Tips for Socializing Your New Puppy

New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Bringing Your Pup Home

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but also a bit overwhelming. However, with a little preparation, you can easily start things off on the right foot. This new puppy checklist covers all the essentials you need so you won’t forget anything before your new furry friend arrives.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Puppy Socialization: Tips for Success

You already know that a new puppy needs to be properly trained so they exhibit the right behaviors at home and when out and about, but did you know they should also be socialized?

5 Tips to Help Your Puppy Sleep Through the Night

The first few nights with a new puppy can be rough. Between whining, pacing, and unexpected potty breaks, uninterrupted sleep may feel out of reach. The good news is that nighttime wakeups are usually only temporary and manageable with the right approach. If you’re looking to help your puppy settle in and sleep longer stretches, these five practical tips can make a real difference. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

6 Tips On Teaching Your Puppy To Come When Called

Teaching your puppy to come on command is one of the most important lessons he’ll learn Some commands and tricks that you might teach your puppy are simply for the entertainment of you and your dog, but teaching your puppy to come when called doesn’t fall into this category. In fact, this is perhaps the most important of all commands that your pup can learn. If he can reliably come back to you when you call him, you can keep him safe from a variety of potential dangers. Of course, it’s almost impossible for any dog to have 100 percent perfect recall, but if you work hard and keep trying, you’ll soon have a puppy who’ll come back to you in more or less any circumstances. Start Them Young While you might be nervous about letting a young pup off the leash, it’s actually safer to start recall training with a puppy than with an older dog. Most pups lack confidence and won’t want to stray too far from their human. Of course, you should start the teaching process somewhere enclosed, but you shouldn’t be afraid to let him off the leash in appropriate areas sooner rather than later, once he’s got the hang of things. Choosing a Command The first thing to decide when training your pup to come is what command you’re going to use. Some people use their dog’s name, but it’s really better to have a command to avoid confusion. Popular choices are “come” or “here,” but whatever you choose, pick one and stick to it so your dog can more easily learn what it means. You can use your pup’s name and the command together. The name will get his attention and the command will tell him what you want from him. Starting Out It would be a bad idea to start recall training in an open space right off the bat, so begin your training sessions in an enclosed yard or inside your home. Let your dog loose but stand somewhere reasonably near to him. Call out your chosen command and try to encourage your pup to come over to you. If he won’t come over, try a few different methods. Some people find standing in an inviting posture works, others clap their hands against their legs to attract their dog’s attention. As a last result, use food to lure him over. Once he comes to you, praise him and give him a treat. Keeping Things Positive Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach your dog to come. It’s vital he learns that coming to you when called will result in something good and is worth his time and effort. It’s good to have some extra tasty treats to hand that you know he loves. Make sure your reserve them so he only gets them during training sessions and is therefore more likely to work to get them. However, it’s good to know what motivates your pooch. Some pups aren’t actually all the bothered by food (I know, strange, right?!) and prefer playing or being petted. If you learn what makes your puppy tick, you can offer him the most alluring reward for when he does a good job. What to Avoid It’s vital that you never punish your dog if he doesn’t come to you straight away. No matter if he’s been running away from you for an hour, ignoring your calls and generally being a right old pain in the backside, once he eventually comes to you, you must praise him. This might sound counter intuitive, but thing of it from your puppy’s perspective. He’s been having a fun time, romping and running about. After a time, he decides to listen to your calls and finally comes back to you at which point, you yell at him. He’s conveniently forgotten that he just spend the last hour ignoring you, so all he knows is that he came back and then you yelled at him. Not exactly a great incentive to come back next time, is it? In Case of Emergency No matter how good your puppy’s recall is, there may be a time when he doesn’t listen. If he’s running in the direction of a dangerous situation, rather than running after him to catch him, try calling while running in the opposite direction. Your dog can obviously outrun you and if you run after him you’ll drive him into the direction of danger. Run the other way and the likelihood is that he’ll chase after you, thinking you’re playing a fun game.

