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  • Crate training made simple

    Crate training is not complex, but if you have never crate trained you might have mixed feelings about using the crate. It’s important to remember that crate training isn’t cruel, it’s actually a great way to create healthy boundaries for you and your pup. Here are a few tips to make crate training simple.

    1. Not Making it Comfortable

    You want your dog to have positive associations with the crate. Step 1 in that goal is to make sure that the crate is comfortable for your dog. Make sure the crate is large enough so that your dog can stand up and turn around. Make it homey with a comfy bed and whatever else your pooch digs.

    2. Giving In and Letting Out

    This can be critical. You know the drill. Your dog starts that pathetic little whimper and gives you that look. You know, that look.

    Anyway, you just can’t resist and you just give in and let your dog out of the crate. The problem is that your dog learns that whimpering and whining will eventually get her out. Stay strong!

    3. Not Feeding in the Crate

    Dogs love food. The easiest way to create positive vibes around the crate is to feed your puppy in the crate. It also establishes a good routine. By not feeding in the crate, you are missing out on the most powerful positive association.

    4. Forcing Your Dog Into the Crate

    Don’t force your dog into the crate. Use your brain to figure out a way to get your doggy in without force. Or just steal these ideas: use food or a toy.

    5. Crating Your Dog for Too Long

    Crating a dog is not a long term option. By long term, I mean that you shouldn’t crate your dog for 8 hours straight while you are at work. 

  • Tips for Caring for Older Dogs

    If you have an older dog, you may not want to leave them in a kennel when you’re away from home. Instead, you might want to look at some of your options for elderly dog care. Here’s how you can make sure your senior dog receives the level of care that it needs.

    1.       Search For Care Providers That Specialize In Senior Dog Care

    While some dog kennels just provide basic care, there are providers that offer more specialized services. If you find a provider that specifically offers care for elder dogs, you can assume that they’ll be able to properly care for your pet. Take the time to see if there are options like this near you. You may also want to call dog kennels and ask them about their experience with elderly dogs.

    2.       Look At In-Home Care Services

    Your dog may not be comfortable staying in a kennel, especially if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time. Thankfully, there are care providers that will take care of your dog in your own home. Your dog will be able to stay in a comfortable environment while still getting care from a professional.

    3.       Read Plenty Of Reviews

    You should always be careful when you’re leaving your pet in someone else’s care, but you should be especially cautious if your dog is older. Take the time to read through a number of reviews so that you can see what people have to say about various local care providers. Try to find some of the best options in your area.

    Focus on finding the best options for elderly dog care. Senior dogs are more prone to health problems, which means they need more from a care provider. Your pet is an important part of your life, and you should make sure your animal is properly cared for when you aren’t there.

  • How to keep working breeds active and happy

    While some dogs are content to sit on your lap and look cute, working breeds have a different agenda. These are the dogs that are bred to hunt, herd, retrieve, and detect. They were born with an urge to work, and when they’re bored they tend to be mischievous and destructive. Working dogs like Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Newfoundlands, and all the others thrive on farms and ranches where there’s never a shortage of things to do. But what about the dogs that live in the suburbs or city? Their families have 9-5 jobs; they’re not farmers or ranchers.  So what’s an average dog to do? If your active dog is getting bored of life not on the farm, try these simple jobs for working breeds that they can do almost anywhere.

    1. Scent Games

    Your dog doesn’t need to be a professionally trained scent detection dog to put his powerful sniffer to good use. K9 Nose Work is a dog sport based on the same training those drug-busting and ivory-finding working dogs undergo. But instead of sniffing out illegal objects, you teach your dog to recognize and detect the smell of birch, anise, and clove. There are competitions where dogs earn titles and awards, but you and your pup can enjoy the game right in your home, in the yard, or on the trail. It works your dog’s mind and body while giving him a satisfying job.

    2. Find it Games

    In addition to scent, dogs use all their senses to track down items and even people. Think of search and rescue dogs but without all the peril. Teaching the “find” or “go get” cue will be your first step. Once your dog understands the basis of the game, you can teach him to find and fetch all kinds of useful objects. Teach him to bring you your shoes before a walk or carry over his own leash. You can even teach him to seek out specific people and pets. Retrieving breeds love this game because it’s based on their natural instinct to find things and bring them back.

