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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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. 

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

​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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​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.

​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.

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! ​