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How To Teach Your Dog To Heel

A formal heel is an amazing thing to behold: dog right at your leg, staring attentively up at you while you walk. It’s something even non-dog people can appreciate. You may feel it’s something you and your dog can never accomplish, but it’s actually easier than you think and can even be fun with the following tips. What Is “Heel,” Anyway? First, let’s define what we are looking for. Knowing what you want the behavior to look like before you … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Why Does My Dog Not Respect My Boundaries?

Do you have a pushy dog? You know the type – jumps all over you, invades your space while you are trying to eat, barks for attention or toy throwing. They may even knock your kids over by being too friendly. These are not bad dogs. These are dogs that do not understand the concept of manners. It’s a frustrating way to live for the owner, and sadly, these are often the dogs that end up in the shelter. A … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Female Dog Hump Things?

“Humping” in our pet dogs is awkward to us because it is not a behavior that we exhibit in public. Sexually explicit behaviors are not well received in human society and are even against the law in some cases. But those social rules only apply to humans. To dogs, mounting is not particularly associated with sexual behavior.  It is just another way to communicate when one cannot use words. So we have to subtract our human nature and try to think like … Read more

Shelter Director Vows To Live In Dog’s Kennel With Her Until She’s Adopted… And It Works!

Sometimes, it takes a radical action to get people’s attention. Whitney Steele, Director of Volunteers and Events of Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA, came up with a brilliant idea to capture people’s attention and help find their longest resident a home. Lana is a 4-year-old Bullmastiff mix. She was found as a stray, but it wasn’t long until she found a home. That was three years ago. Now, Lana is back in the shelter. She was happy living in her … Read more

5 Signs Your Great Dane Is Stressed

If you have a Great Dane, then you know they are a majestically goofy dog. Looking at one, they are the epitome of elegance. But then they move and come at you with that wiggly body and you realize they are just a clown in king’s clothes. While normally laid-back goofs, Great Danes can suffer from stress just like any other dog. The first step to helping your Dane overcome his fears is recognizing when he is feeling this way. … Read more

5 Signs Your Dachshund Is Stressed

There really is nothing quite like a dachshund! A big dog in a small dog body, these hounds are often said to have Napoleon complexes because they act so tough. But often that tough show is hiding a stressed out doxie – can you tell the difference? The first step to helping your dachshund conquer his fears is recognizing when he is feeling this way. The following are some of the signs your doxie is feeling stressed or anxious. #1 … Read more

5 Signs Your Pit Bull Is Stressed

Pit Bulls – including the many bully breeds that are often referred to as pitties, such as Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers – are intelligent, sweet and amazing family dogs. If you have one, you know this is true. Since many pitties are rescues, owners often find themselves dealing with dogs that do not handle new situations, people (or even something as simple as a new noise) very well. The first step to helping your Pit Bull conquer … Read more

5 Signs Your German Shepherd Is Stressed

German Shepherd Dogs are intelligent, sweet and loyal to their families. If you have one, you know this is true. You also know many of them suffer from stress. As a trainer, I see a lot of nervous German Shepherd Dogs that have a hard time focusing or relaxing in new places or around new people. The first step to helping your German Shepherd Dog is recognizing when he is feeling this way so you can help him. The following … Read more

Service Dog Bravely Protects Her Human From A Big “Dinosaur”

We love theme parks and the way they make fantasy come to life, but this brave dog is always on duty when it comes to protecting her master! At Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, this service dog got to meet a dinosaur at the park’s Raptor Experience. Of course, she doesn’t know that the raptor is fake, or even what a raptor is. But what she does know is if this strange creature makes any sudden moves, she’ll spring into action and defend … Read more

Litter Lessons: What Your Dog Learns From His Littermates & Mother

A litter of puppies may seem like they don’t do much – eat, sleep, play a bit, repeat. But you may be surprised at just how much those puppies are learning and how what they learn will affect the dog they become. In fact, behavioral problems you are dealing with now may likely have stemmed from what happened (or didn’t happen!) before you bring your puppy home. Those First Several Weeks While those puppies are certainly eating and sleeping a … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Do Some Dogs Get Separation Anxiety?

