Because I’ve always had big dogs, I’m well versed in how to handle heavy, energetic dogs who love going on multiple walks a day. But this week, I’m visiting my in-laws in California. They have two toy dogs: Walter, a Maltese; and Rosemary, a Yorkshire terrier. These dogs are tiny—Rosemary only weighs 3 pounds! And …
So you’re thinking about getting a new dog or puppy and you have several things on your list that are must haves: loyalty, intelligence, and protection. A German Shepherd certainly fits into all of those categories and more. However, German Shepherds do require a little extra work. Before adding a German Shepherd to your family, …
From the Queen and her corgis, to Britain’s Got Talent winner Pudsey, people in the UK clearly love their dogs. A 2019 survey of over 10,000 owners and 217 breeds saw the Staffordshire Bull Terrier named as Britain’s favourite by national broadcaster ITV. Originally purpose bred as a fighting dog in the 19th century, they’re …
If you’ve ever experienced a situation involving anaphylaxis, you know how terrifying it can be. Whether the victim is a dog or a human, the situation can turn deadly in the blink of an eye. Anaphylaxis can strike anywhere from a field full of buzzing bees to dinner time in the house. Knowing what your …
So you’ve confirmed that your dog is pregnant and now your watch has begun! Sure, sometimes it can be confusing and stressful especially if it’s your first time dealing with a pregnant dog. However, taking care of an expectant dog isn’t much complicated as long as you know the basics. Just for the heads up; …
On a recent trip to visit with friends at Alaska’s well-known Red Eagle Lodge—which is near the United States’ largest national park, the 13-million-mile Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve—I found myself in a conundrum. I’d brought Eira on the trip because she’s part of our family and deserves to relax and play away from …
White German Shepherds have been given a hard time of it in history. They were once regarded as being a problematic mutation and not as sought after or highly regarded as their darker colored relatives. Perceptions have changed, but there are still some common assumptions people make about these dogs that are not true. Despite …
Many people make the mistake of thinking that a Chihuahua will be a perfect lap dog that will enjoy just sitting on your knee and being carried and cuddled all day. This breed is actually super intelligent, often very spunky, and they need plenty of training and stimulation to make sure that they don’t start …
Does your dog hide in the bathtub during thunderstorms or bark excessively when guests enter the house? Or do they spend most of their day trembling and looking for dangers behind every corner? If so, you understand the hardships of living with an anxious dog. The destructive behavior. Accidents in the house. Maybe even a …
Cannabidiol oil, commonly referenced as CBD oil, is the hottest trend on the natural health market these days. One of many cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant, CBD is NOT tetrahydrocannibol, or THC, which intoxicates the user. But like THC, CBD is currently being used and studied for its healing properties. It’s known for …
What Is Luxating Patella? Issues with luxating patella are unfortunately common among smaller dog breeds, such as miniature and toy breeds. Luxating patella is a fancy name for the knee, the patella, moving out of place which causes discomfort and possibly pain for the dog. Certain dog breeds are more prone to having shifting knees …
My childhood German shepherd, Clancy, absolutely hated getting a bath. She loved going swimming in lakes, ponds, rivers, and oceans, and she loved playing with the water that comes out of a hose. But the second she caught on that you were trying to bathe her, she’d sprint back to her yard and make herself …
Compulsive behaviors in dogs are more common than you might think. Sometimes you may actually be inadvertently encouraging these behaviors to develop in your own dog. Sometimes there may be a medical reason that needs to be addressed, other times it is about management and training, or simply just making sure that your dog has …
Target training, sometimes also referred to as a ‘hand touch’, or ‘hand target’, or just as a “touch”, is something that might initially seem like an odd thing to teach your dog, but it can actually have a lot of really useful practical applications. Generally, most trainers recommend starting by teaching your dog to touch …
Ocean waves crash against rocky shorelines. Sandy beaches expose seashells of varying colors, shapes and sizes. White gulls hover over waves and wade through shallow tidal pools. A highway twists and turns for more than 360 miles north and south. Picnic areas, campgrounds, lighthouses, hiking trails and small communities abound along this stretch of road, …
If you are considering adopting a dog if you work full-time or have other commitments that mean that you are away from the house for longer periods then it is important that you always put your dog’s needs and well-being at the forefront of your mind. Leaving them for the long durations on their own …
Does your dog flee to the bathtub every time the sky darkens with a summer storm? Or shake uncontrollably with every bang from fireworks on the fourth of July? If so, you’re not alone. Noise phobia is a serious problem that can lead to a sharp decline in your pooch’s quality of life, especially if …
