Choosing the Right Crate
Choosing the Right Crate Size The size of the crate you should purchase depends on the size of your dog. Your dog is physically comfortable when the crate is tall enough for your dog to stand up to his full height without having to duck his head, wide enough to allow your dog to lie on his side and stretch out, & Read more »
Your Dog's Health
Preventive care Good preventive care begins with careful attention to the basics: Nutrition A healthy, nutritious diet builds a foundation for well-being and disease prevention throughout your Pet's life. As a dog ages, their nutritional needs change; for example, a puppy needs a diet high in calories and protein to maintain its active lifestyle and to grow healthy bones and muscles. An older & Read more »
Whet Your Dog’s Appetite with Wet Food
Canned or bagged, wet or dry: These are basic choices you must face when choosing the best food for your pet. But when is it best to feed wet pet food? Here’s what you need to know Canned or bagged, wet or dry: These are basic choices you must face when choosing the best food for your pet. But when is it & Read more »
Accessorizing Your Dog’s Digs
Once you’ve chosen the right crate for your dog, make his digs even more welcoming with these crate accessories: Once you’ve chosen the right crate for your dog, make his digs even more welcoming with these crate accessories: Bedding & crate pads: These soft and stylish additions to your pet’s crate can make it an even more desirable place to & Read more »
Which Crate is Right for Your Pet?
Plastic dog crates Recommended uses: Crate training, travel and at-home containment These portable crates are perfect for the pair that's on the go--many are federally-approved for airline travel! The lightweight top and bottom can be screwed together and taken apart for storage or travel as needed. These dog crates feature ventilation along the sides and a wire door in front that latches & Read more »
Puppy Training-The Benefits of Treats
When you train your dog, the dog is doing the correct behavior to either: 1) get something he wants; or 2) avoid something he doesn’t want. There are many rewards (technically called reinforcers) that you can use while training your dog. Food is generally the reinforcer of choice for many reasons: • Food is considered a “primary” reinforcer; meaning, it is essential for & Read more »
Homeward bounding: making your new dog feel at home
Your new pooch is counting on you to provide the right nutrition, socialization, healthcare and grooming. Here are some tips to help the transition a little easier: Exploring his new home The first day you bring your new pet home is special, so make sure you get some time aside to create a calm, happy homecoming. If you have small children, let & Read more »
Picking the Right Dog Training Class
Wondering which dog training class is the right one for you? The following descriptions of PetSmart accredited dog training classes can help you decide: Potty Training Seminars (for Pet Parents only – no pets), which are one-time classes that last one hour, are great for people that have not yet gotten their new dog or for someone that has a new & Read more »
Graduating your dog to house freedom
So… you’ve used a crate to manage your puppy and now you’re wondering how to start giving him more freedom. Well, if you’ve done your foundation work and haven’t let your dog pick up bad habits, transitioning to full freedom in the house should go pretty smoothly. Ideally, your dog should be past the puppy and juvenile stage. For small dogs, this probably & Read more »
Doggone myths: are mixed breeds healthier than purebreds?
Does hybrid vigor, the notion that dogs which are less related have increased fertility and health, really exist? Sure. It just doesn’t occur quite as often as people think because it is more than a matter of not mating the same breed. People assume that as long as the female and stud are different breeds, the offspring will be healthy, but that’s & Read more »
Tattooing: another way to keep your dog safe
Developed by the founders of the National Dog Registry, tattooing is a simple, affordable means of permanently identifying your dog. It is painless to a dog because as dog’s skin structure is so different from a human’s that the tattoo marker doesn’t need to be inserted very deeply into the dog’s epidermis, or outer skin layer. The best location for & Read more »
How to Change Your Pet's Diet
If you have decided to change your pet's diet, feed your pet a combination of the new and old food over a 10-day period to get them used to the new texture and smell. Abrupt changes to a pet's diet can trigger diarrhea and other intestinal upsets, especially if your pet has a sensitive stomach, so be deliberate and consistent & Read more »
Does Your Rescue Dog Have Issues? Tips to Help With the Transition
Adopting a pet is a rewarding experience that not only saves the life of the pet, but enriches the life of the Pet Parent. Remember, no pet whether he is from a shelter, a breeder or elsewhere is perfect. Challenges including potty training, obedience issues and medical expenses can crop up after the adoption. Here's the good news: these challenges can be resolved. & Read more »
What's in a Name? Should You Give Your Adopted Dog a New Name?
