100+ DC Hero Puppy Names

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100+ DC Hero Puppy Names

Most of us grew up reading DC comics or watching cartoons and shows with DC characters, and probably had great picks for DC Hero Puppy Names for our favourite pooch. If you wish to remember all the characters you have encountered while reading comics and watching movies, take a look at our list of over 100 DC Hero Puppy Names, and maybe you’ll find a good match for your puppy too!

DC hero puppy names
  1. Adam
  2. Alfred
  3. Allen
  4. Amanda
  5. Anarky
  6. Ares
  7. Arisia
  8. Atlanna
  9. Atom
  10. Bane
  11. Barbara
  12. Barry
  13. Batman
  14. Beast Boy
  15. Belloc
  16. Black
  17. Booster
  18. Captain
  19. Constantine
  20. Curry
  21. Custer
  22. Cyclone
  23. Damian
  24. Damien
  25. Darhk
  26. Drake
  27. Elaine
  28. Eve
  29. Fate
  30. Flag
  31. Flash
  32. Fox
  33. Freeze
  34. Frost
  35. Ghul
  36. Gordon
  37. Grayson
  38. Grodd
  39. H.I.V.E.
  40. Hal
  41. Harley
  42. Ice
  43. Ivy
  44. Jade
  45. James
  46. Jason
  47. Jesse
  48. Jimmy
  49. Joker
  50. Jordan
  51. Katana
  52. Killer
  53. Kon-El
  54. Krona
  55. Krypto
  56. Lane
  57. Lex
  58. Lobo
  59. Lois
  60. Lucius
  61. Luthor
  62. Manhunter
  63. Marvel
  64. Mary
  65. Maxwell
  66. Mera
  67. Mister
  68. Morpheus
  69. Nereus
  70. Nightwing
  71. Olsen
  72. Pandora
  73. Phantom
  74. Quinn
  75. Ra’s Al Ghul
  76. Raven
  77. Rayner
  78. Reyes
  79. Rick
  80. Riddler
  81. Robin
  82. Savage
  83. Scarecrow
  84. Shazam
  85. Shin
  86. Sinestro
  87. Starfire
  88. Stargirl
  89. Steel
  90. Stephen
  91. Steppenwolf
  92. Steve
  93. Superboy
  94. Supergirl
  95. Tawky
  96. Tawny
  97. Telos
  98. Thomas
  99. Tim
  100. Titan
  101. Todd
  102. Trevor
  103. Vandal
  104. Vixen
  105. Waller
  106. Wally
  107. Wayne
  108. Zatanna
  109. Zod
  110. Zoom

The comic book-inspired name trend has become a huge hit, particularly thanks to DC movies and TV shows carrying on the torch. With this DC Hero puppy names list, you can also remember all the epic moments of your favorite hero (or villain) when you call your puppy. 

Want more names to choose from?

Check out these Marvel Comics inspired names or these puppy names inspired by 90’s cartoon characters too!

2 Key Steps to Introduce Your Puppy to Other Dogs

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2 Key Steps to Introduce Your Puppy to Other Dogs

Teaching your puppy to socialize with people and other animals is one of the most important steps to owning and raising a puppy. For many, this is a very easy process because they are always around others and the puppy becomes automatically accustomed to strange dogs and people being around. But for others, it is a real challenge to introduce your puppy to other dogs. 

Introduce Your Puppy to Other Dogs

Puppy socializing can be a complicated process, and there are some fundamentals to it. Socialization with other dogs is going to be a different process than socialization with other people.

For this guide, we are going to focus on giving you some pointers so that you can learn how to introduce your puppy to other dogs. 

Keys to Introducing Your Puppy to Other Dogs

Here are some of the most important factors to consider and pay attention to when you are trying to start the process of introducing your puppy to other dogs.

1. Repeated Exposure to Different Situations

One of the most important things that you can do with a new puppy is to bring them everywhere with you. Through this process, they become accustomed to a wide variety of situations and types of people.

This basic principle rings true with humans as well as animals. If we are in situations that we’ve never been in before, we are more likely to be nervous and act out of character. The same is true with dogs. 

Do you and your pup a favor and bring them everywhere during the first few weeks that they are in your care. To meet other dogs, you can bring them to a dog park, dog daycare, or to a friend’s house that has dogs.

Expose them to as many dogs as possible, and they will begin to become comfortable with more and more situations. 

