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All of us who have owned a dog know what it’s like to come inside after a day at work and find the couch soiled, or a suspicious smell emenating from the bathroom. Mistakes happen, and no pup is perfect, but with our guide we’ll help you navigate the first few months of co-habitation and get those potty-training routine down to a tee. We’ll also talk you through breeds that are easier to train than others, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the Web. How to potty train a dog Wondering how to potty train your… Read More

A visit to the vet is part and parcel of owning any animal – and especially a dog. Whether you need to deworm them, get bloodwork done, or take care of a troublesome allergy, it’s always a good idea to have a preferred supplier in your area. That said, the closest veterinary practice isn’t necessarily the best one. In the article to follow, we’ll give you six things to think about when you shop around. Do they have the right to practice? In order to be a licensed vet, someone needs to obtain a degree in veterinary medicine, and then… Read More

Our furry friends have some bad habits that get tiresome fast. Whether it’s excessive barking (which you can find ways to combat in our article on the topic), leaving a mess or chewing the furniture, it’s always a good idea to stamp out these bad behaviors quickly. With that in mind, is there anything more annoying than putting some fresh food on the kitchen table, only to discover that your pesky pup has eaten it? In today’s article, we’ll examine why dogs turn thieves, and what can be done about this annoying habit. Why do dogs steal food? Boredom:… Read More

Training your dog properly is one of the most important things you can do as a new owner. In the article to follow, we’re going to walk you through a few key techniques to keep in mind when you’re out and about on your next walk. Teach your dog to come to you From a pure safety perspective, “come” is one of the most important commands to teach your pet. Invest in a training leash and enlist the help of a friend. You and your friend alternate by telling your dog to “come”, while giving the leash a little tug. Read More

According to WebMD, around 50% of dogs are overweight in America. Obesity puts strain on an animal’s heart, increases risk of arthritis, and impacts quality of life. Of course, these realities apply to people as well. That’s why, in the article to follow, we outlined great exercises you can do alongside your furry friend: because in the end, losing weight is something that we can all benefit from. Brisk walking Walking is an underrated exercise for people and dogs alike. A thirty-minute daily walk can lower blood pressure, help bone density and lower the risk of depression – in both… Read More

Young pups use their teeth to get a feel for the world around them. With that in mind, nipping and mouthing (the act of putting mouth and teeth over skin with no downforce) are part and parcel of early development. But what do you do when your dog goes over the top? And what are the steps you can take to combat misplaced excitement? Young pups need to play The first thing to recognize is that mouthing and nipping are normal parts of a puppy’s development. Young pups will play together and use their teeth on one another. When one… Read More

Bereavement is one of the biggest causes of depression in the world, and the loss of a beloved pet – like a dog – can trigger such an episode. The first thing to bear in mind is that it’s entirely normal to experience feelings of guilt and unhappiness when a pet dies. We are social creatures, and our dogs are a part of that social network. Their death can often feel untimely, shocking and hard to reconcile. But in today’s article, we’re going to explain the steps you can take to reduce the pain, and to learn to cope with… Read More

Every year, the world’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers – Rover.com – compiles a list of the most popular doggy names in the United States. The Rover team sifts through the million-plus dogs in their database to get the lowdown on what’s hot and what’s not. Of note, 2020 is a year where we spent more time at home with our pets than ever. Thanks to a certain COVID-19, there weren’t quite so many reasons to go outside. Amazingly, this has actually had an effect on the way we name our pups. In a year where… Read More

Today, we look at nine foods that you should avoid giving your furry friend and outline a few examples of nutritious snacks that are safe. Are apples fine? (Yes). Are avocados? (No). Get the scoop in the article to follow.   Chocolate is incredibly dangerous This is one that most people know, but it bears repeating. The theobromine in chocolate is the harmful agent at work, and it’s present in all varieties, including white chocolate. To dogs, theobromine is poisonous and can lead to death, especially if dark or baking chocolate is consumed. Caffeine is not safe Americans love coffee… Read More

A very common sight? A dog owner disciplining their pet as they would a human, raised voice in tow, finger outstretched. Yet while dogs can sense our emotions to a degree, and while they are incredibly astute animals, there’s no point disciplining a dog as you would a child. The raised voice and short, sharp incantation will only excite your animal further. And excitement is the very last thing you need in this situation. In the article to follow, we’re going to explain the basic principles behind doggy discipline, and the steps you can take from day one. Dogs crave… Read More