If you want to rename your dog, go right ahead. While it may take an older dog a while to figure out what you mean, he’ll get it eventually. Dogs don’t internalize a name the way we do; they don’t identify themselves with that particular combination of phonemes. They simply understand that when you make a certain sound, it means & Read more »
Puppy Meet Child: How to Properly Introduce Puppies and Children
If you have children and are adopting a puppy or are a puppy Pet Parent and are having young children over to visit, you'll want to introduce them to one another in a way that is friendly and non-threatening for both parties. Here are some tips to help introduce your pet to young children: If you have children and are adopting a puppy or are a puppy & Read more »
What is the Vaccination DHLPP Anyway?
Please remember that vaccination protocols may vary somewhat amongst veterinarians, so always follow the recommendations of your family veterinarian. Let's start with an 8-week-old puppy. The cornerstones of preventive health care are immunizations (vaccinations) and parasite control. Let's start with immunizations. It is important to realize that a series of vaccinations are necessary in order to properly immunize a puppy. & Read more »
Dog Health Care
Nutrition A healthy, nutritious diet builds a foundation for well-being and disease prevention throughout your Pet's life. As a dog ages, their nutritional needs change; for example, a puppy needs a diet high in calories and protein to maintain its active lifestyle and to grow healthy bones and muscles. An older dog may need a diet restricted in calories and & Read more »
How Life Stage Dog Foods Differ
When shopping for dog food, it is common to buy by the brand. Beyond the brand of the food, you should take into consideration the life stage of your dog. Life stages refer to the various developmental stages of a pet's life. For dogs it means puppy, adult, senior and for some dogs, a lower calorie diet for inactive or & Read more »
Choosing the right food for your dog
Most foods are available in specific formulations tailored to match your dog's age, breed, weight and activity level, called life-stage formulas. Most brands are divided by life stage into the following categories. Most foods are available in specific formulations tailored to match your dog's age, breed, weight and activity level, called life-stage formulas. Most brands are divided by life stage into & Read more »
Good habits every puppy should know
We look into their eyes and they steal our hearts, but for that little bundle of joy to grow into the adult cat or dog you are hoping for, they need your guidance. Here are some tips to get you started: We look into their eyes and they steal our hearts, but for that little bundle of joy to grow into & Read more »
Homecoming Preparations for Your New Dog
Introducing family members Introducing your new dog to other family members requires some planning, especially if the family includes children or other pets. And, if they don't already know, all household members should be shown how to handle a dog safely. A slow, quiet approach is best for acclimating your dog to his new home. Remember, the newcomer is in a strange & Read more »
Proper Nutrition for Your New Dog
Your new family member deserves optimal nutrition Just like humans, dogs have different nutritional needs at different stages of their lives. And just as you would provide good nutrition for someone you love, you will also want to do everything you can to ensure that your dog has a complete, balanced, and tasty menu that provides him with optimal nutrition. This & Read more »
New pet know how: your new dog's health
Spay & nueter - a one-time surgery; a lifetime benefit The right thing to do for your dog is to spay her (if female) or neuter him (if male). Because they're no longer distracted by the mating cycle, dogs of both sexes tend to make better pets when they are spayed or neutered; this enables them to develop a closer bond with & Read more »
Adoption Know How: Hygiene and Your Dog
Grooming your dog for good health Proper grooming is essential to your dog's health and well-being. Not only does grooming allow you to check for any potential health problems, it gives you an opportunity to spend some "quality" time bonding with your dog. Grooming your dog for good health Proper grooming is essential to your dog's health and well-being. Not only does grooming & Read more »
New Pet Know How: Dog Crate Training
In addition to proper health and hygiene, the social development of your dog is critical to its well-being as a productive member of your family. Like schooling for children, pet training provides dogs with discipline, boundaries and knowledge of what is expected of him/her. PetSmart's Accredited Pet Trainers can help you and your dog - using positive reinforcement and a curriculum & Read more »
Keep Your Dog Entertained with Toys, Treats
Animals in zoos have a variety of activities to keep them occupied and interested throughout the day and night. Pets need this kind of stimulation too, especially dogs. Unfortunately, many dogs spend their days in home environments that can be lonely and lack stimulation. Their instincts are to hunt, explore, play or socialize and lack of stimulation can lead to feelings & Read more »
Pet security: what should I do if my pet becomes lost?
