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The Akita is a noble breed from Japan and an increasingly common addition to American homes. Once owned solely by Japanese royalty, the Akita became popular in America after World War II, when soldiers stationed in Japan brought them back as pets. So what do you need to know about owning one? Personality Akitas are intensely loyal to their owners but standoffish to strangers, and are not especially good with other dogs either, often acting aggressively to members of the same sex. Make sure they’re properly trained from a young age (don’t wait more than 16 weeks) as it’s easy… Read More

Every experienced dog owner has been a novice at some point in their lives, with a dog they don’t quite understand, and a set of rules they shakily stick to without a real understanding of why. In reality, dog ownership can be easy, so long as we don’t make a classic mistake: assigning human characteristics to the new animal in our lives. Why? Well, a dog responds to a very different set of tools. Here are the things you’ll want to know if you’re taking on the responsibility of dog ownership for the first time. With luck, it’ll save you… Read More

Snowed in? Torrential rains in play? Sub-zero temperatures at work? There comes a time every winter where the weather simply forbids heading outside. That begs the question: what do we do with our canine friends who need plenty of exercise – and stimulation – to keep their spirits high? In the article to follow, we’re going to unpack a few things you can do inside. Because while dogs are generally less active in winter due to the darker days and earlier nights, they still need to get their steps in. Idea 1: Indoor games Indoor games are always a great… Read More

We tend to think that a dog that’s jumping up and down and barking madly is happy. In fact, the opposite is true. Serenity and calm are signs that your dog is content, while excitement can often spell impending aggression. The first step to curbing excitement is recognizing that it’s a problem. The second stage is doing something about it. Here are our tips for discouraging excitable, potentially aggressive behavior. Don’t encourage your dog If we equate excitement with happiness, we’re very likely to pat a dog that’s excitedly jumping to and fro, thereby reinforcing the behavior. What we want… Read More

There are few dogs that make a statement quite like the Great Dane, whose imperious name is matched only by his stature. Watch him get on to his hind legs and he’s taller than most adult men. History Interestingly, Danes aren’t Danish at all – in fact, they’re a German breed, once used to hunt wild boars alongside nobleman, and referred to as the Deutsche Dog (“German dog”) in their native country. The name is thought to be a result of escalating tensions between Germany and the rest of the world, and a name that was coined by the French… Read More

In today’s article we’re going to examine whether your dog is being aggressive or simply engaging in play, with a particular focus on puppies, a group who are often guilty of going too hard. In focus: the rough-and-tumble between a puppy and a dog of its own age (or an adult), as well as a particular feature of young pups: nipping. What does a nip mean? Nips, or little bites, are common behaviors from young dogs. This isn’t a sign of aggression at all, but rather a sign that the dog needs to cool off a bit. What you should… Read More

Dogs will look to leave the confines of your yard for all sorts of reasons. For one thing, dogs left on their own for long periods of the day will try to force a social interaction with someone by getting out into the open world. For another, they might be bored; dogs left to idly look after themselves for hours on end will try to force stimulation. Another reason is innately feral: unneutered males might catch the scent of a female on heat and try to get to her. With these reasons in mind, here are a few steps to… Read More

Hot on the heels of last week’s article focusing on the Labrador Retriever (read it here), we’ve got another dog breed in focus for you. This time? The reliable Boxer – thought to be the 8th most popular breed in America. Grooming When it comes to keeping them clean, Boxers are low maintenance. Their teeth are the one part of their body that require regular upkeep, but their coats can go for a week or two without a brush, and bath times can be even more infrequent. What’s more, because of their short coat, they don’t shed a lot… Read More

Welcome to a new series here at Under One Woof, one in which we look at different breeds on a case by case basis and bring their history and characteristics to light. What are we starting with? One of the world’s favorite dogs: the Labrador Retriever. Temperament Labs, as they’re affectionately called, are known to be charming and happy animals. In fact, they’re one of the most popular family breeds in the world for this very reason. Labs are also very intelligent and by extension, trainable. Gentle and sweet, their temperament is one of their defining characteristics. History Labradors are… Read More

We’re living in strange times, but even with social distancing measures in place, there are lots of ways to enjoy a spectacular day out in the summer sunshine. Hiking is a particular favorite, and one that’s well suited to dogs as well. A trip together will not only burn excess energy (for the both of you), it’ll be an opportunity to bond as well. Before you set out, heed a few of our tips for a successful outing. Make sure your dog is up to the task When it comes to tackling tough terrain, the breed matters. A long-legged Labrador… Read More