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Communication is a key part of success in any relationship – personal, professional, and all the in-betweens. The same is true of your relationship with your dog. There’s just one catch…we don’t speak the same language. Most dogs can understand basic English words, and their vocabulary of understanding is similar to that of a toddler. Commands like sit, stay, and roll-over is commonly known for dogs. In some ways, dogs understand how we communicate. But do we know how they tell us things? Dogs communicate with each other and humans primarily use their bodies. From their tails to their lips,… Read More

If you’re an experienced dog owner – there are a few things burned into your mind. Perhaps one of the first lessons any dog parent learns is what not to feed your dogs. No chocolate. No grapes. Avoid rawhide and chicken bones. Overall, human foods seem to be off the table for our pups but that’s not entirely true. With extensive research being done on the components of our dogs’ food, science has learned a lot about what our dogs can and cannot have. In fact, much of what is good for us is also good for our dogs. Here… Read More

We all love that fresh-from-the-salon feel and few things are cuter than picking your up from her grooming appointment, complete with a bow in her hair. Any professional groomer will tell you that it’s not an easy task bathing, trimming, and clipping a dog. There’s a reason the profession exists, after all. But for the days when schedules don’t line up, or maybe your dog prefers to not visit a groomer, here are the dos and don’ts of grooming at home: Do: Invest in the right tools If you want to do it right, take the time to research and… Read More

Fevers, aches, chills…there’s no shortage of symptoms when we get sick. If our stomach aches, we can take some medicine and get some rest. It’s not quite that easy for our dogs. In fact, it can be rather tough to tell when your dog isn’t feeling quite right even if you’re attuned to his body language and habits. Is your dog sleeping more than normal? Has he stopped scarfing down his food? If so, the chances that he is experiencing some discomfort are likely. Dogs have a different way of communicating when they’re sick and it’s up to us to… Read More

Your dog may be a complete sweetheart at home, very welcoming of all new human and canine guests. But when you grab his leash and head out on a walk, he becomes aggressive when encountering strangers – dogs and humans alike. This is known as leash reactivity. By definition, leash reactivity is an involuntary emotional state that overwhelms a dog’s brain and triggers the fight-or-flight response. The reasons for this vary, from overstimulation and excitement to fear and anxiety. Factor in that the restriction of leash can force the dog into a fight response because they feel as though they… Read More

Does your dog follow your every move – going so far as joining you in the restroom? You’re not alone. Many dog parents report having “Velcro dogs” that act as their shadows, particularly around the home. It may seem like your dog just can’t get enough of your company, but there are several reasons why this may be happening. In an attempt to better understand your dog and his needs, let’s look at the possible reasons your dog follows you. They love youThis is the answer all pet owners want to believe, and the chances are pretty high that your… Read More

There are few things more exciting than bringing home a new puppy. Those little bundles of fur and joy are full of cuddles, happiness and lifelong companionship. With those snuggle sessions and puppy breath comes sharp teeth, boundless energy, and a penchant for finding trouble. So, before bringing home a puppy it’s important to tour your home and make sure it’s safe for your new arrival. Let’s take a look at some simple steps you can take to puppy-proof your home: Organize your electronic cords Puppies are professionals at finding and chewing things they shouldn’t. At the very top of… Read More

You’ve seen the Border Collies zipping through weaving poles, you’ve watched the Labradors jumping meters into a lake, and you can all imagine a team of sled dogs running full-steam ahead. All of these are sports for our canines. While they may seem too advanced for some, the truth is that there is plenty that is friendly for any breed and any age. If you ever wondered about getting yourself and your dog involved in a sporting event, now is the time! The physical and mental health benefits for both you and your dog are tremendous. No matter your skill… Read More

The American Kennel Club (AKC) National Championship is the Super Bowl of dog shows. With over 5,000 dogs competing in the 7 breed groups (Sporting, Working, Toy, Non-Sporting, etc.), the 22nd annual AKC National Championship held in mid-December revealed a new “star.” The AKC crowned its newest champion, Star, with the Best in Show title. Star is a 3 ½ year old bulldog owned by a couple from Texas. To celebrate Star’s historic win, let’s take a deeper look at the bulldog. The bulldog, also known as an English Bulldog, originated (not shockingly) in England.  They were first bred for… Read More

Few things are as motivating as the beginning of a new year. The excitement of new possibilities spurs many people into acting on things they have been putting off. Resolutions aren’t just for improving yourself, they can be used to help encourage a healthier and more present lifestyle with your best four-legged friend as well. Below are five approachable New Year Resolutions for dog owners that will set you and your dog up for a wonderful 2023. 1.       Get outside on more walks Exercising is the top resolution each new year. Why? All the physical and mental… Read More