Socializing a New Puppy: Your Guide to a Well-Adjusted Dog
Why Puppy Socialization Matters The arrival of a new puppy is one of the most exciting and joyful events that a pet owner can experience. Whether it is the initial boisterous yell or the cute little paws that are going to play on your floors, it is all precious. However, in all the commotion, one crucial task that preconditions a long, happy, and well-behaved life for a dog is to socialize your puppy. Socialization does not only entail learning to play fetch or sit on command with your puppy. It is about getting them used to being confident, flexible, and at home in various environments, with people, and with other animals. When puppies are socialized at a young age, they are less likely to develop behavioral problems such as excessive fear, diva behavior, or anxiety. They also train better, feel more secure in social places, and are generally better company. This guide will cover all the information you need to know about socializing a new puppy, including when to do it, practical methods to use, common mistakes to avoid, and valuable products offered at PupzCorner that will make the process more comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your new puppy. For more information, please contact us. Source: yandex.com Understanding Puppy Socialization Tips The process of exposing your puppy to a variety of experiences, people, pets, environments, and everyday sounds in a positive and controlled manner is known as socialization. The crucial period of socialization is between the ages of 3 and 14 weeks. This is the period when puppies are particularly open to new things. Pro Tip: Never socialize without offering positive reinforcement, treats, praise, and affection to form strong, positive associations. The puppy training treats from PupzCorner are the best bet in this endeavor, and every encounter is enjoyable and fruitful. The Age of Starting the Socialization of Your Puppy Timing plays a crucial role in socialisation. It is an exercise that can begin at the moment of a puppy’s arrival at the house, which is typically about 8 weeks old, though some factors do matter: Also, ensure that your puppy has been vaccinated against the most important health issues, as health is always a priority. Add one new experience at a time, either a new toy, a member of the family, or a short walk outside. Brief, pleasant sessions are better than prolonged and upsetting sessions. Young pupils should be socialized effectively, and this paper provides five tips on how to do just that. 5 Effective Ways to Socialize Your Puppy: A Socialization Checklist Use these five proven methods and a socialization checklist to help your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted dog. 1. Introducing the puppy to people The puppies are to be shown to children, adults, and people wearing hats, sunglasses, or crazy clothes. Let your puppy go up to people when they are ready. Reward a kind and gentle demeanor with words of praise or comfort. Limit the time spent interacting at the beginning and extend it as time goes on. Pro Tip: Reinforce the positive behavior every time you meet a new person with PupzCorner puppy training treats. Puppies experience a key “social imprinting window” between 3–14 weeks old, during this time, every new person they meet helps shape their confidence for life! 2. Expose Your Puppy to Different Environments Take your puppy out to parks, streets, pet-friendly stores, and various areas at home. Benefits: Train your puppy to be comfortable with a lot of noise, such as traffic or the sound of vacuum cleaners. Develops confidence on various surfaces, including grass, concrete, and tile. Becomes less frightened by strange or startling circumstances. Product Suggestion: You can take your puppy safely into the busy streets or crowded places with the help of the PupzCorner-provided leash set for dogs, where you can keep your puppy safe and contained. 3. Arrange Playdates with Other Dogs Controlled playdates help your puppy understand boundaries, play etiquette, and social cues. Ensure all dogs are vaccinated and healthy. Start with one-on-one introductions before group play. Supervise all interactions closely to prevent fights or stress. Product Suggestion: Puppy spike balls are perfect for controlled indoor play sessions, giving your puppy a safe space to explore while interacting with other dogs. Source: yandex.com 4. Introduce Household Noises Gradually Everyday noises can be intimidating for young puppies. By desensitizing your puppy to household sounds, you reduce the risk of noise-related anxiety later in life. Common noises to introduce: Vacuum cleaners Washing machines Doorbells Kitchen appliances Method: Start with the noise at a low volume. Pair the experience with treats or toys to create a positive association. Gradually increase the intensity as your puppy becomes comfortable. Pro Tip: Interactive toys or chew toys from PupzCorner can help distract your puppy while they adjust to new sounds. 