All dog, all the time. That is what the internet allows us to have right at our fingertips!

It’s no secret that the more we know about dogs, the better relationship we will have with our own. And there’s no shortage of information for us out there.

The Cozy Canine is a one stop for all your dog information needs.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health, food or behavior? Do you need training advice? From this site you will find out how to potty train your new puppy, how to curb separation anxiety and why dogs eat grass. And the list goes on and on.

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Find Dog Stuff

I am passionate about dogs and I love to learn about them and in turn help others to learn about them. The more you know about dogs, the better relationship you'll have with yours.

It's so easy to learn these days, just pick up your device of choice, ask Google a question and voila you have unlimited information at your fingertips. That can be good and bad. It can be challenging to weed through all the information and find what resonates with you.

Find Dog Stuff will help you do just that, find dog stuff. It's for dog lovers and up and coming dog people. There are easy to read articles on subjects such as: how to choose the right breed for you, what you need for your new puppy, practicing leadership, dog behavior, how to choose a good dog sitter, what to expect in the senior years, age related issues, how to tell an illness from an emergency, what items are poisonous to dogs and what are good dog toys. This is the type of information us dog people need to know. No matter how many of us write about these things, it’s always good to explore another’s opinion.

The site is growing so check back often. Be sure to share an article if you like it, either on any social network, by tweeting or emailing it to another dog lover. We can never learn too much about our loyal and loving furry friends.

Mouthing and Nipping

Dogs use their mouths to communicate with each other from the time they are puppies to adults.

A puppy will mouth things to explore and investigate the world around him, when he’s teething and playing.  This is a perfect time to teach him manners where his mouth and human skin are concerned. Since mouthing is a normal behavior, make sure he always has suitable chew toys available and praise him when he uses them.

If your puppy nips or mouths you during play, you can say "OUCH" really loud and stop the play immediately. DO NOT hit his nose, you are trying to teach him respect not fear and aggression. Ignore him for a few minutes and then resume your play time. Every time he nips do the same thing. His siblings and mother would react much the same way. You want to teach your puppy not to use pressure with his mouth at an early age so that when he grows up he will continue to have that same respect even though his jaw will be much stronger.

If an adolescent or adult dog nips at you, he may be doing it for a different reason. He may be trying to control you with mouth if he disagrees with what you are doing (maybe you are grooming him or moving him off a bed or couch). In this case you must brush up on your leadership skills because your dog is either challenging you or already thinks he's in control.

This is also the case when a dog herds you by nipping at your heels when you walk or run. He is controlling your movement and/or telling you he wants to play. This should not be tolerated as it can pose potential problems if your dog is loose at a playground or somewhere with a lot of kids running around.  You can interrupt his behavior with the word “HEY” in a calm but stern voice every time he nips at you. Be consistent and he will eventually learn. Once he learns the word, you can use it to interrupt him if he’s nipping at someone else.

If you take the time to educate your dog and provide him with the proper leadership, he will respond to you.

Chewing

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and an important part of their development. Often puppies will use chewing to help soothe their gums during teething much like a baby using a soother. Adult dogs chew because they can and because the like it. Chewing gives them a purpose, helps alleviate boredom and uses their energy. And a bonus for you, it helps keep their teeth clean.

With that being said, be proactive regarding your dog's chewing habits. Always have appropriate chew toys and/or bones available  (remember to do your research to find the safest toys and bones).

It is your responsibility to educate your dog as to what is and is not appropriate to chew. Use your common sense, if you want to set your dog up for success put away things you don't want him to chew and make things you do want him to chew very obvious. You can do this by either rubbing something tasty on the outside of it or stuffing some treats or baby carrots inside if possible. Allow your dog to work for the toy by getting him to sit or lie down for it. Or you can ask him to wait while you hide it and praise him when he finds it. You will be fulfilling his need to chew and play while brushing up on your leadership skills at the same time.

Never yell at dog after the fact if you do find something chewed that shouldn't have been. If you catch your dog in the act, then give him a firm "NO" and give him something you want him to chew. When he takes it, praise him. Remember it's always better to reinforce a good habit.

To avoid excessive and compulsive chewing, make sure you are meeting your dog's exercise requirements based on his energy level. A tired dog is a good dog!