We have all heard the common myth that a wagging tail means a happy, friendly dog. While it is true that dogs do wag their tails to express happiness at seeing a person (or dinner!), dogs also wag their tails to show other emotions. In fact, dog tails are more like human faces, showing their emotions through movement and position much like we do with smiles, frowns, pursed lips, etc.Knowing what to look for in a dog’s tail can help … Read more

We are all aware that some breeds, like the Australian shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, and the Viszla, have a tradition and/or standard of either a docked tail, cropped ears, or both. Recently, as more and more pet parents have begun to question whether we should do these alterations. And, in some places, such as many countries in Europe, they have already banned the procedures. But there are those who say the alterations serve a purpose other than looks, and that they are … Read more

Dogs can have environmental allergies just like people, often to the same things. You might be surprised that allergens in your house can make your dog as miserable as they make you. And, you may have been mistaking the symptoms for something else, including food allergies. Environmental allergies outside your house can also affect your pup. As the weather warms up and spring comes, grass grows, flowers and trees bloom, and the world smells amazing. But with all the good things it … Read more

The wolf brings forth thoughts of majesty, independence, spirit and drive. It is only natural that some would want the unbridled splendor of a wolf, paired with the loyalty of a domesticated dog. Before anyone knew it, the wolf hybrid came onto the scene. Wolf advocates praised the advances in trying to preserve the wolf’s lineage. Evolutionary biologists shake their heads in dismay. The wolf is a wild animal, plain and simple. No amount of hybrid cross breeding can change … Read more

Many of us like the idea of spending our lives helping animals, but may not have the time or resources to go to veterinary school. The next best thing, then, would be a veterinary technician.  Vet Techs help out in surgery, perform x-rays and basic “nurse” functions like taking temperatures, giving vaccines, and collecting samples for tests. It’s a rewarding job…but it’s also a highly-sought after job with a lot of applicants. Make sure you are doing all you can … Read more

Canine massage?! That’s the response most people have when they hear you talk about massaging your dog. However, just like with people, massaging your dog can relieve pain and stress, calm nerves, and strengthen the bond you have with your dog. Rubi Sullivan, CSAMP (certified small animal massage practitioner) explains that “massage is a gentle and non-invasive therapy that is a great way to maintain your dog’s health and well-being, as well as regular veterinary visits.” What are the Benefits? … Read more

It’s been decided, being a dog trainer is the way to go. But how does one even get started? There are a fair number of people out there who decide they know enough about dogs, have read enough books and promote themselves as trainers. Without proper training or mentoring, an uncertified trainer may do more harm than good when it comes to a dog’s education. Related: Review of Spirit Dog Online Training   Certified Professional Trainer Certified Professional Dog Trainer … Read more

We are all acutely aware of Parvo and its dangers. Just recently, new strains have been discovered that our current vaccines do not prevent, making the disease even more scary. You know it can be deadly to your dog, but do you even know what it is? Do you know the signs to watch for? Not knowing could cost your dog her life. What is Parvo Parvoviruses are actually a large group of viruses that effect nearly all mammals. The interesting … Read more

How often do your groom your dog? Once a week? Once a month? When you can’t stand the smell anymore? Never? Regardless of whether you have a long or short haired breed, grooming your dog is essential to her health. In fact, it could save your dog’s life. Why Frequent Grooming Matters Grooming your dog once a day (long hair) or several times a week (short hair) is about more than just a shiny coat. Here are several key reasons … Read more

There might be no better job than one where you get to walk dogs all day. Instead of being stuck behind a desk, you get to walk outside and play with man’s best friend. But can you really make a living as a dog walker? How do you go about getting a job like that anyway? The Right Resume If you already have some experience with dogs, whether you worked at a retail pet store, groomers, or a receptionist at … Read more

A fast growing industry as more pet parents are finding they just don’t have time to do their own grooming, getting a job as a dog groomer is competitive. In order to make a true career out of this job, you need to be dedicated, willing to put time and effort into practicing your craft, and be good at client relations. Many groomers get a dog that requires a high level of grooming, such as a poodle, to practice on. Really … Read more

Where can a dog go to exercise, socialize, sniff to his heart’s content and spend precious bonding time with his owner? The dog park! For most dogs, going to the park is a treat. For some owners it is a place to avoid at all costs. It is the few bad apples who don’t know basic dog park etiquette that have robbed countless dogs’ hours of enjoyment. Age Appropriate Puppies are entertaining to watch and love to explore and play … Read more

Your dog’s skin is the largest organ he has, shouldn’t you make sure it stays healthy? Skin afflictions can be painfully uncomfortable for your dog and cost you hundreds at the vet. There are over 160 skin disorders, some of which are chronic, incurable diseases, while others are preventable. Help prevent what you can by following these tips to keeping your dog’s skin healthy. 1. Sun Protection Just like humans, overexposure to the sun is bad for your dog’s skin. … Read more

There really is not a better job in the world than getting to work and play with dogs every day. It might be one of the few jobs were you get paid to be around something that reduces stress, lengthens your lifespan, keeps you healthy, and doesn’t spread office gossip. But for many of us, the idea is just a pipe dream. If you have the guts to even tell your family, you are met with laughter, criticism and the … Read more

Some dogs were bred to dig out their prey, others are suffering with behavioral issues. Digging is merely a symptom of the problem at hand. Once the issue is resolved, the digging will either lessen considerably or disappear entirely. Listed below are the five most common reasons for digging and ways to eliminate them. Genetics Certain breeds were born to dig. Dachshunds and Terriers are designed to claw the ground, hunting for badgers, foxes and other woodland creatures. It is … Read more

