Puppy

Puppy Mills - Explains why you should be careful about buying a puppy from the pet store or over the Internet. Describes what puppy mills are, and how to stop them. Explains the consequences of unscrupulous breeding, and links to more information about genetic diseases.

Choosing a Puppy - From the American Kennel Club, a series of articles about getting a puppy, and finding a breeder. This site assumes you will buy from a breeder, but their questions to ask yourself before getting a dog apply to any prospective puppy owner.

Petfinder.com - An excellent resource that searches for homeless puppies (and lots of other animals of all ages) in all parts of the United States. Search by animal type, age, size, gender and location. Their listings come from animal shelters and breed rescue organizations.

Dog Breeders and Breed Rescue Organizations - Provided by the American Kennel Club. Search by breed type to locate a Breeder Referral Officer, an individual who can help you locate responsible breeders for the breed in your area. Also gives information about breed rescue organizations, who help homeless animals of that breed find new owners.

Reasons to Choose a Rescue Dog - Some well-thought-out reasons to choose a rescued dog instead of buying a puppy.

AKC Breed List - A list of the American Kennel Club's more than 150 recognized breeds. Shows a photo of each breed and a video clip. Links to detailed breed information, including temperament and breed standards.

Breed Recommender - An interactive application that helps you pick the best breed for your situation. Answer questions about your living space, lifestyle and dog preferences and you'll get recommendations.

Breed Reviews - Frank and accurate pros and cons for over 180 breeds and mixes. Includes common characteristics of the breed (positive and negative). Lists major concerns if you're considering getting one, including specific health concerns. Read the review before you choose ANY breed.

Bow Wow Meow - This site lets you search for a name for a single puppy or a pair, find a name's meaning, search alphabetically, or by categories such as movie stars, cartoons, drinks, appearance and personality. Their naming tips are also very insightful.

Dog-o-Mania - Over 25,000 puppy names. Search alphabetically, by country of origin or in categories such as appearance, personality or breed.

About-Dogs.com - Names for girl and boy puppies, and a list of the most popular puppy names.

Puppy Vaccinations - Take your new puppy to a veterinarian as soon as you can, and follow their recommendations for vaccinations. This article explains the different vaccines your puppy needs, and when they should be given.

Spay or Neuter - Spaying and neutering are good for more than just population control. These simple operations also prevent objectionable behaviors and may improve your pet's health. Learn why, and what each operation entails.

Feeding Your Puppy - A thorough discussion of commercial and non-commercial dog food types, and a helpful list of what NOT to feed your dog. Links to "how much to feed your dog," which includes a very helpful chart showing daily calorie, vitamin and mineral requirements

Puppy Training Basics - This index includes valuable information about a puppy's first week, house training, teaching your puppy to accept a collar and leash, how to keep a puppy from biting and chewing. Includes a section of training tips for the new owner.

Housebreaking Your Puppy - Lots of practical information about praise and punishment, housebreaking methods, what to do when an accident happens and how your feeding schedule can assist in housebreaking.

Crate Training - Teaching a dog to sleep in an indoor kennel (crate) helps with housebreaking because dogs are don't like to dirty their sleeping spot. It keeps puppies away from dangerous items, and reduces separation anxiety and destructive behavior. Learn when to start and how to do it with these instructions.

Obedience Training - Tips on training your puppy to come when called, walk on a leash and not to jump on people. Includes a discussion of why obedience training is important, and suggestions about rewards and reprimands.

Guide Dogs for the Blind - They have facilities near San Francisco, and Portland and they have puppy-raisers all over the Western U. S. The site includes information about raising guide dogs and an application contact. You can also adopt dogs released from their program.

Guide Dogs of America - Provides guide dogs to blind people in the U. S. and Canada. Located in Sylmar, CA. The site includes ways to donate, and instructions for applying to become a puppy-raiser.

Service Dog Organizations - Lists a number of service dog organizations by state. Includes a lot of information about raising service dogs, guide dogs at work, retired guide dogs and donating guide dogs.

Guide Dog Schools and Associations - Lists guide dog schools, guide dog associations and resources for guide dog owners.