Tag Archive for: New Dog

Checklist Before Bringing a New Puppy Home

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Checklist Before Bringing a New Puppy Home

Since March 23rd is National Puppy Day,  here is a simple checklist to help you navigate bringing your puppy home!

1. Commitment

You are making a major commitment when getting a puppy. Puppies grow up, and most live 10-15 years. It’s important to consider the financial, emotional and physical responsibilities involved with bringing this new family member home.

2. Accidents

Puppies piddle . . . A LOT so be sure to invest in quality puppy pads to cover the area where you will be keeping your little furry friend. Don’t forget to get a quality scooper for the backyard as well. If you’re not prepared for a puppy to have an accident on your new carpet or nice hardwood then a puppy may not be right at this time.

3. Licenses

You’ll need to license your puppy within your town or county, just know that most wait until the puppy has received their rabies vaccination. The price varies if the dog is neutered/spayed or not. Most municipalities require a yearly fee after that.

Pet licenses are required in all areas of Larimer County. Yearly renewal may be needed depending on the type of animal and where you live. You can find more information specific to Larmier County and the areas Wet Noses Pet Sitting services (Berthoud & Windosr) on the Larimer Humane Society website.

4. Collars & Harness

Collars are another expense you’ll have, several in fact. You will need to fit new collars correctly until your puppy is fully grown. Now is also the time to decide on a harness and/or a gentle leader head halter remembering to size them as they grow.  Complete everything with a sturdy leash.

We do not recommend using retractable leashes. These types of leashes are often thinner, which means they can snap. It also does not help reinforce how far your dog is allowed to stray from you when walking as the distance changes.

Recommended harnesses:

– Ruffwear

– Julius K9

Make sure to also get tags made for your puppy! We recommend including your pets name, your name, and a contact number. Most people will not bring your dog to you. Plus if your dog is large, people will know that your large dog is not at home. While rare, this can pose a safety risk.

5. Crate Training

Crates are an excellent way to help your puppy feel safe when you are out of the home.

Fitting your puppy with the correct size crate is paramount. Your new puppy will need room to stand and be able to turn around and lie down comfortably. Also consider the adult size your puppy will be growing into when purchasing your crate. If you’re worried about the crate being too big, most crates come with dividers to make it smaller.

I personally have an extra-large Midwest Pet Product crate for my cat when he was recovering from surgery. It might seem quite silly to get such a large crate for such a small puppy (or cat!) but once you add in bedding, toys, and any other comfort items – plus a growing puppy, that extra-large crate will start to seem smaller than it used to be.

6. Puppy Gate

You’ll want to invest in a sturdy puppy gate to contain your puppy in a particular room or area until all their training is done. Limiting the puppies roaming area will aid in their training. Be sure to find an area that you can dedicate to your puppy throughout the next few months/years.

7. Water & Food Bowls

Water and food bowls should be heavy enough that a puppy cannot tip them over. Sturdy ceramic or solid stainless steel are ideal as they non-porous and less susceptible to bacteria growth compared to plastic.

Be sure to have another water bowl out in the yard for easy access. Make sure to change this bowl daily, or multiple times per day. Standing water is ideal for mosquitos to breed in. Water bowls outside also become dirtier quicker than bowls inside.

8. Toys, Toys, and More Toys

Puppy toys are a great way to use up all that energy, but be sure that they are appropriate for the age of your puppy. Puppies, like toddlers, put everything in their mouth! Make sure that the toys are safe and are made specifically for puppies. Nina Ottosson has some puppy-friendly puzzle toys we recommend. These toys can be purchased at many retailers.

9. Bedding

Providing a soft bed in your puppies crate/kennel is important to support growing bones and ligaments.  Also having another bed in a safe, quiet place in your living room is a great idea when you have them out with you on their supervised visits.

10. Veterinary Care

Finding a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with and trust is vitally important. This relationship will continue throughout the puppies life through yearly exams and vaccinations. If you do not adopt your puppy from a shelter, you will need a veterinarian to microchip your pet. Microchips might seem excessive if your pet already has an ID tag but collars can fall off and tags can get worn away.

11. Dog Training

Consider a dog trainer. Most dogs are surrendered between the ages of 5 months and 3 years. Investing in a qualified trainer who has the knowledge to teach you and your puppy how what is expected of him, can set you both up for success.

12. Pet Sitter

Finally, think about how much time your puppy will be home alone. Puppies need a lot of socialization as well as extra feeding and potty time. Finding a bonded qualified pet sitter is an optimal solution to this issue. Wet Noses Pet Sitting have trained and bonded pet sitters certified in pet CPR ready to help you with your new puppy!

 

Thinking through this checklist is a great start to providing your puppy with everything they need. Supplying well timed visits and walks with a pet sitter will ensure that he or she is mentally and physically fulfilled.  The end result is a happier, more well adjusted puppy that will bring you and your family endless joy and happiness for many years to come!