2. Start Young

Another thing that you can do to ease your dog into the process and make them more comfortable is to start socializing them at a young age. When dogs are young, they are friendly to everyone, and since everything is a new experience, they aren’t scared or nervous yet.

If they are sheltered too long, they begin to forget what it’s like to meet new dogs and they can become aggressive and nervous when meeting dogs. 

If you start the dog socialization process when they are very young, those experiences are likely to stick with them for the duration of their life and they won’t be scared of other dogs.

Getting in all of these experiences when they are still a small, impressionable puppy is vital and will undoubtedly lead to an increased success rate when introducing your puppy to other dogs. 

Recap

The two most important things that you can do when preparing your puppy to meet other dogs are:

  • Expose them to different situations where dogs are present frequently.
  • Begin to introduce your puppy to other dogs at a young age.

Repetition is the key here, and the process is made easier by starting very early. Good luck and have fun!

How to Groom Your Dog at Home

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How to Groom Your Dog at Home

Having a pet can be expensive, and sometimes you need to make budget cuts where you can. If your dog is used to being groomed at a dog salon, you can learn how to do this at home to save on expenses. Grooming from the comfort of your own home is something you will quickly get used to. Just make sure you check out these tips on how to groom your dog at home.

Research the Type of Dog You Have

Not all dogs will be groomed in the same way. It’s important to research the type of dog you have and how they need to be cut. You’d be surprised at how different grooming various breeds of dogs can be. You can most likely find a style guide for grooming, based on the dog you have.

Brush Your Dog Regularly

One way to groom your dog at home and make your life easier is to brush your dog on a regular basis. Once a day is enough. This small chore can help make your life so much easier when it’s time to groom your dog. 

Invest in Good Products to Groom Your Dog

If you’re going to groom your dog at home, you need to invest in quality dog grooming products. A good set of dog grooming products is important. Here are some of the products that you may want in a dog grooming kit.

  • A set of clippers
  • Pet-styling comb
  • Stainless steel scissors
  • Storage case 
  • Attachment guide combs

Groom Your Dog at Home With a Good Bath

Another way you can groom your dog at home is to give them a good bath. Honestly, your dog may hate baths, but this is one of the best ways to keep your dog clean.

After a while, your dog may actually get used to getting baths. Just keep at it, be gentle, and reward your dog for a job well done. A good bath can keep your dog from getting too dirty and for their hair getting too matted.

Practice Makes Perfect

When it comes to your dog, you may not be the best DIY groomer on the planet the first time. As time goes on, you’ll get better and better at it. The best tip for grooming your dog at home is that practice makes perfect.

If you give your pet a bad haircut, don’t panic. Instead, learn from your mistakes. Study your breed more and try again next time!

Do you groom your pet at home? Are you thinking about it? What tips would you offer?

Introducing Puppies and Cats for the First Time

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Introducing Puppies and Cats for the First Time

Introducing puppies and cats for the first time can cause problems if not done correctly. Mainly because first impressions count and you’re likely to have a less than harmonious household!

This introduction can be a process that takes months to resolve itself. Depending on the time you’re able to spend socializing them, your puppy’s personality, and of course, your cat’s personality, may mean you need prepare for long-term.

Introducing Puppies and Cats: The First 7 to 14 Days

Take things slow. Allow your cat to smell something that has been with your puppy, such as a blanket or collar. Do the same with your puppy, getting them accustomed to their new kitty friend. Introducing puppies and cats might feel complicated, but it’s really simple when you think in animal terms.

Once your pets have both “smelled” each other, you can start the process of physically introducing them.

When you’re introducing puppies and cats, many people put their cat in a carrier at first. This is not necessary if your pup is on a leash. Placing your cat in a carrier may be safer for your pup, but it’s a stressful situation for your cat to begin an introduction. This will likely cause unneeded stress on the cat, creating a negative environment from day one.

If your cat is attacking your puppy, then it may be necessary to confine them.

Over this 7- to 14-day period, do not leave the two alone together. Make certain your cat has a safe space to go. This is also important for your puppy, especially if you have a dominant cat who challenges dogs.

Remember to praise your puppy and your cat when they share calm interactions together. Treats work great for both cats and dogs, but dogs may prefer high-value treats better.  We have an article on “High Value Treats” if you would like to learn more about treat ideas for your puppy.