Anxiety Disorder in humans is characterized by fear that impacts quality of life. Dogs feel fear too, of course. Fear is a normal response to a frightening stimulus, but normally is transient. Normal fear keeps an animal safe by helping him respond and escape from threatening situations. Only maladaptive fear causes self-harm or prolonged misery. Separation anxiety is when a dog responds fearfully when separated from their owner. It is a maladaptive fear disorder that can cause profound damage to the human-animal … Read more

Teen Heads Off To College With A Cardboard Cutout Of His Dog For Company

One super cool mom has found a way to make her son’s first year at college a little less stressful. When Jake Ostrowski confided in her that he would miss his dog Jesse when he left for Texas Tech, his mom Sharla took action. She commissioned a life-sized cardboard cutout of the handsome Golden Retriever to keep Jake company during those homesick dorm days. Jesse wasn’t sure what to make of his one-dimensional doppelganger, but Jake was ecstatic and shared … Read more

Dog Is Adopted By Another Family While Owner Is Off Battling Washington Wildfires

A heart wrenching story came to light last week and it has divided pet lovers across the country. Washington firefighter, William Jones returned from battling wildfires in the Eastern part of the state to learn that his beloved dog, Hunter had been adopted by a new family. Jones told KATU News that he was unable to get a cell phone signal while working in the Washington wilderness. He had no idea that Hunter had escaped from the home of his friend … Read more

3 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Dog’s Sense Of Smell

Dogs have long been used for their unique scenting abilities, but just how incredible they are might surprise you. We know that dogs can track and discriminate between various scents and locate people and substances among millions of distractions, but how they’re able to do this is just as impressive. So just how awesome is a dog’s sense of smell? #1 – Parts Per Trillion James Walker, former director of the Sensory Research Institute at Florida State University, estimates that … Read more

Dog Gives His Life To Shield 8-Month-Old Baby In House Fire

Most dog owners have no doubt that their pups would give their lives to save a loved one. This brave dog proved this to be true, dying a hero by sacrificing himself to save his family’s 8-month-old baby. Pup Polo and baby Viviana were inside the apartment when mom Erika Poremski stepped outside to her car. But in those moments, flames engulfed the home. The frantic mother rushed toward the door to save her daughter, but the fire was already blazing.   “I tried to keep getting in,” Poremski told CBS News. “She … Read more

10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Great Danes

  If you see one of these gentle giants, it’s hard to resist giving him a pat (carefully and with the owner’s permission, of course!). A Great Dane’s size and friendliness make him a fun companion, but there are a few downfalls to owning one of these colossal canines (at no fault of their own). Want to learn more about these majestic creatures? Here are 10 fun facts that you may not have known before! 1. Great Danes aren’t actually Danish. It’s unclear why these dogs of … Read more

Postman Writes Love Notes To Mail-Fetching Dog On Days When There’s No Mail

Pippa is a beautiful golden-haired pup who looks forward to fetching the mail every day for her humans. She has gotten to know the postman quite well as she completes her daily chore. But some days, Pippa’s humans don’t have any letters for her to retrieve. In order to not disappoint this sweet girl, the postman gets creative and writes her letters, himself! “Pippa the dog collects the mail. The post improvises when her owners have no mail,” the caption reads on ICantBelieveThisNameWasFree‘s Imgur post. … Read more

Rescue Dog In Wheelchair Takes His Guinea Pig Pal Along For The Ride!

Friendship knows no size, age, or species. It doesn’t matter how small you are or how old you are as long as there is love and respect between the two. And that’s what happened between the dog and the guinea pig in the video below. Meet Rex the Boxer and S’mores the guinea pig! Rex is an elderly Boxer who suffers from a degenerative disease which made his back legs lose their function. He was found as a stray and was … Read more

Duck Helps Heal Dog’s Broken Heart

We love stories about unexpected friendships, and this one proves to be pretty different from the rest! George the dog lost his best friend, Blackie the Lab, two years ago. After that, he spiraled into a depression. Since then, things went from bad to worse for George, as he grew lonely and started suffering from loneliness and anxiety. The poor pup became so downtrodden, he began refusing to eat, nearly starving himself to death. Without his best friend, George was quite anti-social and disliked the company of … Read more

“Diseased” Dog Chained Outside For 10 Days Before Finally Being Rescued

In Bulgaria, an innocent puppy was left all alone on a chain to die. But two years later, he is comfortably settled into his forever home! Two years ago, the Rudozem Street Dog Rescue (RSDR) received a call from a concerned woman who reported that a puppy had been tethered to a trailer for 10 days straight. Of course, they jumped into action, and rescue co-founder Tony Rowles arrived on the scene.   “When we arrived, the poor little guy was covered in flies, … Read more

Did You Know Your Dog Can Feel These 5 Complex Emotions?