Chew on These Tips to Survive Your Puppy’s Teething Stage

Ah, the terrible teething phase – it’s what every puppy parent dreads. To prepare for the biting times ahead, plan ahead with these drool-worthy teething tips. Bringing home a new dog is a wonderful time in a pet lover’s life, especially when it’s a puppy. You get to experience them learning the ways of the world; teaching them how to behave; and watching them grow up. One of the harder parts about raising a puppy starts at around three months – teething. Puppies will lose their baby teeth and grow their adult ones, and this memorable phase lasts a few months. Typically, we don’t realize our puppy is teething until their behavior changes. They might act a little bit more wild, and they will begin to bite things (including you), more frequently. You may notice blood and find teeth on the ground. Don’t be alarmed, this is completely normal. Here’s what you need to know to get through this stage in your puppy’s life without getting chewed up. Be Patient Teething is a painful process for a puppy, much like it is for a child. You’ll notice an increase in nipping, but it’s not because they’re mad; it’s because it hurts. Try to keep this in mind when your puppy is teething. If they begin to nip at you, replace your finger with a toy instead. They don’t necessarily want to chew on you; they just need to chew on something. If the puppy is nipping too hard and testing your patience, remove them from the situation for a few moments. Put them somewhere safe and quiet until they (and you) calm down. It’s never okay to yell at them or hurt them for this – it’s not their fault. Related: What to Expect with a Veterinary Teeth Cleaning Wet Their Food Because teething hurts, your puppy might be hesitant to eat. If you notice they aren’t eating their food with the normal gusto, add some water and let it soften. I don’t recommend adding wet food if that’s not part of their normal routine that will only make them picky in the future. Freeze Their Toys When teething, the puppy’s gums will swell and get quite painful. Take a rope toy, soak it in water, and then freeze it. Kong toys filled with peanut butter and frozen will work as well. The cold toys will help reduce swelling and ease your pup’s pain. Chews, Chews and More Chews Have a bunch of chews available for your puppy. Stay natural with Bully sticks, chew hooves, bones and antlers. Avoid artificially dyed products and rawhide because they can be dangerous for a young pup. Always make sure to supervise your puppy when it’s eating a chew for safety. It’s a great way to allow both you and your puppy to relax at the end of a night. Offer Healthy Teething-Friendly Treats If you’re worried about whether your puppy is getting everything that they need nutritionally due to their reluctance to chow down on their usual kibble, another way to offer something with high nutritional value is to provide some teething-friendly treats. One of the easiest options is simply to freeze a pet-friendly vegetable like carrots and allow your dog to chew on the frozen veggies. They will benefit from the vitamins that these options include while fact that it’s frozen will offer some much-needed pain relief. Another option is to make puppy teething cubes. Take an ice cube tray and add some random treats and goodies to each of the individual cells of the tray. Some great options include blueberries, green beans (they can hang out of the cell, that’s fine), strawberries, pieces of watermelon (with no seeds), banana slices, green peas, or any other tasty treats. When you’re happy with the selection, pour a sodium-free chicken or beef broth over everything, filling the cells before freezing them. Your pup will love chewing the frozen cubes, revealing the various surprises. Puppy Proof Your Dog’s Space If you haven’t already puppy proofed the areas that your pup is spending most of their time, now is the perfect time to make that a priority. Teething puppies may be tempted to chew on objects that you would prefer they avoid, such as the table legs on your living room coffee table or your favorite pair of shoes. They don’t mean to be destructive; they just want relief. To set your pup up for success, try removing or blocking off any items that they may be tempted to gnaw on. Instead, replace it with chew-friendly options like the treats and chews mentioned already on this list. Keep Your Puppy Busy (and Distracted) If you notice that your puppy is starting to become destructive with their chewing, consider introducing a safe distraction. Not only will keeping your puppy busy help to provide the physical and mental stimulation that they need for proper development, but they won’t have time to focus on their teething pain. One great way that you can do this is with the use of puzzle toys and snuffle mats. Related: 6 Ways To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean Keep an eye on the Progress Routinely check the puppy’s mouth to see how it’s coming along. Teething can take weeks or months depending on the dog. Safely look into the mouth to observe and look out for problems. The puppy will be fussy so it’s a good idea to start this process before the teething process begins. Get in the habit of brushing their teeth and handling their mouth as soon as you bring them home. Keep an eye out for anything that looks strange – mainly teeth refusing to fall out. Sometimes the baby teeth will need to be pulled to avoid problems for the adult teeth. If you notice something strange, contact your veterinarian. Start to Incorporate Regular Dental Care Not only should you be checking your pup’s teeth regularly to make sure that everything is progressing properly, but this is also a great time to start introducing your pup to the ins and outs of the dental care routine that they will be experiencing throughout the rest of their lives. This includes introducing them to the dog toothbrush and toothpaste as well as helping them adjust to the feel of someone looking in their teeth and handling their mouth. Not only will this make it easier for you to carry for their teeth and prevent dental problems in the future, but it will also make it easier for your veterinarian when they need to do a dental exam. After all, no one want to try to force their way into the mouth of a dog that’s uncomfortable with the situation. It’s a disaster waiting to happen! Teething can be a painful process for everyone involved, but keep in mind that it’s only temporary. Your puppy is growing and eventually those adult teeth will grow in and the gnawing will stop. Be sure to puppy-proof your house at this time, because they will chew on anything to relieve the pain. If it’s out of control, hire a professional trainer to help. Otherwise, sit back and stay patient. Remember – how you handle this situation will impact the dog’s behavior for life.

