Are You Better Off Adopting a Puppy or an Adult Dog?

I had this article sent in to me regarding the adopting of a puppy or an adult dog that I thought would be helpful to some of the readers of this blog. I receive many questions asking about adoption and this article gives you something to think about before making a choice.

Dog Adoption: Are You Better Off Adopting a Puppy or an Adult Dog by Jim Navary

After a family discussion on the pros and cons you've decided that you want to adopt a family dog. The next decision should be whether you should adopt a new puppy or an adult dog.

Undoubtedly it can be lots of fun having a playful puppy in the house. However, adopting a puppy is a major decision requiring a major time commitment. For the first couple of weeks, both you and your new pup will have to adjust to your new living arrangements. There may be a few sleepless nights in store for both of you. In addition, new puppies must be supervised closely and properly taught what is and is not acceptable behavior. And don't forget housetraining! In some cases this can be a difficult time with numerous "accidents" to clean up. Your patience while housetraining a puppy may be stretched to the limit. Also, young pups love to chew on things. Keep in mind that it may take at least six to eight months for your little buddy to outgrow his chewing phase and another 12 months until he's fully mature.

After giving the idea some serious thought, some people conclude that they may not be able to provide the time and attention that a new puppy deserves. If that's the case, you may want to consider adopting an adult dog instead of a pup.

Many adult dogs have already been housetrained. You'll likely still have a few accidents but it won't take long for the adult dog to learn your rules. Adult dogs are easier to train as they have longer attention spans than excitable puppies. In fact, you may find that they have already learned some basic commands from their previous owners. Choosing an adult dog, you will already be aware of its full size, true personality, and health. As puppies develop, one or more of these traits may end up being a big surprise. An adult dog may be a better choice if you have young children. Older dogs may have already had experience with children and they are much more predictable than puppies. Playing with a new puppy you'll soon discover that they have needle-sharp teeth that can accidentally injure a young child.

Why not consider adopting a canine "senior citizen". Even nine or ten year old dogs can still have many more good years to offer to a loving family. And, for me at least, just knowing that I've rescued an "unadoptable" pooch from probable euthanasia is very gratifying indeed.

Adopting a dog requires your commitment to ensure a happy, healthy partnership between you and your new best friend. However, it can really be great fun and it's definitely well worth the effort!

About the Author:

Are you a dog lover? If so I would love to have you visit my DogBurg Blog at www.dogburg.com. You'll find more canine related articles, videos, photos, jokes, music, and anything else we can come up with that would be of interest to dog lovers. See you there at DogBurg Blog.

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Free Simply pAwesome dog treat sample

Request a free sample pack of grain-free, gluten-free dog treats from Simply pAwesome.

You have a choice of seven different flavors (as of this posting) to choose from.

Information from Simply pAwesone - "At Simply pAwesome, we wholeheartedly embrace the idea of treating dogs well by giving them wholesome, delicious rewards. Our homemade nutritional treats can be enjoyed by all dogs, especially those with food sensitivities or allergies. Simply pAwesome treats are free of wheat, corn, soy, milk, eggs, cheese, meat/fish, nuts, fillers, artificial preservatives and by-products, some of the most common food allergens.

Our Original recipes are fortified with organic whole rye, oat bran and flax seed to provide a well-rounded nutritional base. And our Grain & Gluten Free recipes are totally grain free, no rye, oats or flax is contained in these treats."

This free offer is available to the USA only and one sample per household.

Free Simply pAwesome dog treat sample

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PEDIGREE Puppy Program

Anyone with new Labrador Retriever puppies, waiting for a puppy, or thinking about getting a puppy, PEDIGREE® is offering an opportunity to join their PEDIGREE® Puppy Program.

"Join the PEDIGREE® Puppy Program and you'll get:

* Over $10 in instant savings
* A subscription the PEDIGREE® Puppy Scoops® e-newsletter
* A downloadable Puppy Care Guide
* A special gift for your puppy when he reaches adulthood"

After you register you have the choice to print your coupons on your computer or have them mailed to the address you provided at sign-up.

