Today 96% of dog owners are feeding their pet some kind of commercially prepared kibble. If you go back to a time before kibble existed for pet dogs you would see how difficult it was for manufactures to convince dog owners that kibble was a better option.

In 1964 a smear campaign was launched against giving "human food" or table scraps to dogs. It was called the "ban all table scraps from your dogs bowl" champagne, it was very successful.

In a 2005 study conducted at Purdue University on Scottish Terriers, the results showed that adding fresh vegetables to dry commercial kibble actually prevented or slowed down the development of transitional cell carcinoma. In the study, dogs ate a diet of dry commercial pet food, while some got an assortment of vegetables added to the mix at least 3 times per week.

The study found that dogs who ate any green leafy vegetables, like broccoli, had reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer by 90% and the dogs that consumed any yellow/orange vegetables like carrots reduced the risk by 70%.
Link to the Study here

If preventing cancer was not a big enough reason to add some human food to your dogs diet, it can have several other benefits;

1. Variety in taste and texture: who wants to eat the same processed meal everyday. Just like humans, dogs can get bored with the same meal every day. Adding safe toppers can add variety of taste and texture to make your dogs meals more exciting.
2. Nutritional Boost: Depending on the type of topper you are using, you can enhance the nutritional value of your dogs diet. Purred pumpkin for example can add fibre and sooth an upset tummy. A raw egg can add folate, iron, selenium and fatty acids. Adding cooked or raw meat can add extra protein and as we leaned earlier in the article green vegetables can extend your dogs life and prevent cancer.
3. Hydration: Commercially prepared kibble is dry, dehydrated dry. Its very easy to just add a cup or two of plain water to your dogs meals to increase your dogs hydration levels and prevent dehydration. Bone broth or homemade stock can also be a great option with added benefits.

However its important to make sure the toppers you are using are safe and appropriate for your dog. Its also a good idea to test one topper at a time especially if your dog has a sensitive tummy. One of my dogs cant have eggs for example, because it gives him an upset tummy.

Here is a great list to pull from if you are looking for some safe toppers that your dogs will thank you for:

The following is a quick check list of foods that you should NOT give to your dog;

Alcohol - Apricot pits - Avocado
Chocolate - Chives - Coffee
Grapes - Gum - Mustard seed
Onions (powder and flakes) - Raisins - Rhubarb leaves
Walnuts - Xylitol (sweetener)

I always advocate finding a professional if you are dealing with resource guarding. Below I have attached a video about how we deal with it here.

Potty training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and positive encouragement. Here are some steps to help you potty train your puppy:

1. Establish a Routine: Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up. Puppies usually need to go potty every 2-4 hours (or more depending on the breed/size of the puppy)
2. Choose a Potty Area: Take your puppy to the same spot outdoors each time to go potty. The scent of their previous eliminations can help reinforce the behavior. What they feel under their feet can also be a cue for them to go so make note if its grass, cement, wood and try to make it consistent.
3. Use a Cue Word: When you take your puppy outside, use a cue word like "Go potty" or "hurry hurry." This helps them associate the command with the action. Potty on command is very easy to teach to a  young puppy but becomes harder as they get older and develop their own habits so take advantage!
4. Reward Good Behavior: When your puppy goes potty outside, praise them and give them a treat immediately. Positive reinforcement helps them understand that going outside is good behavior.
5. Supervise Indoors: When your puppy is indoors, keep a close eye on them and look for signs that they need to go potty (sniffing, circling, squatting). If you catch them in the act, quickly take them outside.
6. Clean Accidents Properly: If your puppy has an accident indoors, clean it up thoroughly to remove the scent. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners, as they can mimic the scent of urine.
7. Be Patient: Potty training takes time, and accidents will happen. Stay consistent, and avoid punishment for accidents, as it can confuse your puppy.
8. Crate Train: Crate your puppy when you are not able to watch it, even if you are home but are busy doing something else. It makes house training easier and also teaches your puppy to be alone and prevent separation anxiety.

By following these steps and being consistent in your approach, you can effectively potty train your puppy and establish good bathroom habits for the future

When welcoming a new puppy into your home, there are several things you can expect:

1. Adjustment Period: Your puppy will need time to adjust to their new environment. They may exhibit behaviors like whining, barking, or even having accidents indoors. Be patient during this transition period.
2. Exploration: Puppies are naturally curious and will likely spend time exploring their new surroundings. Make sure your home is puppy-proofed to prevent any accidents or chewing on unsafe items.
3. Bonding: Building a strong bond with your puppy is important. Spend quality time with them, play, and engage in training to strengthen your relationship.
4. Training: Start basic training early, focusing on commands like sit, stay, and come. Positive reinforcement is key to successful training.
5. Socialization: Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and socialized. Try not to focus on direct contact of other people or animals but focus on the puppy being neutral to them.
   
6. Healthcare: Schedule a visit to the vet for a check-up, vaccinations, and to discuss a healthcare plan for your puppy.
   
7. Routine: Establishing a routine for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training will help your puppy settle in and feel secure.
   

By being prepared for these aspects of bringing a new puppy home, you can ensure a smooth transition and set the foundation for a happy and well-behaved companion.