5. Practice Gentle Handling and Grooming Start touching your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth from an early age to help them get used to it. Handle paws, ears, and mouth daily for a few minutes. Use treats and praise to reward calm behavior. Product Suggestion: A PupzCorner puppy grooming kit makes grooming a positive and stress-free experience, helping your puppy associate handling with fun and comfort. If you are interested in learning more about How to Get your dog trained, you can check our blog. Helpful Puppy Training Products for How to Socialize a Puppy Here are some must-have puppy training products available at PupzCorner that every new puppy owner should consider. 1. Puppy Training Treats Favors form the basis of positive reinforcement training. They encourage your puppy to behave well in new situations and interactions. 2. Puppy Playpens Controlled exploration depends upon the safety of the environment. Playpens will enable your puppy to explore new surroundings and be safe at the same time. 3. Puppy Harnesses and Leashes To safely socialize in the outdoors, a harness is required to be correctly fitted. Harnesses do not put strain on the
Best Gates For Dogs 2022 Indoor , Expandable
There are a million reasons why you may need a Best Gates For Dogs. Are you trying to keep your new naughty pup from getting into trouble? Or are you trying to block off access to a room that your boisterous husky has gone berserk on? Do you have a senior or injured dog that could easily get hurt from tumbling down the stairs and injuring itself further? Your reason could be just as simple as mopping the floor and trying to prevent curious little paws from ruining your efforts. Whatever your reasons, you need the Best Gates For Dogs to block certain areas you don’t want your pup in. Not all pet gates are created equal; some are better than others. We have gone through a list of the best pet gates and have settled on these eight products as our top picks. Whether you’re looking for a baby gate for stairs, wide openings, doors, or playpens, this product review should help you. 8 Best Baby Gates For Dogs Cumbor Baby Gates For Dogs – Indoor Richell Wood Baby Gates for Dogs – Wide Dog Gates Carlson Extra Tall Baby Dog Gate – Dog Gates For large PETMAKER – Dog Gate for Doorways – Expandable Panel Freestanding Wooden Pet Gate – Pressure Mounted Easy Walk Thru Dog Gate for Stairs – Walk Through Dog Gate Carlson Product Dog Gate – Tension Gate For Dogs Mypets North States Pet Gate – Best For Wide Openings Best Gates for Dogs: Buying Guide Having a dog in the house brings an unexplainable joy that only pet owners can relate to. We simply adore and dote fiercely on them. But sometimes, they can be underfoot and try out patience from time to time. And in those moments, you want to keep them away safely so you can go about your activities without disturbance. Whether you have a cat that has just had her litter, or you are entertaining visitors, and you want to keep your curious and naughty dog out of the way, you need the best dog gate to achieve this feat, especially if your dog is a seasoned escape artist. You need detailed information on how to go about choosing the best one. This buying guide will provide all the necessary information you need to make an informed buying decision. Enjoy! What are the types of baby gates for dogs? Freestanding These gates are designed to stand independently without any attachment or mountings to walls or floors. They are usually built with extra support to be sturdy and freestanding. These pet gates are popular among pet owners because they will not cause damage to walls or skid marks on floors. I’ll advise that you choose a freestanding dog gate if you have calm or small dogs; bigger and more active dogs will have no trouble toppling it over. Adjustable-tension Adjustable tension gates are designed to apply pressure to the wall to tighten and stabilize the gate. They are not attached to the wall directly and will not damage your walls. Tension dog gates are a little more complicated to install than regular gates. If the tension is not done in the correct order, the gate will not stay upright and strong. If you are a first-time pet owner, this dog gate may be tricky to set up. Hinges These types of dog gates are designed with several panels hinged together. They are usually freestanding, and the hinges make these pet gates easily fold into different configurations. You can even turn them into playpens that keep your canine contained outdoors or in open spaces. Hinged dog gates are also a great option for pet owners who spend a lot of time outdoors or travelling; they fold nicely for easy storage. Walkthrough These dog gates are adjustable tension gates, but they have a small swinging door. Some swinging doors are designed to be small for pets alone, and others may be large enough for you to walk through comfortably. Walkthrough gates are perfect for parents who own escape artists as pets. If you have a large, boisterous dog(s) and want to keep them from accessing certain areas, walkthrough gates may be the best option for you. How do I choose the best pet gates for my dogs? Usage When choosing the best dog gate for your beloved canine, you first want to consider where you’d be placing it and how frequently you’ll need to pass the gated area yourself. Do you want to be stepping over it? Or you’d prefer one with a walkthrough gate? The type and style of pet gate you buy depends on its placement and frequency of use. For instance, the pet