We’ve all wondered about what our dog is feeling or thinking. Obviously, we know dogs can feel pain, fear and hunger. But what about other more “complex” emotions? In the last decade, scientists and canine behaviorists have used technology to find out more about our dogs’ emotions than we ever thought was possible. Thanks to them, we now have a deeper understanding of our best friends and what they feel. How Exactly Did They Study It? You may be wondering … Read more

12 Small Dog Breeds With BIG Personalities

These dogs might be small in stature, but they’ve got a whole lot of life packed inside them. They are the perfect choice for someone looking for a small-sized canine companion that can keep up with the big dogs, even outrun some of them – physically and mentally! These breeds are small dogs with big personalities and they’re going to make absolutely certain they are the center of attention. But that’s why we love them! #1 – Dachshund These tiny … Read more

Dog Who Once Had To Scavenge Animal Carcasses Makes An Incredible Recovery

The transformation in this video is so amazing, your jaw will drop–and we just had to share! According to Life With Dogs, when Texas rescue Vals Pals GSD and Large Paw Rescue  heard about an emaciated German Shepherd puppy trying to scavenge food by nibbling on a dead animal carcass, they knew they had to help. They searched the streets for the pup, and when they finally found her, she was so thin and dirty, she was almost mistaken for a pile … Read more

9 Signs You’re Feeding Your Dog The Wrong Food

You have a lot of choices when it comes to what you feed your dog. So, how do you know if you are feeding them the right food? Serving food that isn’t right for your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle could result in some health concerns that need to be addressed. If you need any of the following signs, you may want to try switching up your dog’s diet. However, you should always visit your vet first to ensure that … Read more

Volunteer Takes Shelter Dogs For “Coffee Dates” To Help Them Find Forever Homes

It’s no secret that shelter life can be stressful for dogs. Often, they go from being in a home to a strange, noisy environment. In worse cases, they’ve been rescued from abusive situations and are still learning how to cope with the trauma. That’s why many loving shelter employees and volunteers go above and beyond to bring sunshine into these dogs’ lives as they wait to find their forever homes. What’s more, when the dogs are happy and relaxed (often, thanks to … Read more

Affectionate Dogs Show Us That Sometimes, All We Need Is A Hug

Hugging is a very “human” way of showing affection. Some of us love hugging our dogs, and some dogs love being hugged (but watch out, not all dogs do!). But two dogs hugging each other? Now, that’s something you don’t see every day! A video posted by Adventures of Dewey & Blaze (@dewey.blaze) on Feb 2, 2016 at 11:34am PST Dewey and Blaze are two adorable Border Collies who show their love for each other with hugs! Because Border Collies are some of … Read more

8 Large Dog Breeds That Are Big Babies

Dogs come in various shapes and sizes, but most people are a little intimidated when it comes to the giant breeds. Their size really is impressive and they look very imposing, but more often than not, these dogs are just big babies that want to snuggle. If you’re looking for some gentle giants, look no further than this list. #1 – Newfoundland The Newfoundland is a very large, powerful breed originally used for water rescue and lifesaving work. Because of … Read more

College Campus Allows Grad Students To Have Pets In Their Dorms

Being a college student is full of the excitement of independence, making new friends, and (hopefully) preparing for a satisfying life-long career. But it can also a time of high stress, pressure, and homesickness. That’s why Tennessee’s Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Harrogate came up with, what could be, a long-term solution: allowing pets to move in with students! A photo posted by Centre College Dogs (@dogcentre) on Nov 8, 2015 at 7:29pm PST Currently, they are testing out the pilot program for a … Read more

Mysterious Bridge In Scotland Has Dogs Leaping To Their Death

The Overtoun Bridge has claimed the lives of hundreds of dogs…who have jumped to their deaths. It’s thought that the structure could be haunted. The historic bridge, built in 1895, is located in Milton, Scotland. And for many dog walkers, a casual stroll with their pup has turned into a nightmare. A photo posted by Emma (@emmalouisecatherine) on Jan 30, 2016 at 7:50am PST The Haunted Bridge The bridge’s deadly draw only seems to effect long-nosed breeds like Labs, Collies, and Retrievers. … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Are Actually More Like Cats

While it might be difficult for us to understand, there are some people that just don’t like dogs. However, it seems like more and more are being converted into true dog lovers. Some of these folks, though, are still looking for a less “dog-like” companion, even in a canine friend. Luckily, there are plenty of dog breeds that have a more cat-like personality. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you’ll be sure to find one you … Read more

Hero Samaritan Rescues Woman & Dog From Deadly Floodwaters

When Baton Rouge saw incredible flooding, 2,000 lives needed rescuing from the disaster. There were thousands of heroic people jumping in, literally, to save drowning victims from the devastating flood. There’s one video in particular, though, that we just have to share with you. WAFB, the Baton Rouge CBS affiliate station, shared the news that one women and her dog were saved moments before time ran out. The woman and her dog were trapped inside of her sinking car. A good samaritan … Read more

One Small Step For Man Is One Giant Step For This Little Pup!

