Preparing to bring home brand new puppy is something that will change your lives forever. Dogs have been essential family companions for hundreds of years and you are about to get in on the fun. We highly recommend investing in a quality dog training course to improve obedience. So whether this is the first dog your family has ever owned or it has just been awhile let us help you get up to speed with the essentials.

Food

While food is an obvious need, it can be a pretty touchy and tough subject to understand. We are not Vets and can’t dive deep into the science behind dog food. However know that not all dog foods are created equal. Additionally like humans dogs need different nutrients at different stages of life. Spend some time researching ingredients and nutrients that your dog needs and make a decision based on actual needs. Looking for some recommendations? Here are some very highly rated options.

Food and Water Bowls

Puppies need to eat and drink multiple times a day to keep healthy and grow properly. A good set of bowls is essential to keeping up with your growing pups appetite. There are tens of thousands of options to choose from ranging from a few dollars to a few hundred. One thing to consider is where the bowls will be placed. Plastic bowls are great for indoors while metal is better for the outdoors. If you plan to travel frequently with your dog consider a collapsible bowl. Looking for something automated? There are even dispensers that can be programmable so that your dog is fed correct portions throughout the day automatically. Checkout a few of the most popular bowls on the market below.

ID Tags

Losing your dog is a real and scary prospect. That is why having an ID tag is essential for all dog owners. If your dog gets loose anyone can get a hold of you who finds your pup. While many dog owners choose to chip their dog we prefer a simple tag, that way anyone who happens to find your dog can find out your dogs name and your contact information. Using a tag and a chip together is a great solution in case your dog somehow gets out of its collar. A few years ago we had two dogs happen across our yard who had gotten loose. There were no tags on them so we had to call animal services to come get them so they could take them to the pound where their chip could be read. If they had as simple ID tag we could have called the owners ourselves.

Collar

Collars are a great way to highlight your dogs personality as well as show off your pup. There are millions of options out there but we are huge fans of simple leather or nylon collars. Both wear well over time and are very comfortable for your dog. Keep in mind you want the collar to be tight but not so tight it cuts into your dogs neck. You can even find some fun collars with bows and other cute accessories to doll up your adorable pup!

Crate

Like many accessories choosing the right crate for your dog depends a lot on how you plan to use the crate and how often your dog will be traveling with you. Crates can be broken down into 3 primary categories.

1. Plastic: Plastic crates are ideal for traveling, especially if you plan on flying. They have hard sides and can be outfitted with a sleeping pad and other comfort features. If you plan to travel by car they are great because they give your dog a nice place of their own, away from your luggage and other supplies. The only down side to a plastic crate is they are bulky and are not collapsible in most cases. Many dog owners like using their plastic crates as a simple in home dog house.

2. Metal: Metal dog crates are airy and perfect for in home use. Allowing your dog to see what is going on and keep them under-control or safe when visitors are around. They also work great as an in home dog house and best of all most models collapse making them very portable for car travel.

Cloth: Cloth or fabric dog crates are most common for in home or car use. They typically collapse and can be used for travel however they are not as sturdy as the other two options and typically do not work well for large breed dogs.

Here are a few of our favorite dog crates:

Bed

Dogs love to sleep! Did you know many large breeds sleep up to 18 hours per day. That is just one reason that getting a great dog bed is a good idea for your new pup. Dog beds can be as simple as an extra padded rug to an entire sofa designed just for dogs. We are fans of beds that are easy to clean and are extra soft. If you have tile or wood floors having a soft bed is essential to your dogs comfort in your home.

Chew Toys

Did you know that Chew toys are actually good for your dog. They can not only help with hygiene but they actually help strengthen your dogs jaws and teeth. It’s important to know that all chew toys are not made alike. Spend some time reading reviews and learning about a toy before you purchase it. You want to make sure it is suited for your dogs size and wont be easily destroyed when your dog starts chewing on it.

Leash

Leashes come in all shapes and sizes. Like most accessories how and where you plan on taking your dog makes a big impact on what kind of leash you should go with. You can choose a very simple lead that just clips on to your dogs collar all the way up to retractable leashes that let your dog have a lot of freedom to walk and explore.

Treats

Treats are an important part of training your dog. Dogs respond well and respect those people who feed them. Having high quality treats on hand can be very useful when teaching your dog important skills like sit, stay, heel and come. Treats like food come in all different qualities and careful consideration and review of ingredients should be done before purchase. It’s also important to know dogs have different tastes and preferences so choose small quantity options until you find the perfect treat for your pup.