The Puppy Care Guide has some very good information in it. Yes it recommends Pedigree food but it is an offer from Pedigree! You can download the guide and print it out or save to your computer.

Offer good to U.S. residents only. One PEDIGREE® Puppy Program membership per household.

I would like to thank Olivia for sending me an e-mail about this offer.

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Free bag of DOGSWELL dry dog food

DOGSWELL is offering a free bag of their DOGSWELL dry dog food to the first 10,000 eligible people.

"Is your career in the pooper scooper? Have you recently been canned and are desperately in need of some kibble? Are you simply tired of this doggone economy? DOGSWELL® is here to help! From April 15 - May 15, DOGSWELL® will offer one free bag of dry dog food to the first 10,000 eligible people."

You have to download and completed Bow-Wow Bailout Redemption Form and then e-mail, fax or send the form to them.

"The first 10,000 eligible people to submit a completed DOGSWELL® Bow-Wow Bailout redemption form will receive one (1) free bag of DOGSWELL® dry food for dogs. All entries must be postmarked between April 15, 2009 and May 15, 2009 or received electronically between 6am PST on April 15th, 2009 to 11:59pm PST on May 15th, 2009.

Limit one bag of free DOGSWELL® dry food for dogs per mailing address. P.O. Box addresses will not be accepted. Mailing address must be in the Continental U.S."

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Teaching your Labrador Retriever to play dead

Teaching your Labrador Retriever some simple tricks is both fun and entertaining for you and your Labrador Retriever. With most tricks being built on the basic obedience commands of sit, stay, and down, it's best if your Labrador Retriever can perform these commands fully before advancing to any advanced tricks.

The video will show you how to get your Labrador Retriever to the down position and then to play dead. Watch the excellent use of the hand signals for the commands as well as the use of treats to reward! Patience will be the key but after several repetitions your Labrador will get the idea.



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Labrador Retriever won't relieve himself on training pad

Subject: My Labrador Retriever won't relieve himself on the training pads.

From: Elaine (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Ratlif

Reader's E-mail - Elaine Writes:

Hello. My 4 month old Labrador Retriever, Ratlif won't relieve himself on the puppy training pads we leave down in the kitchen for him. When we take him outside he has no problem going pee and poo but inside prefers the carpet. Can you give me some ideas as to what may be wrong. Thank you.

Elaine

All About Labrador Answer:

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

Hello Elaine, thank you for your e-mail.

I do have to say I am not a big fan of training pads. Trying to teach your Labrador Retriever to relieve himself in the house is never a good idea as it will only confuse him and teach him that it's ok to eliminate himself in you home.

I am assuming that you are not home with Ratlif for long periods of time, that being the reason you want to use training pads, but it is very difficult to teach a Labrador Retriever to differentiate between a training pad and you carpet, furniture or bed. My advice drop the training pads, get yourself a dog crate and practice housebreaking your lovable Labrador Retriever.

I have added some previous post on All About Labradors in regards to crate training and housebreaking that should be helpful to you. I have also posted a few links to another blog done by my sister-in-law called Training Your Dog Tips that will also be of help.

Male Labrador Retriever urinates in my house - part I

Male Labrador Retriever urinates in my house - part II

Puppy House Training Effectively

How to Potty-Train Your Dog

Crate Training for my Labrador Retriever

How to use Dog Crates and Crate Training

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Take care of yourself and Ratlif,

Fay

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Free sample of Better Than Ears

Here's another free sample to grab for your lovable Labrador Retriever.

This is a free sample of Better Than Ears, a soft and chewy pig ear alternative.

Information from the Better Than Ears website - "With its tantalizing taste and doggone ultra-realistic texture, Better Than Ears is the perfect palate pleaser for even the pickiest of pooches.

This premium snack satisfies your dogs insatiable craving for those tasty, tempting pig ears... without all the fat or mess."

