A Note From The Editor

Hello & Welcome to Puppy Pawprints!

Happy Halloween everyone!

Puppy parenting can be an uphill struggle sometimes, just like human parenting really! Some days it seems that you're 'furchild' is never going to 'get it' (and the 'it' can be anything from housetraining or learning basic good manners, to understanding that the garbage can/cat litter tray/laundry basket is NOT an alternative food bowl!)

At the same time, your little angel can melt your heart (and score extra treats) with one glance from those puppy dog eyes. It's a bit of a roller-coaster ride isn't it?

Here at The Puppy Dog Place, we want to make your ride a little smoother. We've 'been there, done that', and although we don't by any means think we know it all (how could we? There's always a puppy ready to disprove that particular theory), knowing that you're not the only one struggling with a particular puppy problem or behavior can be very reassuring.

We have several areas on our site where we invite you to participate by asking questions, giving feedback/comments, sharing your favorite puppy dog stories/poems/quotes etc., showing off your precious pup and more.

There are also several pages with puppy stuff that's just for fun, including... online jigsaws, a fun puppy personality test, adorable puppy videos, a way for single, puppy parents to meet other people who share their interests, and more.

Check out the links below, and have some fun while helping us to build an interactive, online community of puppy parents.

• Help inspire and encourage others to consider adoption when thinking about adding a new pup/dog to their family by sharing your puppy dog adoption story. You can also read the heart-warming stories other visitors have sent in, and add your comments or rating


• If you have a favorite puppy dog poem (and it can be one you've written yourself or one that you found in a book, magazine, online etc.) send it to us and we'll add it to our Puppy Poems page. The same goes for your favorite quote on our Puppy Quotes page.


• If you have a question that you just can't find the answer to (and don't think any question is too small/silly/unusual for us!), you only have to ask us!. You'll get a quick, personal answer!


• Everyone knows their puppy is just the cutest thing on four legs! Well, we're giving you the chance to prove it...by entering your furchild in our monthly, Puppy Photo Contest.


• If you like jigsaw puzzles, why not try your hand at the free, online jigsaws on our Puppy Jigsaw page? If you want some for the kids, try our Kids Jigsaws page. The best part? There's no fiddly little pieces to get lost!

Well, enough from me...enjoy this issue of 'Puppy Pawprints' and don't forget to check out the-puppy-dog-place.com regularly as we're constantly updating our site with new information, tips and resources for puppy parents.

Whether you're a regular visitor and receiver of Puppy Pawprints, or a brand new visitor, I want to extend A BIG THANK YOU for making my job so much fun and so rewarding!

Knowing that you find my site useful and interesting, helping people find solutions to their puppy care problems, and seeing all the adorable entries to our Pup Of The Month Contests (that arrive in my e-mail box daily) has been a wonderful experience.

You can subscribe to our rss feed by clicking on the rss box below the nav bar buttons on each page. That way, you'll definitely not miss out as you'll automatically receive all our updates and news items delivered right to your computer!

Keeping Fido safe

All the noise, comings and goings, excitement and candy can be over-stimulating, and sometimes downright dangerous, for pets. Especially young puppies or dogs who are anxious, or nervous. Here's some things you may want to take into consideration :

• People in Halloween Costumes
  One of the best things about Halloween is all the crazy and inventive costumes that people go out in, but these very costumes can be frightening and upsetting for your pup. Many dogs don't like, or are suspicious of people wearing hats, masks, funny outfits etc. This is natural as they don't associate this 'look' with the humans they're used to, and often don't recognize people who are dressed up.

  If your dog is the anxious or aggressive type, don't walk them on Halloween night when there are kids running around in constumes. Instead, walk them earlier or let them use the back yard for their 'business' just this once.



• Pet Halloween Costumes
  Many pet owners enjoy dressing Fido or Fifi up in cute/funny costumes, and many dogs don't mind :O) But, if you're planning on making Fifi a Princess (or Fido a Pirate), this Halloween, keep an eye on them while wearing their outfits.

