By Rikke Jorgensen Getting ready to search for a four-legged family member? One of the biggest questions to answer is whether to bring home a puppy or an adult dog. Here’s a list of things to consider. Puppy pros: You get a chance to do it, as Sinatra crooned, your way. A puppy is learning… Continue reading
Talk about a question that can raise hackles at dinnertables. While there are obvious and indisputable differences between male and female dogs, the pros and cons of either sex is an area rife with generalization and anecdotal ‘evidence.’ Most of it concerns personality. Some people swear female dogs are reserved, stubborn, bossy, and hard to… Continue reading
Think about what you hope to capture. For soulful or quirky facial expressions and poses, choose a portrait. For more dynamic expressions of your dog’s personality, opt for action shots. In portraits, try to capture little markers of your dog’s character. The way his fur folds, his frog-leg sleeping style, the penguin toy that’s never… Continue reading
Finding a dog that’s great with kids has little to do with breed and a great deal to do with temperament. Big dogs can be wonderful family dogs if they have gentle and tolerant dispositions. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind: Medium-sized dogs are preferable. Large dogs can unintentionally knock children over. Small… Continue reading
More and more, city living includes dogs, and this means dogs in ever-greater numbers in limited space. If you live in a big city, here’s a primer on urban dog etiquette: Be extra vigilant about socialization. Urban dogs meet strangers – human and canine – on cramped sidewalks and in parks every day. For everyone’s… Continue reading
Small Apartment = Small Dog Myth. Yes, it seems logical that a teeny dog would thrive in a one-bedroom apartment and a pony-sized one would not. But it comes down to energy level, not size. Big dogs like Mastiffs are easier to keep in a small space because they sleep and rest more. Whereas a Jack… Continue reading
Pinning down the cost of dog ownership is tricky because of the many variables. For example, a show quality purebred puppy can cost thousands of dollars, whereas the adoption fee from a shelter probably won’t exceed $100, including spay/neuter surgery and microchip implant. Then there are ongoing costs. A Great Dane eats considerably more than… Continue reading
Bringing a little bundle of joy into your house is exciting…and nerve wracking. Just like prepping a nursery before a baby comes home, getting your puppy’s space ready — well ahead of time — will make the transition easier for both of you. Here’s What You’ll Need: Puppy food Stainless steel food and water bowls… Continue reading
Dear Potential Dog Owner, Please don’t make an impulse purchase. Dogs — like undergarments — aren’t (and shouldn’t be) easily returnable. Prevent buyer’s remorse by answering these 10 questions that will help you decide if you’re ready to take the plunge. 1. Do I have enough time for a pet? Daily care includes affection, grooming,… Continue reading
Puppies have three top priorities: Eat, play, and explore. The three often overlap, as most puppy exploring is done through play and by trying to eat things. Add a puppy to your family and every inch of your home will be sniffed, chewed, bounced on, and played with. Continue reading