HowToDoThings.com Recent Essentials Articles

How To Select a Name for Your Pet

kdiscountpetmall — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:40:06 -0500

How To Puppy Proof Your Home

sspets — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:24:36 -0500

How To Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

cwalk — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:50:20 -0500

How To Find the Best Vet for Your Dog

cwalk — Thu, 22 May 2008 12:17:38 -0500

How To Make Spring Cleaning Safe For Your Dog

cwalk — Fri, 16 May 2008 20:18:18 -0500

How To Keep Your Dog Hydrated

cwalk — Fri, 16 May 2008 19:58:56 -0500

How To Choose a Responsible Breeder

britgurlmax — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:54:13 -0500

Deciding to get a new dog or puppy can be exciting, especially if it is your first dog. You imagine a soft, cuddly puppy following you around everywhere, giving you puppy kisses rich in 'puppy breath' and living a long, healthy life with you and your family. Unfortunately, it isn't that simple or that realistic if you buy from a direputable breeder. Often times people are misled by breeders whose practices are less than ethical and who sugar coat there ads with dog 'hype' to draw the unsuspecting public to them. The result is that people buy a dog laden with health problems, temperament problems, and behavioral problems. In the dog world, as is everything else, you get what you pay for.

How To Crate Train Your Dog

britgurlmax — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:20:08 -0600

Teaching your dog to go into a crate is an invaluable tool for housebreaking, and a safe way for him to travel. It also provides him with a space all to himself when he needs alone time. Dogs are den animals by nature, and a crate offers a den-like place for him to be safe and secure. There are many different types of crates available, but the most common types are wire cages with a tray bottom and the plastic airline crate. Both styles serve the purpose of confining a dog and providing a den for him to lie in. The dogs usually have no preference as to what style or color the crate is, as long as it is comfortable.

Choosing a crate

How To Travel with Your Pet on the Open Road

harryoakes — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:49:12 -0600

Overall safety is your # 1 concern for your trip. Please plan ahead. Ask yourself, do I have enough survival equipment in case of a disaster? Tornado, Earthquake, Flood, Hurricane, Avalanche, other disaster while I'm on the road?

How To Make Sure Your Pet is Safe During a Disaster

harryoakes — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 19:41:22 -0600

During a disaster, pets are often overlooked and left to die. For example, in NYC during 9/11, the police did not allow pet owners and rescuers to enter the outlying stricken areas to rescue pets until almost four days after the initial disaster. Many pets were found dead.

Here’s what you can do to help rescuers find your pet alive.

How To Choose a Healthy Dog Food

caseyleighh — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:42:00 -0600

Choosing what food to feed your dog is an important decision. The food you choose will be his or her primary source of nutrition. In order to make the best choice for your dog and your budget, you must learn to decipher the information on the label of the dog food bag. All of this information is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO. Here are the things you need to look for on the label:

How To Get Your Dog to Fetch Beer

ericrogers — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:42:07 -0500

Owning a dog is a richly rewarding experience that improves the quality of one’s life in many fun ways. Dogs are tried and true companions… they encourage us to spend more time outdoors getting sun and exercise… they sleep at the foot of the bed, providing warmth on chilly winter nights… and if properly trained, they can be the best bartender you’ll never have to pay.

That’s right, YOU can train your pooch to fetch beers from your refrigerator in just a few easy steps. So whether you’re watching the big game, taking the edge off a busy day, or simply attempting to enter the Guinness Book of Records as “World’s Biggest Couch Potato”, Man’s Best Friend can help ensure you never have to move a muscle to keep the suds flowing:

How To Install an Invisible Electric Dog Fence

edward.s — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:20:58 -0500

Installing an invisible electric dog fence is not, nor should it be, a complicated task. It does however, take some planning and a little creativity to come up with the right solution that will work for your dog.
The average invisible electric dog fence can be purchased for $100-400 depending on features, amount of wire, etc. In order to have a professional installation performed, the system can easily cost in excess of $700. A little bit of planning and sweat will lead to substantial savings.

