I wanted to share that we have created a new Facebook Page called I Heart Dogs. We will be posting cute and funny photos and videos along with other stuff that we find. By liking our page, you can keep up on new tips for dog lovers, stories of others and cute photos to share. Help us out and be one of the first people to like it! If you have love dogs, this fan page is for you. Let everyone know “I Heart Dogs”!
Continue reading » Randon StuffNo Comment For some reason, when we think of dog crates, we often have this image of a dog cowering and whimpering in a cage. Crates seem diametrically opposed to our notion that dogs want to run free—however, in the light of their evolutionary history, dogs actually love dark, enclosed spaces when it comes to sleeping and feeling safe. Like the wolves with whom they share an evolutionary link, dogs in the wild would sleep in dens, either dug into the ground, or in small caves, where they can easily conserve their own warmth and be protected from predators and the elements. In the eyes of a modern day, domesticated hound, a crate is just like a den, especially when they are encouraged by their owners to love the crate, instead of to see it as a place of punishment. Sleeping Not only does a crate give your dog a place to...
Continue reading » Dog Products, TrainingNo Comment As much as we love our pets, it is unavoidable to leave them at times. While some people do choose to leave their pet in their own home with a sitter, others find it is better to board them, where they will have round the clock care and attention, as well as plenty of room to play and other dogs to play with. Once you have chosen a boarding facility (some veterinarians provide boarding services, or you may have overnight doggy daycares in your area), there are a number of questions you should ask before leaving Fido there by himself. What kind of kennels or crates are the dogs kept in? Though you will probably be able to see how the dogs are housed at night, it will be beneficial to ensure that the accommodations are adequate and do not feel overcrowded or like a pound. Especially if you have...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Training a dog is one of the most important things you are going to do. In order for your dog to enjoy life with you, and vice versa, dog owners have to have control. If a dangerous situation arises, you want your dog to listen to you immediately so that no one gets hurt. The big question many dog owners have is “Should I take my dog to group classes or have private lessons?” There are advantages to each, but overall private lessons are probably the most effective in the long run. Here are some reasons why: Few to no distractions: When you and your dog take private obedience training at home, you are able to control the environment to ensure your dog can focus. Unlike a group class where there will be 8-10 other dogs and their handlers, private home lessons are not too much of a variance from...
Continue reading » Planning, Training2 Comments Most dogs like to chew. Some dogs are hard-core chewers and never recover from the puppy stage chewing. Chew toys come in many sizes, textures and shapes. But most of these, including rawhide chews offer no nutritional value. They may be entertaining, but there are better options you can give your dog for the same price. Of course, these are general statements and one should consult their vet if they are concerned about any conflicts with medications or conditions. Long lasting: Provided you purchase deer or elk antlers which have not been split, but are whole, deer antlers last much longer than traditional rawhide chews or bully sticks. But this does not mean you can let your dog run wild with an antler chew. No dog should be allowed to chew more than a half-inch or so per day. Antlers are a rich protein and too much all at once...
Continue reading » Dog Products, Dog Toys, Food/TreatsNo Comment Whether you are living on a vast farm, with plenty of outdoor space for your dog to roam, or in a small apartment with limited outdoor access, potty training is one of the first and most vital milestones for your puppy. It is impossible to know, when you first bring your puppy home, how easy or difficult the process is going to be. Luckily, we have a full set of instructions and tips to ease the process for both you and Fido. The most important step is to not get frustrated and give up! Remember that your pup just wants to please you, and until you make it clear how exactly he can do that, he too will be frustrated and confused. Step One: Establish the potty-zone This might be the entirety of your yard, or one small corner of the yard. Either way, establish early on the appropriate area...
Continue reading » TrainingNo Comment When dogs encounter a stressful situation, such as having company over, they get wild. From a dog’s point of view, these are either “intruders” or friends that cam to play. Eventually, by following your body language, dogs will calm down when new people come over. But for that 30 minutes or so, it can be embarrassing, irritating and sometimes dangerous. Another reason these type of “chill pills” are used is for separation anxiety if your dog chews on everything when you leave the house. What can be done? The first thing to emphasize is that no kind of human prescription drug should be given to a dog without a vet’s assurance that it is safe. Further, no vet worth her degree will prescribe a tranquilizer for day-to-day events like having company. They are too strong and risky. The good news is there are several products on the market than can...
Continue reading » Behavior, Dog ProductsNo Comment There are two things which are concerning about dog treats. One is the list of ingredients. Of the entire list, about 3 to 4 are “real”; the rest are additives. Blick. The second is the fact that so many pet treats seem to be recalled for serious and fatal reasons. The last thing any of us need is to worry whether or not the treats we give our dogs will turn out to be a treatment! So, the solution is to make treats at home. Not only are they super easy, but they are healthy and inexpensive. Plus, your dog is likely the easiest person to cook for! Peanut butter is a favorite flavor and it is good for dogs. Peanut butter is filled with good fats, vitamin E and the B vitamins. Each of these lead to a healthy shiny coat, healthy joints and the list goes on and...
Continue reading » Food/TreatsNo Comment If you have adopted your puppy from a shelter, or purchased one through a breeder, you will notice that one of the “selling points” is that he or she has been “dewormed”. Now, if you have a puppy that did not go through any medical care before you, then you may be shocked to learn that your puppy has worms. Even if you cannot see them or if your puppy seems healthy, he or she has worms. All puppies do because they are born with them. There are at least 2 common worms that are congenital and passed from mother to pup. Other types of worms come from fleas, soil, water and plants. Facts about worms: • Your puppy having worms does not mean he or she is a “lemon”. • All worms are very hard to detect, and usually need to be seen microscopically before they can be diagnosed....
Continue reading » Dog Health, PlanningNo Comment Every dog is a descendant from wolves. They have an inherent need not only to be part of a pack, but also to have safe place as their den. This is where crates come in. While some owners find crate training to be essential, others may not. It’s important to remember that crate training, though helpful for the dog in many respects, is not a catch all solution for things like separation anxiety or house training. Reasons to Crate Train Crates give dogs a place of their own, to sleep, to take refuge during an upsetting incident (like a thunderstorm or when a stranger enters the home), and to give them a safe, confined space to inhabit if they have to stay home alone for any stretch of time. And while crates cannot immediately solve issues with anxiety, bad chewing behaviors, or house training, they are a good jumping off...
Continue reading » TrainingNo Comment Page 31 of 32« Prev 1 … 28 29 30 31 32 Next » 
