Michelle Obama told People Magazine that the family is considering a Portuguese Water Dog for the new family pet.  There are many concerns about this choice.  Portuguese water dogs are a less popular breed and there is fear that the popularity and demand for the dog will increase for the general public. This could cause many puppy mills to sprout up and an incresase abandoned animals in this already poor economy.  Portugese water dogs are not for everyone and certainly may not be the best choice for first time dog owners. They were bred centuries ago to help fishermen along the Portugal coast, working as couriers, retrieving nets and diving for fish. They are working dogs who love the outdoors.  Although they are good for people with allergies, one of which is Malia Obama, age 10, they require much attention and excersize as well as frequent grooming with the proper dog grooming supplies.  They are the type of dog that will entertain itself with bad behaviour you don't want if they do not receive the proper puppy training and the exercise this specific breed needs. Of corse, there are many responsible pet owners who properly care for this specific breed.  The Obamas have the resources and space to properly train an exercise any pet of their choosing.  Even though the decision still is not final, with dedication, disipline, the right pet supplies and dog grooming supplies, anyone can have a happy healthy pet reguardless of the breed.

~Your Friends at PetKaboodle.com

Mr. Li, a Chinese man, found a shivering puppy one year while on an excursion in the mountains and brought it home to care for it. For over a year Mr. Li was puppy training his new companion and had built it a den in a clearing in his village.  The two would go for walks every day after work and grew very much attached. Villagers became suspicious of the dog when they began to hear a wolf howl close to their homes during the night. Many took precautions and made sure not to let children out on their own after hearing these howls.  When police were informed, they called an export wildlife investigator to determine the species.  Much to Mr. Li's surprise, his pet "dog" was actually a Wolf! The wolf has now been taken to the Qinling Zoo.  

While owning a purebred wolf is illegal in the Us, it is possible to own wolf hybrids, more commonly known as "Wolfdogs". Wolfdog "ownership" is not to be taken lightly, as wolf dog crosses have some characteristics that can make them a challenging addition to the family. Even though these animals are not pure wolf, they can still be dangerous if not properly trained.  Generally speaking, the more wolf in the mix, the more "wolfy" the dog will be.  Proper research should be done before adopting as well as crucial puppy training is of the utmost importance.

Many resources can be used for puppy training a new or difficult pet. Some examples are prong collars for larger more assertive dogs or for less aggressive and more sensitive dogs, martingale collars will also do the trick.  Small training treats are always a good idea to carry around during puppy training.  Reward good actions and correct the bad.  The most important puppy training tool is time and patience!

~Your Friends at PetKaboodle