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Dog Collars Vs. Dog Harnesses – Which is Better for Training?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Dog Collars Vs. Dog Harnesses – Which is Better for Training?

Is there anything better than exploring the great outdoors with your very best and furriest friend? Every dog owner and their fluffy companion look forward to their time together each and every day. Although this might be one of the best loved elements of your time together, it doesn’t necessarily mean that each walk is going to be as smooth sailing as you’d wish that it would be. Your perfect solution to this? Investing in a quality dog harness. You might be more familiar with the slightly more traditional choice of a dog collar, however, upgrading your selection of adorable accessories really could transform your training time as well as your walks with your dog for the better now and way into the future. Here is why you should consider making the switch for a new and improved dog harness the next time you hit the dog park or pound the neighbourhood pavements with your pup by your side…

Image Credit: Stylish Hound

Keeping your dog in-check

If you’re looking to teach your dog how to behave and make appropriate adjustments to their behaviour while you’re out and about, then a dog harness is your best first step on your journey towards creating the perfect fluffy little student. A Y-shaped chest plate on a harness creates a comfortable yet secure stance that makes sure that you have control of your dog, teaching them to stay stable, calm and close to their human at all times. This reinforced nature of smooth sailing walks will set in, making for chilled out adventures for the both of you.

Minimise pulling

The minimised pulling is one of the most significant benefits of making the switch from collars to dog harnesses for your walks. The better the control, the more likely your dog will stop pulling. The secure fit across their body prohibits tugging or charging onward whenever they feel. Less pulling means that you can really treasure and enjoy the time that you have outside with your best friend. The best dog accessories maximise your quality time and create special, positive moments that you will love to look back on for years to come.

Secure the safety factor

Getting a safer walk in goes both ways! Your dog is going to experience a comfortable distribution of weight across their entire chest and back instead of a focused dose of tension right at their throats. The lack of tension is far safer for your dog’s neck should they try to pull or zip forward ahead of you in a cheeky but predictable fashion! This is going to keep your dog nice and secure no matter what happens while you are out and about. You’ll also find that the greater level of control that you experience protects your arm, back and neck from nasty strains or pulls when your dog charges ahead of you. A double dose of safety? Yes please! You can also use an escape proof harness for an extra layer of security

Go handsfree

The right dog harness can clip onto your belt or waist bag and give you handsfree flexibility for enjoying time with your dog, fully! Throw the ball, pet your dog or reach for treats with both hands. This is also fantastic if you want to hold a few training sessions whilst you’re out at the park.

Find freedom whilst saying goodbye to discomfort

The freedom, security and comfort that both of you will experience is unmatched! Look for padded handles, soft, silky and weather resistant materials as well as a secure fit to create optimum levels of comfort for you and your dog.

How to find the right dog harness…

Now that you’re schooled on some of the many benefits of investing in a dog harness, it’s time to start sniffing around for the right one! Here are the things that you need to watch out for whilst you’re looking for your dog’s perfect harness fit…

Materials: Hunt for silky smooth and ever so soft neoprene for a cosy and comfortable fit for your dog. You’re also going to want to watch out for a secure buckle, weather resistant hardware and safe joinery to make sure that your harness sticks with you and your dog through thick and thin.

Fit: Fit is essential for making the right choice for your dog, get it wrong and risk hurting them or causing more difficulty when you’re out on your walk so listen up! Measure your dog’s chest circumference to ensure that you are going to make the right and safest choice for your fluffy friend.

Style: Lastly, style. Choosing the right accessories rests on selecting your harness according to your pup’s playful personality! If they’re bold and bright go for something loud, perhaps they’re cute and cheeky? Look for energetic patterns. Maybe they’re more chill? Choose zen, calming colours like blue and green. Or maybe your pup is all business? The graphic geometric prints and plainer colour choices will work best for them!

Dog collars are useful, too!

Don’t forget that dog collars have their place in your dog accessory collection! Aside from adding some absolutely adorable personality to your dog’s looking, collars are a bit of a must for ensuring that your dog is nice and safe at all hours of the day. Your dog’s collar tag will disclose their name and your contact information which will make sure that you are always notified if the unthinkable happens and they wind up in the big wide world without you there. Your harness is best for walks, but it can be worn in combination with your dog’s collar and leash for a complete cute look that will have your dog wagging with excitement every single day!

