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What you teach your Husky is up to you. For example, some people want their dog to know Sit and Down, others do not care as long as they do one of these behaviors when asked. Mostly, it depends on your lifestyle and whether you just want a nice family pet or a serious competitor in a dog sport. However, there are a few behaviors your Siberian Husky should know for safety reasons. The following are the top 3 cues … Read more
If you have a bouncy Boxer, chances are you have thought about dog training. Especially during their “teenage phase,” Boxers can be overwhelming for some owners. In reality, what you teach your Boxer is entirely up to you – you may be happy with just a few simple behaviors that make him a nice family dog, or maybe you plan on her becoming the next agility star. Regardless, there are a few behaviors that every Boxer should know for safety … Read more
What you teach your Great Dane is really entirely up to you and your family. If you want a Dane that pretty much just knows his name and is a great family dog – that’s fine. Or maybe you want to do competition obedience, rally or even agility with yours. These factors are what ultimately decide what you teach your Dane. However, along with these, there are a few behaviors that really should be taught to every Great Dane. The … Read more
Many of us own Labrador Retrievers because they make great family pets. As such, you may feel you don’t need to teach your Lab many things, and that’s fine. Then there are owners who may compete with their Labs in agility, obedience, dock diving, etc., and teach them a lot – that’s great! Regardless of which category you fall into, there are a few behaviors all Labrador Retrievers should know for safety reasons. The following are 3 cues all Labs should … Read more
When it comes to training your Chihuahua, it’s really up to you to decide what you want to teach him. Most likely, it will depend on whether you just want a nice family pet or a performance Chihuahua. If you are looking for just a nice family pet, you may not care too much if your Chihuahua even knows the basics – and that’s fine. However, there are a few behaviors all dogs should learn for safety reasons. The following are the top … Read more
Being a small dog, many Dachshund owners don’t feel the need to teach their Doxies a ton of behaviors, which is fine! Really, the cues you teach your Doxie will be dependent on what you want her to be – a nice family dog that knows a few words or a top performance dog. This is entirely up to you and your family. But, there are a few behaviors that can save your Dachshund’s life, and these should definitely be … Read more
Some get German Shepherds because they want an intelligent dog and like the look of the Shepherd. Others get one because they know they are good workers and aspire toward herding, agility or obedience titles. Why you got your Shepherd will determine – for the most part – the behaviors you want her to know. If she is the family dog, you may not care too much about a precision Heel or even if she knows Down. Still, the following … Read more
Lady is a little Pomeranian with a big attitude. She lives with two giant Newfoundlands and the three of them make quite a unique bunch. Boomer, one of the giant dogs, is trying to play with Lady when he quickly realizes she wants no part of his mischief. Despite his gentle nuzzling, Lady offers him the fiery wrath only a tiny dog is capable of. Poor Boomer instantly rolls over to play dead and let Lady know he got the … Read more
Animal welfare professional and Pit Bull advocate, Neely Conway shares her expertise and experience as a contributor to the Huffington Post. Her recent article, “The Day A Man Hit My Dog” is a shocking reminder of just how deeply the stereotypes and prejudices against Pit Bull-type dogs truly run. Conway lives in Atlanta with her husband, Joe and two rescue dogs. The shelters in her area are overburdened and underfunded. Pit Bull-type dogs represent a large portion of the abused and … Read more
It is culturally expected that most human beings shower or bathe everyday. We can even bathe more often as circumstances present themselves. We all know that gross feeling we get when we know we need a shower and we may get kind of paranoid that we smell bad. Your dog has no such concern. She does not care how bad she smells and probably even rolls in bad odors just for the fun of it. WE care how our dogs … Read more
(Note: Always make sure your dog is safely secured when riding in the car.) Sometimes, something simple can completely make your day…like seeing a dog casually leaning out of a car window, for instance. Foxy Roxy Mango is a super-chill French Mastiff who’s been documented by passers-by as she cruises around London like celebrity. When the car is stopped, this laid-back lady likes to lean out the window like the boss that she is. A photo posted by Foxy Roxy Mango (@foxy_roxy_mango) on … Read more
Chihuahua-mamatero is a little dog with a big personality. He and his mom, Semba live in Saitama Prefecture, Japan and share a flare for the arts. Semba designs elaborate cardboard cutouts for Chihuahua-mamatero and he brings them to life as her muse and model. It began with Semba designing cute and inspirational messages to photograph Chihuahua-mamatero with for her Twitter followers, then she began to expand on her creativity with masks and costumes based on famous characters. Semba … Read more
