How to Choose the Right Puppy Temperament WISE

As Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Bloggers and of course with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S. The temperament of a puppy is vital to the overall peace of your household. Choosing the right puppy will ensure that everyone in the family is happy and healthy. And even though temperament testing can be tricky, there are simple things to look for that can help anyone to spot red flags. Remember, your puppy is shaped by three basic elements: genetic health, inherited temperament and environment.

It's in the Genes... Much of a pup's temperament and health is genetic. By taking a close look at mom and dad (if this is a possibility), you should be able to get an idea of what your pup will be like when he or she "grows up."

Your pup's health will affect his or her overall behavior. The more you know about your pup's lineage, the better to determine whether your dog will have good health. Of course, if you are adopting a pup, you may not have access to this type of information. A health check at your local veterinarian should provide you with answers about your pup's overall health.

In additional to medical inheritance, your puppy can carry on traits from his or her lineage. As you know, no two breeds of dog are identical. Each one has its own set of physical and temperamental traits. Most of the time, as a potential dog owner, you choose a breed based on its consistent behavioral qualities. Some breeds are more obedient than others, some breeds are more active than others. It's important to learn about your pup before you take him or her home...this way, you know if the behaviors of your pup's breed match your lifestyle and desires. If you are choosing to adopt a mixed breed, you can read up about the qualities in the breeds present in your puppy.

But, remember, each pup is different...even dogs from the same litter can have completely opposite personalities and temperament. Breed generalities are just that -- a general rule of thumb to go by when picking what breed is right for you. It's always important to make sure the individual pup fits your household, too.

Nature or Nurture
When choosing a puppy, there are several basic elements to look for in his or her behavior. One way to test your pup's personality is to restrain the puppy gently with his or her belly facing up. It is crucial to know what you want in a dog before you determine what to look for as his or her response. A puppy who struggles to get up may be a good working dog, where as a puppy who stays still and lets you rub his or her belly may be the more relaxed pup that would fit perfect in your quiet home. Keep in mind, a still puppy can also mean he or she is nervous. Another test is to lift the pup up into the air and notice the level of resistance you receive. Does your pup like to be held close to you and snuggle up, or is he or she shaking, fearful? Or maybe the pup is squirming and uncomfortable being held up in the air?

Walk around and notice the pup's level of interest in you. Kneel and call the puppy over. Does he or she respond? This test will show you how interested your puppy is in humans. Do you want a more independent pooch or a cuddle partner? As always, it's essential to know this ahead of time before testing your pup for the behaviors that suit your needs.

Make some noise, walk around, act as you normally would...and notice how the pup reacts to you. Is he or she frightened by the commotion or comfortable with your activity?

These tests should be performed several times in order to ensure accuracy. However, the way your puppy is today when you choose which one is right for you may not be the way your puppy acts months after being in your home. Experiences your pup encounters early in life will shape his temperament just as much as any genetic inheritance, if not more so.

It's important your pup has been well socialized, and that you continue to socialize him or her after welcoming him or her home. This is vital to creating a well-balanced dog; make sure to socialize your pup with people of all ages, as well as with other animals. Take your pup places to make sure he or she can adapt to changes in the environment. This will have a strong effect on the behavior and temperament of your pup later on in life.

The Right Pup for the Right Home
These are just general rules of thumb to utilize when choosing your best friend. Remember, any puppy can be trained and conditioned to behave properly. Environmental factors will influence your pooch's life more so than any other. By providing guidance, consistency, training and unconditional love, your pup -- and your home -- will be well balanced! Enjoy the puppy days...however hectic they may be!

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Paw Reporter DIGS Trimline Recovery Collar

Trimline review as Pawed by Ursa one of Bark Buckle UP's Paw Reporters (with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S.).

The Trimline Recovery Collar was a lifesaver for me... and my 1 year old daughter... and my home!

When our Rottweiler, Ursa, had to undergo several amputee surgeries on her front, right leg, she was forced to wear the “cone” (the Elizabethan collar) for over two months. It became apparent that this was not a situation that was working out to everyone’s benefit. Ursa was bumping into walls (chipping paint!) and furniture, and knocking down our 1 year old daughter. She was waking her from naps due to the loud banging noises as she tried to maneuver throughout the rooms (and those nap times are cherished - they are few and far between!).

I soon realized something had to change since Ursa had to continue to wear the collar for an indefinite amount of time to keep her from getting at the wound-site and her growing tumors. As a relentless and resourceful Rottweiler, and as such she could not be left alone without a cone on. I decided to try the Trimline Recovery Collar. Let’s just say I haven’t used anything else since! It’s soft material prevented scratches to my walls and wood furniture, and no more loud banging noises as Ursa navigates the house! Being soft also provides another bonus... no more boo-boo’s for our daughter! Additionally, it can be bent backwards so that Ursa can see everything... except her leg! OK - and one more thing - get this! She can even chew her bone with the collar on! An impossible feat with the regular cone. Ursa can drink water, eat, chew... without having to take the cone on and off. It’s so flexible, she can resume normal everyday activities without interruption.

