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Socialization With a Dog: Tips for Every Lifestyle

First time dog owners are often left scratching their heads at the laundry list of new terms that every dog owner should know. One such word is socialization, which is the act of introducing a dog to as many new people, animals, objects, and experiences as possible. Proper socialization creates well-adjusted dogs that behave well in a number of situations, and do not display bad behaviors such as fear aggression, resource guarding, or skittishness. However, as important socialization is, finding the time to do so can be difficult. Below are tips for every type of pet parent. For the beer or wine lover Most breweries and wineries are dog friendly, and even have special treats for visiting pups. Bringing your dog along for an afternoon of beer or wine tasting allows him to experience new people, unique smells, and perhaps even other dogs. Always be sure to call ahead to...
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The ‘Ouch’ Years: Tips for Improving Your Senior Dog’s Mobility

There’s more than a few more grey hairs on his muzzle, and he sleeps twice the hours in the day that he used to do; it’s safe to say that your dog is definitely entering his golden years. Although our canine companions still have the same enthusiasm for life, there comes a point in every dog’s life when their body says ‘not now’ when they want to chase that ball or sprint after a squirrel. It’s pretty common for our dog’s joints to develop arthritic changes as they age, and along with a trend towards muscle wasting as they become less active, many dog lovers notice that their pooches lose a significant amount of mobility and flexibility too. Because our dogs can’t actually tell us how they’re feeling, their behavior speaks for them. Pain may be obviously apparent; maybe it hurts to bend down to the floor to their bowl,...
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3 Free Activities You Can Do With Your Dog

If you are all out of rainy day money to take your pup on vacation or want something that you can just get up and do right now with no special equipment, transportation or money then you will want to keep on reading! Many free activities exist that can occupy your dog’s time, mind and use up any excess energy he may have. Take A Walk The good, old fashion walk around the block can do so much for you and your dog. Just put his lead on and go! Walking does more than just give you two exercise, it also provides mental stimulation for your pet as he is able to sniff and interact with other things he normally wouldn’t, including other people, dogs or even simply sniffing the roses! Play Fetch with Anything! While typical dog toys, tennis balls or rope toys make up the majority of things...
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Chew Proof Dog Leash

Nearly every dog owner has been through it. It can be difficult to train out of a dog without professional help, and it is an embarrassing thing for your neighbors and friends to witness. Leash chewing on a walk is a bad habit many canine companions develop as they’re taken outdoors on their daily walk with their favorite human. It’s often seen from an energetic young dog or puppy, as he bounces by his owner’s side, and grabs the leash. The sheer joy of tugging and chewing is enough to reinforce this unwanted behavior, and the dog views it as a playful outlet for his excess energy. However, the destruction of a leash is dangerous as it leads to the dog’s ability to break free from his owner’s control, and ingests harmful nylon, rope or leather. Owners have complained of this behavior, and pet product manufacturers have listened as they...
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Scoop The Poop; Enhance Your Dog Potty Etiquette

Picture this; you’re walking your favorite canine companion. It’s a nice, crisp fall day with blue skies and fresh air until you and your dog come across another dog owner’s pet waste that you must avoid before it ends up on the sole of your shoe. No one should have to deal with another person’s dog poop. The pet industry knows this, and has made it easier for owners to scoop their dog’s poop with handy pick up plastic bags, holders and other gadgets to make this dirty job less gross for even the most squeamish of stomachs. Easier Than You Think Just as much as you don’t want to see, smell or pull your dog away from a strange dog’s feces lying on or by a side walk, you also may not feel the need or want to pick up your own dog’s poop. You’re outside after all, right?...
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Better than a Gym Membership: What Energetic Dogs Do to Motivate You to Exercise More

“Take me for a walk, instead.” Those appeared to be the thoughts of my beagle when he sat down in front of my Health Walker Plus machine. He refused to leave. I could not use the walker. If I did, the steps on it would bump into him. So I chose to get off of it for his safety.   After numerous occasions of Rocky repeating this behavior I realized I needed to change my exercise routine. I had to get outdoors more with Rocky. Fast forward 12 years – and although I still have my walking machine – Rocky has continually shown me outdoor walks is more fun. It’s more rewarding too. I mean, just look at this smile: If you’re looking for more motivation to stay fit, choosing an energetic dog breed such as the Siberian Husky, Dalmatian, Border Collie, or Australian Shepherd – will certainly get you outdoors more....
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The “84-Year Old” Sock-Chasing Beagle: How to Maintain Your New Dog’s Health from Puppy Years to Senior Dog

An article by one of our other readers 🙂 “Catherine, look around the corner,” my husband says quietly. I poke my head out from our kitchen entrance. I see our beagle, Rocky, in the hallway. Rocky stands still, staring at me. A sock dangles from his mouth. I step forward. Rocky darts away in the opposite direction. I chase after him to get the sock. This sock chasing routine is one Rocky has enjoyed for years. My husband, Matt, and I often joke he has the energy of a two-year old. But our little guy, Rocky, is 12. (That’s like 84 years old in human years.) I can’t express how wonderful it is to see Rocky grow into a healthy, energetic older dog. I’ve cared for Rocky ever since he was a puppy. I’d like to pass on seven tips that can help you on your new journey with a...
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What Can I Catch from My Dog? Zoonotic Disease!

Dogs can carry all kinds of bugs that are potentially contagious to people, often without obvious symptoms. Believe it or not, your cute, furry friend could be harboring thousands of disgusting parasites right now! Thankfully, the risk of your family contracting a zoonotic disease from your dog is low, as long as certain precautions are taken. You are much more likely to catch disease from other humans than you are from your dog, but it is always good to be aware of potential health risks for your family. What is a zoonotic disease? A zoonosis is a disease that is transmissible between animals and humans. Certain people are at much higher risk for contracting zoonotic diseases from dogs. This includes the very young, the very old, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, such as those infected with HIV or being treated for cancer. How are zoonotic diseases transmitted? Zoonotic diseases are...
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DNA Testing For Dogs and Why It Is A Good Idea

With the advancement of technology available to everyday consumers in today’s society, we are now able to to purchase DNA testing kits for our pets to learn the breeds in their ancestry.  While this may seem like a frivolous way to spend money, it actually plays a valuable role in helping our canine companions to fit in better with their families, appease their instinctual drives, and help us to better understand their behaviors, possible health concerns, and an educated guess at the adult size of mixed breed puppies. Why Does My Dog Do That? Perhaps you have a mixed breed shelter dog who likes to nip at the heels of your children as they run by, or a pooch that, no matter what you do, continues to dig holes in your back yard. What if these behaviors are not relative to the amount of exercise and training he receives, but...
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6 Essential Things to Be Prepared For as a Cat Mom

Being a cat parent is an incredible experience. Every journey begins with a single step, and as you prepare to delve headfirst into the world of cats, there are a few things you should be aware of. From ensuring your home is safe and secure for your furry friend to understanding basic feline behavior and communication nuances – being prepared is essential for creating a comfortable and nurturing home for your pet. This article will provide you with an understanding of the six fundamental things that you should be prepared for as a cat mom: Environment Cats are empathetic creatures who require a specific environment in which to feel safe and comfortable. To ensure your home is cat-friendly, start by providing them with plenty of places to hide – such as shelves or boxes they can climb into when feeling scared or overwhelmed. Consider providing them with a few scratching posts...
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