Tips in Naming a Dog: Spot, Spark or How ‘bout Max?

Naming a dog is never an easy task if you think it is. I had a hard time choosing my dogs’ name that I even ask for my sister’s expertise. Here is some tips in naming a dog and how we came with my dog name Pino.

If your looking for a mind buggling activity, naming a pet is the best choice. So why not gather your friends and family members and let the game begin or should I say long debate and discussion.

With my first dog, we came up with the name Pino. It may not makes sense especially with its meaning in both Filipino and English language though it well suited him well.

So how we came up with the name? To justify Pino’s name, it came from my favorite character from an Indian show titled Pinochio and the Blue Fairy. The character of Pinochio there is also called Pino and the guy that portrait Pino is so funny and cute too. Pino’s characterisitics in the show are the same with my dog so I named him Pino.

Anyways, the bottom line is name your dog appropriately and with connections both to you and your dog. Character from your favorite shows and movies will give you tons of idea in naming your dog just make sure it fits your dog’s attitude.

Tips: Try calling your dog with the name you chose and see if the dog will respond and if it will sound nice.

Buying a Dog? Know Where to Find One

After weighing all the options and still you are decided to have a new member of the family, it is important to know where to buy dogs and some added checklist before you buy that doggie in the window. There are legit places selling puppies and dogs. All you need is to find this places before you say “how much is that doggie in the window”.

The easiest to find is pet shops. I’m sure there’s one or two pet shops near your place so why not take a visit. Check if the place is well maintained and if hey have permit. Healthy pets are raised in good environment.

If you know a breeder, it is the next best option to find a dog. Breeders have two kinds, the professional ones and the backyard breeders.Between the two, I suggest that you choose professional breeders. Although if you know a backyard breeder that you know are knowledge experienced and know how to properly breed it might be a good choice too. There are breeders who are willing to guide you in raising your dog, so ask a breeder if he/she is willing to guide you.

Animal shelter is another place where you can have a dog especially an adult dog. There is just a catch with it, dogs in animal shelter don’t have papers. Just make sure you pick you think is healthy. One more thing if you want specific breed you better check often as they don’t keep stock of breed.

One of the popular places to find dogs but also one to avoid too is puppy mills. I really hate people behind puppy mills. I once watched a video in a site where police officers raid a puppy mill. There I saw how dogs are confined in puppy mills. Needless to say these animals’ rights have been stepped on by some people who are greedy with money.

Added Checklist Before You Buy that Doggie in the Window

I just wanted to share this information which I think would be helpful for you in buying a dog that is hassle free.

•  This I may sound redundant but this is very important if you don’t want a costly dog. See to it the dog you want have the required papers.

•   Old enough to be apart from the mother. This is very important and I always remind my friends not to have a dog under 3 months old. Dog beyond this age if separated in the mother have less chance of survival and might have socializing problem. The mom is the first one that the pup socialized to.

•  Meet the mother. Check if the mom have behavioral problem such as aggressiveness and shyness.

•  Ask for the parents papers. Healthy pet parent have healthy pups.

•   Agreement is a must. You can get agreement draft in your local breeder associations. It is better to put things in the paper for any problem that may arise.

Everything is said. Good luck in your quest finding a perfect dog. Hope you enjoy your new family member companion as much as I enjoy my dogs’ affection.

Pedigree Versus Mixed Breed

I don’t have a first hand knowledge in pedigree as all of my dogs are mixed breed. Pedigree is purebred means both parents are the same breed. Every dog breed has different behavior and attitude. If the dog is pedigree then it will only inherent his breed behavior and attitude.

In the case of mixed breed, there is the tendency that the pups will have both parents behavior and attitude or in some case inherent mom or dad’s behavior. For some mixed breed it’s a little hard to handle because of their mix behavior but it all depends on how you train the dog.

Having 3 mixed breed dogs is not a problem for me and hadn’t had a headache about it. Honestly for me there is no 'higher' between pedigree or mixed breed as long as you know your dog personality well and train them will do the trick.

Male or Female Canine: What to choose?

There is nothing special between male or female canine. I mean they are equal; it depends on your preference what to have. Like for me, I didn’t actually planned that my first dog is a he. Things happened and he came to me, well not quite really. My mom gave it to me, a male dog. He is the only one that doesn’t have a home yet so got him.

For others they are worried that they might chose a wrong gender. There is no wrong gender in choosing a dog. Both sexes have strength and weaknesses and imperfection too.

If you chose a female dog, then expect puppies in the future unless you sprayed her then she will no longer be in season. The same with a male dog, if you want to be troubled every time he goes into season, castration is the best option. Male dogs have strong scent than female dog and stronger if they are into season, so castration will help eliminate the odor.

Spraying and castration is done by a veterinarian so nothing to worry about. But for me I didn’t opt to castrate my dog as I don’t want to him to lose his testicles. I endured his not so strong smell when in season for over two years now. I use dog cologne to lessen his smell and it covers the unwanted scent.

Full Grown Dog or a Cute Little Puppy

For me I will definitely choose a cute little puppy. Who can resist those cute faces? But I’m not the one deciding but you. I already have a handful of dogs to take care.

In my case I had my first dog which is Pino since he is born. He is my mother’s dog offspring so naturally I don’t have to decide between an adult dog and a puppy because mom gave me a puppy and it does surely hurt my budget.

To help you decide, here are some things to watch out for. Hope it will help clear things regarding this matter.

Full grown dogs are less maintenance. They only need one or two meal per day. They don’t need monthly check up but that depends on your veterinarian advice and your dog health. Hassle free if you got an adult dog well trained but if not then you’re in big trouble.

While having a puppy is really fulfilling because of their cuteness, their needs will cost you a fortune. Puppies need to have regular check up and lots of vaccinations. They are also glutton creatures with more than three meals a day. If you have an extra budget I suggest that you go for a puppy. At least you can train and raise your pup as you preferred.

Well maybe you are now having second thoughts on what to have, just take into consideration your money and time. You will surely have an answer.

Misconception in Owning a Pet

I have a neighbor who owns a dog but doesn’t care much for her dog but thinks she is because she owns and have the dog. Having a pet especially dog is a great responsibility. Pets are meant to be cared by all means. When you own a dog you are taking the full responsibility in that dog’s welfare. There is a big difference between... Read More

Things to Consider Before Having a Canine

In my own experience as a dog owner, dogs tend to have different attitude and temperament from one another. This factor along is a must to consider before having a canine at home if you don’t want to have headaches later on. Canines are cute, cuddly living creatures that also have attitude and temperament as humans do.