gate you use for stairs will differ from the one used for wider openings. Consider these factors carefully before choosing the best one for you and your pup. Material How long your pet gate lasts depends on the quality of the material used in making it. Some popular materials used in making baby gates for dogs are wood, plastic, metal or a combination of mesh and other materials. Your dog’s personality should influence your choice of material. For instance, a wooden or plastic pet gate may not be the best choice if your dog is a vigorous chewer. And if you have a large dog who loves to jump over or escape confinement, you need a sturdy metal or wooden pet gate. Size The size of a dog gate should be one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best baby gates for your dog. So how tall should a dog gate be? The answer to this question depends on the size of your doorway, the gap you need to block, your dog’s size, and its jumping ability. To get an idea of the ideal pet gate for you, measure the size of the area you want to block. The general rule of thumb for choosing dog gates is that the height could
Finding the Best Dog Foods on Amazon
There are many great dog foods out there in the marketplace. After asking with animal doctor and pet dietician, we’ve selected the best food sources in various classifications and price ranges, including dry, canned, new, and senior dog food. Provided you understand what you are looking for, making the ideal decision is not difficult. We’ve judged and selected each selection as directed by a sizable list of expert standards, including healthy sufficiency, caloric content, and ingredients. Our specialists have not suggested any clear-cut brand or item for equity. We also relied on the Association of American Feed Control Authorities (AAFCO) standards and the Worldwide Nourishment Rules of the World Little Creature Veterinary Affiliation (WSAVA). All food sources in this guide meet AAFCO guidelines, meaning they have the perfect quantity of fat, protein, and fiber for a miserable life stage (development or maintenance). Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food – 31.1 lb. Bag Purina ONE chicken and rice dog food is easily digestible with a microbiome balance and a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, including prebiotic fiber for dogs With real chicken as the first ingredient, the high quality dog food chicken and rice recipe supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart, and has high-quality carbohydrate sources for energy This high protein dry dog food for skin and coat care contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, plus four antioxidant sources for a healthy immune system. Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Dry Dog Food For Small Dogs, Wholesome and Natural Kibble, Small Breed Recipe – 4.0 lb. Bag Merrick Healthy Grains Premium Dry Dog Food, Small Breed Recipe, offers a wholesome and natural kibble packed with added vitamins and minerals, specially formulated for small adult dogs. Featuring real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this high-quality dry dog food includes a holistic blend of ancient grains like oats to promote healthy digestion in small and toy breeds. The premium kibble is designed with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health, while omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids nourish skin and coat. Perfectly sized for little mouths, the smaller kibble bites deliver a delicious chicken and rice flavor your dog will love. Free from potatoes, peas, lentils, and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, this nutritious formula is proudly crafted in USA facilities by Merrick, a trusted brand founded in Hereford, Texas. Wellness Mutton Burger Stew with Rice and Earth Tone Apples (12.5 oz jars, 12 pack) This food contains 41% protein, 26% fat, and 1% fiber. At the top of the ingredient list are mutton broth, mutton liver, and endless meat liver as protein sources. Carbohydrates include earth-colored rice, apples, carrots, and spinach. A 12.5-ounce can contain 359 kcal or about 29 calories per ounce. Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Adult Dog Food, Wholesome And Natural Kibble With Real Chicken And Sweet Potato – 22.0 lb. Bag Merrick Premium Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe, provides wholesome, natural nutrition with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for adult dogs. Featuring real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this high-protein kibble is crafted with real food ingredients to support balanced health. The holistic formula consists of 57% protein and healthy fats to maintain lean muscle mass and energy, while 43% comes from produce, fiber, and essential nutrients—with a remarkable 81% of protein sourced from animal ingredients. Packed with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat, plus glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, this grain-free recipe offers complete nourishment. Free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, Merrick’s premium dog food delivers both great taste and optimal nutrition for your canine companion.
Erik Vincellette’s Hellfire Pit
Five great products on Amazon that your dog will love!
