FREE Resources for Dog Parents And Parents To Be
Yes, there are free resources and information available for dog parents everywhere. From blog articles, to youtube videos, to social media. And a lot of it is invaluable.
But it's also hard to organize, find it when you want it, and generally keep track of. Which is why we've listed free resources here that you can download and store in a dedicated folder on your own computer. Yours to keep. Forever.
The best part? They're absolutely FREE! and with no commitment. No need to give out your e-mail address. No complicated sign-up process. No strings attached.
We'll update this page periodically as we unearth free resources that meet the following criteria:
1. They must be structured (a simple blog post or article will not cut it!).
2. Require absolutely no commitment from you (no e-mail addresses, no sign-ups, no ... nothing).
3. Solve the real problems pet parents need solving.
4. Are downloadable i.e. yours to keep.
5. Have been created by someone with the relevant expertise.
If you're looking for something unique for that special dog lover in your life browse our main page for inspiring gift ideas.
FREE eBooks and pdfs
ABCs of Pet Ownership: Courtesy of Best Friends a free downloadable 253-page eBook covering: getting started with a new dog, basic training, health and care, socialization and enrichment, puppy care and training, coping with behavior issues, recommended resources and much more.
Adopting a Rescue Dog: - Courtesy of The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour Ltd., a free 57-page pdf for download from. It covers the why, the how, as well as what to expect once you've brought your rescue dog home.
Housetraining - Free 2-page pdf describing a simple, repeatable, step-by-step process for preventing your dog from soiling your home by a) preventing any more mistakes, and b) teaching him where you want him to go (and when).
Calming Hyperactivity - Simple and effective 2-page guide for teaching both adults and puppies the art of 'appropriate exuberance'. You'll find hope in the first two paragraphs ... and simple methods by which that hope can be fulfilled in the ones that follow.
How to Stop Excessive Barking - Barking is OK. It's as natural for a dog as talking is for us. Excessive barking is NOT. This guide helps you first, reduce the frequency of barking (before everyone goes insane!), and then teach your dog to "woof" and "shush" on cue. Heaven!
Eliminate Destructive Chewing - Chewing for dogs is normal, natural, and necessary. For maintaining teeth, jaws, and gums throughout adulthood and to relieve the irritation and inflammation of teething while a puppy. Dogs also chew to relieve anxiety and boredom, as well as for entertainment. This guide will help you to redirect that natural and healthy urge to more, shall we say, appropriate 'targets for destruction'.
Home Alone Training For Puppies - Your new puppy needs a lot of attention (companionship, education, and play). But they also need to learn how to entertain themselves appropriately and enjoy their time when left alone. Moreover, overdependent dogs often become anxious when left at home alone, and attempt to adapt to the boredom and stress of 'solitary confinement' by chewing, digging, and barking. This simple guide is invaluable in ensuring both you and your puppy stay on good terms - whether or not you're there!
How To Select and Train Your Puppy - Your puppy will grow up quickly. Knowing how to select and then train them right will ensure you raise a good natured and well mannered adult dog. This short guide covers: 1. what to do before you search for a puppy , 2. deciding which type of puppy, 3. selecting your individual puppy, 4. raising and training your puppy.
Prevent and Treat Digging Problems - Dogs dig for a multitude of reasons. Out of boredom, and for fun. To bury bones. To create cooling hollows in the summer, and warming pits in the winter. They also dig when they're pregnant, and upon hearing the ultrasonic conversations of subterranean critters. It would be fruitless to try to stop your dog from digging altogether. Prevention and treatment of misplaced digging focuses on management and education. This guide will help you prevent your dog from digging in inappropriate areas and redirecting your dog's natural digging-desire to a suitable area.
Understanding Your Dog's Body Language - Most dog owners have a good idea of how a dog acts when happy, confident, friendly, deferential, fearful, or aggressive. However body language is a nuanced subject. Many body cues may have a variety of meanings and we can also attribute meaning, depending on our own predispositions. This guide outlines key consideration to be aware of when attempting to divine your dog's intentions.
How To Address Puppy Biting - Puppy play-fighting and play-biting are essential for your puppy to develop a soft mouth as an adult. Certainly, puppy play-biting must be controlled, but only in a progressive and systematic manner. The puppy must be taught to inhibit the force of his bites, before puppy biting is forbidden altogether. Once your puppy has developed a soft mouth, there is plenty of time to inhibit the frequency of his now gentler mouthing. This guide outlines a simple two step approach to appropriately controlling puppy biting.
Helping Your Cat And New Dog Get Along - A five phase approach to give yourself the best chance of ensuring your new housemates will get along. Includes a briefing on what to do, as well as be aware of, before you actually make the introduction.