How to Choose a Dog That’s Right for You

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How to Choose a Dog That’s Right for You

Welcoming a new animal into your home is a big step. So how do you make sure that the dog you’re adopting is the right one for you? We’ve put together some of the most common factors in choosing a dog that’s right for you.

Size


How big or small is your space? Do you have room for a large dog? Are you able to comfortably handle a dog that weighs 100lbs or 10lbs?

 

 

 

 

Activity Level


Are you a person who is always on the go and wants a walking companion? Or are you more sedentary and like to stay at home?

 

 

 

 

Physical Maintenance


Some dog breeds require more grooming than others – especially long hair dogs! Are you able to keep up with a regular grooming schedule?

 

 

 

 

Age


Puppies require the most training and attention and can be a wild-card for personality. While an adult dog will give you a better idea of their energy level, attitude, and temperament. How about letting a senior pup spend their golden years with you?

 

 

 

 

Breed


Do you want a purebred dog? What about a mutt? If you’re looking for a specific breed check with local rescues in your area that specialize in that breed or research reputable dog breeders.

 

 

 

Congratulations on your new friend! We hope you two have many happy years together. Finding yourself needing help getting all of those daily walks in? Wet Noses Pet Sitting can help! We can custom tailor a dog walking schedule to your new dogs needs. We also offer puppy visits!

If there’s any other important tips for choosing a dog that’s right for you that we missed, let us know in the comments.

10 Reasons to Adopt a Golden Retriever this International Golden Retrievers Day

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10 Reasons to Adopt a Golden Retriever this International Golden Retrievers Day

Looking for reasons to adopt a golden retriever? With International Golden Retriever Day right around the corner, you may be asking yourself, “Is it time to bring a sweet golden fur baby into my life?!” Well, if you’re on the fence, let this help you decide! Here are 10 reasons you should adopt a golden retriever (as if you needed another)!

1. They have HUGE hearts!

The golden retriever breed is most known for its phenomenal temperament. These golden babies not only have a bright sunny coat but a sunny disposition to match! Often used as therapy
dogs for a wide range of patients, golden’s are loving pets that will warm your hearts with their capacity to care!

2. They are so gentle.

Originally bred as hunting dogs, golden retrievers are known to have “soft mouths” or bite inhibition. This means they are extremely gentle natured and less likely to chomp down on stray
fingers that may find their way to your pets mouths. This makes them excellent pets for homes with young kids!

3. They’ll enrich your life as much as you enrich theirs

Golden retrievers live to please! As much as you will love them (and you will LOVE your golden friend), they will love you back tenfold! Nothing beats coming home after a long day to
someone who celebrates your arrival with unbridled love and affection! They truly are an instant mood booster!

golden retriever

4. They are very compliant when it comes to training!

Golden retrievers are renowned people-pleasers. This makes them easy-to-train pets! They are highly intelligent which makes them capable of a wide variety of tasks whether it be assisting a
visually-impaired patient or simply coming when they are called. They’re some of the easiest dogs to walk. Just another reason these devoted pups make an excellent extension to your pack!

5. They are the perfect pet for homes with animals already.

Due to their gentle, loving disposition, golden retrievers are also naturally highly social! This makes them an awesome addition to homes with already-established pets! Of course, their
curious nature will encourage them to explore and sniff out any new friends, but their amicable nature prevails through and through!

6. They have a relatively long life expectancy.

Golden’s make a great addition for many reasons, but another bonus is their life expectancy! The average lifespan of a golden retriever is about 10-13 years! If you are looking for a long-term
companion look no further! Their loyal demeanor will stick by your side for as long as they are with you!

adult cream golden retriever laying on floor

7. They will brighten your home and your day!

Golden retrievers come in a wide variety of shades of their signature golden hue. From cream to a dark goldenrod, their array of sunny shades also translates into their bright personalities!
Generally happy-go-lucky pups, Golden Retrievers have an infectious smile that is sure to bring happiness to all who get the pleasure of meeting them!

8. They’ll enjoy the outdoors as much as your family does!

Due to their breed history, golden retrievers are moderately active dogs who require at least 40 minutes of exercise a day to maintain the happy, healthy life they truly deserve! Couple their
athletic, sporting nature with their obedience and loyalty, and you have a new companion in whatever outdoor hobbies you may want to pursue! Adopting a new pet can also encourage you to get outside more and enjoy the fresh air!

