Greetings, dog lovers!

Welcome to Dog Forum’s newsletter.

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• How to Plan a Dreamy Summer Road Trip With Your Dog

• How Long Can Puppies Hold Their Pee

• Thread: What should you do when your dog paws you?

• Video: There’s no doubt this dog enjoys the bath time

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG TRIPS

How to Plan a Dreamy Summer Road Trip With Your Dog

Ready to hit the road with your furry best friend? Planning a perfect summer road trip with your dog can be an adventure filled with joy and fun. Here’s how to make it safe and memorable.

Preparation

Start by ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety in the car. Use a well-fitted crate or dog seatbelt in the backseat, away from airbags. Get your dog accustomed to these restraints with short rides before embarking on a longer trip.

On the Road

1. Frequent Stops: Schedule regular breaks for your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and burn off some energy.

2. Start Small: Begin with shorter trips to help your dog get used to the motion.

3. Feeding Time: Feed your dog at least three hours before the trip to avoid motion sickness, and keep them hydrated during the journey.

4. Safety First: Avoid letting your dog hang their head out of the window to protect their eyes from debris and wind.

Choosing Destinations

Look for pet-friendly accommodations.

You can find a variety of these locations on our forum.

Planning the Route

You can also use our forum’s dedicated discussions to find pet-friendly stops along your route, including hotels, parks, and restaurants. Always call ahead to confirm pet policies as they can change.

Dog Park Etiquette

• Follow leash laws and trail etiquette.

• Dispose of poop properly, either in trash cans or by burying it (without the bag) off the trail.

Safety Measures

Before leaving, update your dog’s microchip and identification tags with your current phone number. Carry a photo of your dog for identification and know the locations of emergency animal hospitals along your route.

Keeping Your Dog Entertained

Bring safe chew toys for your dog to enjoy during the ride, and plan stops to play and engage with them.

Feeding Tips

Avoid feeding your dog right before a long trip to reduce nausea. Instead, feed them once you arrive at your destination and keep them well-hydrated.

Planning a road trip with your dog can be a wonderful experience with the right preparation. Enjoy the journey and create unforgettable memories with your furry friend!

Source:TheWildest

Playful Picks

1. There’s no doubt this dog enjoys the bath time

2. So Cute!

@lexrou4

#bulldog #englishbulldog

DOG TRAINING

How Long Can Puppies Hold Their Pee

Raising a puppy is incredibly rewarding but comes with the challenge of house training.

No one wants to find surprise puddles or spend all their time outside waiting for their pup to pee.

Let’s break it down:

• Age: Puppies have tiny bladders and limited control. As a general rule, they can hold their pee for about one hour per month of age. So, a three-month-old puppy can hold it for three hours. This maxes out around six to eight hours.

• Activity and Excitement: A bit of excitement often leads to a bit of pee. Plan potty breaks before and after playtime, meals, and naps.

• Water Intake and Feeding Schedule: Puppies need to go shortly after eating and drinking. Aim for potty breaks 15-30 minutes post-meal.

• Health Issues: Conditions like urinary tract infections can increase the need for potty breaks. Look out for frequent urination, straining, and excessive licking.

Creating a Puppy Potty Training Schedule

Establishing a routine early helps make potty training smoother:

• Frequent Potty Breaks: For puppies under four months, start with hourly breaks. Gradually extend the time as they grow older.

• Adjusting as Your Puppy Grows: As bladder control improves, slowly increase the intervals between breaks. Consistency is key!

Dealing with Accidents

Accidents happen, and it's part of the learning process:

• Catch Them in the Act: If you see your puppy starting to pee, gently interrupt and take them outside. Praise them if they finish outdoors.

• Too Late to Catch It: If you find an accident after the fact, clean it up thoroughly but don’t punish your pup. They won’t understand why they’re being scolded later on.

Puppy Potty Training Tips

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help with potty training:

• Do:

  • Take frequent breaks to give your pup ample chances to go outside.

  • Watch for signs like sniffing or circling, indicating they need to go.

  • Use a command like “go potty” and reward them when they go in the right spot.

  • Use positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and pets.

  • Crate train: A crate can be a helpful tool, but ensure it's the right size so your puppy doesn’t have space to pee and sleep.

• Don’t:

  • Punish your puppy for accidents. It can create fear and confusion.

  • Rely solely on a crate. Don’t leave your puppy crated too long without a break.

  • Give too much freedom too soon. Supervision is crucial.

  • Wait for your puppy to alert you. Proactively take them out regularly.

Potty training can be a challenge, but with consistency and patience, your puppy will get the hang of it. Remember, every pup is different, so adjust as needed and enjoy the process of watching your furry friend grow and learn!

Source: TheWildest

Quiz Answers

FALSE!

Actually, only about 5% of the fleas are the adult ones you see on your pet. The other 95% are sneaky little critters hiding in various stages of their life cycle in your home, like in your upholstery, bedding, and even your garden!

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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