How to introduce a second dog!

by Queenie1

Many people have a dog and want to add another dog to the family pack. If you wish to do this there are some things that you should do to make the transition easier for the two dogs.

1. First read a book on dog breeds to see if the two dogs breeds will get along with each other. The book will tell you the characteristics of the breeds. If the larger dog has a strong prey drive for rabbits, squirrels, etc it may not be a wise choice to get a second small dog. Some animal shelters or city dog pounds have greeting rooms to introduce the two dogs together to see if they will get along before you take your dog home. Your vet may also be able to answer that question for you.

2. One of the best ways to introduce a new smaller dog to your larger dog is to take the two dogs to a neutral territory like a dog park, etc. You'll need two people walking the two dogs together on leashes. Never just place the two dogs together in the one dogs home before introducing them as they need a bit of time.

3. Let the two dogs sniff each other and get to know each other in a neutral territory before you take them home together.

4. After you've introduced the dogs if you have a backyard take the two dogs to the backyard together before bringing them into the home. If the one dog shows some dominance, aggression that is okay but you stay there and don't let it get out of hand.

5. Let the two dogs go inside the house together and inspect the home. Let them off their leashs and watch to see if there is any dog aggression. You could place a dog carrier in the house for the new dog to use as a safe place from the other dog so he can go in and out when he feels comfortable.

6. Make sure each dog has their own bowl, leash, etc so that you don't promote fighting.

One dog will make himself the dominant dog and the other dog will follow but make sure that you are the leader and not the dominant dog.

My Dog is Shedding Horribly!

by Queenie1

Is there something wrong with my dog as in the Fall season he seems to shed so much? When I pet my dog handfuls of fur come into my hands and I find pieces of fur all over my sofa, carpet, bed, clothes, etc which makes my allergies worse. I can't keep my house clean! Is my dog alright or is this shedding fur normal? What can I do?

It is normal for the dogs to shed in the Spring/Fall season. They shed all year round but more at Spring/Fall season. Short haired dogs shed more than long haired dogs also certain breeds shed more. Shedding can also occur from medical problems as internal diseases or skin disease.

Get your pet dog a dog brush and brush his coat often and you will take some of the dead fur out. You can also use a dry rag to rub his fur to get rid of some of the dogs dead fur. Purchase a furniture Polish or Pet Hair Remover product from the store to help remove some pet hair off the wood furniture you can also vacumn the fabric on the sofas and chairs to get the fur off.

Add Omega 3 & Omega 6 fish oil to the dog's food and the good quality food will help stop the dogs shedding. The proper balance of Omega 3's and Omega 6's will give your pet dog a very healthy coat.

Fall shedding season is helping your dog to get rid of his summer fur coat so that his winter fur coat will keep him warm for the cold which is coming. The shedding season will pass quickly!