Emma Braby
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Typically, it takes four to eight weeks to get into a routine with potty training, but it may take four to six months until the dog is fully house-trained. It all depends on the dog and your routine – the more consistent you are, the quicker it will go.
Big dogs are usually easier to housetrain than small dogs, and some breeders work on potty training. But you’ve got to expect that a puppy is likely to make a little mess, including pee, in your apartment – it’s a part of the course. Thankfully, we have a really informative guide on potty training a puppy, with many helpful tips and things to avoid to make the process smoother. Many online training courses can offer professional help at home, which many first-time owners find helpful.
Good luck training your new pup!Hi SirBarksALot,
There are a few in-cabin crate requirements, depending on the airline you’re flying with. Before flying, you must check with your airline about their crate requirements and dimensions. Most airlines recommend using a soft crate rather than a hard-sided one, and it must be able to fit under the chair in front of you. We have a guide on the best airline-approved pet carriers. There, you can find the crate requirements for some of the most popular airlines, along with a handful of recommended dog crates for your sweet Doxie.
I hope you and your Dachshund have a memorable vacation together!Hi Rilbie Dilbie,
Lucky for Dieter, a little bit of basil is okay for dogs. But as a general rule, you should avoid feeding your dog too much seasoned or flavored food, as it might upset their tummy. Tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil are fine for dogs in small quantities.
We have a guide on toxic foods for dogs that you should take a look at.
When it comes to spices, cinnamon, anise seed, basil, chamomile, coriander, dill, ginger, mint, and turmeric are non-toxic spices. Toxic spices include allspice, cayenne, bay leaves, cocoa, chives, cloves, curry powder, garlic, hops, marjoram, mustard seeds, nutmeg, onion, oregano, paprika, and Spanish thyme.
Happy gotcha day!Hi SirBarksALot,
I know your pain; my Doxie barks at everything, too. Shock collars can help your dog to learn not to bark. They do not hurt. They just administer a slight shock to prevent the undesirable behavior. Many owners find they can take them off once their dog stops barking, but some choose to keep them on. We have a guide on the best shock collars for dogs, with advice on using them and our favorite picks. If you’re unsure about shock collars, citronella collars are also an option. Instead, they spray citronella when they bark. Research your options to find one that suits your needs. Good luck with the training.Hi Gus Gus,
It’s normal for dogs to spend as much as half of their day asleep, around 30% relaxing and 20% being active. Older dogs sleep more because they tire out more quickly, puppies tend to have lots of naps, and larger breeds spend more time dozing. However, like us, all dogs are different. If you’re worried your dog sleeps too much or their sleeping habits drastically change, you should speak to your vet.Happy birthday to your pup!
I definitely recommend checking out Canine Journal’s dog birthday bandana. It is made from 100% cotton and backed with soft white flannel, making it more practical, stylish, and durable than other bandanas. Plus, it features four plastic snaps for an adjustable fit for dogs of all sizes. It says “It’s my birthday” so they can wear it every year.
Chewy has a birthday hat in the shape of a birthday cake with candles, which is adorable and highly rated.
There’s plenty of dog party decor available online. I bought this dog birthday kit option and kept the banners to reuse them.
Lastly, check out our article on the best dog ice cream for a special birthday treat.
Happy celebrating!Hi Bernard,
This is a very personal choice, but it’s great that you’re considering the pros and cons of each.
Puppies are super cute and fun, and you get to see them grow up. However, training them takes a lot of time and patience, and it can be messy, too.
Adults are usually toilet trained and calmer, but you miss out on the cute puppy phase, and it can be more challenging to train undesirable behaviors out of them if they have any. Thankfully, it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks. And adults love you just as much as puppies do.
It can be much harder to find a puppy in a rescue, not only because many breeders ask owners to surrender them back to them but also because if they do end up in a shelter, the competition for puppies is intense.
We have a guide on 11 tips before adopting a dog and the best breeds for first-time owners, so be sure to check them out.
Good luck Bernard, let us know how you get on in your search! ????Hi Gus Gus, congrats on adopting a pup! I’ve got two rescue pups, and it’s so rewarding.
We have a guide on the best low-calorie dog treats, and we chose Pupford Dog Training Treats as the best low-calorie option for training. But remember to pick an option that suits your dog’s dietary needs as well as one he’ll drool over because all dogs are different. Our guide has lots of options for you to consider.
If you’re looking to help him lose weight, be sure to check out our best weight-loss dog foods. They can help him get back to a healthy shape and weight.
