Straight answers on food and health
Practical guides from people who care for hundreds of dogs a week, checked against current veterinary sources. Each guide shows when it was last reviewed.
Have a question we haven't covered? We offer free advice on nutrition, behaviour, exercise and care. Call or text 604-736-0557, or email info@theurbanpuppyshop.com.
Food & nutrition
What to feed, how much, and how to make sense of the label.
Grain-Free Diets and Heart Health
What the FDA investigation into diet and canine heart disease found, what newer research says, and what it means for your dog's bowl.
FoodHow Much Should My Dog Eat?
Use body condition scoring, not just the bag, to find the right amount, and learn how treats and busy daycare days fit in.
FoodHow to Read a Dog Food Label
What "complete and balanced" really means, how to compare foods fairly, and which label words are just marketing.
FoodRaw, Fresh, Kibble or Canned?
A fair look at the main ways to feed a dog, including the real food-safety risks of raw diets and how to lower them.
Health & safety
Vaccines, everyday dangers and keeping your dog well.
Toxic Foods and Everyday Dangers
The foods, drugs and household items most likely to poison a dog, BC's summer algae risk, and exactly what to do if your dog eats something.
HealthVaccines for Daycare and Boarding
Which vaccines dogs in BC need, why daycares ask for them, and how to time shots and paperwork before a first visit.
Puppy's first year
Our puppy e-Kits: house training, vaccines, parasites, first aid and more.
Dealing with common problems in puppy's first year
Barking, chewing, digging, jumping, mouthing and more: the most common puppy behaviour problems, and how to prevent or correct them.
PuppiesHousetraining
A prevention-first housetraining method: crate setup, the first night home, a daily schedule, handling accidents and cleaning up.
PuppiesCanine communications
What your dog is telling you when they bark, howl, growl, whine or whimper, and how to respond to each.
Thinking about getting a dog?
Before you bring a dog home, make sure the timing, breed and budget are right.
Your readiness to get a dog
Bringing a dog home is a lifetime commitment of time, energy and money. Four common reasons for getting a dog, and why they don't hold up.
Getting a dogThe right breed for your personality and lifestyle
Match a breed to your living space, schedule, activity level and future plans so you and your dog are a good fit for years to come.
Getting a dogYour ability to make the financial investment
A dog isn't hugely expensive, but it is a financial commitment. What to budget for food and supplies, and the extra costs on top.
Getting a dogYour preparedness to focus on training, supervision and care
Every dog needs training, supervision, health care and companionship for 10 to 15 years. Are you and your household ready to commit?