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  • 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. 

  • Tips and Tricks for Potty Training a Chihuahua

    If you are ready to start potty training Chihuahua, there are some basic things you should know. First of all, because this breed is quite smart, it does not have to be a difficult task. By following these tips, you should be able to potty training your Chihuahua quickly and painlessly.

    Potty training Chihuahua should start at about 7 weeks, but you should expect a few accidents in the months ahead, even after you consider the dog trained. But by starting early, you can speed up the timeframe.

    Because dogs have the instinct to keep their beds clean, potty training Chihuahua should include some kind of kennel training. You should especially decide to keep your dog in a kennel during the night. In this way, the dog learns to hold its bladder and bowels during the time it should be sleeping. Let the dog out at the same time each day and immediately take it to the place where it should relieve itself.

    Consistency is one of the most important factors in potty training Chihuahua. If you have a dog that is going to go outdoors, let it out every morning and after every meal.

    Unless you have a dog that is living completely indoors, you should always reinforce that it should relieve itself outside. When they go in a spot, they are likely to go to that spot to relieve themselves again and again. Use gates to keep the dog away from carpeted areas or areas where they have peed before.

    Also, know that these dogs are very sensitive to praise and affection. Potty training Chihuahua means giving it love when it does what you want in terms of peeing and pooing. Because your Chihuahua wants to please you, it will learn how to behave as far as relieving itself. Lavish your dog with praise and affection when it does what you want, and ignore it when it makes a mistake (other than cleaning it up, of course). He or she needs to know what he did right and what needs to be improved.

    You should know that accidents will happen. You shouldn’t punish the dog, especially by hitting it, when this occurs. Instead, go easy on the dog and reinforce good behavior rather than punishing it when things go wrong. You have to be patient when potty training Chihuahua.

    While accidents do happen, try not to let the bad things overshadow what your puppy is doing right. If you make a mistake like keeping them crated too long, accidents are going to happen. You have to train yourself as well as your dog.

  • Designer Spotlight: Borador

    The Borador, (border collie lab mix) despite sounding like a holiday destination, is actually the most reliable dog you could wish for. This intelligent and loving canine is the result of mixing a Labrador Retriever with a Border Collie.

    Due to the high intelligence of the Collie and the Labrador’s want to please people, these pups are a dream to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward, with a consistent routine. The Labrador’s scavenging nature means food rewards are top of the list.

    They are extremely energetic, so ensure you meet their daily exercise needs. Most owners of these dogs boast their dog as being the friendliest dog ever; most suited for families and the easiest to train.

    As both of his parents have working backgrounds, you could argue that the Border Collie Lab Mix is a working dog. However, as it’s a mixed breed, and is not currently registered with any major Kennel Clubs, it is classed as a companion or designer dog.

    To understand more of this seemingly perfect family companion, let’s have a look at his parents in more detail.

    The Border Collie. An agile herder with an impeccable work ethic. It took a while for the Border Collie to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. Border Collies are renowned for their speed and athleticism, often being the dog of choice in agility rings. Their astounding intelligence, ranking number one of all dogs’ breeds, and work ethic mean they are a dream to train.

    The Labrador Retriever ranks number one for popularity with The American Kennel Club. The Labrador was first registered with the English Kennel Club in 1903 and then by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The Labrador is often used as a working dog, but it has seemingly gained. It’s popularity for its family companionship instead. Labs are renowned for being friendly and super people orientated. They are energetic and happy; they love nothing more than playing ball in the yard and hiking in the woods. Equally, they love chilling on the sofa at the end of a busy day.

  • Why Are German Shepherds So Smart?

    The German Shepherd belongs to the top three smartest dog breeds, with the mental capability of a 2.5-year-old human child. Many dog experts agree that the German Shepherd isn’t only the most intelligent, but also a very trainable dog. That’s because they have such a fast and retentive memory, which helps them understand and remember words that are important throughout training, as well as the tricks they learn from you.

