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Love Rocks - Why Dogs Make Us So Happy

8/20/2019

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Let's be real,. it is not a this hidden away secret that dogs make us so dang happy. From their spontaneous love, excitable pitter-patter of their paws as we walk in the house, or random kisses in the night to remind us that they are here. 

From coming home after a late day at work, to rising at the earliest of hours in the morning, dogs make those moments easier and a lot more bearable. They even get excited as you go about the seemingly monotonous tasks of your day - even more so when its after telling them you are about to go on a "walk."

Their jumps for love, chasing their own tail, bringing you their favorite toy. All a language of pure love and smiles. Dogs are great. They make life better and show you to smile at the simple things. 
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EVEN MY BRAIN KNOWS I AM HAPPIER?! 

It is a bit "far-fetched" at times to believe, but our brains do in-fact respond subconsciously. Studies have shown that even small interactions can produce our favorite little "Cuddle Chemical," or Oxytocin. As well lower your Cortisol levels. A release of Oxytocin can effectively calm your nervous system down, leading to a relaxed feelings and opening your brain up to naturally bonding with your little tail-wagger.

Studies show that simply making eye contact with your dog can raise Oxytocin levels in both you and your pet. 

This lovely balance reduces stress, anxiety, and builds a sentiment of trust and relaxation around one another. This is a major benefit for the entire household. 

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DOGS CAN HELP YOU BE A TOTAL SOCIALITE 

Whether you intend to or not, your dog wants you and themselves to make new friends. If you find yourself to be on the shyer and/or a bit more introverted, spectrum, your friendly neighborhood pup can quickly become your contact creator. 

Your dog will gladly greet another dog, and naturally open you up to a discussion with other walks, neighbors, and potentially future friends. 

It is always a lovely day when you do not have to think on what to talk about - talk about dogs! Your dogs, in fact! You most likely have a penchant to rave about your pooch, so fire away and learn about theirs as well. 

On the other hand of all this, dogs are also a great way to not feel so alone. Go to the park and pack a lunch for you and the pup. Enjoy an afternoon in the sun without a bother for contact with another human. You get respite from the woes of your week, another chance to smile, and some alone time to just love and be loved on.

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HEALTH AND ENTERTAINMENT 

Clinical studies have shown that dog owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall lower stress. Owning a dog incentives you to get outside for those long walks, some well earned playtime with the pup, or even a quick wrestle session in the living room 

Either way, you are moving. You are more active than without a dog most likely, and you'll never be bored! It is a package deal. You get a great boost to your physical health, release endorphins that make you feel much happier, get time in the sun, and have a chance to reduce stress and depression. 

There is no reason our exercise habits cannot be influenced by our furry friends. Let them take control, let loose from the day, and play some fetch. Wrestle a bit. Go on that run you've been telling yourself you'd go on. Not only will you be happier, but the pup too!

Give your pup a hug today. Cuddle them a little longer. It will go a long way. 


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A Harness Primer

7/1/2019

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You love spending time outside with your dog. The summer months are rolling in hot, but you still aren’t sure of the best way to train and/or walk your puppy, rescue, or long time family dog correctly.

The world of training, walking and running accessories are numerous and often confusing. I’ve compiled a list of extremely effective tools to use with your dog while out on a stroll!
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Harnesses

Harnesses are an extremely popular and effective tool to walking your dog. 

I am starting with harnesses because I believe they are universally the most effective way to working with most any sized pup. Barring various levels of reactivity in a dog, they are one of the most capable ways to work with and control your animal on a walk.

FRONT CLIP  and/or TIGHTENING HARNESS
The easy walk is a front lead harness that is designed to redirect a pulling dogs attention to you. It tilts their weight into the pull, and forces them to make a turn; therefore, a very effective way to get their attention. 

This is a great harness for dogs that need more directional control, have pulling problems, and have a hard time keeping focus on the walk itself. 


STANDARD FRONT & BACK HARNESS
Though very similar to the easy walk harnesses, this harness allows for a tighter fit around the body. As well, an attachment to both the back and front of the dog. This allows for dynamic versatility, and an alteration that is more effective for smaller dogs. 