How To Select an Invisible Electric Dog Fence

edward.s — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:23:04 -0500

Invisible electric dog fences are more popular than ever. The advantages of using them are many, including fitting into the restrictions placed on homeowners by home owner associations. However, there are so many products on the market right now, the consumer must know which questions to ask in order to make an informed and appropriate decision.

What type of dog do you need to contain? It seems like a basic question, but some collar/fence combinations are more appropriate for toy breeds vs. giant breeds. The correction strength can often be adjusted to the individual dog wearing the collar. Some collars are not small enough for a 4 lb chihuahua. Make sure the collar/fence combination you select is compatible with your dog.

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How To Take Your Dog Camping

The2 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:01:26 -0500

Summer’s inviting weather tempts most people to spend more time outdoors, and there’s no better way to do that than by packing up the car and heading out for a weekend camping trip. The beauty of this short vacation is that you can bring your dog along for the ride without worrying about finding a pet-friendly hotel.

Depending on where you’re headed, you may want to double check that dogs are welcome, but it’s pretty much a guarantee that your dog will be allowed to stay at almost any campground you choose. Be aware that some National Parks, like Yosemite, may allow dogs in certain campsites and not others.

How To Help Children Cope with the Loss of a Pet

Staff468 — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:07:00 -0600

Children are funny when it comes to grief. It can look something like this: "Yea, my dog died. Can I have a peanut butter and banana sandwich?" Children can appear to be unaffected by the loss of a pet but they often express their feelings though behavior and play rather than through words. This does not mean that they are not grieving; they are, just in their own unique ways. Below are some tips for helping children cope with the loss of a pet:

Living in the moment. Remember that children live in the moment. Since we, as adults, do so little of living in the moment, we really forget what this means. What this means is that a child's acute sense of observation does not go away during the death process. If, as a dog lay dying, the dog loses bowel control, a child will notice and probably say something. Accept a child's observations of the death process without judging or shaming him.

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How To Observe Dining Etiquette with Your Dog

Brian263 — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:31:00 -0600

An increasing number of restaurants in our country are taking a tip from the French (even if they are reluctant to admit it) by embracing the idea of pet-inclusive dining. Welcome news indeed for the many pet-lovers who travel with their best friends in tow, or for those who rely upon service dogs! But what about our fellow citizens who expect to enjoy some peaceful time in an environment that in no way overlaps with domestic life? To them, dogs might mean begging, barking and slobber. We can all get along in pet-friendly restaurants if dog owners observe the proper dining etiquette, and encourage their dogs to follow suit.

How To Travel with Your Pet by Air

The2 — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:10:00 -0600

It's easy to fly with your cat, small dog, bird, or other pet in the cabin of an airplane. Most airlines will allow you to bring an animal on board as a carry-on and place it underneath the seat in front of you. Restrictions can vary, however, depending on the airline that you're hoping to fly. Make sure that you look into the requirements that each airline sets forth.

There are also many standard rules and regulations that you'll need to follow, regardless of the airline you and your pet are going to fly. If you are going to travel with your pet, you should adhere to the following steps. Scroll down to the bottom of the page for a list of airlines and their specific requirements and restrictions.

Before You Travel:

How To Find a Lost Dog

Amy 329 — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 13:35:00 -0600

No matter how careful we are, sometimes a pet can slip away from us and become lost. There are several things you can do to ensure that if your dog becomes lost, he will be returned to you quickly.

Notify your neighbors. As soon as you realize that your pet is missing, let your neighbors know. Very often a dog doesn't get too far from home before being spotted. Letting your neighbors know to be on the lookout gives you a better chance of having him returned to you none the worse for wear.
Do a meticulous search of your own home and yard. Look everywhere, even if it's a spot that seems too small for your dog to have gotten into or a place your dog has never been before. Your dog may have gotten stuck under the porch or slipped into your swimming pool. He can be under your car or in a closet. Be sure you search every inch of your property.

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How To Buy Pet Insurance

Linette547 — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 07:43:00 -0600

You love your pet and do not even want to think about him becoming ill or having an accident. Pet insurance can provide you with peace of mind if your pet does need extensive or emergency medical care. The peace of mind comes from knowing that you will not have to make a decision on your pet's life based on how much the surgery or treatment costs. It would be good to know you have the resources necessary to take care of your pet in tough times. What do you need to know to find the best pet insurance policy for your needs?

