dogIDs "How-To" Dog Blog

We hear about the importance of socializing our dogs and puppies to new things, but what exactly does that mean? At what age should we begin exposing our puppies to new places and other dogs, and how can we go about it without scaring them or exposing them to diseases? I reached out to some professionals for their ideas on how to socialize a puppy safely. Here’s what they had to say.Tips for socializing your puppyAllow the puppy to stay with his litter for 8 weeks “A large amount of ear …

How did you go about choosing a trainer for your dog? Did you read reviews? Did you choose the trainer a friend recommended? Did you make your decision based on cost? We would love your feedback because choosing a trainer can be such an overwhelming process for new dog owners. The following are some ideas from two professional trainers to hopefully help you make the best choice for your dog if you need help with training. Also check out our post on common dog training mistakes.How to choo …

“Start training right away.” That’s what you’ll hear if you add a new puppy to your family. Good advice, but also overwhelming. Puppies need to learn their names and basic commands but also how to walk on a leash, where to go potty and how to interact with other pets. Where to even begin? I turned to four experienced dog trainers and asked for their tips. You can’t go wrong teaching your puppy the following concepts right away, along with some of the basics, like potty trai …

Most new dog owners know what basic supplies they’ll need for a puppy. They know to purchase a leash, toys and food, for example. But what are some of the less obvious necessities new puppy owners may not think about?The following are a few of my ideas, and I’d love to hear yours in the comments. Five tips to prepare for your puppyHave a training plan in place. Think about how you will teach your puppy basic obedience commands and manners. Is this something you plan to do on your own, o …

As a pet owner, you only want the best for your best friend. You know it takes time to find the perfect leather collar for your dog. What some owners don't realize is that leather products require care and conditioning. Since leather is technically an animal skin, it can become worn down from natural elements and lack of oils. This required care will depend on what type of leather your collar is made of. At dogIDs we suggest an Italian Leather or English Bridle collar. Designer Italian L …

The scruff, the loose skin around a dog’s neck, plays a vital role in canine behavior and communication. From a young age, dogs experience interactions involving the scruff, primarily through their mothers. A mother dog uses the scruff to carry her puppies, keeping them safe and under control. This natural action is instinctively understood by puppies, who go limp when carried in this manner, trusting their mother’s guidance.For humans, however, the scruff presents a more complex subject. While …

Should My Puppy Bite?If you've ever been nipped by a playful puppy, you know how bad those little teeth can hurt. It's also important that we teach our puppies not to bite so they don't continue to do so as they grow up. The following are some tips to teach your puppy appropriate manners.Stop a Puppy from Biting1. Rotate which toys are available.One way to prevent your puppy from biting you is to keep lots of interesting chew toys available. Each puppy will have different toy preferences, but tr …

There is no doubt that potty training a puppy can be a difficult task. There are many different methods and practices that you can choose from when potty training your dog, but how do you know which one is the best? In this article, we will go over some of the best practices for potty training your puppy. These tips will help make potty training easier and less time consuming. Remember These Tips When Potty Training Your Puppy Keep a close eye on your puppy. Make sure you are watchi …

You set a bag of rolls on the counter and then head out to your car to carry in another grocery bag. You’re gone a whole 30 seconds and … the rolls are gone! Raise your hand if your dog is guilty of this! Do any of you have dogs that like to steal food off the counters? Not only is this frustrating, but it can even be dangerous if the dog takes something that could be harmful, like chocolate. The following are a couple tips you can try to stop your dog from “counter surfing.” Unfo …

If you have a puppy, you’re probably looking for some ideas on how to safely tire him out, especially if he’s in that naughty, “teenage” stage. Taking your puppy for walks is a good idea, but you may be wondering how far you can walk him without putting too much stress on his joints. And, is it safe to take him running? I asked two dog trainers to share some of their ideas for exercising a puppy, and here’s what they had to say. Tips for tiring out your puppy1. Go for lots of short wa …