After the Initial Introduction Phase

Puppies and cats

Introducing cats and puppies does not stop after the first few weeks. To expect a good long-term relationship between your cat and your puppy, you need to continue training your puppy throughout their development from puppyhood to adulthood.

Your puppy is not truly an adult until 18 months to 2 years of age. Over this period, they will continue to mature and change. As your puppy changes, they may go through challenging phases, and drive your poor kitty crazy. You need to be diligent, not allowing your puppy to cause stress to your cat.

Continue rewarding calm behaviour, and if any exciting behaviour begins, remove your puppy from the room until they have calmed down again (or vice versa).

If aggressive behaviour is noticed at any time when you are introducing puppies and cats, please consult an obedience instructor or behaviourist. Your cat can blind or injure your puppy, and your puppy could easily harm your cat – play it safe!

Our article “Developing Bite Inhibition in Puppies” teaches you how to train your puppy to bite easy without causing injury. This is a great idea when training a puppy who will be spending time with feline friends!

Puppy Ear Care: The Ultimate Guide

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Puppy Ear Care: The Ultimate Guide

Puppy ears come in all shapes and dimensions: from delightfully small and pointy to adorably oversized. They’re an important part of your pup’s anatomy, and with proper care from human friends, your dog will be able to enjoy healthy ears for life.

Puppy ear care isn’t daunting when you have the right tools and instructions. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know. Let’s get started!

Puppy Ear Care: The Step-by-Step Guide

Fortunately, the process of maintaining good puppy ear care is relatively straightforward. You’ll only need a few tools – outlined in the shopping list below – alongside a little time and a dash of patience.

Ear Care Schedule

Puppy Ear Care Schedule

The schedule for cleaning your puppy’s ears will largely depend on their breed. Dogs with larger ears will usually require more frequent cleaning than small-eared breeds. Your vet will be able to advise you about your puppy’s specific requirements, and it’s something you can discuss during your first appointment. A good rule of thumb is to check them thoroughly at least once a week, and if a good clean seems to be in order, go ahead!

Step 1

puppy

Start by getting comfortable on the floor and bringing your puppy into your lap. By holding them close, you’ll give them a sense of safety and comfort, and it will help to prevent them squirming away from your reach!

Once your pup is settled, perform a quick visual check of their ears. You may need to lightly groom the area if the ears have an excess of fur that might make cleaning difficult. If any fur is matted, gently cut it away, as this can increase the likelihood of your puppy contracting an ear infection.

Step 2

Next, take a cotton wool pad or ball, give your bottle of vet-approved cleaning solution a soft shake to mix the contents, then dampen the cotton wool with the solution. Don’t overdo it with the solution, as an excess of cleaning fluid may get stuck further down the ear canal, causing discomfort and possible infection.

Step 3

Carefully fold back your puppy’s ear, then wipe the outer area, making sure to clean away any debris or wax. Repeat on the other side. Do not push the cotton pad or ball into the ear canal, or use a cotton swab – such as a Q-tips – to clean the inner ear. This can push wax and debris further down the canal, making an inner ear infection more likely.

Your vet will be able to recommend a specific solution to clean and maintain the inner part of the ear. This may be different to the cleaner you use on the outer ear. Tilt your puppy’s head slightly downward to improve access to the area, then apply a liberal amount to the ear canal. There shouldn’t be an excess that causes the fluid to overflow the entrance to the inner ear.

Step 4

Next, gently massage the base of the ear, which helps the cleaning solution to do its job and encourage stubborn wax or debris to dislodge. Your puppy will then instinctively want to shake their head. This is perfectly fine!

One handy tip here is to put a towel down; this just makes the clean-up a little easier. The solution will be shaken out, along with any material from the ear canal.

Once your puppy has finished, inspect the ears again and give the outer part of each ear another wipe with the first cleaning solution you used. You may wish to give your puppy a small treat at this stage, to reward their calm and patient behaviour.

Et voilà! Your puppy can go about their usual adventures with clean and healthy ears!

Puppy Ear Care Shopping List

As it’s a straightforward process, puppy ear care only requires a handful of supplies:

  • Cotton wool pads or balls
  • Cleaning solution for outer ear
  • Cleaning solution for inner ear (if different, check with your vet)
  • A towel to protect the floor – especially when your puppy shakes their ears!
  • A small treat for being a brave pup!

Something to definitely omit from your list is cotton swabs. Steer clear!

