Renee Moen 
Sit The most basic of commands, this is one of the first cues taught. Asking a dog to sit ensures a calmer more focused response to the next cue. Focus Other phrases used are watch, watch me, look. The focus cue provides the owner with their dog’s undivided attention. It is a step by step process that is worth the effort once the cue has been mastered. Down Some owners prefer lay, lay down, on the belly. Whatever terminology … Read more
#1 – Komondor Not typically recommended as a family dog, the Komondor needs a seasoned owner who understands the complexities of the breed. These rule-followers falter when no boundaries are set. When a Komondor falters, she may turn aggressive. This breed requires a strong pack leader who won’t waver. #2 – Akita Confident and loving to its pack, the Akita needs a seasoned owner who can set boundaries and stick to the rules. Training and proper socialization must begin from … Read more
Canine Freestyle Watching endless episodes of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is about to pay off. Canine Freestyle is a dog and handler dance competition. Any and all moves are legal, as long as no one is in danger of injury. To learn more go to the Canine Freestyle Federation. Then get to stepping! Agility One of the most popular of canine sports, Agility is for all sizes and breeds of dog. Running up and down planks of wood, zig-zagging around … Read more
When you adopt a dog, it’s a great idea to know what kind of friend is going to fit into your lifestyle. The list below is for the most high energy dog breeds based on breed genetics. If you’re a dedicated couch potato, these are not your breeds! (Is that you? Check out: 15 Dog Breeds That Love To Be Lazy!) But if you’re looking for a jogging buddy, a playmate, and a best friend: any of the dogs on … Read more
Puppies change constantly as they’re growing up, but sometimes the changes are more dramatic than others. Here’s a list of some breeds that look nothing like their adult versions when they start out as pups! #1 – Shetland Sheepdog Puppy Before the thick double coat grows in, the Sheltie puppy looks more inclined to play than to herd. Shetland Sheepdog Adult This herding breed as an adult, stands between 13-16 inches tall and can weigh as much as 30 pounds. #2 … Read more
Dogs are incredibly intuitive and aware of their surroundings. They know when their person is sad and can pick up on stress when their household is in chaos. Some people believe that dogs can predict when someone is going to die or can see spirits. Below are some of the other amazing things dogs can sense, for one reason or another. 1. Earthquakes Records as far back as ancient Greece tells of dogs fleeing the city of Helice before a … Read more
Ever get a whiff of puppy breath? It’s addicting to most dog lovers. There’s something about the puppy food, milk, and not sure what else combo that gets a human’s parental instincts in a dither. They need to sniff more and more. Soon enough the puppy breath goes away to be replaced by dog breath. While the average dogs breath is nothing to get in a frenzy over, in fact most people avoid smelling their dog’s breath if they can. … Read more
Dogs are incredibly intuitive and aware of their surroundings. They know when their person is sad and can pick up on stress when their household is in chaos. Some people believe that dogs can predict when someone is going to die or can see spirits. Below are some of the other amazing things dogs can sense, for one reason or another. 1. Earthquakes Records as far back as ancient Greece tell of dogs fleeing the city of Helice before a … Read more
Some dogs live for Spring; they love digging in the garden alongside their human. More accurately, some dogs love to dig after their human has painstakingly planted a stunning array of flowers. Some well known flowers can be deadly for the dogs if they’re consumed. If any of these flowers are eaten by the dog, contact the vet or local animal hospital immediately. Autumn Crocus Otherwise known as Meadow Saffron these little beauties are poisonous from their colorful buds to … Read more
Did you know that fluff has remarkable healing powers? You may have experienced it firsthand. When you’re having a bad day, few things feel better than burying your face in the fur of your fuzziest friend! It may be the love your pup radiates from every inch of their body, but a soft coat is a definite bonus! These pups have lots of fluff for you to run your fingers through, bury your face in, and pick off your clothes. … Read more
If you’re thinking about adopting the sort of dog who will be happy to soak up every ounce of love and attention you have to give, you’re in the right place! These are the breeds that love to snuggle! Of course, all breeds can be cuddlers, including mixed breeds, but this list is for dogs that, across the board, really love it. Remember, adoption is always the best option. All of these breeds are available at local shelters and rescues. … Read more
When you adopt a dog, you’re probably focused on their cute looks and lovable personality. But sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with the smell. Some dog breeds are extra smelly, but they’ll all have a stench at some point. So, it’s important to stay on top of your dog’s hygiene to tackle that smell before it worsens. The following 11 dogs are some of the stinkiest dog breeds out there. They all have charming personalities, but you cannot … Read more
Obedience isn’t everything. These dogs might be lazy, some are playful, some are independent, but the one trait they all share for sure? Stubbornness! All these breeds are completely loveable and have other traits that could still make them your perfect compaion… if you don’t mind a training challenge! #1 – Beagle Lovingly independent, the Beagle will find amusement anywhere if left to their own devices. There will be trouble with a indifferent owner who doesn’t appreciate what the Beagle … Read more
Dog owners that suffer from allergies should pay close attention to the dog they are bringing into their home. Certain breeds are considered excellent candidates for an allergy prone home due to their reduced dander levels and low shedding volume. These breeds are often crossed with other breeds in an effort to guarantee an allergen free dog. While no dog is completely allergen free, many allergy sufferers swear by certain breeds. What’s an owner to do when an allergen free … Read more
I had a client many years ago contact me in hopes of curtailing their dog’s aggression. I went to the initial consultation expecting a possibly vicious animal. The dog that I met, however, was a huge 100 pound puppy. Full of life and excitement, he sat down in front of me and gave me a high-five. There is a vast difference between aggression and exuberance in a dog, but sometimes even an experienced owner (like my previous clients) has difficulty … Read more