Choosing what treats or toys are the best for your dog has become difficult in today’s world. It isn’t easy to decide what is best for your dog’s health with many options. Luckily, Amazon now features some of the most interactive and healthy options for your furry friends. With easy delivery, color, flavor, and size options, the following great dog products will be a treat for both you and your dog! Greenies Original Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats Greenies Original Teenie Natural Dental Dog Treats are an absolute delight! These treats will satisfy your dog’s cravings and the required daily intake of essential nutrients. These Dog Chew Treats also benefit from cleaning your dog’s gum line by fighting away the plaque. It owes all this to its unique texture that ensures your dog’s dental hygiene and helps avoid tartar and dog breath! The Greenies treats for Dogs have a big stamp of approval from veterinarians, and it is recommended for at-home oral care advocated by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Made in Kansas City, MO, USA, these treats have the best ingredients, all the required daily dosage of vitamins and minerals, and are delicious to boot! Chuck it! Ultra Dog Toy Ball No matter what anyone says, a ball is a dog’s favorite toy and Chuckit! Ultra Dog Toy ball is one of a kind. It is a squeaky ball toy that makes playtime fun with sounds and bounces. With this ball toy, you can also play fetch near the water due to its lightweight and buoyant design. Its durable design seems too good to be true for the price point, but it delivers. It is perfect for aggressive chewers, and it has a textured surface and a thick rubber core. It also cares for your dog’s mouth, and despite its durability, the design is also soft for your pup’s delicate mouth. Chuckit! Dog Toy Ball is made for the perfect bonding time with your dog. The company also creates various dog toys like frisbees, ball launchers, and light-up interactive toys. The colors available in this product and model are made to enrich the human-dog bond through bright colors that help keep your dog’s attention on the task. Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle The Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle is an intelligent and interactive puppy puzzle toy by Nina Ottosson. This a starting level toy that helps prepare your puppy for the following levels of the interactive puzzle designs by the same brand. It is made for dogs of all breeds and sizes to help engage their minds in intellectual activity. This dog puzzle contains nine compartments covered by nine removable dog bone pieces. The goal is to hide your dog’s favorite treats in the compartments and elevate the bone for an easier grab or leave them flush with the board for increased difficulty. Watch as your dog learns to nudge and paw away the bones to reveal the reward. It is a reward-oriented game that also gives your dog the required fun time. It reduces and redirects destructive behavior and elevates mental wellbeing. Your pet’s health is the brand’s foremost concern, and it is BPA, PVC, and PHTHALATE free. It is made from materials you can trust and is easily cleaned with soap and water. Pedigree DENTASTIX Treats Pedigree DENTASTIX treats come in various sizes and quantities, depending on your dog’s needs. It is a triple-action treat product that works to clean your dog’s breath, clean the teeth, and fight plaque and tartar buildup. The Pedigree DENTASTIX comes in a unique X-shape design perfect for large breeds specifically. Large adult dogs can enjoy this treat interactively. Your dog can enjoy this treat daily, and it will help your dog get the most out of the product. Comes in a wide range of tasty flavors, but the beef flavor is always the bestseller! SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy Last on the list is my favorite dog product which has claimed to have helped over 1,000,000 dogs since 1997. SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy is pet anxiety and comfort aid toy. There are many of the same kind on the market but the snuggle puppy aims to be different from all the knockoffs. It will help your puppy get more sleep, can also be used in crate and kennel training. This reduces barking, and whining and helps YOU to get better sleep at night as well. It is an easy-to-use model, with the feature of a ‘real feel’ heartbeat. Can be used with AAA batteries and comes included with a heat pack. All materials used in the Snuggle Puppy are certified safe and are easy to clean. It is a product by a small business brand and tries to ensure the best quality and unapparelled customer service. All materials used in the Snuggle Puppy are certified safe and are easy to clean. It is a product by a small business brand and tries to ensure the best quality and unapparelled customer service.
Amazing Dog Products On Amazon
Choosing the right food or nutritional product for your dog is a very interesting task. It takes a considerable amount of time, knowledge, and research skill to find suitable food for your pet. Choosing the right food and nutrition for pets is one of the wisest decisions that a pet lover can ever have. If you are the one who has a dog and looking for nutritious food for your dog, then this article is for you. Here I will introduce you to the dog products I have been very pleased with that came from Amazon. Before making a purchase on amazon for the dog products, I researched about the balanced diet and learned about the ingredients that are must for any food product to qualify as the best food product for the dogs. After gathering the required information, I started looking at amazon for the products. I spent many hours finding the product with all the required ingredients and choosing some products with the desired content quality based on the content description. We ordered some of the dry and wet food products for the dog. I witnessed the outstanding