Dog lovers are no strangers to the powerful healing that can only come from a 4-legged friend. And for a person who is living with a disability, a service dog is truly life-changing. In a touching photo that has gone viral, a mother is overwhelmed with emotion as her child begins to form what will surely be a deep bond with his new service dog. Five-year-old Kai is living with autism and has struggled to make social connections his whole life; that … Read more
If you’re reading this, you probably love animals. Sure, you might prefer dogs to cats or vice versa, but generally speaking most people that love one deeply also love every other living creature. There is something magical about the relationship with humans and animals of any species. We’re able to create impermeable bonds, work together and appreciate each other in ways that cannot be explained or replicated with other people. They are innocent beings with an unconditional love for their … Read more
Mike Thawley is a fire fighter in Sacramento, California who has helped a lot more than a few people in his days on the job. He recently found a tiny, sick Pit Bull puppy tied up in the rain. Seeing the condition she was in, he knew she had been abandoned. Thawley cleaned her up a bit and took her Front Street Animal Shelter for much-needed veterinary care. But being the loving gentleman Thawley is, he had to stop by … Read more
As long as I could remember, I’ve always had a heart for comforting those in a time of need. I’m not sure what brought me to the shelter that day, but I couldn’t help but feel like I was meant to be there at that exact moment in time. They brought her in to me. We were in a dimly lit room littered with broken dog toys. When our eyes met for the first time, there was a feeling of … Read more
Our dogs are more than just pets to us. They are our best friends, they are part of the family. That is why we give them everything they need to make them happy and to make their lives comfortable. We make sure that they feel our love and that they get the utmost care when they get sick. But dogs’ lives are short, and unfortunately for us, the time will come when we have to say good bye to them. … Read more
Golden Retrievers are known for their incredibly loving and outgoing personalities. These characteristics paired with their intelligence and desire to please make them excellent therapy dogs. One such pup is 3-year-old Mojito. Her love for helping humans is rivaled only by her obsession with toys. Ever the gentle diplomat, Mojito refuses to play favorites with just one toy, she makes sure they all feel the love! A photo posted by Mojito Rose Soldan (@mojito_rose) on Oct 16, 2016 at 7:35am … Read more
Have you ever wondered what activities there are for dogs and owners to do together? Maybe you’ve got a high-energy pooch that needs a lot of mental stimulation or simply just want to enjoy more than a walk in the park together. Whatever the reason, looking into dog sports is an excellent way to spend time with your pooch. You don’t need to have the Energizer Bunny for a pet, even older, less active dogs can enjoy some special training. … Read more
We know that our canine counterparts have extraordinary senses that, in many cases, are far superior to our own. Movies, books, and even folklore depict pups as being extra-perceptive to the paranormal. But is it legitimate to think that dogs can sense spirits, even when humans cannot? First, we have to ask ourselves whether we believe in ghosts and/or an afterlife. If you don’t believe in either of these, there is no question to ask. But let’s assume that we believe in the existence … Read more
Stinky doggie breath… all pups have it, right? While most do, it’s not as harmless as one might think. Veterinarians now know that bad breath in dogs (halitosis) can be a sign of a far more serious condition: periodontal disease. Your Dog’s Breath Could Be Signaling a Deadly Disease Unfortunately, periodontal disease doesn’t just stop in the mouth. Bacteria that starts in the gums can work its way into the bloodstream and affect the lungs, the kidneys, and even the heart. … Read more
Hope For Paws in a Los Angeles-based dog rescue that’s shared tons of amazing rescue stories. Recently, they received a call about a small, shaggy stray dog who had been homeless for at least a few months. While the rescuers are used to dogs running and hiding from them due of past traumatic experiences, they suspected that this pup didn’t want to leave her spot for another reason. Once they were finally able to get the pooch safely contained, they saw that … Read more
When it comes to a vacation in Hawaii, there are few things that could really go wrong. Those planning vacations in Hawaii are pretty much ready to do a whole lot of nothing and just enjoy the scenery and leisure of the islands. Relaxing on Maui’s beautiful beaches, sipping your favorite cocktail and enjoying your day of tropical elegance is an experience you’ll never forget. But if you’re like us, there’s always one thing that make it better – and … Read more
