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.

Long vs. Short Dog Leashes: How to Choose

Your dog’s leash—long or short—influences the daily rhythm of your life with him. Whether walking your dog is peaceful, controlled, or unruly depends, at least in part, on the length of his leash (when paired with a proper dog collar). In certain scenarios and with particular dogs a short or standard-length leash is your best bet, but in other situations, you and your dog will appreciate the freedom of a long leash. Either way, leashes help protect your dog and other dogs from unexpected encounters. Here’s the long and the short of it:

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Pet Adoption Statistics: The Numbers Behind the Need

Each year millions of companion animals enter shelters. Hundreds of thousands are currently in need of homes. Here’s the good news: pet overpopulation has slowed dramatically since the 1970s, when it’s estimated American animal shelters euthanized between 12 and 20 million cats and dogs every year. Compare that to today, when only three to four million animals must be euthanized annually. And here’s another telling fact: in the 1970s there were 67 million pets in American homes, and today there are more than 135 million. In other words, we invite far more animals into our families these days and euthanize far fewer, perhaps suggesting a paradigm shift in how we think about animal stewardship.

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Guest Post: Save a life. Adopt a dog.


Sadie’s comfort level in her new surroundings helped seal the deal for Dave.

Several weeks ago, my wife, Brandi, took our cat to the vet to get his annual checkup and shots. While at the office, she met a woman who was fostering a Silver Lab named Sadie. Brandi. . .

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Where Should Your Dog Sleep?

Your dog should sleep wherever you—and your furry best friend—are ensured a good night’s rest. Whether your dog sleeps in your bed, his own dog bed, on the couch, or in his dog crate will vary depending on what works best for you both. Read on to learn the pros and cons of various sleeping arrangements with your dog.

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Pro Tips: A Supplies Checklist for Your New Puppy


Puppyhood can be a magical time, but it’s a lot easier if you are prepared.
Photo by Robert, Monroe

For those of us who love dogs, there is almost nothing more exciting than adopting a new puppy. They are possibly the cutest creatures on the face of the earth. Those of you who have . . .

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The Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog


Older dogs have a lot to offer.
Photo by Jane Sobel Klonsky, Project Unconditional

Adopting a senior or adult dog delivers as many joys as adopting a puppy—along with some unique benefits. But senior dogs are frequently bypassed for younger dogs in rescue shelters because of common misconceptions about them, according to the ASPCA. If you’re considering adopting a dog with some miles under his paws, read on for a closer look at older dog adoptions, the special considerations to keep in mind, and the steps to adopting an adult or senior dog.

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Are You Ready for a Dog? A Guide for First-Time Dog Owners


A dog is a wonderful addition to a household, but everyone must be ready for the responsibility.
Photo by Carol, Cleveland

You love dogs and are contemplating taking the leap into dog ownership. We get it! Having a dog is truly one of life’s great joys. But caring for a dog full-time is also a serious . . .

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How to Create Productive Spaces for You and Your Dog, Part 1

Just a couple months ago, I had never heard terms like “social distancing,” “self-quarantine,” or “ PPE.” Nowadays, such things are a way of everyday life. These are weird times for sure, and for many of us, that means spending way more time at home than . . .

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How to Adopt a Shelter Dog


All of these dogs came from shelters and are beloved family members of Orvis associates.
Photos by Les Jorgensen

There is a common saying in animal rescue circles: when you adopt a “shelter dog,” you actually save two lives: the life of the dog you are adopting and the life of a dog who is then able to take . . .

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