The Trimline Recovery Collar is an absolute MUST-HAVE for anyone who has animals undergoing surgery or recovering from wounds, etc. to prevent them from licking or biting. Dealing with Ursa’s disease is painful and challenging enough; this collar gave us peace of mind with little to no hassle at a time when we needed it most.

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Is your pooch ready for the Doggie Park?

Is your pooch ready for the Doggie Park or Doggie Day care, here's how to be ready for the holidays. As pawed by Ursa and Sunny with a little help from Camille Adams founder of Mission: P.E.T.S.

Dog parks are opening everywhere at a rapid pace. Once kept quiet, their presence is making headlines nationwide. As a result, more and more dog owners are considering taking their pooch to the dog park. After all, the weather is beautiful and your pooch needs a place to run! But...before you go running to the dog park with Fido, make sure he or she is ready.

Here's a checklist of items that need to be fulfilled before you take the plunge to the park:

Your dog must be spayed or neutered! And most dog parks will ask for proof from your veterinarian before allowing you entry. Female dogs in heat can cause a fight between the unaltered males. And, there is already an over-population of puppies and dogs nationwide! Do your part - make sure your dog is spayed or neutered before bringing him or her around other dogs.

The same is true for vaccinations. Most dog parks will ask for proof of a Rabies vaccination from your veterinarian. In addition to vaccinations, consider your dog's overall health before taking him or her to the dog park. Have you noticed any fleas, mites or any other illness that your dog may spread to the other pooches at the park? You can't guarantee the other dogs at the park are in great health, but you can make sure that your dog is to avoid putting other pets in harm's way.

Has Fido been to obedience training classes? You should really evaluate the overall behavior of your dog before you determine whether or not he or she is ready to go to the dog park. Your pet's recall should be on-point. Recall is when your dog responds consistently to a “come” command. This will help in any event where you may need to get your dog back to your side...whether you're leaving the park, or trying to avoid a dog fight by calling your dog away from another.

What's more, be completely confident that your dog is not aggressive with other dogs. If your dog has exhibited any aggressive behavior, consult a trainer before taking Fido to the dog park. After all, you can only vouch for your own dog's behavior. And knowing how he or she will react to dogs with all different temperaments will help you in determining if the park is the right place for you and your best friend.

Another good idea is to visit your local dog park at all different hours. Check out the general schedule of the other park-dwellers, so you can introduce your dog at an off-time when there are only a couple of dogs around. Occasionally, dogs in a pack can be overwhelming for a newcomer. If you sense your dog is responding aggressively, leave the park.

If Fido doesn't fit the bill for the doggie park, there are plenty of other ways to give your dog some play time. Take a ride to a secluded beach or field and run your dog on a long rope (pet stores sell 25 to 50 foot ropes). This will give your dog the feeling of freedom, but ensure his or her safety!

If Fido has passed all the requirements on the checklist with flying colors, the dog park may be the perfect place for you two to enjoy the day! Make sure to bring along some water, a towel and a brush (your dog may end up very dirty from rolling around with his new-found friends). Also, don't forget those poop bags to clean up after your pooch. And...most of all, remember to have fun! The dog park is not only a great place for your dog to play, but for you to catch some downtime hanging out with other dog owners like yourself.

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

Puppy Nips Bite - Control Your Pup’s Mouthing

Written By: Camille L. Adams a contributor for Bark Buckle UP from Mission P.E.T.S.

If you have never had a puppy before, it may not be such a pleasant surprise to learn that puppies can be very mouthy...frequently biting everything, even you! This is a very common behavior for puppies, but can become a large problem down the road if it is not handled properly right away.

Your Pup is Normal

Remember, puppy biting or mouthing is instinctual. Your puppy is not the only one, and he or she is not “bad” because of this. Biting or nipping is one way that pups establish their “place” in a pack. Although normal, what is harmless for a ten-pound pup may not be so cute once Fido reaches fifty pounds! And those of us with puppies know that those baby teeth are like razors! Ouch!

It’s important to discourage this behavior right away so that your pup doesn’t continue the habit into adulthood. Sometimes, puppy biting can be an attempt to establish dominance, and once Fido thinks he’s in charge, it’s going to be hard work to try to take back the role later on.

Prevention & Training Are Essential

You can start training your puppy immediately! During the teething phase, especially, training should be constant and consistent. With a little bit of effort from your family, puppy biting can be controlled and eventually, eliminated. What’s more, training develops a bond between you and your pup -- and will let Fido know you are in charge from early on.