Ontario Dog Beats the Odds After Five Months in Sub-Zero Temps

As a dog parent, our worst nightmare is the sight of an open gate and an empty yard. Our minds instantly run to the worst-case scenario as we panic about our best friend's safety. For Collin, a resident of Stayner, a small town in Ontario, Canada, that nightmare became a reality on October 1, 2025, when his three-year-old Boxer-Rottweiler mix, Daisy, vanished. What followed was not just your typical tale of a lost dog. It was a five-month testament to a dog's resilience and to the incredible dedication of a community that refused to let her freeze. After sneaking out of the yard, Daisy was spotted by a local mechanic’s shop. While they tried to catch the loose dog, she was skittish and afraid, quickly taking off and disappearing from their sight. “Sightings poured in daily,” said Collin. “I lived vicariously through people posting sightings of her all over social media.”However, despite the many sightings, Daisy continued to elude rescuers and members of her local community. Days turned to weeks, and then months. Despite winter temperatures plummeting below -20F, the nervous pup managed to navigate harsh local storms and bitterly cold nights. Luckily, Daisy wasn’t fighting for survival alone. Local businesses like Hoffman’s Meat & European Deli and Rayne Nutrition stepped up, providing high-quality food to keep Daisy’s strength up, while Pet Valu Stayner provided essential supplies. Even the youngest members of the community pitched in. A young boy named Aidan helped shovel snow and sang to Daisy during feeding trips, focused on keeping the environment calm. Pawsitive Ground Search, a local organization dedicated to finding lost pets, brought their knowledge and expertise to the search. When a dog is lost for a long period, they often enter “ survival mode.” In this mental state, even the most loving pet can become anxious and skittish, failing to even recognize their own “people.” Collin experienced this firsthand when he came face-to-face with Daisy on the street, only for her to bolt away in fear. Sue, from Pawsitive Ground Search, introduced the importance of a “safe zone,” working tirelessly to keep Daisy’s frequent hiding spots and hangouts quiet and undisturbed. Changing a trap or making too much noise could cause a lost dog to vanish from sight for weeks. This highlights an important lesson for any dog parent: if a dog is in flight mode, chasing them is the worst thing you can do. The team and the many volunteers focused on consistency, delivering food twice daily to a barn where she had been seen seeking shelter. Finally, after 143 days in the wild, the breakthrough happened just after midnight on February 20. Using a live camera feed and a drop net, the team finally secured Daisy. Within seconds, the dog who had sparked hundreds of social media shares was headed home. Perhaps the most incredible part of the story is Daisy’s condition when she was finally trapped. After a vet checkup, Collin confirmed she is doing well and has settled back into her life of belly rubs and cuddles, as if she never left. Daisy’s story is a powerful reminder: never lose hope. If your pet ever goes missing, remember that the goal is to make them feel safe enough to stop running. Sometimes, providing a quiet place to eat is the most effective way to bring them back to the families who love them dearly. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Study Shows Most People Don’t Speak Cat

How well do you think you’re able to understand what your cat is trying to tell you? Do you think you speak your cat’s language? Well, a study found that most people misinterpret what cats are saying, and it isn’t the first study that has determined people have difficulty understanding feline companions.

4 Reasons Why a Thief Might Target Your Pet

It’s not something most pet owners like to think about, but pet theft does unfortunately happen. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons pets are targeted, so you can understand what makes an animal vulnerable—and how to stay one step ahead.

How Can I Make My Dog Less Lonely When I Have to Work All Day?