  Give a few minutes thought to the safety aspects of your pup's costume, and make sure that they can see properly and that their motion isn't restricted. Many costumes are not that sturdily made, and bows, buckles, bells etc. can easily be chewed off and swallowed - not good! Also check out what the costumes are made of, and look for flame-retardent materials and keep your pup away from candles, fireplaces etc.




If you haven't bought a costume for your cutie yet, why not check out this spook-tacular selection of Halloween dog costumes and terror-ific toys

• Candy & Halloween Goodies
  The other favorite thing about Halloween is all the candy, and other goodies, that your kids fill their baskets with. But for pets, these treats can be deadly. Chocolate is very toxic to dogs and even ingesting a small amount can cause some serious problems. Other candy and gum that is sweetened with Xylitol is also very dangerous to your pet.

  Keep Fido and Fifi safe by making sure your kids keep their 'loot' where your pet can't reach it, and keep a close eye on that stash you have by the front door for trick or treaters. One last reminder that's relevant, is that it's not just the candy/chocolate itself that's dangerous. Those wrapping papers, bags and sticks are just as appealing your to your pets, and eating those isn't going to agree with their tummies either!

  Signs that your pup may have eaten something he shouldn't include excessive drooling, rapid heartbeat, over-excitable behavior, vomiting or even seizures. Check out my Poisonous Foods page for more information on the common foods and products that can kill your precious pooch. You'll also find the ASPCA Poison Hotline number, keep it by your phone, just in case.



• The 'Runaway'
  On Halloween night, chances are that your front door is going to be opened many, many times - giving Fido the perfect opportunity to make a dash for freedom! Obviously it makes sense to keep your pet on a leash, or safely enclosed in another room while the Halloween festivities are in full swing, but as an added precaution do make sure he's wearing a sturdy collar with an up-to-date ID tag.

  If the worst should happen, and your pet should escape through an open door, all the people, costumes and noise could frighten him enough to make him travel outside of his known territory. In that case, his ID will be his only ticket home.



• Fido's 'safe place'
  

  Unless your pet is a seasoned 'party animal', he or she will probably be happiest in a quiet, safe and familiar spot during the festivities. Put your pups' crate in a room at the back of the house, with some of his favorite (safe) and familiar toys to keep him company.

  If he's a particularly nervous or anxious pup, you could try one of the natural products on the market that can help calm his frayed nerves. Rescue Remedy flower essences are very useful in these situations, and calm your pup without the side effects of anti-anxiety medications. Or try one of the Plug In units that give off a pheromone-based scent that naturally reduces anxiety in your pooch. You can find both of these, and other similar products on my Dog Separation Anxiety Medication page.

  Don't leave him out in the back yard, he may still be upset by the commotion in your street, and careless or thoughtless humans may taunt him, open the gate, throw candy over the fence or worse. Better to be safe than sorry.

Keeping a dog isn't cheap!

Of course, as your pet is already part of the family, these figures aren't meant to make you scream and rush to deposit him at the nearest animal shelter, but as the saying goes 'forewarned is forearmed'. If you know what to expect, it's easier to be prepared, and that's valuable in itself.

From my research, and my own personal experience, the cost of raising and taking care of a dog isn't an exact figure. There are so many variables - a small dog is obviously going to cost less to feed than a giant one, and even toys and treats are cheaper for the 'pocket-sized' pooch. Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions that may require ongoing veterinary treatment (such as hip problems, eye problems, palate problems and so on).

Then there are the preparations you may need to make. If you already have a fenced yard for example, you won't need to invest in a fence/containment system, and if you're home all day then doggie daycare, kennel stays or a dog sitter aren't likely to be regular expenses. These things can add up.

However, there are many expenses that are fairly fixed, so here's a rough guide (not 'written in stone') to what your pup may cost you...

