Portuguese Water Dogs. Irish Water Spaniels. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. These dog breeds are all excellent swimmers, but having ‘water’ or a body of water referenced in your dog’s name isn’t a prerequisite for water-loving dogs. Many dog breeds and rescue dogs enjoy splashing around and swimming. And some adore the water so much they seem part amphibian.
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The Six Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
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The best dog breed for first-time dog owners is the Labrador Retriever. Labs are laid-back, joyful companions, and relatively easy to train, making them an ideal breed for beginners. Rounding out the best six breeds for first-timers are Golden Retrievers, Redbone Coonhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Collies, and Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers.
Read MoreShould My Dog Have Water in Her Crate?
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.
So, how can you crate your dog and keep her hydrated?
Your priority is always giving your dog easy access to fresh water. Keeping that goal top of mind, you can wisely determine whether to crate her without water, how long you can leave her crated without water, and the instances where water in the dog crate is a good idea.
Read MoreHow to Stop Your Dog From Barking
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, which dog breeds bark the most, which bark the least, and most importantly, how to curtail incessant barking.
Read MoreWhen Should Your Dog Exercise?
By: Orvis Staff
Your dog should exercise every day—whenever it fits best in your daily schedule and your dog is able. That’s because the most effective exercise routine for dogs (and people, for that matter) is the one that happens day after day. Morning, noon, or night. Rain or shine. If it’s time for your dog’s workout, you put on his collar and leash and get moving.
Read MoreHow to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
By: Sondra Wolfer
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Measuring your dog for a harness isn’t tricky, but there are a few tricks to getting the fit just right once you’ve decided your best friend needs one. The benefits of a dog harness over a traditional . . .
Read MoreThree Examples of Real-World Dog Body Language
Most dog owners wish their beloved four-legged friends could speak, so we could know how they’re feeling or simply what goes through their . . .
Read MoreDoes Your State Require Dogs Be Harnessed in the Car?
Does your state require dogs be harnessed in the car? Dogs and Distracted Driving. What type of dog restraint law does your state enforce? Click Law Types Below Yes This state has a law . . .
Read MoreWhy Do Dogs Howl?
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.
Read MoreDog 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.
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