On the river, by the ocean, at the lakehouse, or on the boat: Dogs love to join us everywhere we go. How can you ensure your dog’s safety while swimming or boating? Not every dog is a natural swimmer. And there are hazards for dogs who swim or spend time near the water. Protect your dog with these water safety tips.
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If you enjoy hiking with your dog and live in an area with seasonal hunting, hitting the trails takes an extra measure of prep and precaution. It is possible to safely walk your dog during hunting season, but doing so requires the understanding that you’re sharing the great outdoors and an awareness of how hunters engage in their sport. Before you consider walking your dogs in or near woods, fields, and wetlands during hunting season, you should be confident in your dog’s training, outfit your dog and yourself in brightly colored vests, and know when and where it’s safe to walk.
Read MoreWhile Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for humans, it can be stressful and downright dangerous for dogs. So much in their world changes very quickly: there’s a ton of activity, new people are everywhere, strange foods and smells abound, and . . .
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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.
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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…
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Yes. Weather—including rain and snow, temperature fluctuations, and changes in barometric pressure—can affect dog behavior, similar to the effect weather can have on humans’ mood and energy. You’re likely peppier on sunny spring days, while on a cold, grey, rainy day you may feel more interested in a movie marathon on the couch. Read on to learn how changing weather conditions change your best friend.
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Ready access to water is as essential for keeping dogs hydrated as it is for people. But crating your dog complicates things. A water bowl inside a crate can spill and leave your dog uncomfortable—in what should be her cozy, inviting den. During housetraining, the ramifications are even worse.
Read MoreDoes your state require dogs be harnessed in the car? What type of dog restraint law does your state enforce?
Read MoreA canine wearing a vest with “Service Dog” patches means that animal is working, assisting their handler who has a disability—or does it? An increase in animal-related incidents and fake service dogs has created suspicion among the public in response to dogs labeled as service animals—which in turn causes distress for people who need a service dog to assist with legitimate disabilities. Is it illegal to fake a service dog? The majority of states have passed laws regarding fraudulent service dogs and emotional support animals—and many new bills were introduced during the 2018 legislative session in states without current laws.
Read MoreWith so many dogs terrified of fireworks, 4th of July can be a frightening time for pups everywhere. In fact, July 5th is often the busiest day of the year at animal shelters, as pets run off from. . .
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