Did you know that an estimated 56% of dogs in the United States are either overweight or obese? According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, this is a serious health threat — reducing life expectancy, and increasing the risk of skin disorders, chronic inflammation, and orthopedic strain. One of the best ways to keep …
The time following surgery for your dog can be confusing and distressing for you both. Depending on what the surgery was, there will be different requirements in terms of wound care, recovery and rest time, and the medications or supportive therapies they may need post-surgery. This guide offers some practical general guidance, but make sure …
The best qualities of big dogs—their love of play, their strength, their protectiveness—also make it difficult to find toys that suit them. You can’t just hop over to the grocery store and grab a couple of fluffy stuffed toys. The moment your big dog gets ahold of them, they’ll be destroyed. That’s where Kong comes …
If you love intelligent, hypoallergenic dogs then you’re going to fall head over heels for the Toy Poodle. Compact, clever, and adorably affectionate, the Toy Poodle is the ideal companion for those living in apartments, though he is truly adaptable to living in all kinds of homes and spaces. But what exactly is the Toy …
Colorado, its capital, Denver, and the city of Colorado Springs rank high in pet-friendliness. Unleashed dog parks abound, greenways offer delightful walking paths, and your furry friend is welcome in many human-occupied areas. The Rocky Mountains offer a scenic backdrop to much of Colorado and provide a variety of activities for people and their pets …
Working dog breeds are popular pets today, but they have always been bred to work tirelessly alongside humans. Hunting dogs are bred to live for the hunt. Herding dogs are bred to think for themselves, or obey the commands of their masters, while they run up and down hills gathering livestock. Sled dogs are bred …
As an owner of a dog with brachycephalic syndrome, I wanted to learn as much as possible about the potential side effects in order to best care for my dog. My Boston Terrier, Nickel, struggles with many of the symptoms of the brachycephalic syndrome and I’m excited to share the many tips and tricks we’ve …
As an apartment dweller, I needed a solution to let my dog relieve himself without a trek down the street to the grass. This was even more important when he was a puppy requiring a safe, non-communal area. To solve this problem, I started looking for grass delivery services. Enter: Fresh Patch. Fresh Patch offers …
In the not-so-distant past, people didn’t think dogs were capable of much feeling. They relegated canines to farm dog status, not taking much stock in their pups’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions. People rarely considered the idea that their dog may be depressed. If your dog seems depressed, read on to find out what common signs …
Golden Retrievers are among the most beautiful, popular, and instantly recognizable dog breeds in the world. Known for its sweet nature and charming personality, this dog breed has been sought after in America for almost a century. But what do you really know about the breed? Is it right for you when you consider your …
There are a lot of adjectives to describe the Italian Greyhound: little, strong, agile, fast, smart, stubborn, loyal, and athletic top the list. The Italian Greyhound goes by at least two nicknames: Iggy and IG. They’ve been associated with royalty practically from the time that they were first bred, and, just like their relative the …
Are you looking for an amazing activity that you can do with your favorite canine? Agility training is a great way to build a stronger dog between you and your dog, plus it’s fabulous exercise, great for solving behavioral problems, and a whole lot of fun. You don’t need to be an expert dog handler …
Sweet, loyal and distinctive looking, a Beagle Bull is a mix between the pitbull terrier and beagle. They can be such sweet and wonderful animals to have in the family. While not recognized officially as a purebred, its popularity has been growing among breeders. Beagle Bulls can also be found at many rescue organizations due …
Small, playful, intelligent, and adorable, what’s not to love about a Puggle? This Pug and Beagle hybrid is one of the best family dogs available to you if you don’t want to get a big dog. With a sweet and affectionate personality, the Puggle lives up to its reputation of being a perfect companion to …
Finding the perfect family pet can be difficult. My family has always been lucky. Throughout my life we have had four completely different dogs, ranging in size and personality. Our current dog is named Obie and he is a cock-a-mo. With his huge grin, constantly wagging tail and beautiful fur, we fell in love with …
With their distinctive black coat and brown markings, not to mention their imposing size, Rottweilers are one of today’s most recognizable dog breeds. It’s also a breed, however, that has been judged for its size and strength, and also mistakenly pigeonholed as an overly aggressive breed prone to attacking people. The reality is that Rotties …
If you’re a hunter looking for a versatile hunting dog, stop looking. If you’re a hiker looking for an ideal hiking partner, stop looking. If you’re part of a rescue organization looking for an ideal search and rescue dog, stop looking. If you’re a dog trainer looking for an ideal breed to train for agility …