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Baby Gate

Keeping both your dog and your house safe is critical to happy dog ownership! Sometimes that means only allowing your dog in certain areas of your home where the area has been thoroughly dog proofed. For areas that are not always safe for your dog having a baby or dog gate is essential. Picking out a gate is pretty simple and there are a lot of options on the market. Make sure to pick something that is sturdy and tall enough to work for your dog. 

Poop Bags

Dog waste is a going to become a new part of your life… but it doesn’t have to be a huge pain. Poop bags are ideal of taking care of your dogs waste while on walks or in your yard. They make cleaning up your dogs poo easy and sanitary. You can even grab a small key-chain holder that will keep a few bags handy at all times. Simply grab the poop turn the bag inside out and throw it away. Here are a few of our favorite poop bag and accessories.

Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Keeping your dog clean and smelling nice is better for your health and your dogs. Choose only products that have been specifically tested on pets and are safe, organic and chemical free. Cleaning your dog on a regular basis is not only fun, but can be a great bonding experience.

Honarable Mentions

The reality is there are so many exceptional things you can pick up that will not only make pet ownership easier but also incredibly fun. Here are a few other items that we didn’t put down as must haves but we still highly recommend. Pet Insurance
Pet Clothes
Grooming Supplies
Carpet Cleaner
Canine Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Harness
Pet Video Monitor
Outside Dog House

Think we missed something crucial or have an item you would like to suggest? Let us know!

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1. Dog Shaming: Dogshaming is a hilarious site where dog owners shame their pups who have been naughty in a safe fun way. See dogs who have done dastardly things and get caught. You are sure to laugh, cringe and kiss your dog who would never do something like that!

2. Whistle: Whistle is THE best solution for tracking your pets location via a smart phone. No matter where you are as long as you have a connection you can track exactly where your pet is.

How can you not love a company who’s slogan is no more lost pets! The solution is simple and affordable. Not only does the system help you track your pet if it’s lost it’s but it’s proactive alert system notifies you as soon as your pet leaves your designated safe zones!

4. PETMD: Keep your pet healthy with all of the incredible resources available from this site. When your pet is not feeling well this is your ultimate resource for finding out what is wrong with your pet. They have a huge FAQ, and thousand of expert articles. This is a must bookmark site!

5. Unique Cat Names: Is the ultimate source for choosing a great name for your cat. The site is updated regularly with thousands of fantastic names to choose from. No matter how many cats you have, or how picky you are when choosing a name you are bound to find something you will love. Bonus is the site is cute and has loads of great cat videos to watch as well.

6. Learn To Draw Animals Wedrawanimals.com is a fun simple informative site that shows you step by step how to draw your favorite animals.

No matter what your skill level is they have instructions and tutorials that will show you exactly how to illustrate your favorite animals.

7. PetSmart Charities Is a great website doing great work for animals. Learn about issues impacting the pets you care about and donate to make a difference. They have great training and resource information that can help you understand serious issues related to pet safety and health!

With hundreds of wonderful sites being created each year there is no way we can cover all of the incredibly awesome websites out there. These are a few of our favorites! If you have a site you love let us know and we will add it to our list!

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1. Cutestpaw.com:

If you love adorable puppies then this is the website for you. Thousands of dog lovers world wide have sent them photos of the cutest dogs in the world. The only thing you have to worry about is making sure you do not spend all day on their site.

2. Animal Planet: When it comes to authoritative, scientific information about dogs look no further than Animalplanet.com. Their section on dogs is updated regularly with great content ranging from fun stories to detailed breed behavior analysis. No matter what you are looking for they have it enjoy!

3. AKC.org:

If you are a purebred fanatic or just want to learn about the intricate details of a breed this is going to be your playground. The AKC is the official source on purebred dogs and everything funnels through them. We love this site for learning about and researching breeds. They have a wealth of knowledge concerning breeds you have probably never heard of like the Affenpinscher.

4.  NAPWDA: The North American Police Work Dog Association website is a goldmine of police work dog information.

Working dogs are incredibly important to both the military and our police forces nation wide. If you enjoy learning about what it takes to be a police dog you will love this website.