results of the food product. In this article, I will enlist all those dog products I have been very pleased with that came from Amazon. Purina ONE Smart Blend Chicken and Rice The chicken and rice flavor of the Purina one smart blend dog product is one of the best dry dog foods I purchased from Amazon. It has real chicken as the No. 1 ingredient and a blend of corn of whole grain, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and animal fat. It contains all the essential nutrients needed for your dog. The high-quality protein ingredients provide support for your dog’s muscles and strengthen the health of the heart. It has 0% fillers, which means it does not have even a single ingredient that is not useful. It has the potential to deliver lifelong health for your dog. It is available in five formulas with lamb, real chicken, and beef ingredients, and all these formulas have the extraordinary quality to nurture your dog in a real sense. Order a 100% complete nutritious dog food, Purina One Smart Blend dry dog food, from Amazon. Blue Buffalo: Life Protection Formula Life Protection Formula of the Blue Buffalo is another best dry dog product. It has real chicken as the main ingredient. It is made for small dog breeds. It has garden veggies, wholesome whole grains, and fruits but does not have corn, poultry by-product meals, wheat, soy, and preservatives. It contains omega 3 fatty acid, which comes from fish oil. It is enriched with vitamins and minerals. You can check all the ingredients by clicking on the link given below. It has the potential to shape your dog’s muscles and boost its immunity. So, if you have a small dog, then it is the best dog food you can ever have. It has the potential to provide high energy and nutrition for your small dog. You can order the Life Protection Formula of the Blue Buffalo at amazon. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wilderness is another formula of the blue buffalo I used for my dog. Unlike the life protection formula of blue buffalo, the wilderness formula is for the adult dog. It increases the lean muscle mass of the dog. It has real chicken as the main ingredient. Apart from the chicken meat, it also includes sweet potatoes and peas, which provide it with minerals and vitamins. It is also free from artificial flavors and preservatives. It has a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which nurture its skin and keep the dog healthy. There is a huge list of the minerals and other nutrients found in it aimed to help your dog either way. The details of the minerals and other nutrients can be checked by clicking on the link for the product. The link is given below. You can also order it easily from Amazon. Wag Dry Dog Food Salmon & Lentil Recipe The salmon and lentils recipe of the wag dry dog food contains real salmon fish, and it is nutritious food having around 35% protein and all optimal blends of protein and fat. It keeps your dog active and healthy. I purchased it for my dog, and it proved to be very effective and helped in reducing the excess stomach gas and fastening its weight gaining. It contains the lentils and the pea that provide antioxidant properties to keep dog food and minerals and vitamins. The flaxseed provides Omega 3 fatty acid for the food. The product is formulated with the help of pet nutritionists and veterinarians and does not have chemical preservatives or artificial colors in it. This makes it comparatively safer for the dogs. The wag sells this dog product with safer the guideline of gradual transitioning in around 10 to 14 days and takes satisfaction guarantee, and if not, they provide you a money-back guarantee. It is a grain-free product and very useful in decreasing the issue of excess stomach gas. It has been noted that the wag helps the dog is gaining weight around 0.5 to 1 lb. per week. Wag also has other formulations of it which are equally effective and efficient. You can buy wag dry dog food salmon and lentil recipes for your dog from the Amazon. PEDIGREE: Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food Pedigree dry dog food is complete nutrition enriched with Omega 6 fatty acids which are very important for the nourishment of your dog’s coat and skin. The pedigree is whole grain corn and also uses meat and bone meal along with the soybean. It is an adult preparation that is full of minerals and vitamins. It is full of other Essential mineral nutrients and vitamins. It is a very beneficial formulation with complete vitamin B complex substitution. The Pedigree dry dog food has six flavors prepared
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
One of my favorite things in life is friendship. Friendship that’s unconditional, consistent, and accepting. That kind of friendship is such a gift, but it’s pretty tough to find this kind of friend. Thankfully, by the grace of God, I managed to do it, and I think you can too. Let me share a little about my best friend, I hope it leads you to yours. In March of 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, I moved into a new apartment in Dallas, Texas. The complex was one of the most well-known and well-loved in the city. Its trails and dog parks were consistently packed with residents and their pups. At the time, I wasn’t a dog person. I hated the feeling of greasy fur, slobbery licks, dirty hair and all the rest that comes with owning a furry friend. I loved the way that dogs looked though. Every time I’d pass one on the trails, I thought they were beautiful, unique, and I secretly always wished I would have one someday. I wished that I could get over my fear of the “uncleanliness” that came with being a pet owner. Who knew that a year and a half later, after the hardest year of my life, my wishes would come true. In August of 2020, I started my senior year of college and I was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety. I struggled with it all of my life, but it finally got to