Going up a flight of stairs is just very normal and trivial for us humans. But for puppies, it’s like conquering a mountain. One small step for us is one giant step for our cute little canine babies. And for the Bulldog pup in the video below, conquering that one big step was indeed a struggle. And having chubby short legs and a chunky body is not helping him either. But he definitely looks really cute trying to climb over … Read more

Nine-Year-Old Girl Freaks Out And Cries Tears Of Joy When She Finally Gets A Puppy

Can you still remember the time you had your first puppy? I can still recall how excited I was to finally get a puppy. I was just a kid that time and as far as I can remember, the feeling of happiness and excitement was overwhelming. Which is why I can understand the reaction of the little girl in the video below when she got her very first puppy This 9-year-old girl from Missouri named Colette Francisco has been asking … Read more

These Two Dogs And Their Hedgehog Friend Are The Cutest Squad You’ll Ever See!

We love animal friendships, and we know that you do too! And this one we have for you today is one of the most adorable friendships we’ve ever seen! Everyone, meet Maya, Peanut, and Minnie. Maya is a one-year-old Dachshund, and Peanut is also a Dachshund who’s still a puppy. Minnie on the other hand is a four-year-old African Pygmy Hedgehog. A photo posted by Maya, Minnie & Peanut (@mayathesausage) on May 24, 2016 at 10:01pm PDT These three are … Read more

Ways To Help Your Dog When He’s Laid Up

It’s never fun to have a sick or injured dog on your hands. They know they don’t feel well, but you can’t explain to them that all those things you do – some of them painful or uncomfortable – are going to help them. You can explain to a child that the cough syrup will help them sleep, the cast will help them heal, or that not putting weight on that leg will ease the pain. Unfortunately, you can’t explain … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Why Does My Dog Whine?

If your dog whines when it needs to go outside, chances are you figured that out pretty quick. But what about the other times? Why do some dogs seem to whine all the time or at odd times of day when they clearly don’t have to “go”? If you live with a dog that whines, you know how frustrating it can be to hear it. But also how frustrating it is to not be able to understand what your dog … Read more

Dog Dad Wakes Up To A Roomba-Related “Pooptastrophe”!

Almost everyone that’s ever raised a puppy knows one thing, accidents happen. Housebreaking can be a difficult battle, especially overnight, and most people have had to handle an unintended poop or pee puddle on the floor. It’s just part of raising a puppy and the puppies don’t mean any harm by it. Fortunately, not everyone has to experience what this dad, Jesse Newton, experienced. For this father, one tiny, poopy accident lead to a series of catastrophic events he so … Read more

Why Spaying And Neutering Your Dog Will Help Them To Live Longer And Healthier Lives

 A 2013 study conducted by veterinary researchers at the University of Georgia and published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE analyzed the effect of neutering on canine life span. While the gist of the results are that altering our dogs does seem to prolong their lives, some of the details pertaining to individual causes of death are quite eye-opening. The UGA scientists analyzed more than 40,000 canine death records from the 20 year period of 1984 – 2004. The data … Read more

4 Tips For Keeping Your Dog’s Breath Fresher Than Ever

Everyone knows that dog breath can be pretty formidable and although it might go unnoticed for some time, it’s usually a sign that there is something unhealthy going on in your pup’s mouth. Bad breath is a symptom of tooth and gum disease, and a large number of dog owners don’t enforce any oral care in their dogs. Since our pups can’t take themselves to the dentist, it’s up to us to make sure they’re getting proper dental hygiene. There … Read more

Dog Helps Human Practice Moderation With Wine

Many of us dog lovers also love wine. However, there are times when we have one too many glasses of wine. And if that happens, who knows what kind of trouble we can get ourselves into! But the dog in the video below somehow knows how to stop his human from having too much wine. Watch the video below and see what he does when his human reaches for another glass! credit: Newsflare Posted by Viral Thread on Monday, August 8, … Read more

Help For Dogs That Bark At Every Noise

Do you have a dog that barks at every little noise? Whether it’s another dog barking, the doorbell, or simply you opening a cupboard, your dog feels the need to bark. Dogs who are overly sensitive to sound – sometimes called “alert barkers,” can make daily life extremely unpleasant and even require you to post signs on your door! Luckily, there are ways you can help your dog stop the incessant barking. Why Some Dogs Bark At Noise So why are … Read more

Ask A Vet: Is It Safe To Take My Dog Running With Me?

