Dogs howl to communicate. With her doleful, drawn-out vocalization, your dog may be talking (saying “look what I found!”), seeking attention, or sharing that she’s in pain, bored, or lonely. Howling is one of those dog behaviors that sparks curiosity and questions. Do all dogs howl? Why do dogs howl when left alone? And if your dog is a howler, how do you keep her “ah-oooos” to a minimum? Let’s start where the howling began.
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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.
Dog Exercise Needs by Breed
Exercise recommendations for dogs range between 30 minutes and two hours of moderate to high-intensity exercise daily. The time and intensity vary so widely because different dog breeds have distinct exercise needs. Some breeds are natural athletes with an abundance of energy to burn throughout the day. Other breeds take life at a slower pace and don’t require the dog equivalent of CrossFit—a few daily walks do the trick.
Read MoreShould You Cover Your Dog’s Crate?
Crate training is an important step in pet ownership, but should your dog’s crate be draped with a blanket, sheet, or crate cover? Whether you cover the crate depends on your dog. Some dogs love the security provided by a darkened, enclosed space, while others can feel anxious in a confined area. How should you introduce a crate cover to your puppy or adult dog, and what options are the safest? We explore the advantages and drawbacks so you can decide what works for your furry best friend.
Read MoreSenior Dog Behavior Changes: What to Expect
Photo by Stacy
In addition to their grey whiskers and slower pace, the behavior of senior dogs changes as they age. These behavior changes in your BFF can range from minor, such as slight shifts in sleep habits, to severe issues that require medical care. Often they are related to the cognitive decline, pain, and other ailments common in older dogs.
Read MoreHow to Tell If Your Dog Is Too Cold
Clear signs your dog is too cold include shivering, whimpering, curling in a ball, and balking at walks outside on a frosty day. But there are other signs your dog needs protection from the cold, and may require immediate warming up or even emergency medical attention. We have the answers to questions you may have about your chilly dog so you can take steps to keep him toasty warm and comfortable throughout the winter, and all year long.
Read MoreThe Best Exercises for Dogs at Every Age
Regular activity keeps the spring in your dog’s step throughout his life. But the best exercises for your dog change depending upon his age. Puppies, adult dogs, and older dogs have unique and distinct exercise needs.
Read MoreWhat Can Puppies Eat?
Puppies look cute when they behave, but always be on alert.
Photo by Debbie, Beaumont
After weaning, puppies can eat high-quality puppy food with the nutrition their young bodies require. They need specialized food because they are growing so fast, and they eat more often than adult dogs and older dogs. Feeding requirements also vary between large breed puppies and small and medium breed puppies. Read on to learn how to feed the newest, furriest young addition to your family.
Read MoreThe Real Benefits of Having a Dog
Ever wondered why dogs are so important in our lives? Maybe you already suspected owning a dog has palpable benefits for her humans. Turns out it’s true, and some of them are actually measurable. For thousands of years in fact, dogs have been helping people—as protectors, as shepherds of livestock, even as beasts of burden—and not least of all as our best friends, loyal to a fault. What are the tangible benefits of that connection? A goofy dog makes us all laugh, but how does that laughter improve our health? And we ‘dog people’ do find ourselves walking more every week—but how much more? Let’s look at some of the advantages of having a dog by the numbers.
Read MoreThe 7 Best Dog Breeds for Cold Weather
If you’re looking to add an adventurous furry companion to the household, but need a dog who can handle frigid temperatures and winter snow, consider these seven exceptional dog breeds for cold weather.
Read MoreDoes Weather Affect Dog Behavior?
Yes. Weather, including rain and snow, temperature fluctuations, and changes in barometric pressure, can affect dog behavior. It’s similar to the effect weather can have on your mood and energy. You’re likely peppier on sunny spring days, while a movie . . .
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