Good luck with the training????Hi KorgiKardashian, how sweet! Labs are great fun, and I hope you and your family are already having a blast with her. 20 pounds overweight is a lot, but it’s great that you’re keen on getting her back to health.
First, I recommend taking her in for a health check with your vet if you haven’t done so already. Being overweight can cause other health problems that you might not be able to see. As she is not used to much exercise, slow and steady wins the race here. Stick to regular walks around the neighborhood or parks, and gradually build up to longer walks and adventures. Labs need around one hour a day. They love to fetch, so lots of playtime with balls is bound to keep her interested.
When it comes to food, we have a guide on the best weight-loss food for dogs and low-calorie dog treats. As you say, avoid table scraps and always follow the feeding instructions to avoid overfeeding her. Just remember, “more movement and less food.”
Labs love food, so you need to stick with it and not give in to those puppy dog eyes! Good luck, and please let us know how you get on with her weight loss journey 🙂Hi Rach_73, I love Dachshunds! I have one myself and a Bull Terrier mix, and they get on so well. Rather than focusing on a specific breed, you should find a dog breed that suits you and your lifestyle. Once you’ve picked a breed, you need to spend time introducing your Doxie to them slowly. Most Wiener dogs are sociable canines after overcoming the initial few barks. My Doxie cuddles into my other dog any chance she gets, and most of them are super affectionate with their canine siblings. Read our guide on dog socialization tips for a smoother introduction. Good luck, and let us know how you get on.
Hi, fellow CJ forumer! I’ve used a few different ones over the years. Admittedly, I’ve tried a few cheap Chinese ones, which last for about a week or so, and some of them, not even that. I chose a much better quality LED option, and they are brilliant for low-visibility walks. It’s reassuring that if my dog slipped her leash, she’d be visible. We’ve reviewed the best light-up dog collars that are great for nighttime walkies, and they all have great reviews and last for years, according to customer reviews. Although I’ve never personally tried a glow-in-the-dark collar, we also recommend a few. LED collars are usually brighter.
When it comes to nighttime walking, I recommend that you and your pup use reflective gear and a flashlight. Also, make sure your phone has enough charge just in case you get into trouble. Remember to know your route and leave the headphones behind so you don’t become distracted. Have fun, and let us know how you get on with your new collar.Hi Rach_73,
The recommended time to take a puppy home is 8 – 12 weeks. However, many breeders and dog trainers believe 10 weeks is the best time. Puppies need time to grow up a little bit and learn social skills with their littermates before they can be separated from their family. We have a comprehensive guide on bringing your puppy home with checklists on what you need to buy and consider.
Since most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you sign up, the better coverage you will likely receive throughout their lifetime. Please check out our pet insurance guide to learn more.Hi Rach_73, what a great question. We have a guide with tips on how to find a reputable breeder. If you’re unsure how to find one, a great starting place is to ask your veterinarian, dog trainers, friends, family, and neighbors who own a healthy purebred dog, local breed clubs, or attend a dog show and start conversations with participants. Here are some generic questions and topics to ask about:
- Ask if they can show you around the puppy’s environment and introduce you to the puppy’s parents
- Ask for the puppy’s medical history and vaccine record, as well as the vet’s contact info
- Ask about the puppy’s care and background and their breeding practices
- Ask to see health certificates
- You, your family’s lifestyle, why you want this kind of puppy, how you will care for and train the dog, etc
- If you’ve considered the financial implications of taking care of a puppy
Questions they might ask you about:
There might be breed-specific questions you want to ask, too, so don’t limit yourself to the above. A reputable breeder should never pressure you to buy the dog, seem sketchy, or be unable to answer your questions. My advice is that if you get a bad feeling about a breeder, trust your gut and walk away. Picking a puppy is a huge decision for you and your family, so you want to get it right. Good luck in your search!
🙂Hi Summer,
Yes, a crate can help your dog with separation anxiety. Spending time crate training your dog and investing in the right dog crate for anxiety can help soothe an anxious pup. Two great options for a small dog crate are the Midwest iCrate, a great wire crate option, or the New Age Pet EcoFlex crate and end table. Learn about how to crate train your dog, choose the right spot for them in the home, and reward them when they do good. Be patient with your training and give them time, but most dogs come to love their crates and feel mush less anxious in them when you’re gone. Good luck!What about Luna from Harry Potter? That’s a super popular dog name. Or some other popular literary book names I’ve heard of:
– Winnie, from the children’s book series Winnie the Pooh
– Arya from Game of Thrones
– Max from Where the Wild Things Are
– Sally from the The Cat in the Hat
Hope you come up with something perfect for your pup