Many people these days find running to be a great way to keep in shape and they wonder if they can take their dog along. Veterinarians and physicians alike agree that exercise is a wonderful way to maintain health, both mental and physical. If you want to take your dog along on your runs there are a few things you should consider. How rigorous are your runs? Make sure you are not asking too much of your dog who may not be … Read more

Ask A Vet: Why Does My Dog Take The Squeaker Out Of Toys?

We all delight in watching our dogs play and some dogs have specific ways of interacting with their toys. Sometimes this will include tearing the toy completely apart and rendering the squeaker ineffective. Many dogs seem bent on removing the squeaker as if they want it to stop. We know when we play with our dogs the squeaking sound seems to really fire up the play. Some dogs seem to be very excited by the sound and this could be … Read more

Excited Dog Sees Horses And Immediately Wants To Befriend Them

Some dogs are not so friendly with other animals. But we’ve seen a lot of dogs who are very gentle with other animals, especially the ones who are smaller than they are. And we just love watching those videos of beautiful and adorable animal friendships. Now here’s a dog who’s so friendly that when he sees two horses, he immediately wants to befriend them and play with them! This fella doesn’t care how big they are; he’s not even scared … Read more

This Pet Stylist Will Pamper Your Pets And Make Them Extra Fluffy!

For those of you who have furry or hair small dogs, it’s always important to keep them clean and well-groomed. Furry dogs need to have their hair/fur washed and combed or else they will become smelly and matted. So to make sure our babies are kept clean and tidy, we take them to the groomers. There’s a groomer who is so popular on Instagram that he is more than 170,000 followers! His name is Mehmet Gune–a Professional Pet Stylist/Groomer based … Read more

UPDATE: Man Who Abused Caitlyn The Dog Pleads Guilty

It’s hard to forget the image of Caitlyn that circulated the internet in May of 2015. She’s the pup whose muzzle was bound with electrical tape, wrapped so tight that her tongue protruded from her swollen mouth and turned black. The horrific image was heartbreaking to see, but sparked worldwide awareness of the epidemic of animal cruelty, along with a huge lack of laws pertaining to animal rights. Caitlyn’s abuser is 42-year-old William Leonard Dodson of North Charleston, South Carolina. After admitting to … Read more

When A Dog Is Left To Suffer, Neighbors Take Matters Into Their Own Hands

Alfie didn’t always have the loving home he has today. In fact, his beginnings were far from perfect. He once was an outside dog left chained on the side of a house, able to sleep only on concrete and barking constantly for attention. It was no life for a sweet dog like Alfie and neighbors didn’t expect it to get worse.   One day, Alfie was chained outside as usual, but neighbors noticed that his mouth was forced closed with … Read more

Little Boy Reads A Bedtime Story To His Two Huge Dogs!

When dogs are socialized properly, they can be very good with children. Some dogs even become good babysitters. And not only are they excellent playmates, they also become the kid’s bodyguard. Having a dog in the house gives the parent a perfect opportunity to teach kids how to respect and care for animals. And it also gives them the perfect opportunity to take adorable photos and videos! Just like the video below! This mom caught her little boy reading a … Read more

Think This Diving Dog Would Qualify For The Olympics?

In light of the Olympics, you’ll totally appreciate this talented diving dog! It’s well known that Labs love water, and this pup has taken it a step further–he doesn’t just swim, he dives off the diving board! He must have learned how to do this from his humans, and we guarantee that his skills would give them a run for their money any day! Check out that form: What a graceful pooch! This guy is certainly a master of his … Read more

Dog Hilariously Duets With His Opera-Singing Human

Do you sing in the shower? The guy in this video does…and so does his dog, Maximus! There must be something about those resonating deep notes that gives this adorable GSD the urge to wail along. Or maybe he just likes those bathroom acoustics? This floppy-eared pup must have sensitive hearing, making him unable to suppress the need to howl along! Lucky for us, it was caught on video. Check out this dog-human duet:   This pup may be destined … Read more

Here Are 5 Things That Big Dog Owners Are All Too Familiar With!

Some people, especially those who are not dog lovers and are not familiar with how dogs really are, would take one look at a big dog and immediately get scared. But for those of us who have big dogs, we know that if they are raised right, big dogs are just big babies who think they’re still puppies. As a mom to three huge dogs (2 Dobermans and 1 German Shepherd), I know just how sweet and affectionate big dogs … Read more