It’s important to understand that when puppies get excited by their environments, they express this by biting, barking and chasing. Some puppies, possibly due to their breed, may have a stronger pull toward these behaviors than others. Especially in regards to quickly moving objects, puppies cannot control their automatic desire to “chase” and nip. Many dog attacks occur because of this canine instinct to “chase and grab.” It is important to always supervise your puppy and children at play. Children move quickly and have a very excited energy that may draw your puppy in for some nipping and chasing!

A calm household is ideal for training puppies, however, not always possible. Some simple things you can try are to avoid playing rough with your puppy - or with family members - and by keeping the tone down in your home. Avoid shouting and screaming. It may seem fun, but teasing Fido can lead to excited nipping and biting.

How to Train Your Pup

You’ve now got the basics to try to avoid some of the excitement that causes biting and mouthing, but what next?

Every pup is unique, so your method of training will be specific to your particular puppy. There are guidelines you can follow and tips you can use to find what works best for Fido. Remember, consistency is key so any method you try - give it a couple of weeks before you decide it’s not working.

Here are some techniques for correcting the biting behavior:
When your puppy goes to bite you, redirect the biting to one of Fido’s chew toys. As soon as your pup goes to bite you, give him or her a firm “no” and replace your hand (or whatever else your pup was going to bite) with the chew toy instead. For teething puppies, you can also try ice cubes or frozen teething toys.

Another method that is very popular because of its success is making the pup think he or she is hurting you when you get bit. This technique mimics how puppies in a litter react to each other. When play is too rough, the hurt puppy will yelp. Try letting out an “ouch” every time Fido nips you. This works best when you catch the puppy off guard with your yelp. Immediately pull away and stop playing with your puppy after you yelp to let him or her know that you were hurt. This will teach Fido that when he bites, he loses his playmate.

Try spraying your pup with a water bottle when he or she bites you. Some puppies will run away to avoid the water spray. A similar concept, some pet owners have had great success with filling an empty container with coins or rocks. When Fido goes to bite you, say “no” and shake the can. This works best if the pup is caught off guard by the rattling noise. Make sure to pay attention to how your pup reacts because some will think the water bottle or rattling-container are for play, and will act up worse. In this case, stop this method immediately and try another.

Begin teaching the “leave it” or “off” command. This technique is better for older puppies that have longer attention spans. Hold a handful of the puppy’s dry food, close your hand and say “off” or “leave it.” After a few seconds, if the puppy has not touched your hand, say “take it” or “OK” and give him a piece of food. You are teaching Fido that “off” or “leave it” means not to touch. This can later be applied to biting and nipping once your pup is familiar with the command.

Enroll your puppy in an obedience class where he or she will have the ability to socialize with other puppies. Usually, puppy classes begin when Fido is around six months old and has had his Rabies vaccination. Interaction with other puppies, and help from a professional trainer, will reinforce all the work you are doing at home.

Always praise and reinforce good behavior! Whenever your puppy acts appropriately, give him or her plenty or praise and affection maybe even a treat!

Never Forget the Golden Rule

Remember, the most important part of training your puppy is consistency and repetition. Because of their short attention spans, puppies learn through repetition. Remember to be patient and consistent - applying the same techniques or commands, or by correcting your pup, every time he or she bites or nips.

This applies equally to all aspects of puppy training. Patient, calm yet firm and consistent correction and training - with praise for good behavior - will have outstanding rewards in the long run.

When welcoming a puppy into your home, you can also try buying some books or DVD’s to help teach you about your particular breed, or about training your puppy at home. There is a wide selection to choose from for purchase and what’s more, training shows on television are becoming very popular. Channels like Animal Planet and National Geographic feature several obedience and behavior shows that are very informative.

If your pup is still nipping and biting, try consulting a professional trainer. Once you find the right technique for Fido and your family, you’ll be able to enjoy your puppy’s company...pain-free!

About; Mission: P.E.T.S. (Passion, Education, Togetherness, Salvation) is a FREE online magazine for dedicated animal lovers. Created by Camille L. Adams, to fulfill a childhood dream, Mission: P.E.T.S. is dedicated and solely interested in enriching and saving the lives of animals, together, with YOU. Through passion and education, Mission: P.E.T.S. is sure that we can make a difference. Our mission is to provide knowledge, awareness and fun for our viewers and our readers. We are completely dedicated to the world of animals, bettering the lives of both animals and the people who love them. In our quarterly e-zine, you can get how-to tips from the experts on proper care, safety & training techniques. Learn how to deepen the bond with your companion animals, read about volunteer organizations & rescue efforts, (and find out how you can help). Open your eyes to unique & alternative wellness techniques and so much more! Best of all, this wealth of knowledge is absolutely, 100% FREE! We invite you to share your ideas, stories and photos with us! And check out our online shop. A % of all profits go to animal rescue and other worthy non-profits. For your FREE subscription, please go to: www.missionpets.com/enroll.html and to read our current issue, go to www.missionpets.com/magazine.html.

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP received more then 100 MILLION in circulations/impressions in 2008 and she has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.