Many dog owners find it easier to feed their dog either once a day or just to free feed them throughout the day—both of these can be dangerous to your dog’s  health. Free feeding can cause a obesities as most dog’s will continually eat if given the choice. In addition, it can be hard to monitor your dog’s health if you are not sure how much or even if he is eating. For example, if you feed your dog a … Read more

They come in all shapes and sizes. Long, short, floppy or cropped; a dog’s ears only need a quick clean every so often. Too much cleaning on normally healthy ears will lead to irritation and may bring on infection because there is no healthy bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria. If there are signs of infection (Acute scratching of the head or ear, foul smell, discharge) consult a vet. Less is More The way the canine ear is designed … Read more

With the recent recalls on dog food and treats, many pet owners are thinking it might be safer to just make their own. It can also save you money and for dogs with allergies, it can be easier than trying to find a commercial treat. But, if you are not a natural chef for a dog nutritionist, you may feel unsure about what ingredients to use or how to bake something for your pet. Here are some simple tips to … Read more

SHARE this important article!   If you’re going on vacation and leaving your dogs in the care of a trusted friend or daycare, you probably give them your veterinarian’s phone number. But what other numbers do you keep on file? We can’t call 9-1-1 when our dogs have an emergency, so who exactly should we call? What are the most important resources we should have on hand to be prepared for anything? This list will help you prepare for any … Read more

There is a great divide among animal activists, dog trainers and owners; to crate or not to crate? The question arises with each new dog owner. Is it safe for the dog or convenient for the owner? Does it help or hinder separation anxiety? Is it a useful training tool or an isolation tank? Some people believe that when used in a positive manner, a crate is no different than a dog having their own room to hang out and … Read more

For many places, this winter has been harsher than it has been in a long time, and it’s not over yet. Regardless of the weather, though, most dogs want to go outside. In fact, some actually revel in the snow, playing and rolling in it for hours. While it is fun to watch a dog romp in the drifts and try to catch snowflakes, walking when it’s icy and cold can be hazardous to both the dog and human. Follow … Read more

A common plight among dogs is car sickness. No fun for the owner, it also takes the joy right out riding in the car for your canine traveling companion. Many dogs that suffer car sickness get so upset they won’t go near the car, and who can blame them? Don’t you avoid boats if you get seasick or that certain carnival ride that makes you nauseous? Bring the joy back to your dog’s joy riding by trying some of these … Read more

With the number of dog bites that happen each year in the U.S. (more than 4.5 million), the public needs to be better prepared on how to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. Not only does it cause pain and sometimes costly medical bills, it can cost a dog its life. In most cases, it is not entirely the dog’s fault – oftentimes if the human had done something differently, or had not approached the dog at … Read more

Most of us do not give our dog’s nails much thought. If you take your dog to the vet or groomer’s for bathing, you may never think of them. But, a dog’s nails are more like our toes – if they go bad, it can affect the entire way they walk. In the case of a puppy, it can actually harm their conformation and lead to a host of problems. Allowing a puppy’s nails to grow too long will cause … Read more

Inclement weather can make exercising your dog a chore or even impossible. When your best friend can’t get outside, pent up energy can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, zooming through the house, getting into the garbage, etc. So how do you tire out your dog when you can’t go outside? Here are a few ideas to help get your dog’s energy out, without destroying your home. 1. Indoor Obstacle Course. Clear out a space in a room (be sure … Read more

Commonly called “doggy breath,” it is something most of us find repugnant. In fact, a lot of owners confess they don’t let their dogs kiss them solely because of the smell from their favorite canine’s mouth. While a dog’s mouth will never smell like roses, there are a few things you can do to fix it…and a very good reason why you shouldn’t ignore it! Symptom of a Disease Dog owners should never ignore bad breath, especially if it is … Read more

Lethargy Some dogs are inherently lazy, but you may notice it to be more extreme than usual. Lethargy is a very common sign that your dog is not feeling well. And who can blame him? You don’t want to do much when you’re sick either. If the lethargy lasts more than a few hours, you should probably take him in for a check-up. Lethargy is a symptom of many ailments, some minor and others very serious. Lack of Appetite Most … Read more

It’s not if you will have an emergency with your dog, but when – Are you prepared? Not being ready could cost your canine his life, so be sure you have the proper items on hand and know what needs to be done should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Emergency Information Time is of the essence when it comes to an emergency – one minute could be the difference between saving and losing your beloved pet. Make sure … Read more

The American Kennel Club’s® (AKC®) Canine Good Citizen® (CGC®) test was created in 1989 to recognize dogs that are well mannered both in the home and out in society. The idea is to create a standard for responsible pet ownership and outline the basic behaviors every dog should have. Each dog that passes the test is eligible for the AKC CGC title and will receive a passing certificate from the Kennel Club. The test contains 10 elements: 1. Accepting a … Read more

Volunteers are the backbone of any animal shelter. They are counted on to walk dogs in all types of weather, clean up messes, and of course the hardest part of all, socializing puppies through play and cuddling. There are some truly awesome volunteers who deserve a medal for their dedication and determination. Then there are some who could use a few lessons on proper volunteer etiquette. This list is for anyone who strives to stand out as an extraordinary volunteer; … Read more

With a new dog comes new responsibilities, including finding the right veterinarian. When starting out on this quest, there are many things an owner can do before scheduling an informational appointment. Check out the practice’s website, facebook page, twitter page (if one is available.), look at the online yellow pages, read the reviews by current and former clients. Jot down questions as they arise during research; if the practice looks promising schedule an introductory appointment and if possible, a tour. … Read more