We’ve all been there: the moment you grab your keys, and instantly, your dog’s ears droop, their head lowers, and those big puppy eyes lock onto yours. It’s as if they are asking, “Are you really going to leave me?” For loving pet parents, this moment often carries a lot of guilt.We love our dogs deeply, and our ultimate goal is to give them the best possible life. Yet, the demands of a working life (to finance their vet bills, high-quality food, etc.) mean hours spent away from your best friend. Providing the best life for our pups means addressing the heart of this problem: loneliness and separation anxiety. It’s not enough for our dogs to merely survive the 8 or 9 hours we are gone; they deserve to feel genuinely comfortable and content in their home, even when we aren’t there.This post will help you move past the guilt and equip you with the knowledge and practical steps necessary to ensure your dog is peaceful, happy, and confident while you’re away.Understanding the Problem: Loneliness vs. Separation AnxietyBefore we can help our dogs, we must fully understand what they are experiencing. Is it simply a case of missing us, or is it something more serious? The strategies we use to manage loneliness and boredom are very different from the complex intervention that will be needed if they are dealing with clinical Separation Anxiety (SA). It’s crucial to understand the difference between these two. If we treat a panic disorder like simple boredom, we won’t be able to address the root cause and improve their situation. Loneliness and boredom are a milder, more common form of discomfort. The dog misses you. They might pace for a few minutes after you leave, sigh dramatically, or settle down to nap most of the day. When you return, they are happy, but their behavior while you were gone is generally non-destructive (beyond maybe chewing a forbidden shoe out of pure boredom), and they are usually quiet. If this is their struggle, they are expressing a need for mental enrichment and connection. Clinical separation anxiety is a very real and debilitating panic disorder. Your dog is not mad or being spiteful; they are experiencing a full-blown panic attack because they believe they have been abandoned or separated permanently from “their person” (you). This intense fear triggers distress-driven, destructive behaviors that start immediately or within minutes of leaving.  Signs of True Panic If you see any of the following behaviors, especially starting shortly after they have been left alone, your dog is likely suffering from separation anxiety and not just loneliness: Destructive Behavior Focused on Exit Points: The dog’s destruction is often aimed at escaping the confined space. They may chew through door frames, scratch heavily at doors, or break out of windows or crates. This is not casual chewing; it’s a desperate attempt to escape and get back to you. Excessive, Sustained Vocalization: This involves intense, non-stop howling, barking, or whining that begins within minutes of you leaving and continues until you return. A short bark at the postman is normal; an hour of desperate howling is not. Inappropriate Elimination: This is when a previously potty-trained dog has accidents indoors only when left home alone. Because the dog is panicking, they lose control of their bodily functions. This is often accompanied by other signs of distress. Pacing, Drooling, or Frantic Behavior: If you monitor your dog with a camera, you may see them pacing obsessively, panting excessively, or drooling far more than usual. These are all common signs of severe anxiety. Why This Difference Matters Understanding this difference is critical if you’re going to help your pup. If your dog has separation anxiety, training to stop barking or providing a new toy may appear to solve the problem, but it doesn’t address the root cause: overwhelming fear.  If you suspect your dog is struggling with separation anxiety, your immediate goal shifts from simply managing their behavior to relieving genuine distress and suffering. This condition means they are experiencing serious, chronic stress, which can impact their long-term health. While this is a problem that needs to be addressed, it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your bond. By correctly identifying the cause and seeking appropriate help (which may involve vet appointments and work with certified behaviorists), you show your dog that they can count on you. You position yourself as a reliable, calming presence, even when you aren’t physically present. This strengthens their trust and ultimately helps them feel safer when alone. Pre-Departure and Arrival Rituals The time immediately before you leave and the moment you return are surprisingly the most critical for your dog’s emotional state and well-being. By managing these transitional moments, we can significantly reduce the anticipation and anxiety your dog feels when you reach for your keys. The goal is to make your departure and arrival as boring and routine as possible. Departure Cues Most dogs are brilliant observers. They learn to associate a whole series of actions with the fact that we are about to leave. The jingling of keys, the sound of the garage door opening, or the rustling of a jacket are all signals that trigger immediate anxiety and distress, sometimes up to 20 minutes before you even walk out the door. The best way to reduce the impact of these triggers is to separate them from this perceived meaning. Go about your usual “get ready to leave” routine at random times throughout the day, even on weekends, without leaving your home. Grab your keys, walk to the door, put them back, and sit down. Put on your coat, walk into the next room, and then take it off. By doing this multiple times daily, you teach your dog that these actions don’t always mean you’re leaving, helping to lower their overall anxiety level. Another important consideration is your goodbye. The long, dramatic, guilt-ridden goodbye (“Oh, I’m so sorry, sweetie, I’ll miss you so much!”) is actually counterproductive. It amps up your dog’s emotions, making your departure a bigger source of stress and anxiety. When you do leave, aim for a quiet, short, three-second goodbye, or even no verbal goodbye at all. The key is to leave when your dog is already calm or, better yet, engaged in a high-value activity (I’ll cover that below).