9 Tips To Make Your Dog Happy

Posted on by Dace Lace

9 Tips To Make Your Dog Happy

Dogs are loving animals that require their main needs to be met to be healthy and happy. A home, a good place to sleep, a balanced diet according to their requirements and a lot of love from their human companions are some of them.

When thinking about giving your dog the best, you must ask yourself how to make your dog happy. It is not about pampering it to the extreme and allowing it to behave in any way, but about meeting the elementary requirements that will make it a balanced, healthy and happy dog.

In this article, we give you our tips for making a dog happy. Keep reading!

The truth is that dogs do not need much to be happy, since they settle for very little. Thus, giving them all our love, giving them the attention they need, a comfortable place to sleep, quality food and ensuring that they exercise and go outside to relieve themselves, dogs are the happiest animals in the world! And not only that, they will return all that multiplied love to us and they will adore us forever since we are facing enormously grateful animals.

Take note of our tips to know how to make your dog adore you.

1. Clean dog, happy dog

Does your dog get used to rolling around in the dirt right after his bath? Despite this, they love to feel clean, so hygiene is a priority when it comes to keeping a dog happy. Brushing him regularly will help his coat look nice and remove knots, as well as prevent disease and the invasion of external parasites.

Cleaning the ears is also important, it keeps mites and infections at bay. Of course, we recommend that a professional perform this hygiene routine. Also, don’t forget about oral health, which is important to protect your dog’s teeth. In addition to this, cutting your nails to keep them in the ideal size will prevent you from scratching yourself or your paws from getting stuck in different materials. Similarly, the bathroom is essential to keep it clean and fresh.

Grooming is a perfect opportunity to bond with your dog, do not miss the opportunity to play together, it will make him very happy! To do this, remember to make positive the time of bathing, brushing, etc., so that it is a pleasant experience for both of you.

2. Good nutrition, the key to making your dog happy

Some dogs are capable of eating almost anything, but this does not mean that it is good for their health. In the long run, a disorderly diet will only bring you illness. Because of this, quality food is an essential element in making an adult, puppy, or senior dog happy.

You must remember that the food, whether dry, wet or homemade, must be adapted to its size, age, race and physical activity, in addition to taking into account the possible conditions that it may suffer, if any. In the same way, do not forget to offer a container of fresh water at all times to stay hydrated. It is important to check How much you should feed your dog

3. Games and fun

What does a dog need to be happy? Many games! Maintaining a routine of games, if possible daily, will make your dog burn all the accumulated energy, especially if he spends many hours indoors, and remains correctly stimulated. Also, he will spend a lot of time with you!

When it comes to games, you can let your imagination run wild and buy various toys, taking into account the size (so that they are not ingested) and the material (to avoid being hurt). Also, keep in mind that intelligence games are highly recommended to keep their mind stimulated since the objective of playing is not only to make the animal burn energy.

4. Exercise, essential to have a happy dog

In addition to games, you must offer your dog physical activity outside the home, this is an important element to make him happy! Walks, visits to parks where he can smell new things and face challenges that stimulate his intelligence are a way to give him fun and enrich his life.

Dogs are sociable and curious animals by nature. They are also active, so they need to run, interact with other dogs and discover new environments. In this sense, good socialization is essential for them to learn to communicate properly with their peers, other animals and people.

When you go out with your dog, remember to wear your leash and a necklace with your name and contact information. Similarly, check that the area is safe and do not allow your dog to wander away, otherwise, it could get lost.

5. Love, attention and communication, the basis of happiness

Cuddling and caressing are very important displays of affection, both for humans and animals, and dogs are no exception. Showing affection to your dog will improve your relationship with him, it will strengthen the bonds.

Showing affection does not only imply pampering and games but also paying attention to their needs, attending to their ailments and doing everything possible to understand them.

6. Veterinary care

It is very important to ensure the health of your dog by offering good preventive medicine, and what better way to do this than to schedule frequent visits to the vet. Ideally, the professional should carry out a general check-up of the animal to find or avoid any condition or anomaly, in addition to applying the necessary vaccines and deworming it when it deems appropriate. Also, these visits can help you determine the best hygiene and care practices for him.

