Adopting a New Puppy - Basics That You Should Know
 If a dog is outright aggressive, he should not be
adopted - no matter how cute he or she is! An aggressive dog
should only be handled by professional trainers. These dogs can be dangerous and
are not suitable as household pets. If the dog is young, mild behavior
problems can be fixed easily.
 Observe the dog's behavior yourself. Does he track through feces, splash
water out of his bowl? How are his "table manners"? Does he
aggressively guard his food bowl? Does he have a good appetite or is he a
finicky eater? How does he behave with other dogs sharing his run?
 Ask if you can take the dog out on a leash. Does he walk nicely or pull and
jump? Try some basic training exercises and see how the dog responds. Spend some
time playing together. By interacting with him on a one-to-one basis you will
learn a lot about the dog's willingness and his level of dominance or shyness.
Shyness and dominance can be signs of abuse and neglect. Although a shy or
dominant dog may still be an acceptable pet for the right home, the period of
adjustment will be longer and will require more patience, love and ingenuity
from you.
 If a dog leaks urine when you greet or pet it, it is called submission urination. If you adopt this dog, be aware that the habit can usually be cured
but requires time and patience. It is not a housebreaking problem but a
reflection of the dog's submission to you.
The dog's physical health is also very important. Observe if the dog coughs
or sneezes. The eyes should be clear and without discharge. The nose should be
free of mucus and the dog should breathe freely and easily. He should stand and
move effortlessly. The coat should be healthy and
shiny. Look for areas of hair
loss, sores, scabs and redness. Check the ears  for black debris, which could
indicate ear mites or a bacterial infection. Head shaking or rubbing the ears is
also an indication of ear problems. Does the urine look clear? Check the
condition of the dog's stools. Has the dog been dewormed? Find out if the dog
has been spayed or neutered.
Most dogs that are brought to shelters are examined by veterinarians and
vaccinated. Ask if this particular dog has been checked and make sure he has
been screened for contagious diseases. Ask if you can you take the dog to your
own vet before making the commitment to adopt.
Puppy Nursing Supplies Discount Products RSS Feed from GregRobert
07/19/2008 03:54 PM
Store-N-Feed JR. Adjustable Pet Feeder
 Designed exclusively for small pets, the Store-N-Feed JR. provides a healthy, comfortable feeding position. Like the Store-N-Feed, Store-N-Feed JR. features a unique self-watering system and a ridge to keep food and water off the floor.
Manufacturer: VIRTU
Discount Price: 12.72
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07/19/2008 03:54 PM
Easy Feeder Syringe 2-Pack
 Four Paws Easy Feeder Syringe 2-Pack is a Pair of syringes with nipple and tapered tips for feeding medications and formulas to small animals. Nipple tip for feeding thinner medications and formulas.
Manufacturer: FOUR PAWS
Discount Price: 3.82
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07/19/2008 03:54 PM
Pet Replacement Nipples 2 oz 5 Pack
 2 oz. Replacement Nipples are replacement nipples for the PetAg 2 oz. pet nurser bottles. Comes in a pack of five nipples.
Manufacturer: PET AG INC
Discount Price: 2.98
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07/19/2008 03:54 PM
Pet Elongated Nipples 2 oz 5 Pack
 PetAg Replacement Elongated Nipples fits PetAg 2 oz. nurser bottles. Specially designed nipples simulate milking action of mother's nipples. Developed for puppies and kittens but with the elongated design these can be used with all young animals.
Manufacturer: PET AG INC
Discount Price: 3.33
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07/19/2008 03:54 PM
Pet Nurser Bottle 2 oz.
 The PetAG Nursing Bottle is made of durable plastic designed to withstand repeated use and sterilization. Nipple will come with no holes for custom control flow of formula. Graduated bottle aids in accurate feeding.
Manufacturer: PET AG INC
Discount Price: 1.30
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