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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

It’s that time of year when most people are preparing to travel to visit family and loved ones during the holidays. For many, that includes bringing their dog along for the ride. Before you have your dog jump into the car, it’s important to make sure both you and he are prepared for the journey. With a little bit of preparation, you can help make sure your dog has an easy ride. Safety first First and foremost, safety is key. Seat belts aren’t just for you and your passengers, they’re for dogs too. If you are unable to crate your… Read More

The best part of the holiday season is spending time with friends and family. Dropping off letters to the North Pole and visiting Santa are just a few of the common activities many families participate in. As many people begin to treat their pets like their own children, our furry best friends are now getting into the holiday spirit. As more places become dog-friendly, the options for including your dog in the family holiday are increasing. Keep reading to see what three dog-friendly holiday activities you can include your dog in: 1.       Visit Santa Paws Most people… Read More

The moderate fall temperatures are beginning to decline and the frigid, winter feel is creeping in. Much like humans, our animal friends can struggle as our climate turns cold. Sidewalks can freeze and be covered in salt, which poses a serious risk to our dogs’ paws, and winds can whip at a bitter rate causing a lot of distress when outside. To avoid the pitfalls winter weather can pose for your dog, consider these four dog-approved winter weather essentials: 1. Dog boots/paw protectors Have you ever stuck your bare hand in the snow and held it there for a few… Read More

Training is a critical part of developing a happy, healthy, and safe dog. As pet owners, we want our dogs to be well-behaved dog citizens, but sometimes things go awry. All dogs are different and because of that, there is no real “one size fits all” when it comes to dog training. Depending on your dog’s nature and breed, plus your own dog experience, you may find that you need the assistance of a dog trainer. And that’s perfectly okay! Many dog owners enlist the help of a trainer to assist with all sorts of issues ranging from basic obedience… Read More

House plants are a great way to bring the outdoors in, but they can come with a risk. Many commonly found houseplants can be toxic to dogs (and cats) when ingested. To avoid unnecessary tragedy, you should educate yourself on any plants before bringing them into a home with pets.  Below are five of the most frequently bought house plants that can be toxic to dogs: LiliesOne of the most beautiful flowering plants, lilies are extremely popular but several varieties pose a serious health risk to dogs and cats. The Peace Lily is a variety toxic to dogs while Stargazer… Read More

Historically, dog food and nutrition were little understood. A lot of what a dog ate depended on geography, education, and finances. With technology, science improved, and we gained much more insight into the health of our animals, dogs included. Over the years, dog food has advanced significantly and become a much higher priority for dog owners. With so many dog food options on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which is best for your dogs. To get a better understanding of your dog’s nutritional needs below is a breakdown of the basic components comprising your dog’s diet. ProteinIn… Read More

With winter on the way, many of us are preparing to be stuck inside the house for several months. While cozying up under a blanket with your dog is a great way to pass the time, you need to consider methods of enrichment that beat the cold weather. Exercise like long walks and hikes can be difficult when temperatures plunge, and nobody likes a bored dog. Luckily, mental stimulation can be just as effective as any good play session. In fact, many trainers and veterinarians claim that a 15-minute session of mental stimulation can be more exhausting for your dog… Read More

Dogs are unable to speak for themselves. It seems obvious, but there are many pet owners that struggle to understand their pet’s needs. Being able to read your dog and advocate for him is crucial for his health, safety, and happiness. Advocating is simply supporting or pleading in favor of another party. When it comes to your dog, it means that you need to be his voice. To be his voice, you must first understand how he communicates. It’s easier said than done, but the close relationships we develop with our dog will be our ultimate guide and intuition. It’s… Read More

The decision to add a new dog to your family is a big one. Whether it’s a squishy puppy or a sweet-eyed shelter dog, this exciting time is one that you need to properly prepare for. Outside of the normal preparations like buying supplies (bowl, leash, bed, collar, toy, etc.) you need to prep your family members. This can include talking to young children about the new dog and how to interact with him. Slightly trickier is getting any existing pets ready to meet their new “sibling”. Take it slowBringing a new dog directly into the home to meet the… Read More