7. Positive education

Education is essential for a harmonious coexistence at home. A spoiled dog is used to doing everything he wants, so will never be happy because he will constantly collide with the routine of the home and tensions will be created around him.

Do not worry! Whether adult or puppy, your dog is capable of learning, you just need patience, time and love.

Canine education should include not only tricks for both of you to have fun but also the basic rules that the dog should follow at home, such as what parts of the house are allowed and what is not. Also, this education should focus on establishing meal times, walks, games, places to rest and feed, adaptation to home routines, among other aspects.

Regardless of the above, to make your dog happy and get him to adore you, it is essential to follow techniques based on positive reinforcement. Training based on punishment only increases the animal’s discomfort, develops stress, anxiety, fear and frustration, which can lead to an aggressive attitude. Through positive reinforcement, the animal can understand much better what is expected of it, stay motivated and have the desire to continue learning. Rewards, strokes, and words of encouragement are some of the best techniques.

The tips mentioned above apply to all canines regardless of age, but some additional elements can help you make an old dog happy.

After adulthood, some games or activities may no longer be to your dog’s liking, or they may want to do them for less time. It is important to respect what your dog feels and allow him to lie down or sleep instead of playing if he wishes.

8. Longer walks are better walks

Some adult and elderly dogs may need longer walks, as they must keep fit and take care of their physical and mental health. This, obviously, will depend on the conditions your dog is in and the temperature of the season you are in.

Try taking several laps in the park or at the beach, they are good times to play with your dog and exercise him while he enjoys the walk.

9. Understand what your dog is saying

Dogs communicate with humans in various ways, however, it is often difficult to understand what they mean. For this, you must know how to decipher the different ways of moving its tail, its ears and even its legs. In this way, you and your dog will achieve better communication and you will be able to make him very happy.

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

5 Ways to Strengthen Your Bond With Your Dog

Having a dog in your life can be a very rewarding experience. When you have a pet, it is proven that you experience improved mental health as a result. However, there is a difference between just owning a pet and experiencing them as a true friend. Here are five ways that you can grow closer to your canine companion.

Enjoy Playtime Together

If your dog could verbalize what the favorite part of their day is, they would likely tell you that it is the time when they get to enjoy playtime with you. This shouldn’t be much of a surprise to those of us who have children, should it? Research has shown that parents who spend time playing with their kids develop a closer bond with them. Your canine likely feels the same.

Spending time each day playing with your dog helps to keep them mentally healthy, and protects them from boredom. You also promote their physical well-being as they are getting exercise during playtime.

Whether you go out for a simple walk or play at your nearby dog park, playing with your dog will help you grow closer to them. By providing them with an opportunity to have fun, you earn more of their trust and loyalty.

Share Quiet Time Together

Spending quiet time with your dog is just as important as having playtime with them. Quiet moments are extremely helpful in reducing their stress. A good time to spend some quality quiet moments with your dog may be late in the evening, before bed, for example. Instead of making them share your attention with the television or computer, give them your undivided attention.

You can tell them about your day, hug them, brush them, or just quietly be with them. Try to spend time with them in an area of the house where you won’t be disturbed. Even just spending 10 or 15 minutes quietly enjoying each other’s presence will make the both of you feel more relaxed and your dog will feel particularly special.

Practice Basic Training

When you take the time out of your day to train your dog some basic commands, your dog is sure to appreciate the time and instruction you are showing them. You can take this time to teach your dog some new tricks or just reinforce those that they already know. Giving your dog this attention helps to strengthen the bond between you. Your dog is sure to especially enjoy the treats and belly rubs you give out as a reward for a job well done.

Learn Your Dog’s Body Language

Dogs use their posture, facial expressions and other body languages to communicate with you. For example, you might assume that when your dog wags their tail, they are happy. However, this form of body language is commonly misinterpreted.

According to the AKC, tail wagging simply means that the dog is emotionally aroused. It is possible that the dog is excited, but it could also mean that they are frustrated as well. When a dog is twitching its tail quickly, this means they are on high alert.

Do you know your dog well enough to know what all of its body postures and facial expressions are telling you? If not, you should spend more quality time with your pup and become accustomed to its non-verbal cues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of your furry friend.

Travel Together

Much like it is when people take a trip together, traveling with your pup can really bring the two of you closer. Whether your travels include hiking, camping or just exploring around a new location, your dog will be in a new territory and looking to you for direction. The one-on-one attention that you give to him during this time is something that they are not going to soon forget.