    3 Trick Training

    Once your dog has mastered basic obedience, it’s time to move on to trick training. It’s not one of the most useful jobs for working breed dogs, but learning and performing tricks gives a dog a purpose and sense of accomplishment. The best part is, tricks are fun for both ends of the leash. There’s no end to the list of potential tricks you can teach your dog. Start with the easy stuff, like roll over and spin. With these types of tricks, you can lead your dog into it by luring him with a treat. From there, try teaching him to open and close the kitchen cabinets, weave through your legs, or jump through a hoop. Once he has a nice repertoire of impressive tricks, put them all together to make a routine that’ll impress all your friends and family.

  • 3 Facts about Huskies

    If you’re thinking of buying a Siberian Husky then you need to think long and hard about what exactly you’re getting into. The Husky is unlike the majority of dog breeds and you would be setting yourself up for failure if you don’t have the facts beforehand. This is not a breed for an owner who doesn’t know what they are doing and if owning dogs was a computer game, the Siberian Husky level would be ‘advanced’! There are many positives however to living with a Husky, here a few.

    1) The Husky is Very Playful

    Don’t think that their playful nature will end as soon as they stop being a puppy. Actually, I don’t think they ever stop being a puppy, at least mentally! The Siberian Husky has a lot of energy and there’s simply no way you will be able to use that up during your daily walks. The only way for you to achieve that would be to practically live outside and let them pull you around on a sled all day! As most of us need to go to work to pay for boring things like houses and education, unfortunately, we have to do the next best thing – which is to play with them inside.

    2) The Husky Loves Exercise and Being Outside

    The outside world is the Siberian Husky’s natural habitat and they are at their happiest when running around outside. The Husky needs a lot of exercises and unless you are in a position to be able to provide this then they probably aren’t the breed of dog for you! They will need to be exercised at least twice a day and for a good hour of solid exercise each time. Without enough exercise, your Husky could become anxious which can lead to a destructive personality, and you won’t want that!

    3) The Husky Is Very Affectionate

    Many owners are surprised by how affectionate the Siberian Husky actually is. The Husky will want to spend all of its time in your company. Well, let me re-phrase that. Whilst you’re inside they will want to spend all of their time in your company. When you venture outside they will try and escape whatever restrictions they are being put under and run away. However, that’s another subject.

  • Winter Freeze Warning for Your Pups

    Winter is just around the corner and sadly, that means it’s our responsibility to ensure that no pets are left out in the cold.  This article will discuss the reasons that we do not recommend keeping any pets outdoors in the winter months.

    Whether your dog spends 10 minutes or 10 hours outside, there are things that you need to take into consideration. Before you plan any outside time for Fido, you need to think about the temperature outside, the weather conditions and whether or not your dog is physically able to spend long periods of time outdoors in these conditions.

    If your canine companion is a senior, a small or teacup breed, hairless or has a very thin coat or they have a medical condition that makes them more susceptible to the cold, they should not be outdoors any more than necessary. The cold temperatures force the body to work harder to stay warm and can take a toll on your dog’s circulatory and immune system. Elderly, young, or immune-compromised dogs are particularly at risk for developing an illness as a result of exposure to the cold.

    Frigid temps can cause dogs to act in desperation 

    Dogs are living, sentient beings and it is not beyond them to do anything it takes to survive. Out of desperation to seek out warmth and companionship, keeping dogs outside in winter may cause them to break out of their yard and hurt themselves or others. Avoid this happening by treating your dog as a member of the family and keeping them indoors!

    Unhappy Dogs Will Vocalize

    Have you ever heard that “annoying” barking dog in the neighborhood? That’s what happens when a dog becomes bored, lonely, or in need. Leaving your dog outside in winter will result in your dog becoming one of those “annoying dogs” too. Your dog will vocalize for exercise and stimulation, but they will also vocalize because they are uncomfortable and cold and because they are LONELY! Keep your dog indoors with you and stop that nuisance barking that’s driving your neighbor’s crazy.

    It is Possible for Your Dog to Freeze to Death

    Keeping dogs outside in winter can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, but more importantly, they can freeze to death. Depending on if your dog has access to a well-insulated shelter and just how cold it is outdoors, and whether your dress up the pup in proper dog winter clothes, most dogs can freeze to death in minutes without protection.

  • Know When It’s Too Cold to Go Out

    The easiest way to know how to keep dogs warm in the winter is to learn when it’s too cold for dogs to go outside. This means knowing what the temperature outside is with the wind chill factor AND knowing whether other serious conditions are expected.