    Their intelligence comes from the days of their ancestors, as intelligence was needed as working dogs in the field, specifically in shepherding. After all, a dog will require the sharpness and attentiveness, as well as the logic to watch out for their herd. While shepherding (hence, the name!) isn’t a popular job as it was before, German Shepherds still have the same mind and are more focused on their owner, making them smart protectors, too.

    Furthermore, these dogs were, and still, are a part of the police, and they are service workers. These K9 dogs have been a part of the police force and army as bomb sniffers, protectors, even as mercy dogs to bring first aid to soldiers. Besides being such intelligent breeds in noble professions, they are also easily trained for acting and are part of the silver screen because of their skill.

    Be patient while training and also map sure that your dog feels that he’s a part of the family! You’re training him to be a part of your family, so love them as much as you would your kin and they’ll live for long filled with loyalty and love.

    German Shepherds are some of the most interesting and smartest breeds around. Considering their origins and the heavy training they go through as puppies, you can see why they’re such an intelligent and protective breed that deserves recognition. It’s what makes them such an excellent dog breed to own!

  • Dog Training Tips For Apartment Dwellers

    If you are considering a move to an apartment with your dog, or perhaps you already live in an apartment but are considering buying a dog, there are a few important things to consider.  Loving your pet and giving them the proper care they need while living in a confined space can be difficult, but with these tips, it’s not impossible.

    Consider A Smaller Breed: Be realistic about the size of your apartment versus the size of your pet. Great Dane’s in a one-bedroom 500 square foot apartment just aren’t practical.  While a large dog may be your preference, while living in an apartment you may want to reconsider and go for a small or medium dog breed that will be more comfortable in smaller spaces.

    Devote Dedicated Play Time Daily to Your Pet: You absolutely cannot neglect the much-needed playtime on a daily basis.  If you want an unhappy, loud and destructive pet then stop playing with them. This isn’t just taking them for a walk to do their business, but active playtime.  Get them to chase balls, play with the kids and run off energy. That means you need to find a nice local park or area where you can take them daily for playtime.

    Don’t Expect Too Much: Be realistic.  No animal will behave perfectly. Understand that there will be occasional barking, accidents on carpet and pairs of shoes that get chewed upon.  Work in regular training and consistency to help prevent these things from becoming habits.

    Choosing to add a dog to your family is always a big thing to take on.  These dog training tips for apartment dwellers are simple courses of action that will help you to make the most of a tight space with your beloved pet.  Consistency in routine and behavior training is key to success. Choose a dog wisely that will fit into your family dynamic, as well as the space you have available.  Not only will this make apartment training that much easier, it will keep your family happy as well.

  • How to introduce young children to a puppy.

    Young children are a bundle of fun and a bundle of energy. As they learn and explore more about the world around them, they’re happiest when doing so with a buddy. And who better to share exciting adventures with than a furry four-legged friend?

    It can take a ton of energy and a lot of patience in order to spend lots of time with kids. They’re delightful and imaginative, but they don’t always understand boundaries or limits, and, it’s pretty difficult to wear them out. Luckily, there are several breeds have plenty of patience and a ton of energy that often perfectly matches the needs of little kids.

    Of course, all dog personalities — no matter what the breed — can vary greatly. And plenty of dogs, especially those that come from rescue shelters, may have backgrounds that are either unknown or may not be conducive to hanging with little ones all the time. So be sure to take the time to get to know, train and understand the needs of your dog before you let them hang out with your kid. But many dogs who grow up with the children (and plenty of those who are introduced later to families) will gel immediately with their young human friends.

    Here are some tips for introducing your new puppy to your young children.

    ~Set boundaries for your children – Since children can understand do’s and don’ts its best to start by setting a boundary with your little ones. Help them understand proper touch and the importance of using a calm voice when meeting a new puppy.

    ~Provide sufficient space – Your puppy won’t want to cornered when meeting your children so ensure that the setting is open so that your new puppy can wander free toward and away from your children

    ~Feed first – Hungry puppies are always nice. Take time to feed your puppy and don’t mix the introduction to your children with feeding time