Puppy Ear Care: Signs You Should Visit the Vet

There are a few clear signs that your dog may be experiencing discomfort or infection in the ear area, including the following:

  • Excessive resistance to having their ears cleaned
  • Swelling, redness, or heat, in or around the ear
  • A foul odour emanating from any part of the ear
  • Symptoms of fever, including lethargy, loss of appetite, or vomiting

If you suspect there’s a problem with your puppy’s ears, always err on the side of caution and visit your vet. There’s no harm in being cautious!

Puppy Ear Care: Fast Tips

As you can see, the ear cleaning process is pretty simple. Of course, if you have a puppy with generously sized ears, it’ll take a little longer than our furry friends with perky little ears!

To wrap up this guide, here are our top tips to lock down this essential part of your puppy care routine:

  • Check with your vet to find out how often your puppy’s ears need to be cleaned, and which solutions are best for the breed.
  • Inspect your pup’s ears at least once a week to check if they need a clean.
  • A little grooming may be required if your puppy’s ears are particularly furry!
  • Use a cotton wool ball or pad to clean the outer part of the ear – never a swab!
  • Don’t forget to massage the base of each ear once you’ve applied the inner ear solution; this helps to make it work more effectively.
  • Your dog will instinctively want to shake out their ears after you’ve cleaned them – this is fine!
  • But if your puppy resists ear cleaning by shaking their head at the start, this might indicate infection.
  • Other signs to watch out for include redness, swelling, foul odour, or fever symptoms. It’s time to visit the vet!
  • If you’re worried about your technique or still unsure, contact your vet for advice

While you’re here, why not check out our essential guide to puppy care for beginners?

Camping With a Puppy: Everything You Need To Know

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Camping With a Puppy: Everything You Need To Know

Camping with a puppy can be a struggle if you don’t plan ahead.

Now that summer is almost here, camping trips are just on the horizon. Here are some great ideas to make camping with a puppy that much simpler!

To start, we need to say that avid campers need to invest! Not only will it make your puppy and dog comfortable long-term but can avoid behavioural issues in the future.

  • Pet Gazebo – For around $70, you can buy an outside pen that provides a shaded area. This is best used on beach trips or areas with limited coverage – a great way to keep your puppy safe and cool in the hot sun.
  • Pet Tents – Roughly $150, for those of us who don’t have the extra space for our pups, a pet tent is a great idea for shade and shelter.
  • Elevated Beds – For around $30, elevated pet beds keep your puppy off the cold hard ground, and provide comfort as well!

Camping Essentials for Puppies

camping dog in a tent

To make your trip a bit easier, make a list of things you will need to enjoy camping with your pup. For an even simpler approach, feel free to print off our list of essentials!

  • Long and short leashes/Harness
  • Tie out line (many campgrounds require your dog to be tied, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give them space)
  • Dog blankets/towels
  • Light for night visibility (collar clip)
  • Dog tags with name of campsite written on it
  • Collapsible water bowl
  • Lots of fresh water
  • Poop bags
  • Chew toys/bones
  • High-value treats
  • Tick removal tool
  • Health records
  • Doggie life jacket
  • Brush and comb (to remove twigs and burrs)

10 Quick Tips for Camping with a Puppy

  1. Before planning your trip, call ahead for pet policies. If you are camping with a puppy and they decide to bark all night and day, you might run into some problems.
  2. Always clean up after your pup. If you are camping in an area with lots of wildlife, it’s best to bury your puppy’s poop so as not to attract coyotes.
  3. The Lyme disease vaccination should be done before camping in tick-infested areas.
  4. Be sure your puppy’s tag and microchip are up to date before heading out, in case they get loose or lost at any point.
  5. Puppies love to roll in dead and smelly things. Keep a small bottle of dog shampoo with you in case you need to do an emergency clean up.
  6. Keep your puppy with you as much as possible. Tying them alone leaves them vulnerable to mountain lions, bears, coyotes, and even wildfires.
  7. Bring something to settle your pup’s stomach, in case they get into something. Do a good clean up of your site ahead of time to avoid this.
  8. A puppy life jacket isn’t a requirement, but if you plan on doing any boating, it’s best to have one. Your puppy can quickly become exhausted from swimming.
  9. Some dogs like to dig holes to create a cooler space to lie down. Being out in the wilderness provides a great advantage to practice some digging skills so create a fun area for them to do this.
  10. When camping with a puppy, only fill their bowl about half-full since puppies love to splash and spill and dealing with a wet dog in a tent is no joke!

