Puppy mills are breeding institutions for dogs. The health of the animals is usually poor due to sparse or nonexistent veterinary care. The food is low-quality in order to cut costs. Virtually no attention is paid to preventing breed-specific disorders. And the pups are kept in pens that are overcrowded and dirty. This setting tend […]

Bringing a puppy home for the first time is exciting – for you and your pet. You\’ll have a chance to establish a bond with your dog that will last for years. For his part, he\’ll experience an unfamiliar environment with new sights and scents lurking around every corner. It\’s important to prepare your home […]

In the wild, a dog’s life is heavily focused on resources. He is either searching for them or protecting them from intruders. This is normal behavior, even when the canine is taken from the wild and placed into a loving home. It is part of his instinct since doing otherwise – at least in the […]

Canines that urinate submissively often cause an embarrassing and frustrating (not to mention messy) problem for their owners. But it is critical that owners remain patient with their pets when discouraging the habit. Anger, yelling, and other forms of punishment usually do more harm than good. In some cases, such a response can actually reinforce […]

Some owners believe crating a canine is cruel. They feel that confining a pet to a closed area is akin to locking someone in a garage. Many professional trainers, however, feel that crating offers a host of benefits for both the dog and his owner. For example, they suggest it can be a valuable tool […]

Most owners are accustomed to taking their dogs to a veterinarian for routine exams once a year. This is an important part of preventative health care for pets. As canines age, it’s a good idea to take them in for checkups twice a year since doing so can help prevent major health issues down the […]

Dogs display a natural exuberance in the outdoors. Being away from the city gives them a chance to run and play unconstrained by the limitations of home. There is a world of exciting new sights and scents to explore on the hiking trail. For canines, the lure is nearly irresistible. For owners, their pets’ enthusiasm […]

Slate is an extremely durable material which is completely natural and brings beauty, elegance and style to any home or installation. Slate is eminently suited for installation in any part of the home; the kitchen, the bathroom, hallway, stairs, the living room or any part of the house. In addition to being used indoors, slate […]

A social dog makes a better companion. If he is friendly in the presence of strangers and their pets, you’ll be able to spend more time with him, and expose him to a wider range of environments. But it is important to start the process of socialization when your pet is still a puppy. This […]

Most cars, trucks, and SUVs built today are equipped with automatic transmissions. Driving a stick shift is less popular than in the past, and automakers have adjusted their assembly lines accordingly. This means those who would like to learn the skill have fewer opportunities to do so since it is seldom taught in driver’s education […]