9. They aren’t big diggers or droolers.

Besides the ongoing list on why golden retrievers make an amazing addition to your house, an added bonus is they aren’t big droolers like some larger breeds are! On top of this, you needn’t
worry about your garden because golden’s aren’t keen on digging either! This makes them comparably less messy than some other breeds, good news for the neat and tidy home makers!

golden retriever lying on green grass field during daytime

10. They are the best family pets!

Overall, golden retrievers are known for their happy, loving disposition. They are loyal until the very end, and will bring nothing but happiness to whomever they encounter. They are extremely
gregarious making them great for homes with kids or already established pets. If you’re looking to celebrate International Golden Retriever Day this February 3rd, you may want to introduce a
gentle, loving, furry friend into your home!

There you have it! 10 reasons to adopt a golden retriever this International Golden Retriever Day! Did we miss any of your favorite reasons for adopting a golden retriever? Let us know in the comments!

What to Know When Puppy Sitting_Header

What to Know When Puppy Sitting

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What to Know When Puppy Sitting_Header

 

If you are going to be puppy sitting, or a looking for a puppy sitter, there are many details you should know to make sure the puppy gets the best care. Puppies take a bit more work (actually a lot more work) than adult dogs so it is important that everyone be on the same page.

Puppies Need to Go Out Often

A good rule of thumb is that puppies can only last an hour per year of age, so a 2 month old puppy will need to go out every 2 hours, a 3 month old every 3 hours and so on. This can vary quite a bit by the individual puppy based on breed, personality, etc. The more consistent the house training, the better she will do.

When no one is home the puppy should be contained to a small spot, like a crate, so she learns to hold it. When puppy sitting, the puppy needs to go out often and be supervised when out loose to make sure she does not have accidents in the house. This requires a puppy sitter that is vigilant and attentive.

Take a look at suggested schedules for puppy sitting when owners are on vacation and for day walks.

Puppies Need Training

Puppies do not magically understand us like Lassie. They need lots of positive training in order to understand what we want from them. Where we want them to go potty, how we want them to play, what they can chew on, and more! When someone is puppy sitting they need to have a good idea of basic training skills and know how to enforce them. These should be the same methods you use, although a good puppy sitter will be able to offer suggestions from experience.

Puppies Need Consistency

Humans and puppies speak a different language so interactions need to be consistent in order to ensure the puppy can figure out what is going on. Imagine if you were trying to learn a new language and someone gestured at an apple and said “pomme”, but the next time gestured at the apple and said “rouge”. Well which one is it? Plus a puppy is a baby. A biting, wriggling, barking baby, but a baby none-the-less. Everything a puppy learns is new and every impression is important. If the puppy is spending time trying to figure out if you mean “pomme” or “rouge”, she will not be able to get the lesson quickly and will get confused. Everyone who interacts with the puppy should be clear and know the rules.

Puppies Need Positive Reinforcement

Yelling at a puppy or scaring her is not a helpful part of the training process. Positive reinforcement means your puppy learns our human language without fear. When a puppy is afraid, all she learns is to be scared of you. A puppy brain cannot learn when in a state of fear. Positive reinforcement means she can learn in a way that keeps her fear-free and learning all the time. The best way to be able to stay positive is to set the puppy up for success. If you know she will have accidents, then do not leave her unsupervised in the house; especially when she might be needing a potty break. Then when she goes potty in the correct place, use lots of positive reinforcement so she wants to do it again and again.

Puppies Need Socialization

Puppies need to see a wide variety of people, other animals and environments to grow up to be well-rounded adult dogs. That is why puppy sitting is so helpful! It allows the puppy to meet new people in a positive and safe way. Learn more about the Benefits of Walks for Puppies. Puppy sitters should learn to interact with the puppy the same way as the owners and follow the rules the puppy has so they can be properly encouraged.

Four tricolor Jack Russell dogs on two wooden chairs indoor

Four Tricolor Jack Russell Dogs On Two Wooden Chairs Indoor by Scopio from NounProject.com

Puppies Need Playtime

The best thing about what you need to know when puppy sitting is that puppies love to play. Play is necessary for the health and happiness of puppies. When puppy sitting, puppies need to have a lot of time in their schedule set aside for play, ideally with other puppies, with humans and alone. Puppies learn a lot from playtime with other puppies including how to moderate their bite pressure, how to not be too rough and how to read dog body language. And playtime is also a good outlet for excess energy. A tired puppy is a good puppy!

Puppies Need Lots of Meals

Puppies are burning a lot of energy and they need a lot of food to keep them going. Meals need to be at a set time every day and puppies always need to go out for a potty break afterwards. When puppy sitting, visits have to be long enough to provide time for playtime, feeding and potty breaks. Most puppies will eat 3-5 times a day.

Puppy Sitting Plan

When we provide puppy sitting we look at how a visit should be structured. Most often a puppy sitting visit will look like this:

Out of crate –> Potty time –> Playtime –> Meal –> Potty time –> Playtime –> Potty time –> Back in crate

If the weather is nice we often sit outside when puppy sitting so puppies can go potty and have playtime as needed. This cuts down on accidents. We are only there for a specific amount of time. The less time spent cleaning up accidents, the more time spent on playtime!