    When it’s 20˚ F outside, it’s too cold for any dog to be walking. Above 20˚ F it may still be too cold to walk if conditions are icy, very windy, or if your dog is very young, old, or has a compromised immune system. If it is safe to go out, make sure to keep walks short and keep your pup wrapped up warm with their feet protected.

    Invest in a Winter Jacket or Sweater for Your Dog

    Not all dogs will benefit from a sweater or jacket, but many dogs can. Hairless breeds should always wear some type of winter dog clothing in cold climates. Short-haired and small breeds should also always wear a sweater or jacket to help keep them insulated during winter.

    You should also always consider getting a jacket or sweater for your elderly dog, sick dog, a young puppy, or immune-compromised dog. We’ve published some great articles that can help you find the right jacket or sweater for your pet:

    · Top 10 Best Winter Dog Clothes

    · Top 5 Best Dog Coats for Winter

    · Top 5 Best Dog Sweaters for Winter

    Protect Your Dog’s Paws

    While this isn’t really a tip about how to keep dogs warm in the winter, it is a tip on keeping them safe. When winter arrives it often means chemicals being spread on sidewalks to prevent icing. These chemicals can absorb into your dog’s paws and end up being ingested if your dog licks their paws when they get home.

    Even if chemicals aren’t spread to prevent icing, sharp ice pieces or objects are hidden under snow can be dangerous to your dog’s paws. You can protect your dog’s feet by purchasing hard sole booties for walking or purchasing protective paw wax to protect against chemicals. If you rely on paw wax, it’s important to clean your dog’s paws when you get back home every time you go walking.

    DON’T Make Your Dog Sleep Outdoors

    A dog should never be made to sleep outdoors. As social animals, dogs want to be close to their family and the isolation of being an “outside dog” is torturous to them. It is particularly important to have dogs sleep indoors during winter months to keep them protected against the cold. Even with outdoor shelter and housing, it’s possible for dogs to succumb to the cold or become ill. The best advice on how to keep dogs warm in the winter is to keep them out of the cold and weather as much as possible, meaning invite them inside. As an alternative, you can always provide your cold pet with a dog house with a heater.

    Limit Outdoor Playtime

    Some dogs just love to play in the snow, but you should monitor and limit outdoor playtime during the winter. Just like human children, dogs can get caught up in playing and forget to monitor their body temperature.

    It’s up to you to monitor your pup and make sure that they aren’t spending too much time out in the cold. Ideally, your dog should spend just 30 minutes or less playing outdoors at a time, according to veterinarians. Of course, if temperatures are dangerously low, they shouldn’t be outdoors at all!

  • 3 Indoor Games to keep your Dog Entertained this Winter

    Indoor dog games are a great way to keep your pup mentally stimulated, physically active and happy in the winter.

    Not all dogs love the winter. It’s cold, icy and can be challenging to walk in.  It’s so important to keep our dogs mentally and physically active especially in the wintertime when they’re stuck inside.  Fortunately, there are many creative indoor dog games to try this winter.

    1. Monkey In the Middle

    Monkey in the middle is a simple game that will help your dog burn energy. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and toss it back and forth between you and your partner, while your pup stands in the middle. Your dog will have fun running between the two of you trying to catch the toy. Every once in a while, let your dog capture the toy to avoid discouragement. For an added challenge, place a small hurdle between you and your partner so that your dog jumps over the obstacle while running back and forth.

    2. Hide and Seek

    This is one of the best indoor dog games to play.  It’s the perfect indoor activity because it exercises your dog’s body and mind while strengthening the bond between the two of you. First, tell your dog to “sit” and “stay.” Runaway and quickly hide somewhere easy like behind a chair or sofa. You can have someone hold your dog while you hide in the beginning until they are able to stay on their own. Next, call your dog’s name or give a command like “OK!” Once your dog finds you, celebrate your dog’s accomplishment by giving them praise, a delightful head scratch or some yummy treats. Increase the difficulty of your hiding spot over time. Natural instincts will kick in, and he will begin using his nose to find you. The challenge for you will be trying to refrain from laughing when your dog catches your scent!

    3. Have a doggy play date

    If it’s too cold to play outside, then bring the party indoors! Have your dog’s favorite pals come over for some good old fashioned playtime. Have extra water and healthy treats on hand.

  • Get the facts about Diabetes in Dogs

    Let’s face it, when you buy a dog, the thought of any illnesses further down the line is something that most of us don’t anticipate. To discover that our pooch has a disease can be heartbreaking and traumatic. But fear not, the effects of diabetes in dogs are very similar to those of an adult and are much easier to manage than you first think.