Whether it is lost or stolen, losing a pet is an agonizing experience. Even the most responsible pet owners can face unexpected circumstances that cause their animals to accidentally stray. This is especially true during summer when windows and doors tend to be open. The following are solutions if you've lost your pet and common types of identification that can mean the difference & Read more »
Are You Ready to Adopt?
Adopting a new pet is about so much more than whether you’re a dog or cat person. Do you want an adult dog or cat, or would you prefer a puppy or kitten? The commitment is quite different. Along with lots of fun and excitement, your new family addition brings change. Read below for a few things to consider before entering & Read more »
Picking the Perfect Pet for You
Thinking about adopting a pet? Congratulations - not only will you be making a great new addition to your family, but you will be giving a homeless pet a forever home. Before you visit the shelters, here are a few things to consider when choosing a pet: Are you a morning person -- or willing to become one? Dogs and cats are early risers — you’ll & Read more »
Things to think about when adopting a dog
Is a dog the right pet for you? Here are some things to help you decide whether or not a dog is the right pet for you and, if so, what kind of dog to adopt. Canines crave attention A dog can be a great match for a bustling household. They crave stimulation and thrive on activity. Plus, with plenty of people & Read more »
The Steps to Adopt at PetSmart
As a Pet Parent, you are responsible for your pet's health and well being. This lifetime commitment includes providing your new pet with proper healthcare, grooming, pet training and nutrition and socialization, as well as spending quality time with your pet. By adopting a pet from PetSmart Charities Adoption Program, you are helping to reduce pet overpopulation and saving a life. How & Read more »
New pet parent responsibilities
As a Pet Parent, you are responsible for your pet's health and well being. Before adopting a new pet, take into consideration some of the responsibilities of a Pet Parent: Spaying/Neutering Unplanned breeding is a root cause of pet overpopulation, which results in over five million pets being euthanized each year. That’s why all PetSmart Charities Adoption Partners spay and neuter their & Read more »
Adoption Process FAQs
Here are some common questions new Pet Parents may ask about adopting or PetSmart Adoption Programs. If you don’t find an answer to your question below please call your local store for specific adoption process information. Frequently asked questions about the adoption process Here are some common questions new Pet Parents may ask about adopting or PetSmart Adoption Programs. If you don’t & Read more »
Which Toy Breed is Right for You?
A Toy is a Toy only in so far as its smaller size is concerned. Many are hunters and display the personalities of the larger family members from which they have descended. For this reason, we see associated with their names the nouns griffon, spaniel and terrier. While specifically stated in the breed standard of the Pug regarding their personalities, & Read more »
Which Terrier is Right for You?
The name "terrier" derives from the Latin word terra, meaning earth; thus, the terrier is the earth dog. Developed specifically to go to ground (burrow into the earth) in pursuit of such vermin as rats, badgers, foxes, weasels, otters and badgers, the terrier was bred for centuries to be the determined dog he still is today. The terrier, bred in all & Read more »
Are You Ready for a Dachshund?
Take the time to find out all you can about Dachshunds before you make a commitment that could last 14 to 16 years or more. Talk to breeders and owners. Ask a veterinarian questions. If possible, go to a dog show, watch Dachshunds in the ring and talk to handlers. Try to do all of this before you actually get & Read more »
Which Sporting Dog is Right for You?
The history of what has become our modern day Sporting Group dates back to the early 1600s and the beginning of the refinement of the so-called Pointer Dogs. Prior to that, hunting dogs would be taken out into the fields and hedgerows where they would point the hare or birds, and then Greyhounds would flush the rabbits and the & Read more »
Which Non-Sporting Dog is Right for You?
