All the lovely things we bring out to celebrate the holidays—tinsel, chocolate, holly, egg nog, poinsettias –a list that goes on forever, turn out to be not so lovely for our pets. In fact, many are extremely dangerous. Dr. Lisa Olsen, an emergency veterinarian at Iowa Veterinarian Specialties, says that vets are usually very busy this time of year. “We see more than a fair share of problems related to food in an emergency clinic during the holidays,” she says. … Read more

As a parent to a 3 year old daughter, a 6 month old son, and a 7 year old Siberian Husky, this great infographic from EdgarSnyder really hits home about child/dog safety. While walking our dog at the park, it’s not uncommon for  a well meaning, but overly excited child to run up to our husky to hug or pet her . Although she is great with children, the reality is you never know how a dog will react around … Read more

We came across this excellent resource by The Dog Training Secret. The only thing we’d add is in regards to tip #1, you don’t need to buy a puppy at all! If you look hard enough, you can find an adorable pup at a local shelter. And of course there’s always the option of skipping the puppy stage altogether and adopting a well behaved adult or senior dog as well 🙂

Most of us have been experiencing a cold front in some form or another by this time, and it can be particularly bad in certain areas. Wherever you are, your inside dogs probably aren’t very acclimated to the falling temperatures outside. It might seem that dogs are more resistant to cold with all of that fur, and some breeds may be more than others, but all dogs are generally as susceptible to cold weather ailments as we are. Frostbite and … Read more

How would you feel if animal control came knocking on your door, forced you to give up your best friend, only to have him be euthanized? It’s something so unfair, something so horrific and painful that you probably can’t imagine it in your worst nightmares. But for some, this tragic tale is a reality. Some people live in areas with breed specific legislation, that hold bans on certain dog breeds and breed mixes. Breed specific legislation, or BSL, is a … Read more

We have all heard the stories of dogs protecting their owners in the sign of imminent danger, and we’d probably all love to think that ours would do the same for us. However, it generally takes a properly trained dog to handle such courageous acts, and also to know when the time is right to take action. But how many of you have been visiting a friend or relative only to be approached aggressively by their seemingly friendly pet? Perhaps … Read more

Most new dog owners are aware of one of the most important aspects of raising a puppy – socialization. However, most of them don’t understand what socialization means and why it needs to be done. A common misconception is that the puppy needs to actually socialize with other people and other dogs – but this is actually pretty far from the truth. Socialization should really be called by a more accurate term – neutralization. What exactly does neutralization means? Neutralization … Read more

Look at that face. I mean can anyone really say no? We all know that table scraps are typically bad for our four-legged friends, but isn’t there something we can share? Much to our luck, there is! In fact, there are a few people treats we can pass over to our pups. But remember, all of the items on this list are without any extras – no butter, no salt, no sugar. They are as is, and believe it or … Read more

Why does my dog eat its poop? The condition is called coprophagia – when dogs eat their own stool. It’s disgusting, and most of us have seen it happen. Some are even unlucky enough to have a pup that’s constantly looking to snack on its own poop. But why? What on earth would make any animal eat its own poop? Behavioral Issues: There are a few theories that involve the behavioral standpoint of stool eating in puppies and dogs. Many … Read more

Each week, we’re going to start focusing on a small training tip that you can utilize with your dog. Training provides a happier and safer life for both you and your dog. Our goal is to help teach you how to make progress in training with your pup, regardless of age, in a way that’s easy to understand and follow through with. This week we’re focusing on a very important aspect that may not be for everyone, but can definitely … Read more

Is this not hilarious? Can you add any to the list? Comment below! #1 Yelling at me for barking… I’M A DOG FOR DOG’S SAKE!! #2 Taking me for a walk, but not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway? #3 Blaming your farts on me…not ok! #4 Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you’re not home 🙂 #5 Dog sweaters. Have you noticed the … Read more

How to give your puppy CPR, courtesy of Carrington.

I don’t think any dog lover has ever questioned this anyway, but here’s the scientific proof! Leave a comment and tell us how your dog(s) have improved your health! Source: Carlton Hobbs

Have you ever heard that statement that “a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s”? Be prepared to have this and 4 other myths busted! Infographic Courtesy of Greenies.

Years ago, shortly after we adopted our dog Splash, my wife’s grandmother randomly sent us an article about foods that are poisonous to dogs. My wife read the article, not thinking much about it. Not long later, our dog got into a bowl of grapes we mistakenly left within her reach. My wife immediately remembered that grapes were one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. We rushed Splash to an emergency vet clinic. After some induced vomiting and IV … Read more

Think owning a dog is expensive? Think again! We just found this amazing infographic by Golden Meadows Retrievers that explains the 7 free (& priceless) things we get for owning a dog… or should I say “being owned by a dog!”

Do you know how to detect seasonal allergies in your dog? It’s not as simple as you think, as many of the symptoms we humans experience are nothing like what our dogs do. This infographic from PetFoodNutrition.com explains it wonderfully.

Have you ever taken your dog to a dog park? Dog parks can be fun ways to provide your dog with exercise and social interaction. But before you head off to the dog park, here’s a quick brush-up on dog park etiquette. 1.  Familiarize Yourself with the Rules Every dog park has its own set of rules. Before you enter with your dog, take a minute to read them and be sure that you’re not inadvertently breaking a rule. 2. … Read more