• Initial Costs
  The first cost to consider is the purchase price of your puppy! If you're set on adding a purebred pup to your family, expect to pay anywhere between $300 and $1000. Even more for the 'flavor of the month', such as English Bulldogs which can cost over $2000 right now. Of course, there's always that litter of mix-breed pups advertised in the paper, and if you're not fussy about having a purebred pup those may be a great choice, but make sure you know choose a healthy puppy. We all know there's no such thing as a 'free lunch' and that applies to puppies too. A pup whose poorly bred and hasn't been properly taken care of and socialized can end up with health issues (or behavior problems) that aren't going to be cheap to fix.


• Start Up Costs
  That precious new puppy will need certain items and products as soon as you get him home. A crate, bowls, collar and leash, ID tags, cleaning products, toys and grooming aids are all necessary. Spending $150 - $200 on these isn't out of the ball park. And bear in mind that other things like fancy dog beds, cute clothing, special treats and so on are hard to resist when you look at your adorable little furball.


• On-going costs
  You may not need to buy your pup new bowls every week, but you'll definitely need to buy puppy food on a regular basis. A high quality puppy food can easily cost you $30 plus, (of course, if you have a toy breed, he won't cost you as much to feed as a large-breed pup, but puppy/dog food is expensive).

  A word to the wise - don't ever try to save money by buying a cheap/generic food. Your pup will have to eat much more of it to get the same nutritional benefits, and inadequate nutrition can lead to all kinds of health/developmental issues that could cost you dearly at the veterinary clinic.

  Medications to treat fleas and ticks and heartworm preventatives are also a monthly cost, of around $10 - $15 on average. Puppy Obedience Classes are very important and usually cost upward of $100 for around half a dozen sessions.



• Healthcare Costs
  If you've chosen a healthy, well-bred pup and are lucky, your pooch may only need routine, prevenative healthcare for most of his life. An initial vet exam, deworming and Puppy vaccinations are essential, and you can expect to pay upward of $40 for the first visit, and around another $50 - $60 to finish the course of shots. Spaying or Neutering your pup is very important in preventing unwanted 'oops' litters, and to help protect your pup from reproductive organ cancers and disease. The cost of this is usually somewhere around $100 - $150, spaying being more expensive than neutering as it involves more surgery.

  If your puppy should be unfortunate enough to fall seriously ill, be injured or require surgery, the veterinary costs can be shocking, and easily run into thousands of dollars. To prevent wiping out your savings account, or going into debt, to take care of these emergency situations, it's a good idea to take out a health insurance plan on your pet. For a small monthly fee, emergency veterinary care, surgeries and so on are covered by your plan, and some companies even provide coverage for routine care or medications (you may need to pay an additional charge for this). Medical coverage for your pooch is really not a luxury, it's a necessity, and could be a real life-saver, in every sense of the word.

These figures are, as I said, just guidelines and your own situation could involve more, or less, expense.

Tips to cut costs while raising your puppy

• Picking your puppy
  A purebred puppy can be expensive, or it can be REALLY expensive! Some of us have our heart set on a particular breed of dog, and that's absolutely fine. Personally, my favorite is the amazing Rottweiler! But, if you're not particular set on adding anything from an Australian Shepherd to a Yorkshire Terrier to your family, consider taking a look at the dog pounds and rescues/shelters in your area.

  Every year, millions of dogs and puppies end up in these centers, and unless they're lucky enough to find a new, forever home, they're destined to a lonely life, or worse. Now, these pups aren't free, there is always a charge or some sort, and sometimes a screening process for prospective adoptive 'parents', but generally the cost is around $100 or so. Why not think about it? A lucky pooch gets a second chance at a happy life, and you save hundreds of dollars... what a deal!

  You can find out more about the adoption organizations, what questions to ask when looking at available dogs, even link to nationwide databases of pets available right now on my Adopt A Puppy page. You can also read heartwarming stories of other visitors dog-adoption experiences, and see photos of their adorable 'picks' on my Puppy Dog Adoption Stories page.

