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You give the perfect birthday present to your dog: a plush toy with an all-star squeaker, but within minutes, they rip it to shreds. How rude! Toy destruction is a frustrating (and puzzling) behavior, and it’s also not safe. As with any attempt at behavior management, understanding the reasons behind the action is the first step to success. Two veterinary behaviorists dissect the top reasons for why dogs destroy toys, how to prevent this behavior from becoming life threatening and what materials to seek out when shopping for the toughest dog toys.

This may seem like a simple question, but the answer may not be clear from the breeder’s website—or even at their home or facility. When you ask a dog breeder this question, you’re looking to find out how dedicated they are to their pack. There’s no hard and fast rule or number here, because variables like space, time and finances all come into play, says Becky Smith, president of the French Bulldog Club of America. In general, she says, “They should not have so many dogs that they cannot give each one individual attention.” Smith also suggests asking how often they breed their dogs, which can give you a sense of how they treat the puppies’ mother, often referred to by breeders as the dam. Again, there’s no exact rule for how often a dog should produce a litter—only that breeding is done with care and respect for the mother. “The main element is to make certain the mother has fully recovered before breeding again,” she says. “Breeders most certainly should not be churning out puppies with no regard to the health and well-being of the dam.”  ,You’ve made that first big decision—you’re going to get a new dog. Congratulations! Your next choices are just as important: What breed of dog will you bring home, and will you look for them at a reputable breeder or a shelter or rescue? Doing research is crucial, and it helps to know exactly which questions to ask a dog breeder during your search. “But wait,” you may be thinking, “why would I contact a breeder if I’m considering adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue?” In fact, there are plenty of great reasons! Even if you ultimately adopt from your local shelter or rescue, talking with responsible dog breeders can give you the inside intel on their breed and even help point you toward breed-specific rescue groups. If you do decide that you’d like to purchase a dog, how can you be sure you’re buying a dog from an ethical, responsible dog breeder? Again, the answer is research. We spoke to representatives from two national dog breed clubs to learn some of the most important questions to ask a dog breeder as you search for the newest member of your family.

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Routine vet visits are one of the most important ways you can protect your dog’s health and well-being. But how often should those visits happen? The answer depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health history.   Whether you’re raising a new puppy or caring for a senior dog, knowing when to see the vet—and what to expect—helps you stay ahead of health issues and build a stronger bond with your pup.  Here’s a breakdown of how often you should take your dog to the vet at each stage of life, plus tips for spotting emergencies and making the most of each visit. 

It’s hard to tell who loves dog treats more: the pampered pups or the adoring pet parents. It’s true: Everyone loves giving a Good Boy or Good Girl a snack! Additionally, treats can make training more exciting and rewarding. However, not all dog treats are created equal. As part of your dog’s diet, treats should be high-quality, wholesome and tailored to your individual pet’s needs. But remember, treats should never make up more than 10% of your furry friend’s diet. Looking for the best dog treats for your best friend? You’re in luck! We rounded up our most-loved dog treats—as chosen by pet parents like you—as well as expert advice for smart snacking.

Senior dogs tend to sleep and nap a lot, getting 16–18 hours of sleep daily, says Amber Karwacki, DVM, a veterinarian at Heart + Paw in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That’s quite a bit when you consider there are only 24 hours in the day.  By comparison, the normal amount of sleep for adult dogs ranges from eight to 13 hours, with adult small- and medium-size dogs sleeping less compared to large dogs and puppies. ,Q: I’ve noticed that my senior pup naps a lot more than usual and sometimes even sleeps all day. Should I be worried? Or is this totally normal?   A: While you might feel concerned with all those naps and reduced energy levels, it’s perfectly normal for your dog’s sleep patterns and general behavior to change as their muzzle goes gray!  We spoke to veterinarians to learn why dogs sleep more as they get older, how much sleep is normal for senior dogs, and when there’s potential cause for concern.