Once you and your family have decided that you want a dog you have a very important decision to make – do you buy a puppy or adopt a shelter dog? Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends what you and your family are looking for. Below you will find a…
While we may celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolate and champagne, those traditional gifts have no love for our dogs! So that your special holiday doesn’t become a heartbreaker, here are a few tips to keep in mind to keep your dog safe around the holiday’s most common hazards: Alcohol That half-finished glass of champagne can…
You’re making plans for your spring getaway with your four-legged family member. Reservations at a dog-friendly hotel. Check. Packing of everything from immunization records to dog food. Check. But did you check to see if your destinations—including the places you’ll be stopping along the way—have any restrictions on your dog’s breed? Breed-specific legislation or BSL…
When the winter thaw begins, we all know what awaits: an increase in fleas. Stores will soon fill with chemical products designed to rid Fido—and your yard—of fleas. Sadly some of the best flea treatments aren’t organic, but if you’re looking for natural ways to control fleas that not only are safer for your dog…
As winter’s icy fingers grip the country, pet parents (and their dogs) may face some seasonal challenges on their outdoor excursions. Icy roads and sidewalks may make dog walking (and driving) extra hazardous, and howling winter winds may discourage even the most intrepid canines and their humans. But you don’t have to let the cold…
Owning a dog is more than just feeding your pet and taking him for a daily walk. In order to be a responsible dog owner, and to form a strong and lasting bond with your pet, you also need to engage in some basic dog training. There are many aspects of dog training that the…
There is nothing more satisfying or rewarding than owning a dog. Having a dog is like having a best friend who stays by your side through thick and thin, who is always happy to see you, and who always sees the best in you. Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason but you…
After teaching your puppy the “Sit” command, the next logical step in the training sequence is to teach him the “Lie down” command. Do not try to teach your puppy this command until he has mastered the “Sit” command and responds appropriately each time. You will find the step-by-step process for teaching the “Lie down”…
For many people, the sight of a dog owner being dragged along by his dog is a familiar one. Many dog owners struggle with teaching their dogs not to pull on the leash, often with little success. Teaching your dog to walk calmly on the leash can be a challenging task but, as with all…
Dog breeds are a mystery to many people today. It’s become very popular to get dogs from animal shelters or rescues. Many owners don’t know what kind of breed or mix their dog is and it isn’t important to them. Why should we care about dog breeds? Why have them at all? Why dog breeds…
When you bring home a new puppy, one of the first (and most important) things you must do is housebreak him. Puppies can be destructive they are not properly supervised and having a puppy that is not potty trained will only add to the mess. Luckily, housebreaking a new puppy is not a terribly difficult…
When it comes to the subject of crate training, many dog owners are forced to answer this question for themselves – is crate training cruel? While certain animal rights protection agencies suggest that confining a dog (or any other animal) for any period of time is cruel, countless dog trainers and dog owners think otherwise….