comfort. Once we do everything in our capability, it would be nice to get some sign that the dog is indeed comfortable. This is something that you can now gauge by observing the sleeping position of the dog. Therefore, the next time your dog snoozes off, take a closer look at the position that it rests in. This would tell you what kind of behavior you can expect from it. It would be quite revealing and fun to make this observation and it would make your relationship with your dog stronger.

Going for a walk with your adorable pet may be your favorite task of the day, but your enjoyable outing can turn into a troublesome one if your dog is aggressive toward other dogs and people. Dog aggression is a serious issue for dog owners. Aggression is a behavioral problem in dogs and is very common because not all the dogs like other dogs, people, and other living beings. Moreover, behavior such as biting, snapping, or growling could be very troublesome. A dog exhibits aggressive behavior mostly because of fear, frustration, territoriality, and other reasons. While we cannot cure aggression in one day, we have this detailed post for you to understand this behavior and take steps to stop it.

What is aggression?

Aggression refers to different types of behavior, and there are many reasons that can cause it. Naturally, all animals tend to become aggressive as they defend their offspring, protect themselves, or guard their territories. The following are some of the signs that come under the category of aggressive behavior:

• Snarling (growling and showing teeth)
• Becoming very rigid and still
• A threatening guttural bark
• Biting
• Lip lifting
• Snapping
• Lunging forward
• Mouthing
• Growling
• Muzzle punch

Some dogs exhibit only one or several behavior together. Most of the times, dog owners ignore the signs of aggression until their dogs bite someone. However, dogs do not bite that quickly, and mostly they give a warning before doing so.

Types of aggressive behavior in dogs

Territorial aggression:

Dogs are wild animals, and their ancestors belonged to regional areas which they defended from invaders and intruders. Wolves are extremely territorial, and they attack intruders and other wolves that do not belong to their territory. As the dogs belong to ancestral wolves, they also tend to show the same behavior. However, some dogs are appreciated and valued for this territorial behavior and are kept as watchdogs at home.

Protective aggression:

Dogs may exhibit protective aggression when they feel that they or their loved ones might be in danger. A dog which was not aggressive in the past may start showing such behavior when it gives birth to puppies. A dog may also show aggressive behavior when it sees a new child in the family and feels threatened. Male and female dogs both are prone to protective aggression as they tend to protect themselves and their loved ones from any harm and danger.

Fear aggression:

This is another common type of aggression and many dogs suffer from it. If a dog is scared of something, it tries to escape or run away from there. However, if it cannot run away, then the first thing that comes to its mind is to fight. This may be the case with a dog that is tied to something and is not able to run away. A fearful dog is most likely to bite because it is scared to the extent that it wants to fight back. A fearful dog tries to fight by barking and growling and if the other dog or person leaves, it tries to attack from behind and nip. This is the reason why it is recommended not to turn your back on a fearful dog.

Social aggression:

A dog who perceives itself as a powerful dog tries to dominate the other dogs. This is the reason a dog acts normally toward its owner but tends to show aggression toward the children of the house. Dogs also perceive themselves according to status; and if a dog thinks it belongs to high status, it tries to dominate and act aggressively toward other dogs and people. Some examples of social aggression include taking food away, disturbing other dogs, taking a chewed bone or other objects away etc.

Causes of aggression in dogs

There could be many causes of aggression in dogs, and one of the reasons is the experience. A dog may be aggressive because it may have a horrible encounter with another dog or it may not have socialized with other dogs when it was young. The owner’s behavior may also influence the behavior of a dog.

For example, if you have two dogs at your house, and if you favor the smaller or weaker and punish the other one, it will show more aggressive behavior in the other dog. When tension among multiple dogs at home increases, you should look for the possible causes and factors that are causing them to do so. For many aggressive dogs, it is the lack of training and exercises that causes the aggression. There are many dog exercises that help with maintaining a healthy and active state of mind in a dog, and lack of these exercises can cause behavioral issues.