Dog fights are scary business. Witnessing one, an inexperienced person may react instinctively and try to pull the two dogs apart. That’s asking for an injury. When dogs are in fight mode, they cease to be their adorable, loving selves. It’s all teeth, snarl, and survival mentality. A person that attempts to intervene will be looked upon as another threat to their survival. Now two dogs are not only battling each other they are battling the thing grabbing at them. … Read more
There is no fool proof way to avoid being bitten. If a dog is provoked, there is a good chance it will lash out. Thankfully most dogs are kind enough to give warning of an impending chomp. Occasionally a human will disregard the warning and problems ensue. Study the Body Language Not all tail wags are friendly, not all panting is excitement! It is important to remember the basics of canine body language. If a dog lowers his head, flattens … Read more
Most dog owners spread their love among many species and aren’t canine specific in their devotion. With so much love to spread around, eventually there will come a time when they will bring different animals into the home. How does one go about introductions, with little stress and even less fanfare? Below are some tips on how to effectively introduce the dog to other animals. (Important: Be aware of their prey drive, is the dog of a breed with high-prey … Read more
You can ask any dog enthusiast, “what makes a dog special?”and they could carry on endlessly. They may go on and on about a canine’s capability for unconditional love, unwavering loyalty or obsession with a tennis ball. How many will take the time to describe the smell of a dogs paws, or rattle off Guinness World Record Statistics? After reading this, they may change their answers. 1. Please, No Hugs for Me Humans show genuine affection by hugging the ones … Read more
People associate dogs with human feelings and emotions. If a dog pants, it must be smiling. Or if a dog looks down during a scolding it must feel remorse. But what most owners don’t like to contemplate is the thought of their fur-child getting sick. The words cancer, diabetes, or dementia are sure to upset and trigger worry and great concern. Thinking about our pets being diagnosed with anything is downright scary. Listed below are five diseases that neither human … Read more
Children are drawn to animals at an early age. They want to pick them up, hug them and be chased by the puppy. Those children, lucky enough to reside in a house with a dog, have an idea of what rules pertain to strange dogs outside of the home. But there are thousands of kids that have no idea what a frightened dog is capable of, until it’s too late. Parents should teach respect through both words and actions. Looks … Read more
There are hundreds of reports of canine bravery every month in the news. Stories about dogs showing loyalty to their humans by alerting them of fires, snakes, runaway cars, and it fascinates most readers/viewers. Looking into the history books, these amazing acts have been taking place for thousands of years. Peritas, the Molossian saved his human, Alexander the Great, in battle. Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier guarded his person’s grave for fourteen years. The four listed below are just a small … Read more
The dog flu is running rampant in the midwestern United States and receiving a lot of attention. Kennel cough, the parvovirus, rabies and distemper are all diseases that may be avoided with vaccinations. What about the illnesses that aren’t discussed until the dog is showing symptoms? Are there ways to avoid the afflictions listed below? Leptospirosis This bacteria based illness has four strains; is easily transmittable and highly contagious. Wild animals that harbor the bacteria will eliminate spores through urine. … Read more
Where do people stand on the crating issue? It’s considered a safe place by some and a dungeon-like torture chamber by others. It’s looked at as a stress-free zone or a stress-induced nightmare on both sides of the spectrum. It seems there is a great divide among the dog loving community, and many of heated discussions on social media proclaiming the wonders and dangers of crate training with each member of the debate passionate about their beliefs. What about … Read more
Sometimes dog enthusiasts forget that there are people out there that never have lived with a dog–and all dog owners have to start somewhere. Even if a new owner was raised with dogs, it’s very different being solely responsible for one. Here are the five most crucial things for a new dog owner to remember. Research, research, research All too often dogs are brought to the shelter because people didn’t know what they were getting into. German Shepherd puppies are … Read more
Anyone that’s ever lived with a dog knows of the many advantages to canine friendship. They are great listeners that rarely interrupt and always eager to see you. They are so excited when their human walks through the door, happily wagging their tails at your feet. And who gives better hugs and kisses than a dog? But what about the actual physical benefits to dog ownership? -Immune System Booster Studies show that we as a society are obsessed with germs. … Read more
Caring for a dog costs roughly on average $1,000 a year–and that’s just in food, veterinary care and essentials. Of course not everyone owns the perfect dog, with the perfect temperament that happens to be in perfect health. Not many people can be so fortunate. There are always unexpected costs that come up. Spend the extra money to invest in the dog’s future. There is no cookie cutter training Clients contact me, we have our initial phone consultation, and then the … Read more
Some pet parents are jumping on the “vaccine is bad” bandwagon, feeling that a majority of these shots are useless and may lead to long term health complications. While there could be the slim chance of an adverse reaction to the vaccines given to our pets, there is also the possibility of adverse reaction to a dog eating food off the kitchen floor. So, what do vaccines actually prevent? Let’s take a closer look: Do dogs need the bordetella vaccine? … Read more
In this dog loving and accepting population, more and more companies are implementing “bring your dog to work” days. These days could be wonderful for a dog owner who enjoys spending time with their dog, but may be a nightmare for the office workers that barely tolerate four-legged creatures. Here are a few tips to ensure maximum enjoyment for all employees on days the canines are in the house! 1. Prepare for everything https://www.instagram.com/p/BylkQZkAu9C/ Dogs may not be familiar right … Read more
Fetch? Or is it? Most dog owners have experienced this from time to time; the dog will bring a stuffed animal and lay it at the owner’s feet. The owner, more than likely, will pick up the slobber soaked toy and fling it away from them. Result being the dog chases after it, retrieves it, shakes it a few times and brings it back to the owner’s feet. Thus goes the game of fetch. Or is it? Let’s look at … Read more