When you are looking for a plan, there are several good questions to ask:

How To Travel with Your Dog

Amy 329 — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:54:00 -0600

Many people don't feel like a family vacation is complete without their four-legged family members. With this in mind, more and more people are traveling with their dogs. It is now easier than ever to do this, but there are some things to keep in mind when you decide to hit the road with your canine companion.

Make sure your dog is wearing identification at all times. Ensuring that your dog is wearing an identification tag with your contact information is vital. In addition to your address and home phone number, having a cell number with area code on the tag is also a good idea. This way you can be contacted no matter where you're traveling. If your dog becomes lost on your trip, you'll be happy you took this precaution. You may also want to carry an extra picture of your pet with you for the same reason.

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How To Create a Dog Friendly Yard

Amy 329 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:55:00 -0600

If you're like most pet owners, your dog probably spends a great deal of time in your backyard. There are a number of things you can do to make your yard a great place for you and your dog to spend time together.

Fence the yard, and make sure that there are no holes in the fence. Nothing is more fun for your dog than having the freedom to run and play without restraints such as tie-outs or leashes. In order to do this safely, you should put up a fence. Make sure that the fence is tall enough so that your dog can't jump over it, and you may want to consider a stockade fence rather than chain link as many dogs can climb chain link fences. Also remember that dogs can dig under a fence.

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How To Choose a Veterinarian

Amy 329 — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:06:00 -0600

For those of us who love our pets, choosing the right veterinarian can be a big decision. There are several things you can do to ensure that you find a doctor you are comfortable with and who will take the best possible care of your pet.

Ask for recommendations. One of the best ways to find a good veterinarian is to ask other people for recommendations. You can ask family and friends, and you can also check with a breeder or the staff of your local animal shelter. Getting recommendations from people who have a good relationship with their veterinarian is better than searching your local yellow pages.

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How To Know What a Dog Will Cost You

Staff468 — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 15:46:00 -0500

The cost of owning a dog will vary from year to year based on the number of vet visits your dog needs, your dog's activity level, the number of times you need to hire a pet sitter or board your dog, etc. So the prices below are just an estimate. However, before purchasing a dog, you should be aware of what it generally costs to keep a dog happy and healthy.

The Dog Itself. There will likely be a fee associated with purchasing or adopting your dog. Generally, if you're buying a pure bred dog from a breeder that expense will be significantly higher than if you're adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group. The cost of a pure bred dog will depend on the breed and the availability of those puppies. However, there will usually be a small fee associated with adopting a dog as well. This will help the shelter pay for the care and boarding they provided for your new dog or puppy and help them to continue with their rescue efforts.

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How To Decide Whether You're Ready for a New Dog

Staff468 — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 15:05:00 -0500

If you are thinking about bringing a new dog into your life, you have to honestly assess your preparedness for the commitment. Are you ready to take care of a puppy or adult dog? You owe it to a dog to figure this out before you commit. It's the first step of being a responsible pet owner.

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How To Puppy Proof Your House

Staff468 — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:26:00 -0500

When a baby develops the ability to crawl and explore a house, we naturally baby-proof the house to keep the curious youngster out of harm's way. The same should be done for a puppy in a new home, but a puppy can do far more damage to your belongings than a baby ever could. Puppy-proofing your house ensures that both your puppy and your belongings stay safe during this early stage when it's only natural for the inquisitive puppy to explore and play.

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How To Give a Dog as a Present

Staff468 — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:30:00 -0500

Thinking of giving a dog as a present to a loved one? There's more to the process than just buying a puppy, wrapping him in a lovely package with bows and a gift tag, and placing the gift beneath a tree (for obvious reasons, this isn't a good idea)...

In fact, there's more to this decision than just about any other gift you could give. Owning a dog is an enormous responsibility, and too often dogs are given as gifts without a high level of consideration. When you give a dog as a present without lots of deliberation, you risk causing a situation in which the dog is rapidly put up for adoption - a fairly common consequence of giving dogs as gifts. You should never feel justified in totally surprising a friend or loved one with a dog. Be sure that the person is willing to commit to a dog so that the dog will undoubtedly be a welcome and happy member of the family.