Using the back hook on smaller dogs is an effective way to monitor control - given they wont be able to pull you. As well, guiding them to safety without tossing them around with a pull from the front. However, this means the opposite for medium plus breeds. If there are behavioral issues, you will have a much harder time maintaining control. 

These will also be less inclined to tangle with the dogs legs, they protect a fragile neck area, and they are easy to put on and comfortable. 

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HEAD HALTER

If your dog is an extremely strong puller, then I recommend a head halter. More so than the front-clip, this will force your dog back to you; therefore, allowing you a much stronger, and more full range of control of their direction. 

These gentle-leads may look like a muzzle, but if you see one wearing them, or are thinking to get one yourself, be aware they are a completely pain free option for potentially more free moving dogs. 

Be aware that you may deal with a bit of irritation when first using a head halter, it is completely foreign to dogs at first. But with some time and proper treat training they are sure to wear it just like any collar/leash. 

A quick tip: With the front leads and halters, allow your dog to control the momentum. DO NOT yank them, allow them to simply guide themselves back to you. This could otherwise cause injury.

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Prepping the Pup for Summer

6/19/2019

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Dealing with the summer heat can be an arduous task for you alone, but dealing with an animal in the mix can be a whole different ballgame. It’s the best time of the year to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend; hikes, camping trips, backyard barbecues.

However, it comes with a set of variables that can be quite hazardous if not approached correctly. As the heats are rising, new plants are growing, and a lot more people are out and about, the seasonal change can become daunting. ​

Preventing Dehydration

First and foremost, preventing your dog from becoming dehydrated. Especially in the summer months, ensure that you have an active source of fresh water that is kept cool.

A great recommendation is to use a BPA free, stainless steel bottle that will not produce any harmful chemicals for your pet while getting warmer.

Bottles with the bowl attached to the nozzle are a great, quick water retrieval option for dogs. They’re quick and easy to use, especially for medium to smaller dogs in short outdoor trips. They do not contain a lot of water, but are quick and simple fixes for someone on the go. 

​The other option i would recommend is a Gulpy Water Dispenser. It’s a quick and easy water bottle/bowl hybrid, that contains a significant amount of water. It’s much harder to hold in hand, but is great for longer trips, bigger dogs, and to have a mobile “bowl.”
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PREVENTING FLEAS AND TICKS

Another important step is to prevent other life from taking advantage of your animal. Fleas and ticks can become a major concern in the summer months.

You can actively prevent both of these from becoming a problem by running through your pets fur after each outing - hikes, playing with other dogs, walking through brush and high grass. However, for a higher guarantee of prevention, talk to your veterinarian, or go to a local, qualified pet store about preventative measures.

​You will find an assortment of options that suit your need - from collars and pills, to topical liquids.

​OTHER NOTEWORTHY PESTS
Make sure to actively freshen your dogs water, and be aware of which bowls/sources they drink from. Standing water can contain parasites and bacteria - some of which are (rarely) transferable to humans.

IDENTIFYING HEAT STROKE & ITS PREVENTION

​If you’re hot, so are they. In temperatures of above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it is crucial to employ strategies for identifying and preventing your beloved, furry friend from being harmed.

Heat stroke can often be identified with a rise in temperature, elevated heart rate, sudden collapse, heavy drooling, anxious expressions, and reddened eyes. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, and can even be life threatening - if your dog is elderly or overweight, it is important to be even more cautious.

​Always keep a rag on hand; you can simply wet the rag with your cool water bottles and lay it on their underside. This is a quick prevention method that can be taken intermittently. There are also cooling mats and vests if you’d like to be a bit more diligent, yet less cost-effective.
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GROOMING
In the summertime, your animals grooming needs will increase exponentially. You can use a brush to identify fleas, ticks, hot spots, irritations, and many more summertime problems.

DO NOT over groom. Your dogs coat is designed to cool them properly. Over trimming may be the equivalent of removing their own, built-in cooling system. The coat will also help prevent the parasite, flea and tick problem. Depending on coat length and color, also be prepared to look into a safe sunscreen for your dog as well.