Dog-mom Kate Banaszak and her dogs seem to really get into the Halloween spirit. So when she posted a picture of herself and Irish Wolfhound Kellan dressed like the main characters in the 90’s comedy Wayne’s World, fellow Redditors were impressed with the duo’s impression of Wayne and Garth. Pretty impressive, huh? “I actually toyed with other costume ideas because I thought Wayne’s World was so 90’s, a lot of people may not ‘get it,’” Banaszak told The Dodo. “But, I’m a … Read more
Around this time of year, everyone wants a special treat–including your dog! But since we all know that chocolate and candy are dangerous for canine consumption, we want to share this DIY Peanut Butter Apple Treat recipe so that Fido can (safely) join in with the festivities. This recipe comes from the Gone to the Snow Dogs blog. We just love how these Halloween treats turned out! Here are a few things to keep in mind: make sure that the apple pieces you use don’t … Read more
When a picture gets posted online with the perfect amount of humor/adorableness/sweetness, there’s just no stopping it from going viral! When Twitter user @cutiechaser_ was sent a picture from her parents of a pup getting his caricature done in Disneyland, she had to share it with the world. As it turns out, everyone else loved it just as much as she did! MY PARENTS ARE AT DISNEYLAND AND JUST SENT ME THIS pic.twitter.com/s0XdI4GQFf — cutie chaser (@cutiechaser_) October 14, 2016 … Read more
The thought of our dogs silently suffering from a easily preventable illness is absolutely heartbreaking. Yet studies show that as many as 85% of dogs over the age of 3 years old are suffering from a disease that is not only painful, but outright deadly. What are we talking about? Periodontal disease. Unfortunately periodontal disease is more than just a cosmetic issue. In addition to causing inflammation, tooth loss, and pain for your dog, bacteria that starts in the gums can … Read more
The Scenario: In Bradenton, Florida, a woman named Elisha Griggs walked into a McDonald’s with her unmarked service dog, and a suspicious employee told her the pup wasn’t allowed in the restaurant. “They told me, ‘No pets.’ I said, ‘She’s not a pet. She’s a service dog.’ They asked me if I had paperwork for her. I said, ‘Yes,’” Griggs explained to WFLA News. You see, the pup is a small black Pomeranian named Onyx, which Griggs will frequently hold … Read more
On May 12, 2016 veterinarian and shelter director, Jian Zhicheng passed away after injecting herself with euthanasia solution – the very substance she had been forced to use far too many times on the dogs and cats she adored. Zhichen was only 31-years-old and likely suffering from a rarely discussed condition known as Compassion Fatigue or Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder defined as: “Emotional exhaustion, caused by the stress of caring for traumatized or suffering animals or people.” Compounding the condition for … Read more
Boxers are known for their adorably goofy expressions, and one photographer has been able to capture her pup’s many faces on film! Tamás Szarka is an amateur photographer who lives in Hungry. And her beloved muse? Six-year-old Strawberry, a silly, fun, happy-go-lucky Boxer pup! She told iHeartDogs that she started taking pictures of her dog in order to keep a “timeless memory” of her joyful, adventurous spirit. “Strawberry is not a pet she is my family,” Szarka said. “She is … Read more
4 Million Meals Donated in 2016 from Your Support! Dear Supporters, It is with great gratitude that we’re honored to announce another incredible milestone: 4,000,000 meals donated to shelters so far in 2016! Often when we look at numbers this large, it’s hard to visualize the impact. For this reason, we’ve compiled some stories of dogs and shelters who have been, and continue to be, individually impacted by your support. Words cannot express how grateful we are for your loyalty and assistance. … Read more
The hand touch is one of my favorite “tricks” to train because it has so many uses when taught properly. (Check out 6 clever uses here!) A hand touch can turn into a fast recall, a way to keep you dog focused on you, and even help teach heel. It can also be used for a variety of tricks, such as the “dolphin” where your dog jumps in the air. The following tips will help you get that rock-solid hand … Read more
Dachshunds are happy little dogs that fill our lives with laughter and companionship. For that, we owe them more than we can ever repay. As dog owners, we try our best to give back to our furry best friends who give us so much unconditional love. But sometimes we run out of ideas or wonder if we are doing all we can to give them the best life possible. The following are 3 ways you can let your Dachshund know … Read more
Life with a Great Dane really is great – they are wonderful companions. Anyone who owns a Dane knows they add more to our lives than we could possible give back to them. As owners, we are constantly trying to find ways to show these gentle giants just how much they mean to us. One of the ways we do this is by giving them the best care imaginable. Wondering if you could do more for your Dane? Here are … Read more
Life with a Pit Bull may have its ups and downs – especially if you live in an area that is breed biased. But inside your home, your Pittie provides you unconditional love and friendship, something you most likely won’t get anywhere else. Regardless of what others think, you know the truth about your wonderful best bud and want them to have the best life in return. The following are 3 ways you can thank your Pit Bull for all … Read more