a point where I sought help and was directed towards medication as a solution. With all medicines, come side effects, but unfortunately I’m especially prone to them. A lot of the first ones I tried, I reacted very poorly too. My depression was at an all time high. I could get out of bed, but I was extremely lonely. I had no motivation for work, school, being social, and everything I used to enjoy felt pointless. To top it off, I was often physically alone in my apartment, which isolated me even more. At the time, my counselor had asked if I’d ever considered getting a pet to keep me company and I had quickly replied no. I couldn’t take care of myself, how could I take care of a pet? Plus, they were dirty, and that still bothered me. A year’s time had passed and I was doing slightly better mentally. I’d found a medicine that drastically reduced my anxiety, but depression was still a struggle. One day, in August of 2021, I was sitting alone in my apartment and a thought struck me. What if a dog could really help me not feel this way? I don’t want to be alone anymore. I’m tired of it. If you knew me, you’d know that I’m a very hyper-focused person when it comes to ideas. So I took off running with this thought. I looked up a local animal shelter and began looking at all the available dogs who needed homes. Some free advice, if you don’t really want a dog, let’s just say you should definitely not go looking at all their adorable faces online. It will pull on your heartstrings and you’ll cave. And yes, I’m speaking from experience. After looking at all their photos, I decided I was in fact going to get a dog, but there was one problem.How could I choose? A day later, I got a phone call from my mom. She had seen a post on the NextDoor website about a white American Pitbull named Taco. Taco was in a shelter and rescued by a local Dallas resident, but after a month, she couldn’t keep him anymore. She was looking for someone to take him, as he would have to return to a shelter if she couldn’t find anyone willing. I was hesitant at first, because I’m a pretty small girl and I’ve heard that pitbulls have a bad reputation, but once I saw one photo of him, I fell in love. I immediately messaged the women and three days later, I brought Taco home. The experience of bringing home a new friend was surreal, especially because of the situation. Taco was estimated to be about three years old at the time. I wasn’t given any information about where he came from, except the fact that he was probably abused by his previous owner and other dogs. It was pretty obvious too from the scratches, cuts and bruises that were on his body. Once I got him settled in my apartment, he was extremely shy and skittish. Afraid of every little noise, cautious to the touch and he stuck very close by the door in a corner where he felt safe. It was really sad to watch. However, as time passed, day after day, he began to warm up to me. We would wake up together in the mornings, go on long walks, play with new toys, cuddle on the couch and even sleep together at night (I was opposed to this at first, but come on, how can you say no to this face?). He slowly, but surely, became my best friend. Not only was Taco’s life-improving by the minute, but mine was too. The unconditional love that he showed helped me feel seen and cared for. I no longer felt lonely, as I was never alone! He didn’t leave my side, and he still never does. He is truly a loyal companion and he changed my life for the better. I never realized how much of an impact an animal could have on my life, but Taco saved me. He taught me responsibility, and how to care for myself so that I can care for another. He gave me a reason to get out of bed and to get out of the house. He made me smile with his goofiness even on the hardest days. I’ve had Taco for almost a year now, and everything’s the same. He’s my best friend and we
Tigger’s Tale
The idea of a new puppy came up shortly before last Christmas. My son felt ready to take on the responsibility, and the dog we already had could desperately use a playmate. So the decision was made, and off to the shelters, we went. We found six-month-old Tigger at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville, NC, and knew instantly that he was the one. Though he was a bit skittish, we could see the energy level was high and knew he would be able to keep up with a seven-year-old boy. He was also free with kisses, so we guessed that as he got older he would calm some and settle into slower moments as well. Tigger, it turned out, was aptly named. While we were filling out the paperwork for his adoption, he bounced from the floor onto the four-and-a-half-foot-high counter like it was a single step. It didn’t take long to realize the puppy we found was just as quirky as the rest of the family. Seemingly afraid of his own shadow, the skittish guy was always jumping away from something. The first big obstacle we encountered was his fear of the dark. This became apparent on his first bedtime walk. We put his harness on him, and out the door, we went. He huddled close to me the entire walk, jumping every time the wind rustled a leaf. Another large obstacle we’re still working on is his separation anxiety. Though we call Tigger my son’s dog, I am Tigger’s person. When I leave, he’s seriously upset. We’ve had to replace a lot of chewed-up belongings. Some of Tigger’s things were among these items, such as his bed and bowl. But a lot of them were mine, such as a purse, a beanie, and a hairbrush – all of which ended up in the crate from more than three feet away. He’s still not overly fond of the crate, but he’s at least stopped howling the entire time we’re gone. Hiking is a large part of our family’s life. This is the activity that brought us all together and we try to go at least three times a month, at the very least. Our older dog is a hiking and camping pro. She spent her first year of life living in a tent in