QUICK TIPS: 
  • Be aware of places that may contain herbicides, pesticides and compost piles; these are all hazardous to your dog. Simply even walking on them. 
  • Do not be afraid to speak with your veterinarian about whether or not your dog has been poisoned. (Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drinking, tremors, and more)
  • Be on the look out for foxtails - for further information follow the link (https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/foxtail-grass-and-your-dog#1)
  • Enjoy your time with your dog. It’s a special time of year that may seem fleeting to you, but can really help continue your bond with your animal as you adventure together.
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Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

4/29/2019

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There is a common misconception, due simply to a false turn-of-phrase, that older dogs are stunted in their ability to learn new tricks. I’m sure most people know this is not true; however, working with a professional or alone can lead to a lot of confusion, frustration and potential impatience with the rate of improvement from your own animals. The reality is simple; dogs can learn at any age. In fact, dogs beyond their puppy years can be easier to train due to a higher capability of self-control. Training is important to keep your dogs mind sharp, mental acuity at its peak, and to reaffirm to your beloved, furry friend that they have an important job. First of all, take your time and expect the process to take time. Whether you just adopted an adult dog, or have a dog that you now recognize needs better training, it will take time. A lot of it.


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Next, don’t fear enrolling in an obedience class. Regardless of the animals age there are techniques that professional can implement that will improve both the owner (you) and the dogs life. You must take the work home with you, however. Discontinuing the work may show your animal that home is not where these lessons matter. That it too has a work place to attend, and it will do its job where it works. Classes also help your dog socialize and engage with other animals of varying behavioral levels.

​You now have the ability to asses how your dog may react in a safe, professional environment to an assortment of other dogs. This will allow you and the trainer to take the first steps towards any training reactivity problems your pet may be facing.

"Make sure you are not the only member in the household that wants to help your furry family member out."
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Beyond classes ensure you are teaching your dog that it must continue to obey the proper commands, rules and set behaviors before it receives any level of reward; be it a treat, or simply praise.

It is important that the house must be on board. Make sure you are not the only member in the household that wants to help your furry family member out. Any lapse in at-home training can cause long-term difficulties that negate the dogs ability to progress effectively - potentially causing you stress.



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​Always reinforce positively. Physical and verbal abuses are not the dogs friend. When training your dog reaffirm that the good things it’s doing are, in fact, good. Show it praise, give it treats or accessibility to a toy. Show the dog reward for success, and it will continue to react in a positive manner.

Finally, it may seem obvious, but the key is consistency. The training cannot be “sometimes” event, especially at the beginning of the command rehabilitation. Stay consistent with trainers, classes and at home exercises that lead the dog to a successful, happy, rewarding lifestyle.

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Daily Activity for Your Furry Friend

3/19/2019

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Whether or not you already have a dog, or are planning to adopt a dog, there is a certain level of athleticism that comes unique to each breed. From long distance runners, to just a quick step out the door, different breeds will need varying levels of physical attention.

The most important part to analyze first is that dogs, much like humans, must still be conditioned to their levels of activity. Owners will vary from an extremely active lifestyle, to a significantly more sedentary one; it is important to initially choose the right breed to match that way of life, and remember it takes time for their muscles to adapt to new levels of exercise.

I have presented some common breeds of varying athletic levels; however, I will preface that, new or old, all pet owners do their due diligence to ensure their pets healthiest life.

GERMAN SHEPHERD
The German Shepherd dog is among the top ten most popular dog breeds in the United States, and is globally recognized. This dog breed is not for the frequent traveler. They are an active and intelligent breed that must be kept working.

Daily exercise, from mental training, to a physical job - jogging, catch and training exercises - is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. Without the proper exercise, a German Shepherd will tend to become anxious, destructive and much more difficult to train properly.

DAILY EXERCISE MINIMUM: (Extremely Active - High Energy) 1 Hour per day - including one walk, and one high intensity activity.

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LABRADOR RETRIEVER (SPORTING VS STANDARD)
Labrador’s are an extremely active breed that can face some severe consequences from lack of exercise. They are prone to obesity and becoming extremely bored if not actively worked. This pent-up energy will inevitably lead to destructive behavior, much like the German Shepherd.

It is also important to not the activity differences between a Working (American) Labrador and the Show (English) Labrador.