Final Thought

Bonding with your dog is essentially about spending more time with them. Help to take care of their body and mind and they will reward you with their unconditional love.

Why Is My Dog Vomiting And When Should I Be Worried?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Why Is My Dog Vomiting And When Should I Be Worried?

If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably had to deal with dog vomit at some point. Dogs throw up for a number of reasons. While some are harmless, others can be detrimental. Here is a guide on why dogs vomit, when you should be worried, and how you can treat it.

Why Dogs Vomit and What to Watch For

Dogs throw up for different reasons. It could be because they ate something they shouldn’t have or something more serious such as head trauma, exposure to toxins, or even pancreatic cancer or gastrointestinal obstruction.

Because dogs tend to eat everything, vomiting is a vital function for them. It is a way to correct the body when it makes a potential mistake. In addition to eating something they shouldn’t have, dogs can vomit due to motion sickness or bilious vomiting syndrome.

On a more serious level, vomiting can be a sign of gastroenteritis (inflammation of the intestinal tract and stomach), parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain types of cancer. It is also caused by toxin exposure, liver or kidney disease, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Furthermore, vomiting can be a sign of Addison’s or pancreatic disease, head trauma, ulcers, drug side effects, and food allergies.

It is important to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation. Regurgitation happens passively and occurs when undigested food comes up without the use of the abdomen. Vomiting, on the other hand, is an active process and involves contractions of the abdomen (also known as heaving). It is usually preceded by nausea signs such as swallowing excessively, drooling, and licking their lips. Dogs may eat grass to protect their esophagus. The grass acts a shield for sharp objects such as bone shards.

Differentiating between the two will allow you to get the proper treatment.

When You Should Be Worried and Treatment Options

Sometimes a vomiting dog needs immediate treatment. If your dog is frequently or projectile vomiting, it can be a sign of an obstructed gastrointestinal tract. Severe diarrhea coupled with severe vomiting can cause dehydration and should be treated immediately. Decreased urination is also a sign of dehydration.

Dogs suffering from abdominal pain or enlargement is often a sign of serious vomiting. If your dog is repeatedly attempting to vomit but nothing is coming out, if can be a symptom of gastric dilatation and volvulus (also known as bloat).

Lastly, if the vomit has blood in it, it could be gastrointestinal bleeding. If it is bright green, it could be a sign of rodenticides (rat and mice poison). Rodenticides are extremely poisonous to dogs and could kill them.

If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms while vomiting, take them to the vet immediately. But, if your dog only threw up once or twice and appears to be okay, there are some at home treatments you can provide.

First, take all food and water away for six to eight hours. If your dog doesn’t vomit during then, give them small amounts of water and gradually increase the amount until your dog can hold it down. After 12 hours of no vomiting, you can offer your pup a small meal of boiled, skinless, boneless white meat chicken and white rice. If there is still no vomiting, start to increase the size and decrease the frequency of their meals over the next couple days. Finally, you can begin mixing in their regular food.

No one likes to see their furry friend in pain. If your dog is showing any signs of severe vomiting, contact your veterinarian immediately. Otherwise, try some at-home remedies for less severe vomiting. Your pup will be on their way to feeling better in no time!

How To Train Your Dog To Pull A Sled This Winter

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Train Your Dog To Pull A Sled This Winter

Have a high energy working breed?

You can help your pup work out all that extra energy, and help them fulfill their breed needs, by teaching them how to pull a sled. 

Best Breeds For Sledding

All dogs need to walk, but some need some extra work. 

For example, working breeds like huskies have a lot of extra energy to burn, and walking may not be enough. 

Teaching your dog to pull a sled is a great way to help them get rid of extra energy safely. 

The best breeds for sled pulling are:

  • Huskies
  • German Shepherds 
  • Newfoundlands
  • St. Bernards
  • Labrador
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Chinook

While these breeds are the best fit for sled pulling, most big dogs can pull a sled safely. Small or medium sized dogs can do it if the weight being pulled is not heavy. 

Safety Gear

First, you need to select the best pulling harness for your pup. 

Normal harnesses, the ones you’d use on a walk, are not for sledding.

