Posts

8 Toys to Keep Dogs Busy While I’m at Work

Image
It doesn’t matter how well-trained your dog is, boredom will always find a way to urge him/her towards negative behavior. In particular, long spells of loneliness can be a massive problem with the owners who work full-time. The use of interactive dog toys is an effective way to keep them busy while you are away. Some of the dog toys that can entertain your furry companion for hours are discussed below. NOTE: Always keep the size of your dog in mind while purchasing a (suitable) dog toy.   Interactive Dog Toys for Large Breeds It can be a daunting task to find the right toys for larger dogs because they are smart and strong. They like to have a go on their toys and may even try to rip them apart. Therefore, it is necessary to find the best toys to keep them engaged. Extreme Dental Chew by KONG This chew toy from KONG is a specialized product for the most powerful dogs. The ultra-durable rubber material of this interactive toy can keep your dog busy while you are at work. A...

6 Puppy Pen Ideas

Image
Puppies somehow tend to get into all sorts of trouble. They are not as strong or sturdy as full-grown dogs and must be kept under supervision. Puppy pens can prove effective for keeping your young pups safe. When making or buying a pen for your puppies, keep in mind that they love playing. Therefore, it is generally a good idea to include toys in the pen to keep your pet distracted. Similarly, consider the following factors while selecting a puppy pen. Size of your puppy : Puppies can get stressed in areas that are too small for them. The larger your dog is, the larger its pen needs to be. Location of the pen : Many pens are made for either indoor or outdoor environments. If your dog loves exercising, an outdoor puppy pen is a better idea. Portability : Portable pens can be stored easily when not in use. Take this into account if you don’t want a dog pen to take unnecessary space in your home. Adjustability : Certain playpens are modular and can be assembled into variou...

8 Best Dog Pool Ladders

Image
Do you own a Velcro dog who wants to accompany you even if it means jumping inside a swimming pool? If the answer is YES, you need to ensure that the pool is safe and accessible for your canine companion. Getting out of the pool is the biggest hurdle for dogs and the ultimate goal is to solve this problem. The traditional pool ladders are not suitable for the paws of our four-legged companions. Therefore, we need specialized dog pool ladders to provide an easier escape to our pets. Following are some of the best dog pool ladders that you can purchase for your pup. Pool Ladders for Dogs Although we recommend all the dog owners to install a dog ladder for the pool, it is an absolute necessity for those people who have an above ground swimming pool. In contrast to usual pool ladders, steps are much easier for dogs to climb with their wet paws. For this reason, all the pool ladders that we have selected have wide steps. Staircase Style Pool Steps This product is one of the best ...

How to Build a Dog Pond

Image
Just like humans, dogs also like to sit in water to cool off the heat of summer. If you want to provide your canine companion with a watering hole, building a dog pond is the ideal solution. However, there are some factors that you need to take into account before starting the construction. For instance, you must have a suitable location (at your property) to build the pond. Similarly, you need to consider the size and depth of the pond according to the breed of your pup. Once all these calculations are done, you are all set to build a pond for dogs.     DIY Dog Pond Rocks are always an amazing addition to backyard ponds because of their biological look. You can make the most of this natural chemistry by making a dog pond out of rocks. Here’s how you can do that. Materials Needed for Foundation: Masonite Board (you can also use other types of hardboard) Stakes A hammer Concrete A rake Rebar Materials Needed for Building Walls: Mortar Rocks A trowel ...

Why is My Dog Excessively Licking His Paws?

Image
Paw licking causes and remedies. Paw licking is a common behavior in dogs, but a healthy dog should not excessively paw lick, and a history of excessive licking could be a red flag for a more serious problem. While it's true they might simply be grooming themselves, paw chewing could indicate something more going on if they are doing it all the time. It doesn't help that all that constant foot licking can also cause a secondary infection (bacterial or yeast) due to the extra moisture. An allergic reaction in the skin is the most common reason why dogs will chew their paws excessively. The good news here is that many of the causes of a dog's paw licking can be resolved with home treatment alone. So, why do dogs lick in the first place? Common Causes for Paw Licking Food Allergies Environmental Allergies Flea Allergies Dry Skin Obsessive Behavior Anxious Behavior FOOD & ENVIRONMENTAL ALLERGIES Tags:  blog wellness tips healthy living ...

Speed Eating: Why It’s Dangerous For Dogs To Eat Too Quickly

Image
When it comes to mealtime, there are two types of dogs. 1. The dog who leisurely nibbles and licks his way to a clean bowl. 2. The dog who quickly attacks his food the moment it’s in reach, as if he hasn’t eaten in days and has no idea when he’ll eat again. Which one describes your dog? While most dogs are food motivated, scarfing down meals too quickly can be quite dangerous. Read on to find out the potential problems associated with speed eating, the common reasons why dogs eat quickly, and tips to slow down your dog. The Dangers of Eating Too Quickly Choking & Gagging – When dogs eat too quickly, they don’t always chew their food thoroughly, which can lead to inhaled pieces getting stuck in their throat. Some common warning signs of choking include: Opening his/her mouth and lunging the body forward in an attempt to dislodge the object Inability to breath Pawing at the face Panicking  Anything stuck in a dog’s throat is a medical emergency and can quickly escala...

Online Classes = Dog’s Best Friend

Image
Coronavirus pandemic necessitates an alternative to group classes Billions of people across the globe are giving up their normal activities in a massive community effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus, and dog training classes are no exception. So many in-person classes are on hiatus or cancelled, but that does not mean that you can’t keep training your dog under the guidance of professional dog trainers. Though online classes are not new, they are suddenly more popular than ever before. I was excited to learn that Dog’s Best Friend Training in Madison, Wisconsin just launched online classes in response to the pandemic. They are now offering Puppy Kindergarten , Beginning Family Dog Training , and Get Focused and In Control , with plans to add additional classes and workshops soon. I recently spoke to Owner & Trainer Aimee Jarosz as well as Behavior Consultant & Trainer Chelse Wagner about the new program*. Tags:  dog training blog ...