The Working lab tends to be easier to train, and have a significantly higher endurance with age. On the other hand, the Show lab tends to have very high energy, playfulness, and 'distractibility' at a younger age - will approach other humans and dogs freely.

The Working breed is a perfect companion for the frequent hiker, the cuddler (they work well with constant physical attention) and anyone looking into a dog/owner sport.
The Show lab is a great choice for those who want to bring their dog along to the beach to run freely, for slow walks, and for less outdoor ‘intensity’ - The English Retriever is much less prone to a prey drive.

​WORKING (AMERICAN) LAB MINIMUM: (Extremely Active - High Learning Ability) 1 hour per day - Training exercises are extremely important, as well as a multitude of high intensity exercises.
Exercise Suggestions: Command training is a must. Jogs, fetch, and nose work are perfect forms of stimulation.

SHOW (ENGLISH) LAB MINIMUM: (Very Active - Energetic, Playful, Roamer) 45 minutes per day - a walk and higher intensity free play are important. English labs can be great companions for younger kids, and other animals in the household.
Exercise Suggestions: Hikes, free roam on beaches, playtime at home, and command work with treats.

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WELSH CORGI
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, are our favorite furry-butt potatoes. They can often be mistaken for less-active, apartment style dogs; however, you could be quite surprised by their high endurance, and propensity to run (everywhere).

The corgi can be an extreme troublemaker, regardless of activity level. But, they are smart, quick learners, with an aptitude for physical puzzle challenges (such as mazes). Corgis thrive on being the center of attention, and their activity type should reflect this.

If you are the owner, or plan to be, of a corgi, prepare to put a lot of focus on your new family member. Training these little guys early can help with their stubbornness as they age.
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Though active and endurable, our stubby-legged friends do not need to run miles like the retriever or shepherd. They do not need a house to be content, but if you are confined to a smaller space without a yard, I suggest multiple shorter walks a day (brisk pace preferred), and a lot of mental stimulation games.

DAILY EXERCISE MINIMUM: (Active - Playful/Stubborn - Strong Willed) A few short, stimulating walks a day. Three 15-minute walks should do. As well, as some mental training in, or out of the house.
Exercise Suggestions: A one mile jog, running at a park/beach, high-intensity playtime, mazes or nose work.

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PUG
The pug is our notoriously lazy friend. Shaped like a cannonball of cuddles, their looks are a direct representation of their activity level. Perfect for the apartment or small home without a yard, or an owner who cannot provide a lot of physical attention.

Too high-intensity exercise can lead to joint problems, so with these little guys, stick to some gentle playtime.

A quick warning about pugs, they can, and will overheat quickly. They do not need a great deal of exercise, but a couple brisk walks a day should do the trick. Plus, access to a park or a free play area would not hurt - unlike some other active breeds, pugs may quit out on the running fairly quick.
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DAILY EXERCISE MINIMUM: (Low Activity - Be cautious of harsh outdoor temperatures) Two 20-minute walks a day.
Exercise Suggestions: Some free-play outside, or fetch indoors should get them moving. Any pug willing to play with toys, should be allowed to interact with you as much as they deem fit - unless excessive. They will often quit out quickly.

Overall Suggestions:

Jogs, Runs Fetch, Agility Sets (Home made or purchased), Hikes. 
For mental work: Puzzle toys, tough chew toys with hidden treats, routine training and command work.

I have provided some fairly broad recommendations, even for these specific breeds. As the good owner I know you are, make sure to do some extra research before adopting
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Rare Dog Breeds You've Never Heard Of

4/30/2018

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Most everyone is familiar with common household breeds such as the golden retriever, pitbull, French bulldog or chihuahua. However, it’s easy to forget that there are countless other breeds that most of us have never seen in person, or even heard of!
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It’s tough to say exactly how many dog breeds are in existence today - the World Canine Organization estimates about 339 breeds, but that does not include several well-known, yet unofficial breeds, including the goldendoodle. Each dog breed was bred for a specific purpose, thus resulting in such a wide diversity of dogs. 

