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WAYS DOGS IMPROVE OUR MENTAL HEALTH
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GUINNESS WORLD RECORDHOLDERS
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HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES YOUR DOG NEED? $11.95 Canada
ANNUAL 2020
185 + breeds at a glance
TOP 10
TRAINING TIPS
perfect puppy pics! CanadianDOGS.com
contents 12 Lifestyle & Travel 12 P ick of the litter 6 steps to choosing the right puppy for you and your family.
26 H ow to start and maintain an Instagram account for your dog A guide to making your canine #instafamous.
50 P rotecting your dog from the elements All the outdoor gear you need for your Canadian pup!
56 Perfect doggy play dates
Take these tips into consideration before organizing your first doggy date.
98 Activity trackers for dogs Is your dog “getting her steps in”? Find out by investing in a canine activity tracker!
101 The truth about cats and dogs A look at the relationship between Canada’s most beloved companion animals.
106 R oad trip!
6 must-have doggy items for a safer car vacay!
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Nutrition 44 Level up his nutrition! A savvy guide to feeding your best friend.
54 Tri-Light Bliss Biscuits These healthy treats are perfect for the whole family – four-legged members included!
Health 18 How much exercise does your dog need? Breed, size, age and health status all play a role in his fitness requirements.
34 Your dog’s microbiome A healthy gut equals a healthy dog.
60 The dirt on doggy dental care Tools and tips to help you keep your pup’s mouth healthy.
68 6 ways to know if your dog is in pain Your dog can’t talk, so it’s important to understand his body language!
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CanadianDOGS.com
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Pick of the
Litter BY STEPHANIE HORAN
6 STEPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
ou did your research and decided on the right breed for your lifestyle. You settled on a reputable breeder, and reserved a puppy from the next litter. Now comes the hard part — choosing the right puppy for you and your family! Who can resist an armful of plump and wriggly puppy, that melting wide-eyed look and wonderful puppy breath? But don’t be swayed by your emotions; make a clear plan with the following tips.
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CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2020
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Visit the Litter
Visiting very young puppies is really pointless as they will all look like well-fed little sausages. Only colour and markings will be evident, irrelevant for a family pet. The puppies’ immune systems are poorly developed at this early age, and strangers may unknowingly bring disease, so a reputable breeder will not allow any close interaction between you and the litter. The dam (mother) may be upset by a visit from a stranger when her puppies are very young, so control your impatience until the puppies are older — about seven to eight weeks. It’s a red flag if a breeder refuses to allow you any access. Maybe there is a legitimate reason such as health issues in the home, canine or human, but you need to find out. Be cautious if the breeder suggests that she picks a puppy for you, or sends you photographs instead. These are only reasonable choices if you are physically unable to visit in person. Otherwise, you might want to look elsewhere for your puppy.
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Watch the Puppies
When you do visit the litter, sit on the floor and watch the puppies play and interact with each other and with people. A puppy of seven to eight weeks is already displaying its own personality, but don’t jump to conclusions. The quieter puppy may not be a gentle couch potato — it may be the liveliest one normally, but is tired on the day you visit because of earlier activity. The puppies should not run and hide from you, nor back off and bark suspiciously. If several appear overly timid and shy, they may not have experienced normal household activity. The breeder should have been socializing the litter to the bustle and noise of an ordinary home. Heed the advice of the breeder — she has been observing the babies from their first day and will have noted their individual personalities. If she points out one or two puppies that in her opinion would be perfect for you, pay attention. One or more puppies may have been earmarked as potential show prospects for herself or other buyers, so don’t be upset if those are not available for you.
Often the best puppy for a family is the middle-of-the-road one — a moderately active, easygoing youngster, neither a bully nor shy.
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Check the Puppies
Look closely at each puppy individually. Healthy puppies of all breeds are round but not fat. Eyes should be bright and alert with no discharge, and ears should not smell bad. Coats should be clean and shiny, with no feces around the rear. The puppies should be not be coughing or sneezing or have any nasal discharge, and they should run and play without any limping or stiffness.
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