If you are interested in learning more about our puppy sitting visits take a look at the Benefits of Walks for Puppies and Pet Sitting Visits for Puppies. We would love to set up puppy sitting that is perfect for you and your puppy!

If you are interested in becoming a puppy sitter, we are often looking for new team members! Look at our open positions. If you’re interested in puppy sitting but aren’t old enough to join our team, ask your family and friends if you can help take care of their puppies. It will give you great experience and plus, puppies!

Getting a Dog – Complete Checklist for New Dog Owners

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Bringing a new dog into the family is a very exciting time. Becoming a pet parent is rewarding, but also full of responsibility. The best way to prepare for your new dog is to have a checklist to lay the groundwork for your new addition.

 

Download the Complete Preparing for a New Dog  Checklist

Four Important Considerations:

1. Time: It is very important to think about how much time you’ll honestly be able to give your new pet.

  • At the very least dogs need to be fed 2-3 times a day and walked at least once a day.
  • Dogs with more energy may need even more time for proper exercise and stimulation.
  • Healthy pets should get at least an hour or day of direct attention, even if it’s just cuddling.
  • Don’t forget to add in time for grooming, hygiene, and appointments.

2. Costs: You want to make sure that you can always care for your vet. The best way is to create a budget for a new dog before you bring them home.

  • Does your new pet need to be spayed or neutered?
  • Is there an adoption fee that needs to be paid?
  • Monthly expenses such as food, pet sitting or new supplies
  • Routine veterinary care
  • Microchipping
  • Grooming equipment and supplies
  • Will you want to sign them up for training classes?
  • Beds and toys
  • Spare supplies

3. Age & Size: These are also two important factors in getting a new dog.

  • Puppies take far more time and training
  • Is your home accommodating to a large dog or would it be better suited for a small dog?
  • Do you have another pet to consider when deciding on what type of dog to get?
  • Can a large pet travel with you comfortably?

4. Lifestyle and relationship: Another big consideration is how your lifestyles will blend and the relationship you want to to have with your new canine companion. 

  • Are you active and want to bring your dog on hikes and camping trips?
  • Will your work and social life affect your ability to spend time and care for your pet?
  • Do you want a pet that will travel with you?
  • Do you have children that need a reliable and safe dog?
  • Is your new dog going to be your best friend or more of an independent roommate?

 

Shopping Checklist:

  • Age appropriate food
  • Water and food bowls
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • ID tags (make sure your phone number is on it)
  • Dog carrier or crate
  • Doggy shampoo and brush
  • Super absorbent paper towels
  • Various types of toys
  • Blanket
  • Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Plastic baggies for waste

 

Getting a new dog awesome. Once you have considered all the important factors and gotten their supplies, the only thing left to do is have fun with your new family member!

Download the Complete Preparing for a New Dog  Checklist

5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love!

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Adding a new pet to your family is very exciting. It’s important to find a good vet and start their care as soon as possible. But it is likely that you feel a little overwhelmed when you see the long list of vets in the directory. It’s not too hard to narrow down the search if you know what to consider when choosing a vet.

1. What kind of accreditation do they have?

The best veterinary hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They regularly evaluate the practices on about 900 different standards of excellence, which means the level of care is the best in the industry. Visit their website to find an AAHA accredited vet near you.

Many clinics are also starting to offer a Fear Free certification. This is a course that teaches veterinarians to work with animals in such a way as to minimize the fear and stress involve in a vet visit. Find a Fear Free certified veterinarian near you.

2. How convenient are their hours and location?

There’s no doubt that we are busy people. That is why it is important to have a veterinarian office that is located near your home or on your daily commute. Moreover, make sure that they have the hours that fit your daily schedule. If you work long days, find a location with evening or weekend hours.

3. What type of emergency care do they offer?

Accidents and sickness happens. We can’t plan for them and unfortunately they also can happen at all hours of the night. Make sure to have a plan in place for emergency care. If the vet you choose has AAHA accreditation, there is a good chance they have 24 hour emergency services.

4. Do they have in house medical equipment and lab testing?

The best offices have in house testing and equipment. If your pet needs lab work or x-rays, the results will be faster; meaning you will know what is wrong and how to treat it as soon as possible.

5. Are there good online reviews and testimonials?

Nothing beats a face to face encounter to tell how much (or how little) you are going to like any particular office. However, in the great day and age of the internet, we have sites like Yelp.com that help shine the light behind the doors. Read reviews on community sites as well as testimonials on their website as well. This will help you get an idea if the practice is a good fit for you family.

 

After you’ve picked a vet, go for a regular check to assess the level of care. If they are a perfect, then great! If not, try again until you find the one that is just right for you.

Do you have any recommendations for veterinarian offices in the Fort Collins or Loveland area? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!

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