Breed & aggression

Many people blame the breed for a dog’s aggressive behavior, but in fact, any breed could be aggressive, and this behavior is not breed-specific. The difference between large breed of dogs and small breed is that the large breed of dogs can cause more damage as compared to the small ones. Large breed of dogs, for example, pit bull or mastiff, are very powerful and if they are not controlled or trained to suppress aggressive behavior, they can cause significant injury to other dogs and people. It is easier to train and control a small breed of dog as compared to handling an aggressive large breed of dog. Thus, you need to train the dog, establish rules, define limitations, and make boundaries. If you want a powerful and large breed of dog as a pet, you must take the responsibility of training and calming it.

Things you can do to stop dog aggression

Now that you have identified the causes and types of aggression in your dog, you can take effective steps to eradicate it. Dogs are mostly deprived of other friendly and good-natured dogs, and thus there is a lack of adequate socialization in them. As a result, most of the dogs grow up with lesser socializing skills and develop aggressive behavior. Handling an aggressive dog is a long-term process, and there are many things which you can do to suppress the response. Consider the following useful tips:

Be patient & consistent

The first thing to do is to be patient and confident. Punishing your dog for its aggressive behavior is not the solution, and you need to control yourself to stop it. If you respond to the barking and growling of your dog by yelling or hitting, it will get more aggressive. To defend itself, it may try to bite you and bark even more. Punishment may also lead to serious behavioral issues such as biting without giving a warning. For example, if your dog is growling and barking at children, it is giving a sign that it is not happy with the children around it. If you yell or punish it for this behavior, it may bite the children and cause injuries to them. To understand and stop your dog’s aggressive behavior, you must be consistent and cool-minded. You cannot cure aggressive behavior overnight, and for that, you will have to be positive.

Protect your dog:

If you feel that your dog is aggressive toward other dogs and people, try to protect it instead of punishing. For example, if you go for a walk with your dog and it starts growling at another dog, calm it down and move on. If your dog is fearful of the people around, do not stop and talk to them; instead ignore or just say a quick hello and then move on. This does not mean that you will have to stay like this forever, but things should be handled this way at first if you want better results. If your dog seems calm when it sees other people, let it meet them but also inform the people that your dog is aggressive to strangers. Tell your family members to get back if the dog jumps at them, do not make quick movements, and do not pet the dog from above.

Be aware of the stress triggers:

If your dog is fearful of other dogs, make sure that it stays away from them. Some large breeds of dogs have a natural look that makes them appear powerful and dominant, and this look can make other dogs fearful. If your dog sees such a dog, it will try to protect itself by being aggressive. This way conflicts can arise, and both the dogs can end up barking and fighting with each other. If dogs are fearful of strangers, be careful that no strangers enter your house and even if they do, you should inform about your dog’s aggressive behavior. If you have identified the aggressive triggers, it will be easier for you to stop your dog from being fearful and aggressive.

Train the dog:

The good news is that there are many effective training ways that can calm and resocialize your aggressive dog. The training remedies help your dog vent its aggressiveness and overcome the behavioral issues. Different trainers have different techniques of training, and mostly ‘growl classes’ are conducted to teach the dogs discipline and calmness. These classes make the dog respond to other dogs positively, and they are rewarded for their good behavior too. Operant conditioning is a technique which is used to teach a dog positive actions and good manners. The dogs are taught that their good behavior and a positive attitude can bring praises, treats, and other types of rewards to them.

Counter-conditioning:

Counter-conditioning means teaching your dog to behave normally even if things are new to it. In short, it is a technique to teach an animal to associate with something or someone. This method should be practiced in a slow manner by taking small steps. First, identify the causes of aggressive behavior in your dog and then arrange a situation to handle it positively. For example, if your dog is afraid of children, you can ask the children of the house to give food and other things to the dog which it loves.

Desensitization of the dog:

Desensitization is carried out in a peaceful and closed environment, and usually, a frail form of the problem is chosen as the stimulus. For example, if your dog is afraid of other dogs, you can use distance as a method to weaken the aggressive behavior. For this purpose, it is necessary that the other dog is friendly and calm in nature. When an aggressive dog is introduced to a friendly and calm dog, the former one tends to acquire its characteristics. Let your aggressive dog sit and watch the calm and friendly dogs, and observe their behavior. If your dog shows signs of aggression such as growling or showing teeth, involve it in some other activities to distract its mind. For a successful desensitization process, always take the teaching process slowly and never increase the problem stimulus right away.

