dog tips

How to Protect Your Dog in the Snow and Ice

Logan enjoys deep snow on a sunny day.
Photo by Tom, Arlington


What self-respecting dog can resist playing outside in a fresh blanket of snow? Most dogs romp in it with unbridled joy. But winter brings seasonal hazards for your dog, including salt and other de-icing agents, dangerously cold temperatures, deep snow, slippery ice, and more. If heavy snowfall is the norm where you live, you and your dog will have no choice but to spend at least some time in it, even if he’d rather be curled up at your feet in front of the fireplace. 

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Male vs. Female Dogs: Which Makes a Better Pet?

Brandy’s owner described her as “a sweet girl.”
Photo by Daynna, Stoney Creek

The age-old question of a male versus a female dog defies a definitive answer—maybe because dogs are individuals, just like humans, and can’t be pigeonholed into gender-specific stereotypes. A better question might be, nature or nurture? Dogs are born with widely varying temperaments related to their breeding. But how dogs are socialized and trained throughout their lives—especially as puppies—has a greater impact than gender on their adult behavior.

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Why Do Dogs Run Away?

 

A runaway dog can be a stressful situation for all involved.

Photo by: Janie, Midland

However much your dog adores you—and the special treats you give her, the games of fetch you play in the back yard, or the behind-the-ear scratches—there’s always a chance she’ll make a break for the door or an opening in the fence. Let’s explore some possible reasons she might abandon her loving family and home.

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Dog Collars vs Harnesses

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

As with so many dog-related questions, the answer isn’t hard and fast. Whether a harness or collar is the best choice for your best friend depends on her age, breed, and walking style. Is she a rambunctious puppy ready to charge full steam ahead to explore the world? A harness can facilitate training and give you more control and can do so with ease and minimal exertion on your part. Is she an adult dog who takes your lead? A collar with a leash does the trick. Sometimes, you’ll want both on hand depending on where you’re headed on your adventures. 

The dog collar can be a fashion statement, a piece of safety equipment, a method of control, and more. Dog collars are the point of attachment not only for a leash, but also for crucial . . .

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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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