Colorado with my boyfriend. The woods are her favorite place to be. We try to only hike in places we can let them off the leash so that they can explore and have a good time doing things wild dogs get to do. So, naturally, this was the first kind of hiking we wanted to take Tigger on. We took along some training treats to encourage regular check-ins, let the dogs loose, and started on our hike. He did amazing. He would come back and check in every five to ten minutes and hardly ever left our sight. His sister taught him to drink out of the flowing streams to stay hydrated, as well as to keep an eye on their people because when their people stop walking, things like beef jerky get shared among them. We were so excited that we had found another hiking dog. Tigger’s first camping trip was a three-night stay in the Pisgah National Forest somewhere near Brevard, North Carolina. We found a great site, away from most traffic as the road we were off was still closed at one end from the winter months. We took his lead with us but hoped to not really need it since he did really well off-leash on hiking trips and we had his sister along for additional guidance. We only had one unfortunate occurrence with him that weekend. Firewood is, of course, a large part of the camping experience. While the guys were gathering larger limbs, the two dogs picked up a game of chase. Just as a limb was falling to the ground, the dogs’ game took them underneath and the edge caught Tigger’s inner thigh. I heard him yelp a bit and it was only seconds later that he was beside me, trying to tell me what happened. Now that he’s all healed and has had many an apology treat, we joke that his first instinct was to run and tattle to mommy. When the weekend was over and it was time to pack up and load the car, Tigger had no intentions of being left behind in the woods. He perched in one car or the other for the entire loading process. As we filled whatever place he was sitting in he would climb to a new spot or on top of the coolers and blankets. Our most recent camping trip lured Tigger a lot further out of his shell. This trip was four days out in the Cherokee National Forest somewhere near Greenville, Tennessee. As soon as we arrived he shot out into the woods with his sister and they played for hours, neither one of them wandering out of sight for more than a moment or two. He cozied up closer to the fire to stay warm. Since our camp neighbors loaned us their chainsaw, the process of gathering firewood was a bit different this time and Tigger had to be attached to his lead instead of roaming free for that time. Next trip we’ll see if we can’t get him over the fear of falling branches. Deciding it was time Tigger got more acquainted with water, we came up with a plan. We would lure him out into the water on the promise of training treats. We were lined up, five wide across the river in our fold-up chairs, each of us with a few treats in hand. Being as Tigger has claimed me as his person, I sat toward the end of the line in hopes that my calling him from so far away would entice him further out into the water. This worked, but not in the way we had hoped. Instead
Dogs: A Gift That Never Stops Giving!
I fell in love with the Labradoodle breed ever since I laid eyes on it. It was the fall of 2008, and I had just lost my father to cancer 4 months ago. Walking down the street to my school was when I first came upon the Australian Labradoodle. With its teddy bear looks, beautiful coat and not to mention the fact it was jumping in anticipation to greet everyone and everything in its path, I was a goner from the first moment I laid eyes on it. That particular Labradoodle belonged to my neighbor, who lived three doors down from my own house. A gentleman, who had always gotten along well with my father, he had tried to invite me several times to his house for a cup of coffee since my father had passed away. On his last visit a few weeks ago to my house, he had come around to ask after the health of my grandmother, and as he was leaving, he invited me once again to come over so that he could show me his new puppy. As has been my state for the last 4 months, I had found little that excited me so I politely declined his invitation. That evening, my grandmother sat me down and tried to advocate the idea of occupying my mind with a different task, one that would distract me from the grief of my father’s death. She told me that our neighbor advised her to get me a dog so that I would come back to the world of the living again. At that time, I felt the suggestion to be inadequate and lacking. In my mind, how could a canine ever replace the role of a human, and a dearly loved human at that? That following week, my encounter with my neighbor’s dog changed my life forever. All through my school day, I kept thinking about the Labradoodle’s uninhibited nature, its easy-going attitude, and above all its extremely cute teddy bear face. It was the last week of senior year, and I had still not applied to any colleges. My father’s passing in the middle of the school year left me without any guidance or prospects. I had always looked up to him and relied on his advice, , and he had always told me to choose a career based on what made me excited to get up every morning. With no advice recently, I had developed a bleak outlook on the future. As soon as the bell rang on that school day, I raced to accept my neighbor’s invitation for coffee, hoping the offer was still standing. To my surprise and delight, I was greeted by his Labradoodle, an adorable puppy named Cuddles. Soon, I found every excuse to take Cuddles out for a walk or to dogsit him whenever my neighbor was away. And soon after, just as my grandmother had told me, Cuddles the Labradoodle brought me back to life. However, soon after the school year ended. My melancholy and despair over the future also returned. I still did not know what made me excited to wake up in the