​The following are seven rare breeds you’ve almost certainly never heard of:

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​Neapolitan Mastiff - Otherwise recognized as Hagrid’s dog Fang in the Harry Potter universe, the Neapolitan mastiff is a loyal working dog that can reach a whopping 150 pounds! Although they can be wary around strangers, these dogs are loving and gentle around those they are familiar with.

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Norwegian Lundehund - The lundehund is an incredibly unique breed in that it is the only one bred specifically for puffin-hunting. They are originally from Norway’s Vaeroy Island and grow to be between 20-30 pounds. They can live up to 15 years and make for athletic companions.

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​New Guinea Singing Dog
 - This breed was originally considered a wild dog but was eventually domesticated and can now be considered a beloved family pet. It gets its name from its unique vocalization, which is not unlike singing.

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​Bedlington Terrier
 - The Bedlington terrier is an odd-looking dog, but it is nevertheless quite cuddly and gentle. They are good watchdogs and can run at very fast speeds, given their efficient body shape. They are incredibly athletic and have vast amounts of energy.

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Chinook 
- There’s a pretty good reason you’ve never heard of the Chinook dog; it was once nearing extinction, and is currently one of the rarest breeds in existence today, according to the American Kennel Club. The Chinook was originally bred as an especially strong sled dog. They are great family dogs and wonderful with children. 

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​Catalburun
- The bizarre features of this dog are largely the result of inbreeding due to their rarity. Bred for hunting in Turkey, they are one of the only breeds in the world to feature a split nose and suspended ears.

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​Stabyhoun 
- This breed comes from the Netherlands and was originally bred to hunt vermin and protect land. They are very obedient, gentle and patient. There are currently fewer than 4,000 of these dogs in existence.

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Why Do Pit Bulls Have Such A Bad Rap?

4/1/2018

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Somewhere along the way, the pit bull gained the reputation of being dangerous, unpredictable and certainly not good for families with kids. Many apartment buildings won’t even allow pit bulls and other dog breeds that have been deemed “too dangerous” to live there. Where did this stereotype come from, and is it even justified...?

The pit bull as a breed has been around for quite a long time - one theory says since the Norman conquest of 1066. Butchers would use dogs to help them subdue bulls, by biting the bull’s nose. This activity eventually became a spectator sport, where people would place bets on which dog could hold onto a riled-up bull’s nose the longest. And thus, the name “pit bull” was born.

This less-than-glamorous sport was eventually outlawed in the 19th century. Illegal dog fighting, however, gained popularity in the UK, and was brought to the United States by British immigrants at the time.

The pit bull breed wasn’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1936 because of the poor reputation it gained through dog fighting. But as pit bulls spread across the United States, their purposes changed - they were used more for their herding skills and as working dogs.

For much of the 20th century, pit bulls were actually a very highly regarded breed -  they went on to become American army heroes and several even starred in early movies.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that the pit bull’s heroic image began to fade, when dog fighting began to gain popularity once more. The pit bull became the breed of choice for both dog fighting and guard dogs for gangs, and by the late ‘80s there were several publicized reports of pit bull attacks. Widespread pit bull bans followed, with much disagreement from animal professionals.

Luckily, over the years the public’s perception of pit bulls seems to have eased a bit, with many families adopting them into their homes.

Despite popular opinion, pit bulls do not have a locking jaw. According to research conducted at the University of Georgia, they do not have any sort of mechanism that allows them to do this any more than any other dog breed.

Furthermore, pit bulls have been shown to have a temperament that’s completely acceptable for families with young children. The American Temperament Testing Society conducts yearly research on the temperaments of more than 240 dog breeds, and has continuously found that the pit bull scores either the same as or better than many other popular breeds.

In summary, pit bulls are no more inherently dangerous than any other breed of dog, and one could argue that the bad rap has never been the fault of the pit bull itself, but instead of the intentions of the owner. Of course, it’s important to take into consideration any breed’s individual history before adopting, and to make sure the dog has a happy, loving home! ​

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Purebred Vs. Mutt: Which Is Right For You?

3/2/2018

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If you’re looking to get a dog, you may be wondering whether you should go the purebred or the mutt route. Animal-rights advocates will often argue that adoption is the only way to go, while many others will tell you that purebreds are better for dog-newbies.