Most dog stores have good quality pulling harnesses like Ruffwear or EZDog.

Much like teaching your dog to walk on a harness, teaching them to sled with one starts with letting them become familiar with the harness. Let them smell it, get used to it being around. Then, after they’re accustomed to it, you can put it on them. Give them some time to just wear the harness, letting them get a feel for it. 

How To Get The Best Fit

How the harness fits is very important for your pup’s safety and comfort. Start by measuring your dog’s chest, neck, length, and girth. Then, pick out a material that looks comfortable. Padded harnesses are less stressful on your dog’s skin and fur. 

Training For Sled Pulling

Start slowly. 

Because sledding is new to your dog, you need to let them get used to the idea at their own pace. 

After fitting their harness, attach one end of the tow rope to the harness and the other to an empty sled or something very light. 

Each session, go a little longer or add a little weight. Remember, you wouldn’t go from the couch to the squat rack without building up to heavy weights, so don’t expect your dog to do too much before she’s ready. This could take a few weeks. 

You can train them using a command like “Pull!” or “Mush.” Walk along with them, as this will encourage them to follow you. 

Ways To Sled Pull

Because the same training every day can get boring, it’s best to find a few objects for your dog to pull. 

Some dogs love pulling tires. 

Others will thrive running through the snow while “towing” you on a bike. 

Others love pulling sleds through snow, preferably with their human siblings in tow. 

Safety First

Whenever training with your dog, safety should be your first priority. 

First, make sure they’re wearing their collar. This will help you find them if they get lost.

Breakthrough In Understanding Dogs’ Family Tree Unlocks Your Dog’s Heritage

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Breakthrough In Understanding Dogs’ Family Tree Unlocks Your Dog’s Heritage

If you’ve ever done a search on your family history, you know how intricate it can be. But have you ever wondered about your dogs’ family history? Sure we know they evolved from wolves, but is that all there is? Science says no. A recent breakthrough in dogs’ family tree now reveals the history of their heritage.

In a recent study published in Cell Reports, scientists studied the genomes of nearly 1,500 dogs. The study traced the relationship among different breeds – creating one of the most diver family tree maps to date.

The map shows different types of dogs that humans cross to create modern breeds. It revealed that dogs bred to perform specific functions – like working or herding dogs – don’t always share the same origin.

In fact, their study hints that an ancient dog may have even migrated to the Americas long before Christopher Columbus.

The study shows that, despite what owners and breeders are familiar with, not all dogs that are grouped into categories are related.

US National Institutes of Health (NIH) biologist Heidi Parker said, “You would think that all working dogs or all herding dogs are related, but that isn’t the case.”

Most breeds in the study came from European and Asian dog groups. Domestic dogs came to the America thousands of years ago, though, after humans crossed Siberia to Alaska through the Bering land bridge.

THEDODO.COM

The dogs of the New World disappeared after the European and Asian dogs landed in the Americas. Researchers have tried to look for the genetic legacy of the ancient dogs in the DNA of modern breeds, but haven’t found much evidence.

Until now.

Researchers found that two South American breeds – the Peruvian Hairless Dog and Xoloitzcuintli – share genes not found in any other breed. They think these genes could even come from the ancient dogs that landed in America before Christopher Columbus.

Evolutionary biologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, Bob Wayne said, “I think our view of the formation of modern dog breeds has historically been one-dimensional. We didn’t consider that the process has a deep historical legacy.”

 

Parker and fellow biologist at NIH Elaine Ostrander, believe that dog breeds went through two periods of diversification. Thousands of years ago, dogs were chosen for their skills whereas hundreds of years ago, dogs were bred for physical traits.

This deliberate breeding is dog-specific, too. Wayne says that researchers would never be able to find something like this in cats or cows.

While these studies can certainly help understand where domestic dogs came from, there are other reasons for creating this database. For one, it can help diagnose illnesses in domestic dogs.

It can also help with the study of human disease.

Humans and dogs can suffer from the same diseases – like epilepsy, for example. While hundreds of genes can influence the illness in humans, dog breeds tend to be genetically isolated. This means each breed could carry just one or two genes related to epilepsy. By studying them, they can look at the genes individually, making it much more efficient.

Like human family trees, dogs’ family trees are just as intricate – and interesting!

