Happy Puppy – A Complete Guide

Well, do you know, approximately 340 dog breeds are available worldwide that are recognized by most of the famous canine organizations, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), also known as the World Canine Organization?

Dogs can be categorized based on their nature such as companion dogs, herding dogs, hunting dogs, guard dogs, and much more. Some dog breeds are even used as therapy dogs to comfort patients and as guides, dogs to help the blind or physically challenged.

Topmost famous dog breeds worldwide:

1. Loyal and Loving Labrador Retrievers
2. Confident and Courageous German Shepherds
3. Patience and Playful Golden Retrievers
4. Lazy and Lovable Bulldogs
5. Adorable and Active Beagle
6. Friendly Breeds

Friendly Breeds

Some dog breeds are extremely loving, loyal, friendly, energetic as well as, and courageous. Friendly breeds can be categorized based on their affection towards family, friendliness with kids and other animals, and sociability with strangers.

A dog’s behavior to a large extent depends on its owner’s upkeep and affection.

Topmost friendly dogs that suit best families and kids:

1. Golden and Labrador Retriever
2. Poodle
3. Beagle
4. English Bulldog
5. Boxer and Pug

Not-So-Friendly Breeds

Remember, friendly dogs are the best examples of companion dogs, and there are other dog breeds that are mainly preferred for guarding, herding hunting, and other activities.

Working dogs are categorized based on their strong build, loyalty, fearlessness, high alertness, a dog’s behavior and guarding ability against intruders, etc.

Top 5 not-so-friendly dogs that do not get well with kids:

1. Pit bulls
2. Rottweiler
3. German Shepherd
4. Doberman Pinschers
5. Bull Mastiff

Now let us see what can make your loyal friend happy.

The first thing to remember is to choose the breed that suits you. Because to make your puppy happy it is very important to know all the information related to your pup’s breed.

Though there are many factors to consider, the most important include the following:

• Climate and environmental temperament
• Time to be spent on exercise, activities, and training
• Maintenance

Hot and Cold Temperaments

While some breeds like Saint Bernard, Bernese, Akita, and Siberian Husky can survive well in countries where temperatures are low, other breeds like basenji, Terriers like Boston Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Vizsla can survive in hot weather conditions.

Few breeds such as Retrievers and German Shepherds can adapt well to both weather conditions.

Environment

Toy breeds like Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Pug, and Dachshund do not need many activities. So, they are the best fit for small houses and apartments.

But bigger breeds like Retrievers, Great Danes, and Dobermans need more attention and it is the prerogative of the dog owner to teach a dog. A well-ventilated spacious house, yards or garden to play fetch games and pools will be required for these lovely giants.

Maintenance

Many types of high-maintenance to low-maintenance dog breeds are available. Grooming, exercise, regular walking, and balanced diets are compulsory to keep your puppy or dog healthy and happy.

• Dogs with dense hair coats require regular grooming and trimming while others with less or no hair do not need that.
• The former may not drool much due to their dense coat but later may drool more as the heat affects their skin coat directly.
• Similarly, dogs like Retrievers need daily exercise and walking to prevent obesity.
• Breed type and size-specific systematic diet should be followed.

Choose your breed wisely.

You have to feed your dog and their puppies depending on their breed, size, and age. While some may go easy on a vegetarian diet, but others would be happy with a non-vegetarian diet.

The food quantity and interest may vary from dog to dog regardless of their breed and size.

Know About the Toxic Food

Know about the foods and stuff that may be toxic to your little one. Foods that contain Citric acid, methylxanthines, oils, fats, salmonella, e.coli, avidin, salt, xylitol and yeast cause minor to major health issues like vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, kidney failure and sometimes may even lead to death.

Always consult your vet and follow the diet suggested by him.

List of few toxic foods:

• Alcohol – Causes vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system disorder and death
• Cocoa Products – Coffee, Chocolate (especially dark), Caffeine causes vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity, abnormal heart activity and death
• Citrus – Causes stomach upset, irritation and nervous system disorder
• Dairy Products – Causes vomiting and digestive problems
• Salt – Causes tremors, diarrhea, and depressions

Know About the Yummy and Healthy Food

Well, now you have got to know about the toxins for your pal, let us see about the healthy foods for these sweet dolls.

• Carrots and Green Peas – Rich in potassium and vitamins for healthy teeth and overall health
• Pumpkin, Water Melon and Apple (with seeds removed) – Rich in vitamins, fiber, and potassium with low calories that hydrates dog, cleans teeth and freshens the breath
• Well Cooked Meat (specifically chicken) and Egg – Rich in protein, vitamins, and amino acid to boost metabolism
• Peanut Butter, Cheese, and Yogurt – Rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth
• Oatmeal – Rich in fiber helps in better digestion

Do dogs smile when they are happy?