You can request your free sample of Better Than Ears by visiting the Walmart website. Limit (1) sample per household. Samples are only available to consumers in the United States.

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My Labrador Retriever's coat stinks - part II

This is part two of a two part e-mail. To read part I visit My Labrador Retriever's coat stinks - part I

Subject: My black Labrador Retriever's coat really stinks - part II.

From: Bev (Canada)

Labrador Retriever Name: Jet

All About Labradors Response:

Hi Bev,

To empty the anal glands, a tissue is held up to the anus and both sides of the anal area are squeezed. If the doesn't work, then yes the finger is next. Yes it will make him smell, but more toward the rectum with a strong unpleasant smelling odor (sort of metallic odor). Is this what your smelling?

Did you check Jet's skin?

Please keep me updated on his condition. Thanks.

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Bev's Reply:

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His skin is good and his coat is nice and shinny and full. I feed him Nutria Natural Choice weight management…he’s a few pounds overweight according to the vet J. He gets 2 large dog treats per day too.

I was smelling him last night and his head area isn’t the problem but when I smelt at his butt it wasn’t so bad either but oh my goodness his paws are smelly. When you sit and sniff him he’s not so bad but when he walks by or lay’s beside you it’s yuck Jet man you are one smelly dog.

I’ll try your suggestion for his anal glands and see what happens. I notice the skin on the inside of his ears do need a good cleaning, I remember one time being told to use rubbing alcohol, is that right?

I really should have named him Shadow because he is definitely my shadow… love my dog J

Thanks again
Bev

All About Labrador Response:

Hi Bev,

I forgot to reply to your last question on ear cleaning.

You can use white vinegar mixed 1:3 with water to rinse the ears.

One of the best products I've used with success for gunk in my Labrador ears is called a blue power wash (actually I have seen it called many other things, as it has been on the Internet for ages).

"Blue Power Ear Treatment"

INGREDIENTS:

16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol (Witch Hazel)
4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%

Mix together in alcohol bottle and shake well. You will also need to shake solution every time you use it to disperse the Boric Acid Powder. An eye dropper can be used to fill the ear.

TREATMENT: Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Wait until inflammation has subsided which will be about 2 days.

Shake the bottle each time before using. Flood the ear with solution (gently squirt bottle), massage gently for approximately a minute, then wipe with a cloth or tissue. Flood again a second time, and wipe again without massaging in. The dog will shake out the excess. Be advised, the Gentian Violet does stain.

The SCHEDULE of treatment is as follows:

Treat 2x per day for the first week to two weeks depending upon severity of ears
Treat 1x per day for the next 1-2 weeks
Treat 1x per month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog)

All of these ingredients should be available at your local pharmacy. I like to use witch hazel instead of alcohol, as if any scratches are in the ear, the alcohol can cause burning. The Boric Acid Powder soothes the ear and the Gentian Violet Solution is an ant-infection agent. The solution appears to work well on many ear problems. I also like to warm my solution slightly, under warm water, but you can use it either way.

There is also a commercial version of this solution available.

K9 Ear Solution - http://www.firstchoicenaturals.com/Index/showroom.php/All_Supplements-Pet_Supplements-EarsSkinCoat/pid-16?gid=7

Hope this information helps. Please keep me advised.

Fay

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My Labrador Retriever's coat stinks - part I

Subject: My black Labrador Retriever's coat really stinks.

From: Bev (Canada)

Labrador Retriever Name: Jet

This is part one of a two part e-mail.

Reader's E-mail - Bev Writes:

He swims in the lake all weekend when we’re at the boat and I can’t get his coat to smell nice, it’s like its imbedded right into his skin. I’ve tried all the “dog” shampoo’s was told to wipe him with a bounce sheet but that didn’t work… any suggestions.

His name is Jet (cause he’s jet black J) and he will be 4 in Oct, he also was my ring bearer J at my wedding last year.