5 DIY Dog Toys

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

5 DIY Dog Toys

Sick of spending half your salary at the pet store on toys that your dog will lose interest in after a week?

Besides cost, many dog lovers are concerned with where their pup’s toys were made. We all remember the scare when the dog food and toys from China poisoned countless innocent pups. 

Finding toys made locally is almost impossible in most areas. 

But, you can save a ton of money and know exactly where your dog’s toys come from!

Make DIY Dog Toys

Dogs don’t care where a toy comes from. If it smells good, makes a cool noise, or they love the mouth-feel, they’ll gladly play with it for hours. 

So, rather than spend a lot of money on toys that were made overseas, why not make your own?

Bottle in T-Shirt 

This toy is super simple to make, and is great for light-chewers who love to hear crunching sounds. 

Simply take a large (1-L bottles are perfect for big dogs, 1-2 c bottles are great for smaller pups) water bottle and wrap an old T-shirt around it. 

This is an awesome toy because:

  • Your shirt smells like you
  • The bottle makes a great crunchy sound that many dogs love

As with all toys, give this to your dog under supervision. Strong chewers can easily rip through the shirt and bottle, swallowing small pieces. If you notice the toy breaking, toss it and start over. 

Tennis Ball Treat Puzzle

Dogs love tennis balls. If you have a few older ones that your pup has lost interest in, you can re-purpose it as a treat puzzle. 

Cut a hole in the ball, insert treats, let your dog smell the puzzle, then unleash it. They’ll happily knock that ball around the house or yard for hours trying to get every last crumb. 

Frozen Sock Knot

Great for those hot, humid summer days. Just take a few old socks, tie them into a knot, soak them, then put them in the freezer for a few hours. 

When frozen, your dog will love chewing on them. This will cool them down, and gives them a way to exercise their need to chew. 

Again, watch for breakage. If they socks begin to tear, toss them and start with a new pair. 

Treat-Sicles

This is more of a treat then a toy, but when your dog is hot, bored, or being destructive, they can entertain and nourish them at the same time. 

Grab an ice cube tray. Fill it with water or chicken broth. Then add small bits of fruit, treats, vegetables, or kibble. 

These make a great, chewy and cooling puzzle in the summer. 

Near-Empty Peanut Butter Jar

This is super simple. Take any jar of nut-butter that is nearly empty, give it to your pup, and watch them lick the jar silly. If you keep the jar (glass is better since it won’t break like plastic), you can smear the inside with peanut butter, bacon grease, or kibble crumbs.

Keep Your Pup Active

DIY dog toys can help keep your pup active and healthy. 

Did you know that a long walk plus a few periods of play make your dog healthier, more intelligent, and extends their lives?

This is why it’s so important to monitor their activity levels. a

Top 10 Breeds for Active People

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Top 10 Breeds for Active People

For people who lead a healthy and active lifestyle, they tend to want a dog that can reflect the same regimen as them. Fortunately, there are plenty of highly active and energetic dog breeds out there to choose from.

According to the American Kennel Club, these select breeds have been coined as ‘top dogs’ to keep their owner  in tip top shape. Whether it’s running, jumping, hiking, swimming, these breeds fit the mold for any active person.

1. Border Collie

2. Greyhound

3. Belgian Malinois

4. Vizsla

5. American Staffordshire Terrier

6. Brittany

7. Redbone Coonhound

8. German Shorthaired Pointer

9. Doberman Pinscher

10. Dalmatian

Of course there are other breeds that will fit the athletic lifestyle desired, but this list is a good starting point for those looking to find the perfect athletic match for them.

What To Call Your New Puppy

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

What To Call Your New Puppy

Sorting through unique puppy names is always a challenge – particularly if you are being democratic and letting the whole family weigh in with their thoughts. What to call your new puppy? What to call your dog? Hmm.

Do you name your puppy after your favorite characters from TV? Do you name your dog after your favorite aunt?

Rover.com — known as the nation’s Airbnb for dogs! — produced the list of the top dog names for the year, and the trends they’ve seen throughout 2016. Human names are becoming more and more popular as you can see from the lists below:

Unique Puppy Names for Boys:

1. Max
2. Charlie
3. Buddy
4. Cooper
5. Jack
6. Rocky
7. Toby
8. Duke
9. Bear
10. Tucker

Unique Puppy Names for Girls:

1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Daisy
4. Molly
5. Lola
6. Sadie
7. Maggie
8. Sophie
9. Chloe
10. Bailey

There you have it folks. See this post too.