So which is right for you?


First off, with a million different breeds running around out there, what the heck is a purebred dog? According to Jessica Rice D’Amato, PR director for the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog is any dog whose parents were both of the same breed. Goldendoodles, however, are presently not considered to be a purebred dog, even if the parents were both goldendoodles themselves - they are instead referred to as a “designer breed,” which has not yet gained recognition as its own breed.

Purebred dogs can present the huge benefit of having predictable personalities. For example, if you’re looking for an energetic dog that’s great with kids, a purebred golden retriever is almost surely a safe bet. A mutt’s temperament, on the other hand, can be hard to gauge when you don’t know exactly who their parents were. You might think you’re getting a lab-Australian shepherd mix, but the smallest percentage of chow chow might offset the personality you were hoping for. For these reasons, purebred dogs might be better for first-time dog parents who aren’t experienced with behavioral issues.

If you’re looking for a dog that will perhaps have better health in the long run, then a mutt might be the way to go. Presently, there isn’t an official consensus among dog professionals about which will stave off diseases the best, but most veterinarians will probably tell you that mutts are less likely to deal with genetic diseases, and might therefore live longer on average.

Additionally, if money is a big factor for you, mixed-breed dogs from the shelter are almost always less expensive than purebreds, and you may end up saving some money on medical costs too.

Along the lines of personality, getting a purebred puppy will ensure that you can train and socialize your dog in exactly the way you want to, with virtually no background influences. Dogs that end up in shelters are often times subject to poor living conditions that lead to bad behaviors and aggression down the line - things that not everyone has the time or resources to deal with!

That being said, there are a whole lot of dogs in shelters that will unfortunately end up being euthanized due to overcrowding or some form of undesirability. If compassion toward animals and environmentalism are important to you, then you may have your answer right here.

Lastly, it’s totally okay to admit to yourself that you want a specific breed because of how cute they are - every dog enthusiast has done that. Just remember that with whichever route you choose to follow, the cute-factor will fade eventually, whereas personality will be with your dog for their entire life!

So when it comes down to it, there’s really no right answer - it’ll all depend on your lifestyle. If you’re looking to get a dog in the near future, let us know whether you plan to get a purebred or a mutt!​

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Is It Just A Tummy Ache Or Something More?

2/1/2018

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It’s the dead of winter and, of course, sickness is running rampant. Colds always seem to last for weeks on end, and let’s not even talk about what happens when you get the flu. Getting sick sucks no matter which species you belong to, but lucky for us humans, we have the ability to convey with language exactly how and why we’re not feeling so great. Dogs, on the other hand, don’t have that luxury and often times we just have to guess what’s hurting them based on their behaviors.

Take a look at the following list of symptoms to see if your dog might be suffering from something serious:

  1. Prolonged upset stomach - It’s normal for both dogs and humans to experience nausea or diarrhea every so often. However, if you notice that your dog’s tummy has been upset for more than a few days, it might be time to contact your veterinarian. Severe and prolonged upset stomach could be due to parvovirus, intestinal worms or parasites.
  2. Bloating - Some dogs just eat every meal like they haven’t been fed in weeks, which can lead to something called gastric torsion. If your dog eats too quickly too often, then his stomach could become enlarged, which could lead to an inability to vomit. Other symptoms of gastric torsion include retching, salivating or restlessness. To prevent this, you can feed your dog using food-dispenser toys that force him to eat more slowly.
  3. Ear infections - Some dogs, especially those with big ears, are just more prone to getting ear infections. However, often times those recurring ear infections are due to allergies, including corn, wheat or soy in their diets. If your dog regularly gets ear infections then it might be a good idea to get his diet evaluated by a veterinarian to rule anything out.
  4. Dental abnormalities - Most of us don’t really consider dental hygiene for dogs often enough, but oral infections are actually the most common type of dog disease there is! Signs that something might be wrong with your dog’s oral health include loose teeth, disinterest in dry food, lumps on the gums or discolored teeth.
  5. Frequent or painful urination - Just like us humans, dogs can also get urinary tract infections. The biggest signs of this are frequent urination, blood in the urine, urinating inside even when house-trained, or yelping when urinating. UTIs can be extremely uncomfortable, so you’ll want to get your furry friend to the vet ASAP.
  6. Leg-lameness - Lameness that shifts from one leg to another over time is actually the number one symptom of Lyme disease. It might sound scary, but symptoms of Lyme disease can often be eliminated within four weeks of taking the proper medication. Of course, to prevent Lyme disease, keep your dog away from tick-ridden areas or check thoroughly for ticks in case you suspect that he came into contact with them. There are also medications available that can help to prevent any tick-borne illnesses.