It’s no secret Labrador Retrievers love people, food and toys. In fact, Labs can get downright excited and even crazy over all of these things. When that happens, their manners tend to go out the window, unless they have been carefully trained. These are the Labs that jump all over you for anything they want. Not only is this behavior a nuisance, it can cause injury – especially to young children or seniors. So how do you get your Lab … Read more
Huskies are energetic, fun loving dogs that have a zest for life that can’t be equaled. This zest sometimes manifests itself in the inability to keep paws on the floor when interacting with humans. Whether he is just so happy to see you or wants the toy in your hand, this behavior is annoying and can even cause injury. So how do you get your Husky to not jump? It may seem like a big task, but if you know … Read more
Dog bites can happen with any breed. But most dog lovers know that every incident shouldn’t be blamed on the dog alone. More often than not, there is poor management and training involved and the dogs are acting in the only way they know how. Dog aggression is a serious problem that dog trainers are called for every day. As professionals, they know all too well that the breed doesn’t always play a role. That’s why breed-specific legislation is so frowned … Read more
Every month the founder of The Pet Food Pantry of Oklahoma City, Kim Pempin, helps over 500 animals and their families in need. These pets are companion animals who live with low-income senior citizens, veterans and homeless. Monthly pet food donations of hundreds of pounds of food are delivered to people in need. Your purchases from iHeartDogs.com help support heroes like Kim, through the distribution of our partners at RescueBank! Without the help Kim provides, many pets would have to … Read more
When Reuben Roque of Los Angeles saw some disturbing footage from his neighbor’s security camera, he knew he had to help. A dog had hopped into a man’s car (Roque believes it must’ve been the owner), then was carried back out of the vehicle and hurled over the side of a cliff. Miraculously, a bush broke the pup’s fall and she was okay. Now, police are after the man who did this. Roque was so heartbroken by the incident that he offered to foster her as … Read more
Just the other day, a client told me that she thinks her darling pug, Buzzby, is able to recognize other pugs when he goes to day care or a dog park. She says that he gets very excited to play with another pug that looks like him. I believe her. I think that he finds other pug features very familiar, but maybe not because he knows what his own face looks like. I think it is something simpler than that. … Read more
Hope For Paws Animal Rescue Organization is devoted to helping dogs in need. Many of their efforts to save the fearful, abused dogs of Los Angeles are quite challenging. They often find themselves patiently luring terrified pups who have known nothing but cruelty and neglect; but no matter what it takes, these devoted rescuers get the job done. Luckily for us, they record their efforts, providing incredible rescue and transformation videos via their YouTube channel. Recently Hope For Paws got … Read more
When police answer calls for help, they can never be sure what to expect or how dangerous a situation may be. So when they arrived on the scene of a potential intrusion, they were prepared for the worst…but ended up getting a really good laugh! Deputies from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call from an 18-year-old man who believed an intruder had broken into his home. He said that his dogs were barking like crazy, and he heard strange noises coming from inside … Read more
Just like humans, dogs need family and friends. And when their family and friends are away from them, they miss them too. That’s why they look sad when we leave the house, and they’re so happy and excited to see us when we come home. The 2 dogs in the video below were surrendered by their owner at a California animal shelter. The dogs were placed in separate kennels. The staff observed that ever since the dogs were at the … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own American Staffordshire Terrier, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own Miniature Pinscher, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems down … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own English Springer Spaniel, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own Newfoundland, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems down the … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own Cane Corso, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems down … Read more
Dental health is an important part of your dog’s overall wellness and should not be overlooked. This is even more so if you own Samoyed, who are more prone to dental problems than some breeds. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean has been emphasized relatively recently and a lot of people are still simply unaware of the risks. However, just like people, there are many oral diseases that dogs can and do get that could lead to even greater problems down the … Read more
Toledo, United States.