5. Petmed: Your dogs health is paramount to anything else. Petmed can be a huge help in researching and diagnosing your dogs ailments. It’s a great resource to look to when figuring out if you need your dog to see a vet. However keep in mind that symptoms can often be hard to diagnose and no pet health site can replace a visit with a quality veterinarian.

6. Adoptapet.com:

 Choosing the dog to join your family is a massive decision. With thousands of dogs looking for a home Adopt A Pet is the leading resource when it comes to helping putting pets in homes. If you are looking to adopt a pet you need to check them out. Search for dogs in your area via your zip code and you will find the perfect pup for your family.

7.  Dog Channel: When it comes to content these guys rock, their site is chalk full of great content you are bound to love. We can spend hours reading articles and looking at memes. Make sure to allot a few hours to check things out if it is going to be your first time.

8. Dog Problems: Even the best of dogs can have some behavior issues. If you are looking to combat those issues with proactive, constructive behavior training this might be the perfect fit. Their website is full of free content that can help you better train your dog. If you are looking for an even bigger impact you are going to want to checkout their book “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer”.

9. Designermixes.org: Features content about dog ownership that you are sure to love. Some of their best content is focused on what happens when you dog goes missing and how you can get your dog back. Anyone who owns a dog knows the fear of losing their pet and the tips at designermixes.org are certain to keep your pet safe.

10.Life With Dogs:  If adorable dog videos are your thing then lifewithdogs.tv is going to make you very happy. They are constantly scouring the internet for the best videos about dogs in the world. If you are looking for something that will warm your heart they have it. Need a laugh, you better sit down, want something that will build your appreciation for what dogs can do look no further.

With the internet jam packed with silly cat videos and other unsavory things. Take a few minutes to bask in the awesomeness that lies within these websites. Have a site you think should have made the list, let us know about them in the comments.

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6 Simple Tasks That Will Prepare Your Dog For Winter

1. Make a Quick Visit To The Vet: Winter can be hard on dogs if they are not in perfect health. Over years of breeding dogs breeds have been groomed and adapted to withstand the cold well. However if your dog has health issues like…. it can be hard for them to keep warm, and sleep well both very important to your dogs health. Many aliments go unnoticed in your dogs behavior during warmer weather and only rear their head during the cold, when immune systems are weakened. Quality Veterinarians can help make recommendations on whether or not your dog is in the physical condition to spend the winter out doors. Keep in mind that different breeds can handle the cool better that others. This is not only important when selecting what kind of dog you would like but it will help you determine the proper preparation to take.

2. Winter Grooming: Keep your dogs hair maintained so that winter coats can grow in easily. Grooming your dog is a crucial step in winter preparation. Dogs grow thicker fuller coats in the winter to help them keep warm. This coat can be much more full and warm if properly maintained. Depending on the breed you may want to have this professionally done. (Find List Of a Few Things that should be done in grooming)

3. Warm Shelter: While this may seem obvious it is often one of the most common things to over look. Many dog owners pick up a house and think they are covered from then on out. Reality of it is that dog houses need to be looked at and treated every year. Clean it thoroughly to make sure that the sleeping environment is clean. Wind chill factor is one of the most important elements of winter. Positioning a house where the door is out of the wind, and the home has a natural or man made wind break can make cold windy days much more enjoyable for your pet. This is especially important to how well your dog sleeps. Check for leaks, cracks or other issues where either wind or water could potentially get into your dogs home. Keeping your dog dry and warm is at the utmost importance. Depending on the area adding a weather door might be a good idea to help trap body heat and block the wind.

Some homes are designed with doors stock or are even “L” shaped to help keep your dog out of the wind and war.

4. Healthy Weight Gain: Dogs like other animals use body mass as a way to keep warm during the winter. Depending on your dogs weight and health (remember your visit to the vet) you may want to help your dog healthy bulk up by adding a small extra feeding per day. The additional weight gives your dogs boy energy to burn and stay warm during cold days. Remember that this extra amount of food should be monitored and excessive weight can be very harmful to your dog. During the winter months it is necessary to  feed your dog a bit more to sustain it the calories burnt by staying warm.

5. Extra Exercise: Exercise is essential to maintaining proper health for your dog. Because of the cold weather and shorter days, many pet owners skip out on regularly exercising their dog. Weakened muscle mass and strength can leave your dog vulnerable to injury and other unhealthy consequences. Looking for things to do with your dog in the winter? Checkout our post here. Not only will spending more time with your dog exercising be good for your dog but you may find a few new hobbies along the way.

