Dog Care
Dog is man’s best friend, we’ve been told. “My dog is a member of the family,” we tell each other. Yet the book “The Truth about Dogs” points out another side of our canine friends: dogs steal the food off our plates, take the best spot on the couch, and routinely destroy our property. Just who is this dog creature, anyway? Perhaps only you, in partnership with your dog, can determine that. But this guide can surely help you find the Web’s best resources for care of this mysteriously lovable pet.
Expand All Guide SectionsDog Ownership
Adding a dog to your family is a big step—and a bigger commitment than most people realize. ... read more »
Choosing a Dog
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Caring for a Dog
There’s a lot that goes into the day-to-day care of a dog, like establishing a daily routine as well as training and dealing with problematic behavior. If your dog is an escape artist, you’ll want to have a plan in place should it wander off. And what about dog service providers? Whether choosing a groomer, a dog walker, or a doggie day care center, you’ll want to find the best match for your dog—and for your wallet. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws pertaining to dogs in your area. Use this section for Web sites that can help you through all your dog care needs.
Dulcinea's Insight
- To find dog services in your area, get referrals from your vet and people you trust. If you’re still at a loss, try an online directory like YellowPages.com or type what you’re looking for into your favorite search engine (for example, if you’re looking for a dog walker in Toledo, try searching for “dog walker, Toledo, Ohio”). Once you’ve gathered a few names, check them out on the Better Business Bureau’s Web site in addition to using the sites we recommend below to help you evaluate canine services and find the best of the bunch.
- If your dog should wander off, use the power of the Internet to launch an online search party. Sites like PETS 911, Petfinder.com, and Craigslist all have message boards or classified areas where you can post a “missing dog” notice and search through “found dog” postings.
Dulcinea's Picks
For help with those first few days in the new home …
The Humane Society of the United States
offers an article called “Bringing Your New Dog Home” that explains how to prepare your furry friend for its new home. Get tips on choosing supplies and establishing house rules that can help to ease the transition.
The American Animal Hospital Association
offers tips on making your home a safe, comfortable place for your pet. Start with the “Ten Tips for a Poison-Safe Household” link to learn about the common household items, plants, and foods that are toxic to dogs. You’ll also find plenty of tips on settling in and building that all-important bond with your new family member.
For general dog care information …
The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
has an excellent primer on caring for a canine. Whether you’re new to dog ownership or an old hand, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including information on feeding, housing, exercise, licensing, training, and much more.
To care for an older dog …
Petfinder.com
gets into the nitty gritty of caring for a companion animal in its golden years. Learn about the health problems and challenges of older pets and how to tailor their care routine to meet their special needs.
For help with behavior problems …
Animal Planet
gets down to business on bad behavior in dogs. Scroll down to the “More Information” box for a list of annoying habits your canine friend might have, like digging, barking, begging for food, or playing escape artist.
Cesar Millan
is better known as the “Dog Whisperer” on the National Geographic Channel, and his site is a must-read for his insightful—and highly successful—methods for handling dogs. Read “Cesar’s Tips” for guidance on specific nuisance behaviors, how to communicate in dog language, and how to “start off on the right paw” with your new addition.
PetEducation.com
examines dog biting and offers ways to reduce the risk of your dog biting someone, namely through spaying/neutering, training, and socialization. You’ll also find tips on how to avoid being bitten and what to do if you are bitten.
For information on doggie day care or dog walkers …
The Humane Society of the United States
covers everything you’d want to know when choosing a pet sitter. Find suggestions on what to look for in a prospective sitter and how you can prepare your dog for your absence. The article provides phone numbers for two organizations that offer pet sitter accreditation and referrals.
Dog Owner’s Guide
provides an introduction to dog day care with information on the screening process (most facilities require your dog to pass an entrance exam or interview) and offers a list of things to consider when choosing a facility.
For grooming info …
PetPlace.com
has an excellent assortment of articles on dog grooming, although you’ll need to navigate through a tangle of ads and pop-ups. Don’t let these deter you, because the articles here are veterinarian approved, ensuring that you get trusted information on how to bathe your dog, clean your dog’s ears, and trim those toenails, to name a few examples. If you’d rather leave the grooming to a professional, don’t miss the article “How to Pick a Groomer.”
For help getting your lost dog home …
Animal Planet
offers some brief advice here on what to do if your dog becomes lost. Also visit the “Dog Tags” link for information on dog IDs, including an introduction to tattoos and microchips.
For laws relating to dog ownership…
Dog Law
is a collaborative project of Nolo (a legal publisher), Justia (an online repository of legal information and services), and Mary Randolph (a lawyer and author with a love for pugs). The site provides an excellent introduction to the state and local laws affecting you and your dog, such as “Licenses,” “Leash Laws,” and “Pooper-Scooper Laws.”
The Animal Legal & Historical Center
of Michigan State University College of Law has a table that groups the U.S. states by their different types of leash laws. Click on your state for a summary of the law and the full statute. Not all states have leash laws in place; if your state isn’t listed on the table, check out “Which States Have General ‘Leash Laws?’” for more information.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund’s
“Public Resources and Information” section is loaded with legal advice on issues relating to dog ownership. Find helpful articles on what to do if your dog has bitten someone, what to do if you’re involved in a custody battle over your dog, how to handle landlord/tenant disputes, and more.
Dog Health Information
Armed with the right resources, there’s a lot you can do to help keep your dog healthy. ... read more »
Buying Dog Supplies Online
Whether you want to save money on flea medication or dog food, find a snazzy dog sweater, or buy a ... read more »
For the Traveling Dog Owner
If you’re of the “have dog, will travel” mindset, you’re in luck: the ... read more »
Dog News, Blogs, and Forums
The Web is overflowing with magazines, blogs, and communities devoted to all things canine. ... read more »
Connect With Dog Owners
If your canine companion isn’t really a dog park kind of guy and you’re just not ... read more »
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