  And if you really want that purebred pup, but like the idea of adoption, you can find a link to purebred dog rescue groups, and many other dog rescue organizations on my Dog Rescue Organizations

• Home made dog food and treats
  Puppy and dog food is one of the biggest, and most consistent, expenses you'll have over the period of your dog's lifetime. Optimum nutrition is vital to his health, and getting the correct balance of nutrients is important.

  However, you don't HAVE to get your dogs food out of a can or a bag. Home made dog food is not only possible, it can be just as nutritious as a high quality commercial food, and free of those nasty preservatives, chemicals and additives even the best foods often contain.

  Of course, you can't just feed Fifi whatever you're having for dinner, and expect her to grow up healthy and happy. Dogs have dietary needs that are quite different from those of their human family. If you'd like to try feeding your pup home made dog food, check out my Home Made Dog Food page for lots of tips, advice, information and even recipes to get you started.

  Most of us rely on a selection of favorite recipes when we cook for our families, and why should cooking for Fido be any different? Check out this make-and-build-dog-stuff.com. You can also find a great way to make a comfy dog bed for your pup from an old pillow sham and some odds and ends right here. Have fun!



• Reduce veterinary costs
  As I talked about earlier, your pets' accidents, injuries or serious illness can wipe out a savings account. So taking out an dog health insurance policy makes good financial sense. It's important to get it in place while your pup is young and in good health, and to shop around and do your homework before choosing a plan/company. Check out my Pet Dog Health Insurance and Pet Insurance Coverage for help in finding the best policy for you and your pooch.

  Routine, preventative care is another way to keep veterinary costs down. Treatment for a puppy with a serious illness or disease such as parvo can easily run over $1000 dollars, with no guarantee of success. Whereas the required vaccinations cost around $150 total - priceless!

  Any health issue is easier (and therefore generally less expensive) to treat when caught early, so if you're concerned about an aspect of your puppy's health, get your vet involved right away. For problems that don't involve symptoms of serious or urgent conditions, my Ask A Vet page is a very cost-effective way of getting accurate, professional advice from a qualified veterinarian. At around $10 per consult, it's definitely value for money.



• Do It Yourself A well trained and behaved dog is a pleasure to be around, and that behavior needs to be learned and nurtured during puppyhood. Once your pup has had all his/her vaccinations, enrolling him in at least one set of Obedience Classes is highly recommended. This helps to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy, shows you how to train him correctly and can help you trouble-shoot any areas of difficulty. Plus it's a great socialization experience for your puppy.

  However, there's a lot more to training a puppy than just attending some classes. It's important to set the basic foundations early, as soon as your puppy comes home, and after the Puppy Classes, if you don't intend to continue with formal obedience lessons you can still 'further your pups education' by practicing both basic, and more advanced, obedience lessons at home.

  In order to this properly, a really good book that covers the why's and how's of puppy training and behavior is vital. I have a few personal favorites of my own and you'll find them (along with some other excellent titles) on my Dog Training Books page. Some books come with DVDs too, which make understanding exactly what you need to do even easier. If you're having house training issues there's also my favorite book on housetraining right there.

  If you'd like the speed and convenience of downloading an ebook on the subject, here's one of the very best around SitStayFetch - A Guide To Dog Obedience Training. It has a lot of well presented, practical tips and advice not just on puppy obedience training, but on general behavior issues as well. A highly recommended read. Again, for those struggling with potty training problems, the Kingdom of Pets Housetraining Info may be just what you need.

  Clicker training is also a popular method of training a puppy, and you won't need special 'Clicker Training Classes' if you have one of these....
  

  
  
  

  .... and of course, there's all the information, tips and advice on potty training, crate training and basic puppy training and socialization on my site!

My most popular pages

There may well be one (or several) that have the information and advice you've been looking for!

Puppy Diarrhea
Puppy Shots
Adopt A Puppy
Dog Food Ratings
Dog Illnesses
Puppy Health
Puppy Blog
Puppy Worms Best Dog Breeds For Children

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Well, that's all for this month. Watch out for our next Issue of Puppy Pawprints... coming to your Inbox in November!