4 Reasons Why a Pet Camera is Worth It

Ever find yourself wondering what your pet gets up to when you’re not home? Are they snoozing on the sofa all day, barking at every car that passes, or quietly getting into mischief? That curiosity is exactly why pet cameras have become so popular lately.But it’s not just about satisfying your curiosity. Pet cameras help you stay connected with your furry friend, keep an eye on their behaviour, and check in on their wellbeing.Here are four reasons a pet camera can be a great addition to your home.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

7 Hazards You Should Keep Well Away From Your Pets This Easter

Easter is a time for chocolate, treats, and festive fun, but it can also hide hidden dangers for our furry friends. From tempting sweets to seasonal decorations, many common holiday items can pose serious risks to pets. To help keep them safe this spring, here are seven hazards you should make sure they steer clear of this Easter.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Safeguarding Your Home for High-Energy, Too Curious Pets? We Can Help!

5 Fun Easter Gifts for Your Pup

Your dog is part of the family, so they deserve to enjoy the fun of Easter too. While you’re putting together baskets and planning brunch, it only makes sense to include something for your furry friend. Here are five Easter-themed finds they’re bound to love. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Sneezing, Hacking, Wheezing... Time to Stay Clear of the Dog!

Research is showing that human ailments can be passed on to our pets. It's called Reverse Zoonosis and it can be serious.

Pet Cam Captures the Moment Dogs Invite in Unexpected Guests

When you prepare to leave the house, even for a few hours, you likely have a careful routine. You ensure your pets are fed, exercised, and that their environment is enriched to prevent boredom or accidents. You carefully put away anything they shouldn’t chew and ensure all necessary barriers are firmly closed, confident that your preparation will guarantee a safe and peaceful time while you are gone. But what happens when all that preparation goes out the window in a moment as your pets open the door, welcoming in some unlikely friends for an impromptu house party? That’s the very real, very hilarious scenario that recently unfolded for Australian politician Andrew Mackay. Mackay, who lives on a rural property, was out enjoying a quiet dinner with his partner when he decided to check his pet-cam feed, a common move for loving pet parents. However, he couldn’t have predicted what he would see! Moving across the screen of his indoor pet cam wasn’t just his two dogs, but the unmistakable head of a bull. The security cam footage, which Mackay shared on his Facebook page (and has since generated thousands of shares across platforms, with popular news outlets like CTV sharing the content on TikTok), captured the unlikely escapade. The primary culprits? His two dogs, with his resourceful mutt, Thunder, leading the charge.

It's Winter! Let's Keep Your Backseat Companion Safe and Warm.

(photo credit: Anna Averianova / shutterstock.com)It’s winter, and for anyone living in the northern states or Canada, driving conditions can quickly turn hazardous with minimal warning. White-outs, black ice, freezing rain… all create the perfect setting for accidents. And frigid temperatures can cause the most well-maintained vehicles to stall or not start when you need them most.Whether you’re dealing with an accident or a breakdown, waiting for help can easily leave you sitting in a disabled car for hours. And when you’re travelling with a fur-kid or two, that immediately introduces another element of concern because the temperature inside your car is going to drop – rapidly – until it matches that of the outside. In short, within 15 minutes or so, your car will get very cold. Within one hour, it will be frigid with you and your pet sitting inside what can best be described as a refrigerator. Your goal as a pet parent is to keep both you and your furry travellers as warm as possible until help arrives. And here's how you do it!Tips to Keeping that Furry Backseat Passenger Warm

5 Helpful Things to Donate to Animal Shelters This Fall

During fall, many animal shelters experience an increase in animals needing care. Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or simply want to make a difference this season, your donations can have a meaningful impact. By giving even a few essential supplies, you’ll help shelters provide the best possible care for their furry residents. Here are five thoughtful items you can donate to your local animal shelter. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Easy Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Teeth Healthy

Keeping your dog’s teeth healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With just a few simple habits, you can protect their smile, prevent painful dental issues, and keep their breath a whole lot fresher. Here are three easy tips to help your pup maintain great dental health.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.