Bev

All About Labradors Response:

Hello Bev,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

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I do recommend a visit to your veterinarian for most problems with your Labrador Retrievers but will also list some suggestions that might help.

How are you? My apologies for the delayed response as I receive many questions at the All About Labradors blog and it does take me some time to answer them all.

Thank you for your question and for the wonderful photos of Jet. How did he do as your ring bearer?

Bev, I need you to make sure of two things. The first thing I want you to check is to make sure it's Jet's coat that smells and not his ears, as infected ears can give off a strong foul odor. If you do determine it is his ears an appointment with your veterinarian is advisable. Let me know if this is the case as I have further information I can give to you to help out with ear infections.

The second thing is to check to make sure the smell is to his whole coat and not just the area around his rectum, as this could be a problem with his anal glands. With this you will notice a strong unpleasant smelling odor (sort of metallic odor). You might also notice some scooting of the rear end on the ground, licking or chewing at the area, or any other sign of discomfort in this region. Once again let me know as I can also provide you with information to help with this.

If you notice no problems with the first two things I mentioned here, there's a possibility that Jet has some sort of skin problem. An bad odor from your Labrador Retrievers coat is often a sign of a skin infection.

What you need to do is to take a look at Jet's skin. Look through his fur to see if you notice any open sores, pimples, boils, or rashes.

Yeast infections are common in dogs that love the water, and who loves the water better than our Labrador Retrievers. Without proper drying of Jet (the quick shake that he does doesn't always do the trick), warm, moist areas are left on his body and in ears where the yeast love to breed.

A good dog degreasing shampoo may be helpful, but if there is an infection on the skin, oral antibiotics or oral antifungals will be prescribed by a veterinarian.

If you suspect a yeast infection, you can try a solution made from equal parts white vinegar and water. This can help to prevent yeast infections, by lowering the skins pH. Spray it on his coat and leave it on without rinsing off.

Do you notice Jet's coat to be dull, dry, greasy or scaly. If so, a cause of the problem can be Seborrhea. Seborrhea is a common skin disorder resulting in excessively greasy or dry skin. Seborrhea can be dry (seborrhea secca) or oily (seborrhea oleosa). Your veterinarian will run test to try to find the underlying cause if Seborrhea is suspected. Shampoos and conditioners can be used to control Seborrhea.

You also want to make sure you're feeding Jet a high quality dog food as odors come from within. Let me know what you feed Jet (brand, flavor, treats, etc)

Supplementation with essential fatty acids can also be of great help to Jet.

Bev, read over the above information, checking the first two things I've asked you to check, answer any other questions I have asked, and get back to me. We will then work from there.

Talk to you soon,

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Bev's Response:

Thanks Fay,

Jet did an excellent job as ring bearer J!

He doesn’t have an ear infection but I do know he suffers from the gland issue you described… his mom has it too, I didn’t know if could make him stink though. Are you going to tell me I have to stick my finger in his anus to squeeze out the puss, I’m told that’s what the master of his mom does… I think I’ll just take him to his vet.

Bev

To read part two of this e-mail visit My Labrador Retriever's coat stinks - part II

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Free Marley & Me Audiobook Download

OK Labrador Lovers, this one is for us humans. Here's a free download of the popular bestselling book and wonderful movie, Marley & Me by John Grogan.

For those of you that haven't read the book or seen the movie, here's a little information about the book:

"Marley quickly grew into a barreling, 97-pound streamroller of a Labrador retriever. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, and stole women's undergarments. Obedience school did no good, Marley was expelled.

And yet his heart was pure. Just as Marley joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. A dog like no other, Marley remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit's end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms."

The free download is being provide by audible.com. It can be downloaded and listened to on your iPod, computer, iPhone®, computer, mobile phone or burned to a CD.

You will have to register and install the audible.com software. On a personal note I have used audible.com for some time and never had any problems with their software or downloads.

For more information and to download visit: Free Marley & Me Audiobook Download

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