Lastly, a great tip we learnt is to introduce your pup to fellow campers so that they know whose puppy is yours!

Before you head out, read our article “Tips on How to Find Your Lost Puppy” so you’re well prepared ahead of time in case your puppy wanders off.

Developing a Great Relationship Between Puppies and Cars

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Developing a Great Relationship Between Puppies and Cars

Part of owning a puppy revolves around travelling in your vehicle, so how do you make sure puppies and cars go well with each other?

Socialising your puppy will involve carting them here and there in your car, so you’ll need to familiarise your them with car travel. If you avoid doing this when they’re young it can often lead to car sickness or a fear of cars leading to destructive or aggressive behaviour.

Before bringing your puppy for a car ride, create a safe space for them in the back seat.

The back seat or hatch area of your vehicle is the safest space for your puppy. Some dog owners will only travel with their puppy in a crate for added safety, while others opt to buy a restraint harness. A dog seatbelt will keep your puppy in a safe spot in the event of a car accident or if someone unwittingly opens the door, stopping your puppy from dashing out into a potentially dangerous area!

The back seat is not only a safety precaution for puppies and cars! This goes with all vehicles any time they travel. If your puppy is in the front, it can create a distraction for you as a driver. Your puppy jumping onto your lap while driving can be extremely dangerous! It’s important to be strict with a puppy staying in the back; putting them into the front from the beginning will make them think it’s allowed.

In the eyes of a young pup, a vehicle can be a terrifying thing. For a good relationship between puppies and cars, start slow.

puppies

When you first bring your puppy into your car, allow them to sniff around, giving lots of praise and treats.

Wait a bit before turning the car on, so your puppy can get familiar with their surroundings.

If your puppy has already shown fear of the car, try leaving the door opened and setting some yummy treats just inside for your puppy to find. You can also keep special toys in your car to ease your puppies anxiety.

Puppies and cars should start out with short but eventful trips.

Make your first trip an exciting one, maybe to a park or to visit a friend, so your puppy will associate the car with fun times! Try not to take long car rides at first, so your puppy does not become over anxious or carsick.

Carsickness happens more frequently with puppies than older dogs. The reason for this is due to the puppy’s ear not being fully developed, particularly the parts of their ear involved in balance. This can cause your puppy to become nauseated and vomit. If this happens, it might be best to wait a couple of weeks before attempting car rides. Most puppies will outgrow car sickness.  

5 Tips For Puppies and Cars

  1. Keep automatic windows locked so your pup doesn’t accidentally roll it down.
  2. Give your puppy a toy that is safe to chew without direct supervision.
  3. Always unleash your pup so they don’t become entangled.
  4. Confine puppy to a crate in the vehicle, or purchase a dog seatbelt.
  5. Do not scold your puppy if they get sick; it’s not their fault!

Cars and puppies can become great allies, so be patient with a fearful pup; once they realise how fun it can be, you’ll have a hard time getting them out of the car!  

In cases where you can’t bring your puppy along, read our article on “Puppy Separation Anxiety” to help your puppy transition easier.

How To Keep Your Puppy Safe In The Car

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How To Keep Your Puppy Safe In The Car

Vehicle safety is important for you, but it’s also important for your furry friends. How can you be sure you’re providing the right puppy car safety?

Each dog owner has their own set of rules when training their puppy, but puppy car safety is often overlooked. It’s up to you as an owner to make the best choices for your pup when travelling, so let’s go over some important statistics you may not have known first. According to Pet Pro Supply Co:

  • Over 80% of dog owners drive with their pets in their cars
  • If a car crashes at 25 mph, an unrestrained dog creates a force that could be fatal to both owner and pet
  • A 10-lb dog will exert 300 lbs of pressure during a car accident when travelling 30 mph
  • 95% of single-vehicle roll over accidents are caused unexpectedly by “tripping” (rolling over due to the wheels hitting the curb at high velocity)
  • 84% of dog owners do not travel with their dog restrained
  • 60% of dog owners admit to being distracted by their pet while driving
  • 17% of dog owners allow their dog to sit on their lap while driving

With all these statistics, what can be done to provide adequate puppy car safety?

Puppy car safety

Car Crates

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the safest way for your dog to travel is in an approved crate. There are even crates available that provide impact protection inside and outside. Your crate should be placed on the floor behind the passenger seat, or in the hatch area, not on the seats.