morning, if I wanted to wake up at all in the first place. The only bright light in my day was Cuddles. My time with Cuddles started making me appreciate other living animals as well. As he chases squirrels in the local park, I too was mesmerized by the little inhabitants of the park trees. His curiosity in every anthill piqued my own. Animals had a different sense of time and grief, or so I surmised. Their lives, actions and motivations fascinated me. It didn’t come to me as a surprise that when I saw a flyer for a veterinary program at my local college my heart skipped a beat. It looked like the future, it looked like the beginning of my adult life. I had given up hope, but somehow Cuddles had brought some of it back. I went to college, I graduated top of my class. I practiced for 8 years, yet still, even though I loved my life as a vet something seemed missing. Whenever someone asked me what made me become a vet, I attributed it to Cuddles. Then one day, one cold morning of fall, I heard the news that my dear Cuddles had passed away. I got detained at work, and couldn’t visit till a week later. . This time, my neighbor opened the door. The lack of Cuddles at the doorstep brought grief back all over again. We sat for a long time, talking about our loved dog, we shared how he had lit up our lives. He had helped us out of our grief. That next evening on my flight back, I realized what I was missing. Cuddles had brought me back to life, it was something that not most people understood. Even I had disbelieved in the start. So, there and then began my quest to breed therapy and companion dogs. It was without question that dogs are some of the most unconditionally loving creatures on the planet. Their traits were beautiful and God’s gift, in my view they had to be shared. I believe that all of us in this world are starved for love, and overcome by grief, but sometimes a single brush of unconditional love can mean a potential future for us. With that in mind, my program grew and today I provide people that have recently faced the loss of a loved one with therapy dogs. Labradoodles are still my favorites, of course, but I have a preference for all other Poodle crossbreeds as well. I now live with my 6 therapy dogs, in an apartment above my veterinary clinic, and together we hope to bring hope back to people’s lives.
First Encounters
I still remember the first day my little sister summoned enough courage to pet our dog. I was surprised that it hadn’t happened earlier, seeing as our dog, Bunny is a small Maltese who wouldn’t hurt a fly. My sister, Lara, was only two years old at the time and was beginning to discover the world around her. Lara was still hesitant. She knew, of course, that Bunny wouldn’t hurt her; she was trained very well since puppyhood not to bite, scratch, or bark at kids. Bunny is generally a very hyperactive five-year-old dog, which acts more like a puppy. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her stay in one spot longer than ten minutes, other than the time we spayed her, and she had no other choice than to sleep. You can clap your hands twice, and Bunny will run five laps around the living room, looking for a playmate. If you pat your chest, she’ll jump up into your arms, whether you’re sitting, standing, or lying down. She stands patiently by the door if she needs to relieve herself, waiting for somebody to let her outside. Bunny has never bitten or scratched any of us hard enough to leave a mark, yet despite all this, my younger sister was afraid to touch her. We used to try constantly, even putting her in Lara’s crib at one point to see if she would give in and pet her then, but still – nothing. I remember them; Bunny sitting quietly in one corner of the small crib, and Lara in the other, and they just stared and stared at each other. Neither of them wanted to make a move first. Eventually, we gave up. My parents and I decided to leave them be and that it would happen on its own when the time was right. And it turns out that’s precisely what happened. I was sitting in the living room that day, watching a movie. My parents were out of the house, and it was just my sister and me, and Bunny, of course. In my peripheral vision, I could see Bunny walking around, sniffing the floor for any crumbs she could find (she loves to eat), and then stopping by the large patio window to look outside. At that exact moment, I had a voice in the back of my mind, a nagging gut feeling telling me to get up and see where my sister was. I knew she was playing with her toys, but I realized I hadn’t heard her say anything in a while. When I looked to theside, I saw my sister on her hands and knees, slowly crawling towards Buddy. It wasn’t like Bunny hadn’t seen her. She had, but she decided to stay still and watch Lara as she got closer. Thankfully, I have my phone on me at all times, so I quickly opened my camera and took a picture of the perfect moment, just as my sister was reaching her hand out to pet Bunny. I knew my parents wouldn’t believe me if I told them, so I needed proof. After that initial moment of Lara reaching toward her, I saw Bunny take a careful step toward her, and to my surprise, Lara didn’t back away! She placed her fingers on the top of Bunny’s head and pet her gently. When Bunny realized Lara was comfortable enough, her tail started wagging from happiness, and she started licking Lara’s hand. This licking made Bunny laugh harder than I’d ever seen her laugh, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Bunny jumped on her, almost knocking her onto her back! Even my parents couldn’t believe it until I showed them the picture, and they were even more surprised than me when they saw Lara sitting next to Bunny on the couch, resting her hand on her back while they both watched cartoons. After that day, the two of them have become inseparable. Lara is five years old now, and she always tells everybody that Bunny is her best friend.
