Dogs

Getting a puppy can be very exciting. You're adding a new fur baby to your home that will bring loads of joy, adventures, and cherished memories. But you need to do some preparation beyond just asking yourself, "Should I get a dog?" The things to know before getting a puppy include deciding if you should get a puppy or an adult dog, choosing the right breed, learning how to puppy-proof your home, and putting together a complete "new puppy checklist" that includes all the basic supplies.

Congratulations on your baby! If you're a little worried about your dog's behavior around your new baby, know that you're not alone. It's natural to have a little concern. Maybe you're worried that your dog may be slightly obsessed with or anxious around your newborn. There's a lot you can do to smooth the transition. Help make sure your dog's on his best behavior with your baby by introducing baby smells and sounds early, playing with your dog a lot after the baby comes, and introducing the two slowly.

Has your dog ever stolen food from your plate or off the kitchen counter? That is called counter surfing. While it may be fun for your pup, it can be very frustrating for you and your guests. But don't despair. Your dog's not trying to be mean or rebellious. He just needs some gentle and persistent training. The best dog counter surfing deterrents encourage a different behavior that ends up being more rewarding. Your dog's instinct to sneak food may be strong, but with consistent training, patience, and understanding, you can stop him from counter surfing.

While annoying to us, barking comes naturally to dogs. Because it's a natural instinct, it can be a challenge to get them to stop barking at night. Why do dogs bark at night? Often it's because they see or hear an animal in the yard, or because they hear other dogs barking in the neighborhood. Other reasons they bark include loneliness, lack of supervision, or inadequate exercise and play. To get them to stop barking at night, you need to give them a more rewarding option.

It's always fun to take your dog with you when you run errands or go on adventures. But a traveling dog can also lead to a lot of dog fur getting stuck in the crooks, crevices, and carpet of your car. Figuring out how to get dog hair out of the car's carpet isn't as tough as it might sound. To get out the dog hair, you'll want to dog proof your car with special covers and then use a vacuum, rubber glove, or even lint rollers to get out the excess hair.

A dog's body temperature runs significantly higher than a human's. A dog's normal body temperature can range from 99 degrees to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures higher or lower than this normal range—known as hyperthermia or hypothermia, respectively—may be cause for concern. Knowing how to evaluate your dog's temperature can help you determine whether there is a problem that requires veterinary attention.

When the colder winter months roll in, you may be tempted to just hunker down indoors and do as little as possible. But your dog still wants to have fun and go on adventures. Just because it's cold, the fun times don't need to slow down for you and your pup. There are many fun activities for dogs to do both at home and outside during these colder winter months. Winter dog activities can include urban mushing, agility courses, outdoor and indoor camping, hiking, restaurant visits, and even just snuggling up by the fireplace. Winter is a great time to make special memories with your furry best friend.

It's that time of year again—the temperatures are dropping, snow is falling, and we have to bundle up in our coats and hats to go outside. As pet owners, it's our job to think about our pets once it gets...

Going on a vacation with your dog requires lots of effort and hard-work. You need to critically plan everything from booking the best airline to finding a dog-friendly accommodation. You want to ensure that your fur-baby has a fantastic time,...