Q&A for How to Raise a Dog

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What food should I get for my dog?

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A good rule of thumb is to choose a dog food with ingredients that you recognize and can pronounce, like chicken, beef, fish, and grain. Avoid dog foods with a lot of additives, colors, and dyes. You can also call the company and ask if a nutritionist is on board and where the ingredients are sourced from to make sure the food is high quality.

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Question

How do you raise a puppy?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

To raise a puppy you need to be knowledgeable about potty training, feeding, basic behavior, training, and health issues. Raising a puppy properly is a big commitment, which can be challenging. Therefore it's also helpful to talk to experienced dog owners and trainers and get their support.

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Question

How long can a puppy be left alone during the day?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Two factors influence this: one is boredom and the other is bladder capacity. Avoid leaving a pup for long periods regularly as they will get bored. When they have to be left, a puppy can 'hold on' for roughly 1 hour for each month of their age. For example, a three-month-old needs to urinate every 3 hours, so leave a puppy pad out if you are going to be longer.

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Question

What do you need to raise a dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

One thing often overlooked is having an adequate knowledge of basic dog psychology and reward-based training methods. This is in addition to physical equipment such as a bed, collar and leash, crate, and food bowls. But being knowledgeable contributes to the dog's all round wellbeing and happiness.

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Question

How do I make my dog happy?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

To make a dog happy means providing for all their physical and emotional needs. This includes spending plenty of time with them but also teaching the dog the skills to be content when left alone. It also means plenty of exercise and play so the dog gets to express all of its natural behaviors.

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Question

How do you train a dog to have good behavior?

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Use positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to teach your dog good behavior. Don't punish your dog, as it's very ineffective.

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