The moment you reach home from work or business, and see your dog wagging its tail swiftly and come rushing towards you, then it is pretty obvious that your doggie is excited to meet you.

It is really important to teach your dog to follow your instructions and this will ensure that your dog’s behaviour is nice and proper. But before we dig deeper you need to learn to read your dog’s facial characteristics and its body language to love your dog even further.

Smiley Dog

When their lips are curled up, you can be sure he is happy and smiling but don’t compare it with the way humans smile and laugh. They are also good at laughing but it involves panting to some extent.

Dogs also show signs of laughing when they expect something glad or pleasurable to happen. If your dog rolls his body over the floor or you see his ears pointing skywards, then these are signs that your doggie is happy.

Happy puppy often keeps a loose tongue with their mouth ajar, can be perceived as a  smile in your pet’s world.

Finally, It is nice to know that even animals have the ability to share and express their feelings and it would be handy if we humans spend the time to understand them.

A healthy puppy will be a happy puppy

• Follow BBGT: That is, Brush, Bath, Groom, and Trim. Doing this regularly will maintain your puppy’s health.
• Your pup will appreciate daily brushing (no human toothpaste), once or twice weekly bath (thrice when it is really hot outside) and regular grooming with hair and nail trim.
• During the bath, check your puppy’s ears whether any dust or wax is accumulated. Wax accumulation may lead to ear pain and infection. Use the vet recommended ear drops as suggested.
• Avoid trimming your pup’s hair during winter as they act as natural protection from cold. Trimming your pup’s nails too short may lead to high bleeding. So it is safe to take your vet’s help.
• De-worming your pup at a regular interval (as per the vet suggestion) is very important as they may cause anemia. This will kill the parasites inside her intestine and blood and cleans her digestive system.

Your puppy depends on you completely. So don’t leave her alone for long. Lonely pup always feels low – low in energy, less interested and depressed.

Lonely Dog solutions

• Take him for a walk daily and buy toys for your pooch. Enrichment toys have hidden treats inside which the dog has to find a way to reach. These toys can be given to dogs that get bored easily. All the dogs love interactive toys like balls, fetch and tug that requires your involvement.
• Activities, like tracking (hide and seek) and playing in water pools, will be a good exercise for both of you. If not for bigger pools, you can buy your pup a small pool. She would equally enjoy playing in small pools too.
• You can also get her a pal like another dog or animal to spend her time when you are away from her for long.
• Teach her new tricks to refresh her brain. Don’t forget to appreciate your puppy with her favorite treats whenever she learns something new.
• Teaching a dog to stay has to start with “Down-Stay”, and then “Stay”.Use a steady voice tone and command your dog to stay in position. Now, it is time to press the clicker and handsomely reward your dog with some goodies for following the teaching.

If your pup is not keeping well, observe whether she suffers from the symptoms mentioned below. This helps you to understand that something is wrong and to take immediate action before it turns out to be serious.

Consult your vet if your puppy shows any of the symptoms. Don’t give medicines without your doctor’s advice.

• Dry Nose
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Avoiding food and sometimes even water with nausea
• Less or no activity
• Dull and lethargic
• Excessive urination and drooling
• Abnormal breathing

Don’t be angry with your puppy for too long and neglect her. It may take some time for her to acclimatize. Shouting or beating your puppy for her mistakes will only grow fear in her.

Instead of punishing, make her realize her mistake patiently. Never frighten her. Handling with tender and care will help your puppy’s confidence to soar high and ultimately strengthens your bond with her.

Your puppy feels safe when you are around her. She feels good when you hold her in your arms or lay her down on your lap. Sleeping with your buddy is not only good for her but it also helps you to come out of your stress and sleep better.

Cuddle and comfort her when she is afraid of loud noises like firecrackers. If she shivers and clings to you denying to leave your side, then she has got noise anxiety. Don’t leave her alone when she needs you the most.

Medications are also available to comfort the dogs suffering from noise anxiety. But the only vet recommended the dosage of medicine should be given.

Understand Your Buddy’s Language

Try to understand what your little buddy is trying to tell you through her body language. Like when she wants to go out, if she is hungry or afraid of something, she will try to convey that to you.

So observe well and get to know her needs by her body language. The better you understand her language the better you can make her happy.

Closing Comments

Big or small, ugly or beautiful, however your puppy may look, one common trait every dog has is to love you unconditionally and protect you in every possible way, even if that means losing their life. Dogs are the disguised angels with a short lifespan.

Dog foods and other accessories like training pad for your puppies, dog gloves for bathing, leash, and harness etc. are published/available in leading websites like Amazon etc.

Amazon also offers other services including a manual for teaching dogs and dog trick kits etc. to name a few.

Little cuddle and care, more tricks and activities with lots of love and affection are all you need to do to make your home a heaven for these little angels to live their short life filled with joy and happiness.