pengwins asked:


I use to have a beagle puppy, but after 9 months, my parents couldn’t handle him. They thought he was too big and too wild… Any suggestions on how to convince them to let me try once more?

Dog Food Secrets!

Ginbail © asked:


I remember a time when the “rolled up newspaper” method of dog training was the accepted norm. Back then, many trainers taught their dogs to do amazing things (and do them quite well) using methods that most folks today would consider “cruel”. I’m not advocating any particular school of training here, but I was wondering: What happened that most people changed their training habits? How did positive reinforcement start, and do you think it will continue to be the preferred method of dog training?
Does anybody here really believe that folks who trained their dogs using harsh methods actually loved their dogs any less?
Is it really so bad to learn out of fear? Once again, I’m not advocating a particular training method, but if it works is it such a bad thing?
St. Lady raises a good point … I too learned many things out of fear of my parents’ reactions to things I did when I was younger. I learned right from wrong because I knew that wrong behaviors had negative consequences. I think I turned out OK. Couldn’t a dog?
Anybody who wants to read a good article about how Ian Dinbar started positive reinforcement and how he compares to Caesar Milan’s methods should definately click DogJudge’s link.

wong_dx asked:


I have a shih tzu which has a dull, dry & has little fur. It doesn’t seems like shih tzu which has double coating fur. I was thinking to shave all of his fur and let it grow back a new one.

Dog Food Secrets!

sunluvr_1976 asked:


I have a 7 month Shepherd/lab mix who I found wandering the streets. She has been “diagnosed” (by the vet)with fear aggression and it was suggested (by the Petsmart people) that I get her into some puppy classes. I am just leary of what kind of actual training these people have had working with dogs that have behavior issues? Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences with the Petsmart training classes?
Thank you
She is fine with other dogs and people once she gets to know them. It just seems that everytime I watch those Petsmart classes the trainers look so young?

Sit Stay Fetch, Good Dog!

Anna Hart asked:


Labrador puppies, especially little black ones, have become very popular in the U.S. Breeders, pet stores, animal shelters, and humane societies are good places to get Labrador puppies. If you do not need an AKC registered puppy, you might consider giving a loving home to one of those in a shelter.

Cost of Labrador Puppies

If you decide to get Labrador puppies from a breeder or pet store, be prepared to pay $400 or more for each puppy. Show quality Labrador puppies may cost as much as $1,000 each.

That is, of course, only the beginning of expenses involved in raising Labrador puppies. There are accessories!

Labrador Puppy Accessories

Labrador puppy accessories can cost a great deal or they can be minimal. You should determine your budget and actual needs before visiting the pet store to avoid buying unnecessary accessories for your Labrador puppies. The list below is meant only as examples of Labrador puppy accessories you may want.

1. Collars: Labrador puppies need collars, but be aware of two things. Labrador puppies outgrow collars rapidly. You should not use a chain collar on a young puppy, as it could damage his windpipe. Choose flat fabric or leather collars until your Labrador puppies are at least 5 months old.

2. Leashes: You should train your Labrador puppies to walk on the leash, even if they have plenty of space to run in safety. There will be times, such as visits to the veterinarian’s office when you will be glad they are accustomed to the leash. Unlike the collars, leashes for Labrador puppies should be chain so the puppies will not chew them.

3. Crates: It is a good idea to have crates for your Labrador puppies before you bring them home. Crates become the puppies’ dens. If you are away from home during the day, you can leave your Labrador puppies in their crates to keep them safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Since they will be relaxes, they will not need to relieve themselves as often. The crate will be sure they do not use an inappropriate spot when they do relieve themselves. At night, Labrador puppies in crates sleep better – and stay out of mischief. Select crates that provide just enough space for a full-grown Labrador to stretch out when lying down.

4. Bowls: You can spend a lot of money on fancy bowls for your Labrador puppies, but it really is not necessary. Plain steel bowls are sturdy, unbreakable, and can be cleaned well. If you use plastic containers, Labrador puppies will chew them, possibly ingesting pieces of plastic. Some feed and water bowls are said to be spill proof. This is a good idea when you have energetic Labrador puppies.

5. Toys: Resist buying chew toys simply because they are cute to humans. Your Labrador puppies will chew aggressively. They can easily destroy plastic pet toys and, if no one is there to watch carefully, could choke on small pieces. Give your Labrador puppies sturdy Kongs and Nylabones to chew.

6. Playpen: Since Labrador puppies will try to eat anything they find, it is a good idea to provide a playpen while they are young and learning. This is especially recommended if the puppies are to be outside unattended for any period of time.

7. Brush: Until your Labrador puppies are older, and begin to shed more, use a bristle brush for weekly grooming. The brush will remove dirt from the puppies’ coats and keep them smelling good.

Puppy Food

Food cannot really be classed among Labrador Puppy Accessories, but it is one more cost to anticipate when buying Labrador puppies. Ask the breeder or pet store clerk what food is best. If you know what the puppies are accustomed to eating, you may want to use that kind at first until they are comfortable in their new home.

There are many other accessories available for Labrador puppies, and if your budget will stretch you may want to consider some of them, but these should get you started.

iceblendedmochajavo asked:


I recently got a vizsla (pic to the left). I noticed almost an explosion of this breed, as a few decades ago it was almost extinct. Overall it has a great temperament. I see this breed taking off in america.
Over all what is the best dog to have for the average american? And what breeds do you see will become popular in the next 10 years?

Sit Stay Fetch, Good Dog!

Ingrid H asked:


Personally, I think dog parks are a horrible idea. Many dogs, mostly small and elderly dogs have been killed at dog parks. Dogs in dog parks get into fights over rank issues. I don’t know all the dogs at a dog park, so I don’t know if they are aggressive, infested with parasites, or sick. I protect my dog and will not expose her to strange dogs in an environment such as a dog park. So, why do so many people think dog parks are a good place to bring their dogs?

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