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How To Groom Your Dog

Mary311 — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:30:00 -0500

Grooming a dog is not a straightforward procedure. The steps in the process will depend on a number of variables including size, coat type, condition of the dog, and temperament of the dog. By nature some dogs such as those with double coats and those with particularly long coats involve more grooming than shorthaired dogs with single coats. However, most of the basic tips included in this article will apply to most dogs. Although grooming can be a difficult and time-consuming process, it is necessary because poor grooming can lead to medical problems such as infections. The following steps are the basic procedures for grooming a dog.

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How To Choose Dog Names

Nicole261 — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:47:00 -0500

Your new dog is everything you would have hoped; sweet, furry, and super cute. The only thing your puppy is missing is a moniker, and a good one at that. "Puppy" and "sweetie" can only go so far. In this article I'll try and show you the best and inventive ways to give your dog a great name worthy of his character.

Try a baby name book. An obvious choice, a baby name book has thousands and thousands of names, and sometimes even a description of what the name means. Think of adjectives that describe your dog, and see if you can find a name which fits that quality.

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How To Choose Puppy Names

Samantha245 — Sat, 13 May 2006 15:43:00 -0500

So you have a new puppy! Congratulations! Now it's time to give your new little friend a name. This is a very important part of owning a dog. There are several things to keep in mind when choosing a puppy name, including the following:

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How To Choose German Dog Names

Grace170 — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:00:00 -0500

So you've just bought a German Shepherd and you are trying to come up with an appropriate name for the new pooch. Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect name with a German twist.

Find out if your dog is actually a member of a German breed. To find out your breed's country of origin, go to Dog Breed Info or other similar sites. Your dog does not need to be German for you to give it a German name, however!

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How To Choose French Dog Names

Grace170 — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 15:19:00 -0500

So you've just bought a Bichon Frise and you are trying to come up with an appropriate name for this French pooch. Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect name with a Parisian edge.

Find out if your dog is actually a member of a French breed. To find out what country the breed of dog you own is associated with go to Dog Breed Info or other similar sites. Your dog does not need to be French in order for you to give it a French name, but you may want to associate your dog's name with its country of origin.

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How To Choose Chinese Dog Names

Grace170 — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 09:37:00 -0500

So you've just bought a Powerpuff Chinese Crested dog and you are trying to come up with an appropriate name for this Asian pooch. Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect name with a Chinese edge.

Find out if your dog is actually a member of a Chinese breed. To find out what country the breed of dog you own is associated with go to Dog Breed Info or other similar sites. Your dog does not need to be Chinese for you to give it a Chinese name, however!

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How To Choose Spanish Dog Names

Grace170 — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 19:36:00 -0500

So you've just bought a Chihuahua and you are trying to come up with a name a little more creative than "Taco" for him. Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect name with a Spanish edge.

Find out if your pooch is actually a member of a Spanish breed. To find out what country the breed of dog you own is associated with go to Dog Breed Info or other similar sites. Of course your dog does not need to be Spanish for you to give it a Spanish name, but if the breed originated in Spain, you may learn more about the specific Spanish region of origin and find a name characteristic of that place.

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How To Choose Girl Dog Names

Casey47 — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 14:13:00 -0500

Naming your little girl puppy is one of the most important choices you will make as a dog owner. The name has to function and you have to generally enjoy it since you will be spending the next 8 to 15 years with this dog. Giving your new little girl a name is a fun process. Here are a few ideas of where to go and what to think about when naming your puppy.

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How To Choose Japanese Dog Names

Alyssa12 — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 22:08:00 -0600

So you want to give your dog a unique and culturally rich Japanese name. Look no further. In this article, we will introduce Japanese dog names and meanings, and also point you in the right direction to conduct and online search for Japanese dog names.

The meaning of Japanese names can differ depending on the kanji character used to represent each sound of the name. Below you will find a list of popular Japanese dog names and their meanings:

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