Talk to the vet or a professional:

If you still feel that your dog is not calming down at all, you must contact a local vet or a professional to deal with your dog. There may be some underlying medical conditions or diseases that cause aggressive behavior too. Talk to a vet and let them examine whether your dog is suffering from a medical condition that needs treatment. If there is no disease or medical condition and still your dog is aggressive, it is time that you need the help of a professional dog trainer. Aggression is a serious problem, and it should be treated immediately, otherwise your dog may harm itself or other living beings in its surroundings. A professional dog trainer or behaviorist has deep knowledge and understanding of different dogs’ behavioral issues and can deal with it wisely. If your dog is not calming down and is aggressive in spite of trying everything, you should not attempt to solve the issue on your own, and consult a professional instead.

Owning a puppy can be an extremely rewarding experience. Joyful, enthusiastic, energetic and unconditionally loving, a puppy offers great company for everyone. Exceptionally cute and adorable, it is often a challenge not to turn down a puppy during a trip to the local pet store.

However, it’s not all fun and games. After all, puppies are known to be boisterous and energetic and since they are living beings, you are going to have to take great care of it if you get one.

This is no cause for alarm. There are certain challenges that you are going to face, which are listed below. If you educate yourself on what is going to happen when you get a puppy and what you are going to have to deal with, you will be able to face these challenges quite easily and allow yourself to enjoy having your puppy around as much as possible. Here are a few of the major issues you are going to face while raising a puppy.

The Challenges You Will Face

1. Training

When it comes to owning a puppy, one of the most significant aspects of the process of raising it is to train it. Not only is this fun and allows you to interact with your pet in a number of different ways, you are also going to get the chance to teach it to follow orders and establish yourself as the alpha. It is going to be quite difficult in the beginning because your puppy is simply not going to understand, but at the same time, if you start early enough, there is no reason why it won’t work.

2. Exercise

Puppies are often predisposed to weight gain, and this can be absolutely disastrous for their health. The problem is that even the most energetic puppies are going to be difficult when it comes to exercise. You need to get your dog into the habit of walking every single day. This is going to take a lot of time, but when you get a puppy, you need to be very particular about the sort of life you give to this animal as it will affect its health forever. Giving your puppy exercise will require you to sacrifice other things you might want to do, so you have to be prepared for that.

3. Diet

Finding the right kind of diet for your pup is the sort of thing that is going to take quite a bit of time and patience. You just need to keep in mind that for the first six months, you are not going to be able to give your pup the best diet possible. This is just the way things are; finding the right food to feed your pet is a very difficult task. You are going to have to mix things up and try to figure out which food items are the healthiest for your dog. Try consulting a vet whenever possible.

-> Choosing The Right Dog Diet

4. Socialization

Your pup is going to have a tough time socializing at first. Antisocial dogs are quite common, especially if you got your pup as soon as it was born and did not allow it to interact with other dogs that it had been born with. If you want to make your dog socialize, an important thing to realize is that you need to take it slow. Forcing your dog to be social can give it a great deal of anxiety which would make you out to be the bad guy, and you don’t want to alienate your puppy by making it do something it doesn’t want to do.

5. Healthcare

This is one of the biggest expenses that you are going to have to deal with when you have your pup. If you want to ensure that your pup is as healthy as possible, you are going to have to take it to the vet. Dogs generally don’t like going to the vet, so taking it in order to make sure it gets vaccinated and its health is perfect is going to be a real hassle, but it is absolutely necessary for the long run.

-> How to Tell If Your Dog Is Sick

6. Housebreaking

You don’t want your puppy pooping all over your house as this is going to end up causing a great deal of trouble. You would have to start house training your dog pretty quickly if you want it to learn where it has to poop and pee. This is going to be very challenging indeed because your puppy would not be able to follow this training simply because it would not know how to control its natural processes. You will have to be patient with your pup and allow it to learn slowly but surely, thereby allowing you to become the right kind of parent to your pet.

7. Teething

The process of teething is one that your pup is going to have a lot of problems with. This is because teething is the sort of thing that would cause your pup some annoying pain, and you are going to have to put a lot of effort into easing its discomfort. You should give your dog something to chew on. Also, bear in mind that diarrhea and the like are pretty common during this stage of your pup’s life, so be patient with it.

