Dogs

The Orvis Dog Blog features informative posts on wide-ranging topics, including canine health, behavior and training, and the products your dog needs. Learn more about the Orvis-Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign, and our work supporting Petfinder Foundation’s dog rescue efforts.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Halloween

The candy is stocked, the pumpkin’s lit, that gauzy spiderweb stuff is strewn about—you’re all set for Halloween, but what about your dog? With more than $350 million spent by Americans on pet costumes every year, having fun with our pets certainly ranks near the top of the Halloween list. But pet safety should be right up there too, as this annual occasion presents a number of new or unusual challenges for our dogs, including dangerous foods and scary situations. And animal shelters see an increase in lost dog reports and an uptick in stray pet intakes the day after Halloween. Follow these simple safety tips to keep your dog safe and help him enjoy Halloween.

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When Will My Dog Stop Growing?

Like people, dogs grow on their own schedules. Each dog’s schedule is determined by his genetics, health, and nutrition. A pup destined to be small might be done at 6 months, while a large dog might grow for two years. And some dog parts grow (or regrow) throughout a dog’s lifetime.

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Dog Tips: How to Stop Puppies from Biting

Puppies look so cute . . . until they sink those sharp teeth into you.
Photo by Alisa, Rancho Palos Verdes

Teaching your puppy to stop biting starts as soon as you bring home your furry bundle of joy. Or, to put it more accurately: You’ll start teaching your puppy to bite the right things (e.g., her dog toys and dog treats) and keep her choppers off the wrong things (e.g., your fingers and toes). 

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How To Train Your Dog to Sleep in Her Bed

You and your dog might sleep better in separate beds.
Photo by Orvis reviewer gretab

When deciding where your dog should sleep, you may wonder if your bed is better than the couch, or if her bed is better than her crate. It’s really up to you. But once you’ve chosen where you’d like your best friend to “go to bed,” how do you get her on board with the new sleeping arrangement? It’s not always easy or straightforward—but it is possible. 

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Which Large Dog Breeds Are Most Sensitive to the Cold?


Photo by pato garza – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Link

Large dog breeds who are most sensitive to the cold include Great Danes, Mastiffs, Dobermans, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Boxers—despite their imposing size, some large and giant dog breeds simply can’t fend off the frost effectively. Read on to learn why some powerful dogs balk at cold-weather walks, and which dog breeds need winter coats.

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How to Stop Your Dog From Barking

Gus gets his bark on.
Photo by Gregory, Pittsburgh

To reduce your dog’s barking, you must first pinpoint what sets him off and tailor your behavior training to his triggers. His barking is instinctual. But constant barking is intolerable for you and the rest of his human family. Let the barking continue for too long unabated, and you may face discontented neighbors who are suffering along with you. Read on to learn the common causes of excessive barking; how much barking is acceptable; and most importantly, how to curtail incessant barking, day or night. We’ll also give you a rundown of which dog breeds bark the most—and the least.

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How to Choose the Best Hunting Dog


Photo by Mary Beth Monahan

If only choosing the best hunting dog were as straightforward as a dog on point.

But when you start asking around (always a good place to start), you’ll find a dizzying array of opinions at the sporting club or gun range, and over breakfast on opening morning. And you’ll no doubt find yourself on the receiving end of many a tale about great dogs whose legends have grown with time.

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Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?


Photo by Sabine, Marina del Rey

Your dog loves hiking, playing fetch, and sniffing out the newest scents around the neighborhood, but there is one activity he spends more time doing than any other: sleeping. An adult dog sleeps an average of 12 to 14 hours per day.

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The Top 6 Calm Dog Breeds

Photo by Mats Postema, via CC BY-SA 4.0

If you’re daydreaming about getting a dog, what do you envision? A bouncy best pal brimming with excitement and energy? Or do you imagine an unflappable, four-legged throw pillow who keeps you good company on the couch as you catch up on your binge watching? If you fall in the latter camp, opting for a calm dog breed is the way to go.

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