Dogs Archives - Page 3 of 284

A Personalized Dog Collar: The Best Way to Find a Lost Dog

August 24, 2022

Teddy Blue and Maggie
Photo courtesy of Deb German

The single best way to find your lost dog is to outfit her in a personalized dog collar, embroidered or engraved with your phone number, before she goes missing. The reason is simple: the person who finds her is most likely to check her collar or tags first, and call the number on them before making ‘found dog’ posters or fliers, or dropping her at the local animal shelter. That one phone call will lead a good Samaritan instead directly to you, and hopefully your pal will be back in your arms again in short order. A redundant system is better still—adding ID hang tags to your dog’s collar and having her microchipped are smart backups.

Meet Our Latest Batch of Orvis Cover Dog Winners!

August 18, 2022

It’s that time again to announce our Orvis Cover Dog Contest winners who will appear on our 2022 Fall and Winter Dog Books. As always your photos and participation did not disappoint. From November through March last year, we received just over 57,000 entries, resulting in what are always fun and beautiful covers. Even better, we raised … Continue reading “Meet Our Latest Batch of Orvis Cover Dog Winners!”

How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness

August 05, 2022

Photo via orvis.com

A harness provides more control over a dog than a collar and leash, and many people and dogs may find they prefer a properly fitted harness instead of a collar. Often a safer option for a dog who pulls at the leash, a harness takes the pressure off her throat and reduces the risk of injury. But when not fitted properly, harnesses may pose hazards: A dog may slip out of a loose harness, and straps adjusted too tightly may rub the skin and cause irritation. In order to ensure your dog’s harness is safe and effective, choose….

Dog Collars vs Harnesses

July 29, 2022

A harness is often a better choice than a collar.
Photo via orvis.com

Most dog owners agree that harnesses are more secure, and better for larger dogs and dogs that are pullers, while collars are better for most dogs in most situations, and should be worn in conjunction with a harness. But whether a harness or collar is the best choice for your dog really depends on her age, breed, and walking style. For rambunctious, active, and younger dogs, a harness can facilitate training and give you more control and can do so with ease and minimal exertion on your part. For older, well-trained dogs, a collar with a leash does the trick. Sometimes, you’ll want…

Are Dog Beds Necessary?

July 22, 2022

Photos via orvis.com

The discomfort and negative health effects of sleeping on hard floors make beds necessary for most dogs. However, dog beds are not one-style-fits-all. Which bed will help your dog the most, depends on many factors, including your dog’s age, weight, breed, health, and a variety of other factors. Finding the right dog bed requires knowledge of your dog, her needs, and a little training on your part.

Dog Collars: Buckles vs. Clips

July 07, 2022

Whether they close with a clip or a buckle closure, every type of dog collar has two main functions: to keep the two of you together, and to provide ID information that can help reunite you if you become separated.

And, okay, it doesn’t hurt if the collar looks great, too.

Though they are broadly similar (for instance, both types of collars are equally easy to clean) clip and buckle collars aren’t exactly interchangeable. Buckle collars are…

Our 45 Favorite Outdoorsy Dog Names Inspired By Nature

July 01, 2022

Baxter belongs to the family of Orvis Social Media Manager Tucker Kimball.
Photo by Tucker Kimball

If you love outdoor activities, chances are your dog loves them, too. And few things complement a wild, outdoor dog like a strong, outdoor-themed dog name. From Aspen to Zephyr, there are countless names for dogs inspired by the outdoors. Countless, of course, until you sit down to decide which name best captures your new pup’s spirit and the adventures that await.

The Best Dog Breed for Each State

June 17, 2022

There may not be a single best dog breed for any state, but below is our list of breeds that hold a special place in the hearts of residents of each of the 50 United States. With 193 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, plus additional mixed breeds and shelter mixes, it was difficult coming up with a single best breed for each of the 50 states. Since the best dog breed for someone in California may not be the best breed for someone in Florida, we looked at many deciding factors, including, the state’s climate, urban versus rural distribution, popular activities, historic events, and even state of…

What To Do if You Find a Tick on Your Dog

June 07, 2022

The deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the main vector for Lyme disease.
Photo courtesy the U.S. Department of Agriculture, via Wikimedia

This is the time of year when my dog loves to run through the tall grass in the field next to our home…which means it’s high time for ticks. These tenacious little arachnids carry any number of diseases—from Lyme disease to ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever—and your dog is not the only one in danger. Dogs often bring ticks into the house, where they may find their way onto the human inhabitants. Vigilance is your main weapon against ticks, so…

Pro Tips: Can You Rename a Dog?

June 01, 2022

When his family adopted him, they had no idea what his name was. Now it’s Pedey.
Photo by Phil Monahan

Renaming your dog is easy and you can do it when she is any age, young or old. She does not really care what you call her, whether a classic name or a more outdoorsy dog name—as long as she understands you are the source of all good things and that she belongs to you. And in some situations giving your pooch a new moniker is not only okay, but actually good for her.