The AKC also claims that crates can alleviate car sickness for some dogs. If your puppy is car sick, read our article “Combating Car Sickness in Puppies” for more in-depth information.

Dog-Specific Seat Belts

If you don’t have room for a crate in your vehicle, the next best choice is a dog seat belt. Seat belts are inexpensive, easy to use, and provide a safe option that can save your dog’s life. When considering a seat belt, you can easily find a no-pull harness that doubles as a restraint. Companies that make these usually offer a replacement if you’re ever in an accident, so check all of the information carefully before spending your money.

Puppy car safety does not only involve where they are seated and how. There are a few general rules you should follow to provide a safe space for your pup:

  • Never leave automatic windows unlocked.

If your dog can reach the window button, you better bet they can accidentally open that window, providing a place to escape.

  • Do not allow your pet on your lap.

Your dog could very easily distract you when they are seated on your lap, or get in the way of turning the car safely, which may cause a major accident. Fortunately, some cities give tickets for this type of behaviour.

  • Be aware when opening doors.

When you don’t use a seat belt for your puppy, they may attempt to bolt out of the vehicle. Be careful when opening the doors, as they can be fast!

  • Never ever leave your dog in the car in warm weather!

During the summer, your dog can overheat and die in less than 10 minutes. If you can’t bring your puppy in where you visit, leave them home.

Now get out there and find your puppy a seat belt to begin your travels with puppy car safety! For tips to help accustom your puppy to travelling, see our page on “Developing a Great Relationship Between Your Puppy and Cars.”

Tips on How to Find Your Lost Puppy

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Tips on How to Find Your Lost Puppy

You open the door and before you can reach out, your puppy zooms past – now you’re on a mission to find your lost puppy.

Losing a dog can happen to anyone so don’t worry, any good dog owner won’t judge you for this. But, it’s critical to get the information out as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Find Your Lost Puppy

  • find your lost puppy

STEP 1: Before your puppy leaves the property

Play the chasing game, we all know it – when your puppy thinks it’s hilarious to run about, hoping for you to chase them. Your best option here is to run in the opposite direction. The trick is to catch their attention by running away from your pet, flailing your arms, or even making silly noises. Your puppy’s prey drive will kick in, convincing them to join your exciting game of chase.

Throw a handful of food into their bowl and start shaking. While shaking the bowl, call for your puppy in an exciting voice, notin anger. What sensible puppy would come to a screaming, angry owner?

STEP 2: When your puppy has left the area

Your puppy can travel many miles in 30 minutes, but most dogs are found within a 5-mile radius from their home. Stick to the street, on foot, calling for your puppy. Bring their food bowl with you and shake intermittently.

Ask your neighbors for help. Focus on nearby dog owners your puppy may have decided to visit. The best neighbors will join in your search. If you have a social puppy, ask them to bring their dog to help entice your pup out of hiding.

STEP 3: Broaden your search

Think like a dog. Are there any areas nearby with wildlife such as rabbits or stray cats running about? Does your city have compost or dumping areas that put off a strong odour?

Hop in the car, take it slow, and search places your puppy might visit. The route you’ve taken for daily walks will be familiar to your pup.

If you have not been able to find your puppy within two hours, begin making calls to your local SPCA, animal control, and shelters.

STEP 4: Social media and public awareness

Most areas have local Facebook groups for dog owners, or lost-dog groups. Post on all groups you can find to spread the word quicker. Ask friends to share your posts too.

Print posters of your puppy and place them strategically at intersections, dog parks, veterinary practices, and local groomers.

To make it easier to identify and find your puppy, include the following in your social media post or flyer:

  • Front-facing photo
  • Breed of puppy
  • Your number
  • Area puppy was lost
  • Side-facing photo
  • Dog’s name and age
  • Size weight of puppy
  • Distinctive features
  • Fur colour and length
  • Sex of dog (intact or not)
  • Puppy’s temperament

Whether or not to offer a reward is up to you. Be sure to visit anyone who claims to have your dog with a friend – never go alone.

Don’t give up. In the 1920s, Bobbie the Wonder Dog was lost for 6 years and traveled 4105 km to find his owners. Hopefully, you won’t have to wait that long to find your lost puppy. Teenage puppies are more likely to take off, so read our article “The Teenage Puppy” for more information on this challenging stage.

