New Pet Owners

You’re getting ready for work. Grabbing the keys, drinking some coffee, heading for the door. When you get halfway there, your keys jingle and your dog appears, doing everything he can to make a ruckus. Barking is only the beginning. He’s circling your legs, pawing at your briefcase. When he starts howling, you consider staying home, but there’s a lot to do today. And besides, this happens every morning.

One of the best ways to protect dogs from fleas and ticks—and the menacing illnesses they can cause—is to stay on top of grooming. Performing simple tasks like brushing and bathing regularly will help you identify these tiny yet dangerous pests that can lurk in your dog’s coat.

Many training methods can be used to teach your dog basic obedience, but positive reinforcement—using verbal praise, treats, toys, or petting—is most effective. For the best results, always have fun while using any training method. Vary your training sessions and treats, and add little challenges along the way so that your dog looks forward to training with you.