Dogalot Frequently Asked Questions

New Puppies and Dogs

Why do we have to wait until our puppy is eight weeks before we bring it home?

Is it better to buy a puppy in the summer or winter?

We will be picking up our puppy in a month. What's the best way to get our kids ready for the big event.

How can I tell if my puppy is healthy?

We would like to get two dogs. What is the best gender combination?

The breeder has offered to microchip our puppy, what is this and should we allow it?

We would like a new puppy, but don't know if we should choose a purebred dog or a mixed breed. Which is better?

What should we consider naming our new puppy?

Is it a good idea to have a dog neutered?

What papers are important in buying a purebred dog?

How can we secure the stairs so that our puppy doesn't fall down them?

Are there any "alarm signs" I should watch out for when buying a dog?

We can't decide if we should get a male or female dog. What are the differences?

What should I look for in selecting a dog from a shelter?

Does our dog need a bed, even though it is allowed on the couch?

Dog Equipment

Does it make sense to walk my dog using an automatic leash?

Is it better to use a collar or a chest harness on a dog?

What criteria should I use in selecting a collar?

My dog has long drop ears. How can i keep them from hanging in its food and water?

What should I look for in purchasing a leash?

The breeder has offered to microchip our puppy, what is this and should we allow it?

How can we secure the stairs so that our puppy doesn't fall down them?

Does our dog need a bed, even though it is allowed on the couch?

Is it true that dogs should not play with tennis balls?

What should I look for in shopping for toys?

Are wicker beds a good choice for dogs?

Legal FAQ

Legally how often and how long is my dog allowed to bark?

My spouse and I are getting a divorce. Who should get the dog?

Is it true that fees are not levied on dogs from an animal shelter?

How much as a dog fee?

Can I put my dog in my will to make sure they will be cared for after my death?

As a dog owner, why am I responsible for damages my dog causes even if there is no way I can restrain the dog?

Does it make sense to have liability insurance for my dog?

Dog Nutrition

The food package contains the specification Antioxidants. What's that?

My dog has arthritis. Can I have any positive effect on this disease through feeding?

My Labrador loves to eat raw carrots. Can they harm him?

Our dog likes to eat our cat's food. Is that normal?

Is it true that chocolate is poisonous to dogs?

Can improper feeding be the cause of a lackluster coat?

Can I give my puppy dry dog food?

both parents of my dogs suffered from heat disease. Should I give it special diet food as a preventive measure?

Are raw eggs good for a dog's coat?

Should I let my dog go hungry one day a week?

What is the best place for feeding my dog?

Does it make sense to change the food my dog eats from time to time, to provide vareity?

What do I need to watch for when I change dog food?

Must the size of food pieces correspond to the size of the dog?

Do dogs need raw, fresh meat?

Can does eat fruits?

Can I influence how large my dog grows based on feeding?

How long should we wait before switching from the food we got at the breeders to a new food?

My dog refuses to eat its normal food, but will only eat treats. What can I do?

How much water does a dog drink in a day?

Dog Health

How can I tell if my puppy is healthy?

Is it a good idea to have a dog neutered?

How can I tell if my dog has a food allergy?

My dog has arthritis. Can I have any positive effect on this disease through feeding?

My Labrador loves to eat raw carrots. Can they harm him?

Is it true that chocolate is poisonous to dogs?

Our dog has a small cut on its foot. Should I put on a bandage?

Is it true that you shouldn't bathe puppies?

How often should I bathe my dog?

At what age should I have my dog neutered?

Can neutering prevent diseases?

Should I have my dog's dewclaws removed?

My dog continually scratches. Does it have fleas, and how can I treat it?

My dog refuses to take its medication. What can I do.

What causes hip dysplasia?

I had my dog microchipped but the chip seems to have moved, is this possible? is it normal? Is it dangerous?

Is it true you should apply some drops of oil or alcohol before trying to remove it?

Dog Behavior & Body Language

Legally how often and how long is my dog allowed to bark?

My dog always gulps his food down greedily. How can I change that?

Is an aggressive dog always angry?

Is it true that dogs bark differently depending on the situation?

Is it true that a barking dog does not bite?

Does every feature of body language, such as the position of the ears, always mean the same thing?

Why do dogs and cats frequently fail to get along?

Can dogs see colors?

Are there any communication problems between different dog breeds?

Can my dog understand what I say to it

Why do dogs have a third eyelid?

Is it normal for my puppy to spill a few drops of urine when they greet us?

Can dogs laugh?

It is always said the human should be the leader of the pack. Does my dog consider me another dog?

Can dogs laugh?

Why does my dog always lick my face?

Why does my dog always react with such hostility toward mail carriers?

Why does my dog mark in unfamiliar homes?

Why do male dogs lift their leg when urinating?

Why do dogs walk in circles when they first meet?

My 7 month old dog mates with sofa pillows. Is this normal?

Why do dogs pant?

Is it important for my dog to have physical contact?

Is it true that all dogs get along when they are allowed to run free?

Does every dog want to become the leader of a pack?

Our dog twitches its paws and sometimes barks in its sleep. Is it dreaming?

Why do dogs sniff each other's rear ends?

Can all dogs swim?

Is it ok to trim my dog's whiskers around its muzzle so it looks nicer?

How can I keep my dog occupied inside my house?

Am I right to comfort my dog when it is afraid of a truck driving by?

My dog always growls and snaps when I come close to its dish. How can I break this habit.

Dog Training

Does it make sense to walk my dog using an automatic leash?

Is it okay if I let me dog run behind the car so he gets enough exercise?

Can I participate in agility competitions with my six month old puppy?

Am I right to comfort my dog when it is afraid of a truck driving by?

How can I get my dog used to riding in the car?

What commands are part of basic obedience?

How can I break my dog of begging at the table?

At the dog training area my dog always behaves perfectly yet at home it seems to have forgotten everything. What's going on?

My dog always growls and snaps when I come close to its dish. How can I break this habit.

Is it true my dog must never be allowed to win when I play tug of war or wrestle with it?

Isn't it silly to teach dogs tricks that serve no practical purpose?

Dogs have great hearing, why does it matter if I use visual signals?