6. Understand Temperature Tolerances and Watch The Weather: Knowing how high and low of temperatures your dog can thrive in is vital to keeping your dog safe in the winter. Different breeds can handle different temperatures depending on their coat. Some dogs like Huskies have been bred to work and live in conditions as cold as -75 degrees. While other breeds like Bulldogs were not intended to live in conditions consistently lower than 40 degrees. Watch the weather regularly to see if you will need to bring your dog in. While we recommend sleeping all dogs inside we understand this is not practical for every situation. Setting up an area where your dog can sleep and keep warm inside our home is the best way to keep your dog safe. Some weather channels will send out animal advisory warnings if temperatures will dip below certain thresholds.

Paws and Sharing

As you can see there are a few things everyone must do to prepare their dog for winter. Keep in mind that your breed may require certain tasks outside of what is outlined above. Monitor your dog to see how well it is handling the cold. If your dog is rarely leaving it’s house you should bring it in. Check their paws for frozen ice chunks and ice burns. Their paws are crucial for movement and often the first extremities that suffer from over exposure. Make this winter safe fun and comfortable for your dog by taking a few simple steps. Do you have things you do each winter to prepare your dog for winter? Share your ideas in the comments section below! Know someone who could benefit from this article? Go ahead and share it with a friend on social media.

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Halloween is just a few days away and yet finding the perfect costume for your large breed dog can be tough. No dog need go without a costume when there are dozens of cute options that are very affordable or could be made out of materials you probably already have at home. Need a little inspiration for your dog? Here are 10 fun easy costumes that are sure to inspire you.

1. Fireman Dog: Grab a rain coat and put some neon yellow stripes on it. Pickup a fireman hat at the dollar store and Fido is set to put out some serious flames. You can use an elastic to keep the hat on for pictures and trick or treating. Pickup a store bought version for under $15.00

2. Ghost Dog: All you need is a spare white sheet or table cloth that you are willing to cut a few holes in and you can turn your dog into a ghostly sight. Some dogs do not like to have their face covered so test out your dog before making the costume. Who wouldn’t want to give these dogs a special dog treat?

3. Superman Dog Costume: For Just $15.99 you can turn Bandit into crime stopping boss. If you are looking for a free option all you need is a Red and Blue T-shirt and a Red permanent marker. Turn the Red shirt into a flowing cape by cutting off the sleeves  and opening up the neck. A blue T-shirt with a S and you have yourself a dog that is ready to fly.

4. Shark Dog Outfit: While this costume might be a little tough to create on your own. It’s perfect for smaller breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and Corgis. Take the terror of the sea to your living room with costumes ranging from $10-$60.

5. EWOK Dog Star Wars Costume: No Galaxy is too far away for using the Force to change your dog into an adventurous Ewok. Some specialized sewing skills would be needed to make this on your own. However the low cost threshold starts at just $15.99 and barely goes up from there. Do not join the dark side keep your kids from learning about Star Wars from this costume idea.

6. Zombie Dog. Perfect for adding a little fright to your Halloween decorations, splatter some fake blood on a a t-shirt and rip some tears in it. Pick your pup up a chew-able fake arm from the Halloween store and let it great guests your front door for a terrifying surprise. Join in on the fun and go as a Zombie right out of the Walking Dead and make it a family affair. $FREE

8. Pig Costume $20: Babe has never been so fast. Transform Balto into a giant cute pink pig with a fuzzy bath robe or pink towel. Grab a pig nose from the dollar store and you have the perfect costume for a cute big. Have a small breed pup, add a curly tail and you piglet is sure to win any costume prize you enter.

9. Dino: Go prehistoric by transforming your dog into an adorable dinosaur. With costumes available from Raptors, to Triceratops, you have a lot of choices ranging from $10-$35

10. Witch Costume $20: Something wicked this way comes or perhaps just adorable. Easily made with a black shirt or towell as the cape. Make the hat by adding an orange belt around a cardboard hat with black fabric, tie it off with a black string and you have a Hocus Pocus inspired canine.

Trick Or Treat

No matter what breed of do you have coming up with a fun cute costume is easier than you might think. Remember that dogs need their own special treats so keep a few on hand in-case any of your trick or treaters bring their pup by.

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