All of these potential medical ailments can sound pretty scary, coupled with the fact that your dog can’t just tell you what’s wrong! Of course, always talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns, but take comfort in that fact that you’re actively looking out for any unusual symptoms and behaviors that could one day save your dog’s life.

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Here’s How To Tell If You’re Ready To Get A Dog

12/30/2017

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So you think you’re ready to adopt a puppy of your own. You’ve watched the YouTube videos and you think you know what kind of breed you want. You just can’t wait to hold that little ball of fluff in your arms! A lot of people think they’re ready to take on the task of raising a dog or puppy, only to realize that perhaps the dog doesn’t end up fitting the lifestyle they have or want.

So, here are some very important questions you should ask yourself before you take that leap:

  1. What kind of job do you have and what kind of job do you want? If you’re someone who’s self-employed and plans to remain self-employed indefinitely, then excellent! You’re probably in an optimal life position to adopt a new dog or puppy! However, if you’re like most and you work in an office during the week, then it might be good to think about who will take care of the dog during the day. Unless of course you work at Google, where they let you bring your puppy to work every day...
  2. What are your finances like? How unfortunate it is that money has to dictate most of these big decisions in our lives. Nevertheless, getting a puppy isn’t too dissimilar from having a baby in that regard - you’ve got to make sure you can afford to feed it, take it to the vet, take it to doggy daycare, etc. This means looking at your finances through a telescope and seriously asking yourself what your money circumstances might look like in a couple years from now.
  3. How much time can you devote to training? If the answer is “very little” then certainly reconsider getting a puppy. It’s going to require a lot of patience and research on your part - this will most likely include cleaning up a lot of puppy pee off of your floor. Training a dog is a lot of hard work but it’ll be well worth it in the end if you can devote the time and resources to it.
  4. Do you have a significant other/roommates? If you live with other people, then  chances are very strong that those other people will need to at least occasionally look after the dog. Needless to say, you’ll need to have a chat with your roommate(s) about whether they’d be okay with doing so every once in a while. If you live with your significant other, it’s important to have a talk about who will be responsible for the dog should the two of you end the relationship.
  5. How active are you? If you’re someone that likes to come home from your 9-5 job and veg out on the couch with Netflix every evening, then a husky isn’t going to be the breed for you. Regardless of the breed, you’ll need to be prepared to walk your dog every day even if you’re not the world’s most active person.
  6. Are you planning to start a family? This is an important question to consider because some dog breeds tolerate small children better than others. And of course, you’ll need to teach the kids how to respectfully interact with dogs. You certainly don’t want to be known as one of those people who gives away their dog because he didn’t take too well to the baby, do you?
  7. How often do you plan to travel? If you’re not much of a traveler and don’t plan to be in the future, then you won’t have to worry about boarding your dog at daycare for extended periods of time. If you have caught the travel bug, however, then it’s good to consider which breeds of dogs have the least amount of separation anxiety.
  8. How patient are you? This might be the most important question of all! Almost everyone will agree that puppies are the most adorable little things since sliced bread, but not enough realize how much hard work goes into having a puppy that eventually becomes a well-behaved adult dog. The process is going to involve a lot of furniture-chewing, accidents indoors, hand-nipping, high-pitched yelping, leash-tugging, jumping, and eating random things off the ground. If you read all of these things and still thought “game on,” then congratulations, you might be ready to be a puppy parent!

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    Authors

    Aiden Swank
    ​Walker and Blog Manager
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    Michelle Ranken
    Walker and Contributer
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    ​Matthew Allan Von Itter
    Owner, Zen Dog Walking
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    Matthew circa 1979

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