How to Stop Your Artificial Grass from Smelling Like Puppy

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How to Stop Your Artificial Grass from Smelling Like Puppy

Stop your artificial grass smelling like puppy with these useful tips.

Artificial grass is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens, but it can start to stink after a while if your puppy is using it as a toilet too.

There are a couple of great options when it comes to cleaning. Some owners choose to take the natural route, while others prefer cleaners made specifically for puppy smells. Here’s some of the options and cleaning tips that work:

What causes your artificial grass to smell?

No matter how much you clean, sometimes you just can’t get that awful odour out. With urine in particular, ammonia is released, creating a strong putrid smell. Although it can be easy to clean artificial grass, the strong odour caused by ammonia eventually seeps into the material, making it difficult to remove.

Natural options to stop your artificial grass from smelling like puppy

Due to the alkaline nature of ammonia, you will need to tackle the smell with something acidic. Let’s look at our natural options first:

Vinegar

  1. Make a mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar.
  2. Purchase a spray bottle at your local hardware or discount store, and spray away!
  3. Allow the liquid to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, being careful to saturate all areas your puppy has used.
  4. If you find the odour is particularly strong, opt for 7% cleaning vinegar.

Baking soda

  1. Sprinkle the grass liberally with baking soda.
  2. Fill your spray bottle with pure vinegar and set it to “stream.”
  3. Saturate the areas you previously sprinkled.
  4. Once the foaming stops, spray the grass again to be sure all of the baking soda has been activated.

Hosing/Power Hosing

An excellent way to actually stop your artificial grass from smelling like puppy is to hose it down several times a week, or ideally, once or twice a day. That way you’re not allowing the smells or bacteria behind them to settle. You’ll need your hose on the highest setting, or a low/medium setting on a power or jet washer.

Chemical Options

Some pet cleaning products that you can purchase at the local pet store are specifically made to remove stubborn odours. Most will state clearly if they are made to neutralise the smell of urine or feces. Check the label for “enzymatic cleaner,” since these work best for animal smells.

Hydrogen peroxide

  1. After an initial clean, hydrogen peroxide will remove any lingering smell.
  2. With a spray bottle or through careful pouring, saturate all areas of your artificial grass.
  3. Be careful not to spray any nearby fabrics; peroxide can bleach colour-fast material.

*Note: It’s important to patch test to make sure there’s no discolouration.*

Zoflora

Zoflora is a favourite of many and can be an excellent cleaner in your home. Many have reported that it stops your artificial grass from smelling like puppy but it leaves a ‘chemical smell’ that also needs removal.

Which cleaning products are effective against stubborn odours?

Some pet cleaning products that you can purchase at the local pet store are specifically made to remove stubborn odours. Most will state clearly if they are made to neutralise the smell of urine or feces. Check the label for “enzymatic cleaner,” since these work best for animal smells.

6 Tips from kennel workers who regularly clean artificial grass:

  1. Always rinse the grass well with warm water to remove any residue from your cleaner.
  2. Allow the grass to dry completely before returning it to your pet’s toileting area.
  3. A pressure sprayer or hose is a great tool when needing to clean artificial grass.
  4. Add a couple of drops of essential oils to your rinse water to help with odour. Lemon and orange are your best options, since they have an acidic quality.
  5. For messes like diarrhea, an old broom can make a useful scrub brush.
  6. Keep an extra grass mat to use when the other is being cleaned and dried.

No one enjoys having to clean artificial grass, but these tips will definitely make it quicker when removing the odours caused by your puppy’s bathroom breaks. For tips on controlling fur, see our article “Protecting Your Home from Puppy Shedding.”

Different Sized Puppy Breeds To choose From

ThePuppyToolboxTeam
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Different Sized Puppy Breeds To choose From

There are different sized puppy breeds to choose from because not every breed is suited to every person.

When it comes to selecting the best breed for you there’s a few things you need to know about the different sized puppy breeds. Whichever is the case, you should do some careful thinking beforehand, so that you know exactly what you are looking for in a dog and determine what breeds are suitable for you.

Here’s a quick guide to what you should expect from the three general sizes of dogs: small, medium, and large. There are obviously going to be outliers, but you can get a good idea of what to expect based on what size the dog is. You should take into consideration what size and energy level are going to work best for your lifestyle when selecting a dog breed.