    If you have recently discovered that your dog has diabetes, know that lots of dogs live a normal and active life.

    Although Diabetes is incurable, depending on the severity of the condition, diabetes in dogs is easily managed through time, commitment, medication and the managing of your dog’s diet.

    Diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in dogs and it occurs when the body fails to respond to the hormone insulin.

    The organ held responsible for not doing its job properly is the pancreas – the small organ near the stomach.  When a normal dog eats her food is broken down into tiny components, one of those components is carbohydrates.

    When the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the glucose fails to get into your dog’s cells and builds up to a dangerous unhealthy level, this can lead to other conditions in your dog health such as cataracts.

    Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs

    Luckily, there are lots of signs that might point you in the right direction when diagnosing your dog with Diabetes. Bear in mind that these symptoms won’t necessarily occur at the same time.

    If you are concerned about your dog’s health and notice any of the below signs, take her to a vet straight away.

    •Increased urination

    •Excessive thirst

    •Weight loss

    Increased appetite If left untreated, diabetes can advance and you may notice these symptoms:

    •Sweet smelling breath

    •Kidney failure

    •Cataracts

    •Skin infections

    Although the first few weeks after your dog diagnosed with diabetes may incur some disruption in your life, your vet will set about creating a management plan for you both, and things will settle down rather quickly.

  • Guide to Training Goldendoodles

    The Goldendoodle was first bred in the late 1960s, though the breed did not become popular until the 1990s. This cross between a Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle was an attempt to create a service dog that would be suitable for people with allergies. The amazing combination created a curly or wavy coated, long-legged, golden-colored dog with a good temperament, and, generally speaking, doesn’t shed or give off dander- which is the biggest cause of allergies. The Golden Retriever isn’t the only breed to be crossed with the Poodle, the Labrador also has this distinction, creating the Labradoodle.

    Training a Goldendoodle

    Goldendoodles are typically very friendly. They tend to love everyone they meet and want to greet or play with everyone they encounter. This can sometimes lead to a dog that has difficulty focusing. Goldendoodles tend to be higher on the energy spectrum, so it’s important to allow them to run and play to release energy before training sessions.

    Goldendoodles are comprised of two working dog breeds so chances are your Doodle will enjoy the time spent training. Doodles of all kinds tend to do really well with crate training and potty train fast- as long as you are consistent. Even the smartest breeds need consistency to know what to do, so be sure you are training on a schedule, the same way each time. Don’t be surprised if you’re young golden learn the basics early- sit, down, and stay with ease.

    Due to their high energy, it is not uncommon for owners to feel frustrated with training a Goldendoodle. Unintentional training is real and can be a big problem when we let any negative emotions into training. Dogs are such agreeable creatures that it’s easy to forget that they are much more in tune with nonverbal cues than we are because they are masters in nonverbal communication! Not only that, they can smell changes in our body so your Doodle knows if you’re unhappy. Make training fun, and if you feel yourself getting exhausted or frustrated try again another day!

  • How to make Thanksgiving Celebration Dog Centered

    Having a new puppy is just as great as having a new baby. If you are not able to be with family this Thanksgiving, you’ll want to spend with your furry friend. Here are ideas for making Thanksgiving all about your pup.

    Watch the dog show: A great thing to do on Thanksgiving Day is watching the National Dog Show! Cuddle up with your pups and watch all of the beautiful dogs strut their stuff. It’s always fun to daydream about showing dogs and what’s better than cheering on dogs as part of your Thanksgiving festivities?

    Go on a walk or hike: This year I have created a Thanksgiving week challenge, which entails taking your dog on a walk every single day of that week. Take a nice morning stroll on Thanksgiving Day or go on one in the evening to walk off all of those delicious calories.

    Cuddle by the fireplace: Grab some hot cocoa and a blanket and cuddle up with your pups in front of the fire. How cozy!

    Take photos! Your friends and family will double-tap, like and share your selfies with your new puppy.  Dress up with your favorite fall sweater and capture the moment with your best friend. 

    Play indoor games: I know many states already have snow. If you are in a place with snow, play some indoor games like ‘hide and seek’ with your dog. You can also teach them some new tricks using Thanksgiving food as positive reinforcement. 

    Remember that not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. It is best to consult with your vet before giving your dog human food, even in small amounts.