8. Separation Anxiety

If you work, you are going to have to deal with your dog suffering from separation anxiety and whining every time you have to leave home. However, when it comes to separation anxiety, there really is nothing you can do. You are just going to have to be strong and go out or else your pup is never going to take you seriously. You need to go to work after all as it is a part of your life. Eventually, your pup will get used to the idea that you need to leave for a few hours every day and stop freaking out too much. However, your pup will still get all excited when you return and there’s no changing that.

9. Getting Everyone Involved

If you want to ensure that your puppy gets the best training possible, it is very important that you involve your whole family. Tell them what you have planned for your pup’s development, and let them know what they can and can’t do. If there are certain things that your dog is not allowed to eat, make sure everyone knows or else your pup would end up going to someone else because it would know it’d get what it wants. Remember, keeping your dog disciplined is a team effort, so you can’t do it without the help of everyone in your home.

10. Patience and Staying Firm

One of the most difficult things to do as a pet owner is staying firm with your dog. This is because you are generally going to be extremely loving to your pet, and you might just feel like letting things slide when it does something wrong. This is the absolute worst thing you can do because you are going to end up with a misbehaving dog that has no sense of what it can and can’t do. Be patient but firm. Make sure you lay down the law whenever your dog does something it’s not supposed to.

Puppy Tips

Allow Your Puppy to Sleep with You Initially

A lot of people tend to think that puppies are supposed to sleep on their own. This is actually not true at all. The truth of the matter is that you are going to have to let your puppy sleep with you in the initial days. This would help it get used to the idea of living with you and would establish you as a parental figure. Wean your pup off the habit of sleeping with you slowly; there is no reason why you won’t be able to teach it how to sleep on its own later on.

-> Signs That Show Your Dog Might Be Feeling Cold

Baby Proof Your House

Puppies are a lot like babies, so if you keep your pup indoors, you are going to have to baby proof your home and ensure that it does not go somewhere it can get injured or cause any mischief. Puppies can cause a lot of destruction if they are left unchecked, so it is very important for you to give your pup the sort of protection it needs in order to prevent it from causing havoc and breaking things in your home. You will also have to ensure that your pup understands what the walls and boundaries mean.

Give Your Puppy Its Own Room or Space

If you want your puppy to realize where it can and can’t go, giving it its own room is a great way to make that happen. By giving your puppy a room, you are going to give it a space where it can do whatever it wants. Put a little bed there as well as some toys that your puppy can play with. This would help you get your puppy comfortable in your home and teach it that there are certain places where it can relax and have a great time with you.

Be Careful What You Encourage

There are certain things like jumping on you that you might love your puppy to do because it would make you feel loved, but keep in mind that you are going to end up with a poorly behaved dog if you let behavior like this slide. No matter how cute your puppy is, certain behavior is simply wrong and should not be encouraged in any way. If you give your puppy the sort of training that would allow it to learn what it can’t do early on, you will have a much better behaved dog in the long run as your friend and companion.

Use Carrots While Teething

If you want to ease your puppy’s discomfort while it is teething, baby carrots are a great option to help make this as easy as possible. These carrots allow your puppy to chew on them and get rid of the pain it is feeling. You can also soak some cotton clothes in water and give them to your pup, as they would help ease your pup’s discomfort without giving it extra food that might end up making it gain weight. These techniques are great to prevent your dog from whining and feeling pain while its teeth are coming out.

Opt for Rewards Rather Than Punishment

If you want to train your dog properly, one thing that you are going to have to do is reward it for good behavior rather than punish it for bad behavior. While bad behavior should certainly be dealt with, you shouldn’t wait for it to happen. Instead, start teaching your dog early on what it is going to need to do in order to be a good boy or girl. This is going to help you avoid doing things like scolding your dog, which is obviously what no pet owner would want to do.

Conclusion

Now that you have educated yourself on the sort of challenges you are going to face as the owner of a puppy, you will end up getting a lot better at keeping your puppy safe and sound and training it to be as confident and well behaved as possible. With the tips mentioned above, you will be armed with all of the tools necessary to tackle this rather difficult task head on.

One final tip that you should consider is that adopting is always better than buying. Everyone wants a purebred dog, but the ones that are in homes are just as lovely as any dog you would buy. After all, you are getting yourself a friend and a companion, so buying one is just not morally right. Adopting can help make the world a much better place!

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