The Different Sized Puppy Breeds

Puppy breed size isn’t the only factor in deciding on a new puppy, but it’s certainly the one that most people think of first. How large the dog is doesn’t necessarily determine what their energy level or temperament will be, but here is what you can expect, generally, from each different size of breed.

Large Dogs

Large dogs can be a little tricky. Sometimes they are very energetic, and other times, they can be very calm, chill dogs. For the most part, large dogs tend to be calmer. The tradeoff, of course, is that they take up more room in the home and are more of an inconvenience to plan a life around.

Large dogs are also known to have shorter lives. This likely isn’t going to factor into your decision much, but it’s something to keep in mind. Big dogs can be very sweet and cuddly, but if you don’t want a large dog lumbering around the house, you might want to get a smaller dog.

Medium Dogs

Most of the time, people who want medium dogs really want a mix between a small dog and a big dog. They want the benefits of each without dealing with the downsides. With a medium dog, you get a lot of the benefits of a big dog without having to constantly step around them or plan large areas of the house for them.

For example, if you like jogging, running, and otherwise having an active lifestyle, medium dogs would be a great choice for you because they are as agile as small dogs without the medical issues as the big ones.

Small Dogs

Small dogs are perhaps the most popular because they take up less space and often need less walking. However, they tend to have more difficult personalities. Smaller breeds better suit those who are around more often and want a puppy for companionship or if you live in a smaller apartment. But, be aware that smaller breeds aren’t great as guard dogs or running.

Factors That Affect The Different Puppy Breeds You Choose From

Some of the factors that may affect your choice include:

  • How active you are
  • Your working hours
  • The size of your home
  • Whether you have children
  • Your local amenities (whether you have the space to run a large dog)

There are different sized puppy breeds to choose from and you’ll need to weigh your circumstances up properly! Make sure that you pick out a breed that will be compatible with your lifestyle. Once you’re done picking out a breed, be sure to find some good naming tips!

Puppy Resource Guarding: What To Do

ThePuppyToolboxTeam
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Puppy Resource Guarding: What To Do

Is your puppy resource guarding? Why do they do it, and how can you train them to stop?

Puppy resource guarding is a natural stage that most will go through during development. This is an instinct passed on to dogs from thousands of years ago. In a wolf pack, only the strongest and fastest will survive. Wolves devour their meal while fighting off other members of the pack – this natural instinct has been embedded in our canine companions.

Sometimes puppies will guard their belongings. The reason remains the same, as they are trying to show other members of their “pack” that the toy is theirs! Instinct kicks in, making sure others don’t take their possessions away.

A puppy who has been starved or neglected will guard their food as well. These guys might need more time to learn their manners, but they will eventually get it!

Should you allow your puppy to guard their food or toys?

A young puppy might look cute, hiding their toys and letting out little growls. It’s important to remember that puppy resource guarding can become a dangerous behaviour. In the wild, a canine will bite another, even drawing blood, and your puppy is no different. A responsible owner must take control of any guarding behaviour right away; otherwise, another pet or person could unfortunately get bitten.

Tips to stop food resource guarding in puppies?

Many trainers believe positive reward–based training is the best way to resolve puppy resource guarding.

If your puppy has begun guarding food, try these training tips to stop the behaviour quickly:

  1. Feed your puppy by hand to get them accustomed to another pack member being near.
  2. Slow-feeder bowls force them to take their time, teaching them to eat with less anxiety.
  3. Holding your puppy’s bowl during meals is another way you can teach them to be nice while eating.
  4. While your puppy is eating, throw in some high-value treats to show them they will be rewarded during meals.
  5. Feed your puppy on a schedule. This helps them get into a routine, knowing the food will be there.
  6. If your puppy has become overly aggressive, wear a protective glove when you first begin hand-feeding.

Puppy resource guarding with toys, tips to help:

  1. Teach your puppy to “drop.” This command lets them know you are in control of the toys, not them.
  2. If your puppy becomes aggressive, safely take the toy and allow them to have it once they become calm.
  3. As your puppy plays with their toys, periodically give them treats while removing the item.
  4. When returning a toy that has been taken, give them treats along with it during calm playing.

Training to stop puppy resource guarding can be time-consuming, so be prepared to commit to a schedule. Bite inhibition goes hand in hand with resource guarding, so check out our article “Developing Bite Inhibition in Puppies” to train your pup to become gentle and easy.

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