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Take comfort in the fact that a lot of new and prospective dog families ask many of the same questions. Here are our answers to 10 of the most common questions we get from people just like you.
10 Questions for A Dog Pro
Whether you’re a new puppy owner, rescuing a dog to add to your family, or haven’t had a dog for a while, here are 10 of the most common questions we get from new dog families in The Beaches.
Ask Joey your dog questions!
1. How do I choose a dog breed?
Think about how you spend the majority of your leisure time. If you’re always out on your bike or running along the waterfront, choose a breed that fits an active lifestyle. If you are more of a homebody and enjoy your quiet time, choose a dog that requires a lot less exercise.
2. Which dog breeds fit best with my active lifestyle?
Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Pointers, Golden and Labrador Retrievers are just a few you can hit the beach or the trails with.
3. Which dog breeds best fit a slower lifestyle?
Pugs, Boston Terriers and other small breeds are lots of fun without the need for so much physical activity. Plus, when you travel to visit friends and family, they don’t take up a lot of space!
4. I adopted an older dog and his behavior is out of control. What can I do?
Obedience training is great for dogs of all ages and backgrounds. We run obedience training classes all the time (multiple classes weekly), and we would love to help you and your dog work on a better quality of life together!
5. What important purchase do most new dog families overlook?
A properly sized crate. Your dog will love their crate and it will become their favourite private space in the house. But it has to be the right size so they don’t feel cramped (or exposed, if it’s too big).
6. Do dogs need protection in hot/cold weather?
Yes, but how much and what depends on your dog’s breed. Some need jackets and boots to stay warm and comfortable in the winter, most should actually have summer boots to protect their pads from scorching summer asphalt.
7. Should my dog wear a collar or harness?
Traditional collars are good for most dogs, but your dog may not be most dogs. If your furry family member:
- Has any sort of medical condition with their neck or throat.
- Has a flat face.
- Weighs less than 15 pounds.
- Has a tendency to pull.
- Has a neck as thick as their head
…a traditional collar isn’t right for your dog.
Your other options include harnesses and halters. We recommend trying out both and seeing which you and your dog prefer.
8. What is the best chew for my dog?
A lot of this is up to your dog’s age and taste preference, but we recommend trying these natural chews:
- Natural rawhide
- Smoked or raw bones
- Naturally shed antlers
- Beef or buffalo tendons (bully sticks)
9. Is crate training important for my dog?
Yes! Many veterinarians and dog behavior experts recommend crating puppies and adult dogs to protect them when unsupervised. Dogs view their crate as a den – a place they want to be. So helping them learn to use it properly is a very positive pet-family experience.
10. How can I stop my dog from barking so much?
- Give your dog something to do. Sometimes he/she can just be barking from boredom.
- Use a calm, deep voice to correct them. Never bark or shout back. A deeper voice hits the frequency they respond to better.
- Give your dog a limit. Allow your dog 3-5 barks before you correct her with that calm, deep voice.
- Block the object of their bark-fection from his/her view. If he/she can’t stop yelling at people or other dogs outside, closing the window while you’re not home is a good way to keep your dog calm.
Have a question we didn’t answer here?
Give us a call or stop by the storefront and ask. We’re always happy to help.