dog tips

A Guide to Dog Coat Types

Not all dog coats are the same.

From the neat, flat coat of the Labrador Retriever to the abundant shaggy mop of the Old English Sheepdog, a dog’s coat type is one of his most distinguishing features. Dog coat type refers to the differences in texture and length of the fur, and whether it’s a double or single coat. Varied coat types require different methods of grooming and present different challenges, and also influence your best friend’s need for a dog jacket in crisp weather. Here’s the long and the short—and the rough and the smooth—of it:

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Why Can’t My Dog Get Comfortable Lying Down?



Photos courtesy  Orvis.com

One of the coziest sights is a dog curled up in his dog bed, or comfy on the couch, fast asleep. But what about when your dog can’t get comfortable lying down?

It’s normal for dogs to circle before they lie down—that’s an inborn behavior courtesy of canine ancestors who needed to tamp down a “nest” or check for danger before sleep. But if you notice your dog struggling to get

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Pro Tips: Can You Rename a Dog?

Written by: Orvis Staff


When his family adopted him, they had no idea what his name was. Now it’s Pedey.
Photo by Phil Monahan

Renaming your dog is easy and you can do it at any age, young or old. She does not really care what you call her, whether a classic name or a more outdoorsy dog name—as long as she understands you are the source of all good things and that she belongs to you. And in some situations giving your pooch a new moniker is not only okay, but actually good for her. 

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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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