This is what an h2 looks like.

Wellness Small Dogs
Image
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If you’d like to try a raw diet with your small pooch but still want to keep some dry food on the menu, then check out this grain-free kibble topped off with freeze-dried raw meat that comes from cage-free duck. Crafted from only high-quality ingredients, it’s perfect for high-energy small breed dogs.

Related Post: Top 10 Breeds for Active Dogs 
KEY FEATURES:

– 36.5% crude protein
– 16% crude fat
– Made from cage-free duck, contains freeze-dried pieces
– Added probiotics, glucosamine and chondroitin
– Grain-free formula

SPECIFICATIONS:

Brand: Instinct
Model: 23423424
Weight: 2.2 kg

Want to be added to this list? Click here to bring up our submission form. We will be in touch shortly with feedback.

Why Do Dogs Growl?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Why Do Dogs Growl?

Feeding your dog his meals in the crate
This tip is from Viola Eva.the Head of Puppy Training at White Light 

After introducing your dog to the crate, begin feeding him his regular meals near the crate. This will create a pleasant association with the crate. If your dog is readily entering the crate when you begin Step 2, put the food dish all the way at the back of the crate. If your dog is still reluctant to enter the crate, put the dish only as far inside as he will readily go without becoming fearful or anxious. Each time you feed him, place the dish a little further back in the crate.

Once your dog is standing comfortably in the crate to eat his meal, you can close the door while he’s eating. At first, open the door as soon as he finishes his meal. With each successive feeding, leave the door closed a few minutes longer, until he’s staying in the crate for 10 minutes or so after eating. If he begins to whine to be let out, you may have increased the length of time too quickly. Next time, try leaving him in the crate for a shorter time period. If he does whine or cry in the crate, it’s imperative that you not let him out until he stops. Otherwise, he’ll learn that the way to get out of the crate is to whine, so he’ll keep doing it.

Introducing your dog to the crate
This tip is from Katie Smith.the Founder at Paws.org 

Put the crate in an area of your house where the family spends a lot of time, such as the family room. Put a soft blanket or towel in the crate. Bring your dog over to the crate and talk to him in a happy tone of voice. Make sure the crate door is securely fastened open, so it won’t hit your dog and frighten him.

To encourage your dog to enter the crate, drop some small food treats near it, then just inside the door, and finally, all the way inside the crate. If he refuses to go all the way in at first, that’s okay – don’t force him to enter. Continue tossing treats into the crate until your dog will walk calmly all the way into the crate to get the food. If he isn’t interested in treats, try tossing a favorite toy in the crate. This step may take a few minutes or as long as several days.

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Why do dogs growl? The reason is simple, its to ward of any danger and also to alert their pack that there is an issue. However, we don’t want our dogs to growl at a person, particularly a friend or family member. Sometimes it can be even more alarming, if your pup keeps growling at the same person. This behavior should be corrected through positive training and good socialization.
Basic Training The best thing to do is to gain your dog’s respect. This can be done through positive reinforcement training. You should teach your dog the basic commands – “sit”, “stay”, “quiet” – I recommend practicing these every day with your dog. A Tired Dog is a Good Dog When we tire our dogs out they are much more laid back and docile. This is a good way to keep them calm around that person that they are growling at. No energy, no growling.
Don’t Reward Bad Behavior One of the primary rules of being a dog owner is to never reward bad behavior. So you cannot pay them attention when they bark or growl. Don’t even show attention. Here is a good chance to teach a command or two, like “quiet” or “be still.” Speaking these commands in a firm, but calm, tone is ideal. Socialize your Dog with the Person Socialization is the answer to so many puppy problems. Get your dog together with the person that they growl at. The best thing to do is to have the person sit still and offer the dog treats. Win the dogs trust and talk to the pup in a calm tone. If the dog growls, remove him from the room and wait a few minutes to start again. Your dog will begin to associate the person with treats and they will be able to gain the dogs trust. The true test will be testing commands like “sit” and “stay” to see if the dog is going to give the person respect. Then go for a pet and a nice head scratch.

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  • Orla O’Keefe

    Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

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