Are you looking for a new canine companion to join your family? Getting a dog is an exciting prospect for families, especially those with young children. And while there are hundreds of breeds and mixes out there to choose from, we recommend taking a close look at the most popular breeds (according to the American Kennel Club) chosen by American families over the years.

There is a reason that dogs are considered "man's best friend." Their loyalty, devotion, and silly antics keep us smiling all day long. Our furry friends offer a feeling of peace and comfort that is hard to find anywhere else. We all know that big, round puppy eyes are enough to make anyone's heart melt, but science tells us that there are various other benefits that dogs provide us.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is often stressful for dogs. Bright, flashing lights and colorful decorations fill the house, guests come and go (and the doorbell is constantly ringing), delicious smells of off-limits food fills the house, furniture is rearranged, and your dog's routine is interrupted. Holiday parties are the most stress-inducing, and dangerous, events of the holiday season for pets and it's important to prepare your dog if you are the host this year.

Sending your dog away to a training facility and never interacting with the trainer or your pet during the process is not a good approach. Many pet owners that choose this option often find that their dog regresses to problematic behaviors once they return. Group classes, on the other hand, are a distracting environment for a puppy or a dog new to training. Without the basics of in-home training, obedience is hard to learn. Whether you are looking for dog trainers in Connecticut for a new puppy or an older dog, in-home training offers the following benefits:

Just like people visit their doctor for frequent check-ups, so must dogs be evaluated by their veterinarian once in a while. Vets can ensure your dog remains healthy by checking weight, running routine exams and giving the appropriate shots and vaccines. Our four-legged companions can fall ill sometimes and you can always trust your vet to help you diagnose and treat your dog if this happens. While most dog illnesses are not urgent, health emergencies can occur. We have compiled a list of the most common emergencies that dog owners come across. Many of these emergencies can be fatal, so it is important to have an emergency vet contact on hand.