When the American Kennel Club began designating dogs into different groups it was evident that a category was needed for the breeds that were arguably difficult to place in any of the other groups. These dogs were placed in the Non-Sporting Group. This group consists of dogs that for the most part are unrelated, except for the fact that they & Read more »
The Hound Group
Because they're great at sniffing and exploring, hounds were originally used to trail rabbits, foxes and other small mammals. Most hounds are good-natured dogs that make loving companions if trained properly. Hounds are sometimes stubborn, though, so training may take a while. Most hounds need rigorous physical exercise, so daily walks and runs are a must. Never let a hound & Read more »
About the Cockapoo
Description: The Cockapoo originated in the USA in the 1960s. The breed is a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Miniature Poodle. The general shape of the Cockapoo, in particular its ears, mostly resembles the Cocker Spaniel, but the coat and face are usually more reminiscent of the Poodle. Weight: Description: The Cockapoo originated in the USA in the 1960s. & Read more »
Do I Really Need to Brush My Dog's Teeth?
As a responsible pet owner, you owe it to your pet to take her dental care seriously, both professionally and at home. If you start as early as possible in your dog's life getting her accustomed to having her mouth handled, then dental care should be as easy as feeding her. Periodontal disease: the number one health problem Do you & Read more »
Get off on the right paw: Training your puppy
The first step in making your new family member happy is to help your puppy develop socially. Good social development is the result of proper, consistent training. Training your puppy how to interact with people and other pets is one of the greatest gifts you can give, because heâll not only enjoy being around other pets and people, but they'll & Read more »
Potty Training Your Puppy
Take your puppy outside to the same spot when it's time to go. Doing this will help your puppy associate that particular location with elimination, so she will make the connection more quickly. You do have to patient, though. Most pups will sniff for 15 or 20 minutes before they eliminate. Take your puppy outside to the same spot when it's & Read more »
House Training 101: Learning the Basics
Know where to go Consistency is key when training your pet where to relieve himself. The more often you take your dog outside when he has to go, the sooner he'll learn that he's always supposed to go outside. Once you become familiar with your pet's routine, you'll start recognizing the signs (circling, sniffing at one spot) that he has & Read more »
Understanding the Juvenile Dog
Dogs in this stage are said to be testing the rules and seeing what they can get away with. The juvenile period in dogs has not been well studied scientifically, but it's known that dogs are becoming more self-reliant and independent at this age. Puppies are born very dependent on their mother, but as they grow, they begin learning to & Read more »
New Puppy Guide
Puppy-proof your home Get down on your hands and knees and look for anything that could be dangerous for a 2-year-old child and move it to a safe place. Check for electrical cords, plants, cleaning solutions, etc. Put child safety latches on any cabinets containing cleaners or chemicals. Choose a Vet If you don't already have a veterinarian, you'll need & Read more »
Puppy-proofing Your Home
Just like new mothers and fathers baby-proof their homes, you need to puppy-proof yours. Puppies have a lot of energy and, like babies, they're too young to know what they should and shouldn't get into. You need to make your home as safe as possible for your new bundle of joy. Collect all small and breakable objects, such as anything & Read more »
Introducing Your Puppy to Your Other Pets
Do you have another dog? A cat or two? If you do, this makes your new puppy's arrival very stressful. Remember that your puppy has just left its mother, its siblings, and its home, so it's already stressed out and scared. Avoid a nasty confrontation between your pets and your puppy whenever possible. (You know how hard it is to & Read more »
Does My Puppy Need Vitamins?
If you're feeding your puppy a puppy specialty food (such as Authority, Blue Buffalo and Eukanuba), additional supplementation probably isn't necessary. But, your dog's age, overall health, exercise level, environment and breed can all be factors to consider in whether or not to add supplements. So talk with your vet, who may suggest certain supplements at certain times of the year, such & Read more »
How to Teach Your Dog to "Drop It''
Tired of your dog stealing your socks, shoes and other stuff? Even worse, are you tired of chasing him around the couch to get it back? These tips will help curb that behavior and save your personal items from becoming chew toys: Tired of your dog stealing your socks, shoes and other stuff? Even worse, are you tired of chasing him & Read more »
