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Nature vs. Nurture: Is Your Dog’s Personality Learned Or Genetic?

Have you ever been told that your dog is aggressive because his dad was, or the parents must have been “resource guarders” because your puppy is one, too? When picking out a puppy, professionals always tell people to meet the parents before taking a pup home, because it will help you know what the puppy’s temperament will be like. But will it? What about environmental experiences, and how you treat the dog after you bring it home? It goes back … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Do I Train My Dog For Teeth Brushing?

Training your puppy to tolerate having their teeth brushed can be quite a challenge, but it is worth the extra effort. Strong, healthy teeth are an essential part of a dog’s health. With training, your pup will grow into a patient, well-behaved dog that calmly endures – or even enjoys – their dental care routine. Have an older dog? These tips will help you get them used to the teeth-brushing process, too! Choose A Toothbrush Like with people, there are … Read more

Cute Alert – Tiny Puppy Fits in Owner’s T-Shirt Pocket

Everyone loves dogs, no matter their size. Small puppies, in particular, can instantly warm our hearts. This story features a puppy so small that it became an instant hit on social media. In Shady Dale, Georgia, a man carried something very special in his T-shirt pocket. This delightful moment was captured in an Instagram video shared by @dillon_jim. A woman filming asked, “What’s in your pocket?” Her curiosity led to a wonderful surprise. As she came closer, the man opened … Read more

Stray Dog Experiences Love for the First Time, Finally Looks at Rescuers

Ellie, a small puppy with a scruffy coat, once roamed the busy streets of a large city, scavenging for scraps and seeking shelter wherever she could find it. Life was harsh and unforgiving for the young dog, who faced daily struggles just to survive. But amidst these challenging times, a turning point awaited her—a beacon of hope that would lead her from a life of hardship to one of love and comfort. Ellie’s journey began on a day that seemed … Read more

Two Stray Puppies Find Shelter in a Schoolyard and Hope for a New Home

Stray dogs face tough challenges every day, especially finding a safe place to stay away from bad weather. While some find old buildings or make homes out of boxes, two young puppies found a surprising place to hide—a schoolyard. Rescue Mission Begins In a small town in California, two puppies named Maggie and Mack roamed the streets without a home. They spent each day looking for food and a safe spot to rest. One sunny day, they wandered into a … Read more

Mother ‘Cries’ For Help, Her Puppy Is In Bad Shape

A mother’s love is the strongest kind of love. Whether it’s a person or an animal, a mother always wants to keep her children safe and happy. Imagine a quiet street where a mother dog is worried because her puppy is hurt. She does what any mother would do—she calls for help. This story is about how her love starts a wonderful rescue. A Cry For Help Her loud cries were heard by a kind person walking by. This person … Read more

“The Baby Is Sleeping!” Puppy Falls Asleep In Newscaster’s Arms And Melts Hearts Online!

A short video clip captivated viewers, and a sleepy puppy became the star of a live broadcast. During a segment on NBC10 Boston last month, anchors Colton Bradford and Melody Mendez were discussing the Boston Bruins’ playoff journey when they introduced a special guest: Bow, a rescue puppy from the American Rescue League of Boston.Here’s what happened next Bow’s Appearance The purpose of Bow’s appearance was to raise awareness and help him find a home. However, during the broadcast, the … Read more

Abandoned and Alone,Four Puppies Found Crying in a Garbage Dump

Every creature deserves a second chance at happiness. Imagine a corner of the city forgotten by time, where cherished pasts lie discarded. In this quiet, abandoned dump—a stark contrast to the city’s bustling streets—a surprising discovery awaits.  Amidst the debris, four dogs, once beloved pets, now survive covered in dirt and despair. On a day that seemed like any other, their eyes meet those of a stranger, sparking a flicker of hope. This is their rescue story. Wagging Tails When … Read more

Abandoned Puppy Litter Found, One Terrified of People Makes Rescue Tough

On a sunny day at the beach, a group of travelers were just enjoying a walk when something unexpected happened. ‘I was just exploring the beach, and then, oh my god, puppies!‘ one rescuer said. This discovery turned their simple walk into an amazing mission to help these puppies. What ensued was a heartfelt rescue. Frail and Starving While walking on the beach, a group of travelers found four very thin and weak puppies in need of help. Known for … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Licking Everything?

Dog licking everything

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. While most of us don’t mind a gentle lick from our furry friend now and then, a dog that constantly licks can be exhausting. Some dogs only lick themselves or humans, but others may lick random objects, furniture, or even the floor. No one wants a big spot of dog saliva on the couch. Plus, obsessive licking … Read more

It’s Puppy Vs. Adult Doberman In This Adorable Video

Poor Dobermans don’t get the best treatment in media. You usually see them as bullies or vicious attack dogs. Truthfully, a properly trained (and properly loved) Doberman Pinscher makes for a loyal family companion. These strong, fearless dogs love being part of a family and want to protect their pack. They were, after all, literally bred to protect people. A viral video shows the calmer, loving nature of Dobermans. It also shows why they make such good older siblings. A full-grown … Read more

Mama Goldie Lets Her Scared Puppy Know She’s There

YouTube vlogger HeyImTabs adopted her Golden Retriever Jimbo in 2016 when the puppy was just 8 weeks old. Before that gotcha day, she fell in love with his spirit. In a YouTube video that surged to 1.6 million views, tiny Jimbo shares a sweet moment with his mom. The mama’s commitment to her baby may have helped Jimbo get snatched up so quickly, HeyImTabs wrote. She shared the video to her channel, reminiscing on the sweet moment that made her … Read more

Tuckered Out Pittie Pup Seeks Out Fluffiest Playmates To Nap On

To quote that Bill Withers song, “we all need somebody to lean on.” A snuggly Pit puppy from Green Bay, Wisconsin has taken that metaphorical saying to literal extremes. Her name is Edna and she loves to lean on other dogs. Well, more like sleep on. This smart girl manages to find the fluffiest nearby dog to lie down on. At her doggie daycare, she has many options to choose from. Photos of the tiny pup napping on her cushy friends … Read more

Bulldog Puppy Being Baby-Talked To Demands Respect

Sometimes controlling that baby-talk voice you use to interact with your dog can be tough. We can’t help it, they’re just so tiny and cute! The “voice” is basically a reflex. Whoever filmed an adorable viral video of a Bulldog puppy has this issue too. In the video that boasts hundreds of thousands of views, an extremely tiny puppy named Greta gives some sass to her person. Her human sits on the couch, babbling at her in the “voice.” From … Read more

Husky Puppy’s Chewbacca Howl Is Truly Enchanting

Huskies don’t just look remarkably like cuddly wolves. They’re also famous for their distinctive vocalizations and adorable howls. That sound comes to them at an early age. An adorable viral video of a husky puppy testing out his pipes really demonstrates that. With the rest of his litter completely passed out around him, one Husky puppy has no one to play with. This won’t do, so he begins to howl his own signature howl. At several points, his tone gets … Read more

Chatty Frenchie Tells Mama He Loves Her In Woof-Speak

Do you ever sometimes wish you could have real conversations with your dog? You know, instead of just verbalizing at each other in different languages? Some pet parents swear their dog’s woofs sound human. When you see this video of a French Bulldog puppy talking to his person, you might just have to agree. You may have even already seen this video, given that it has over 13.8 million views. First of all, let me just say how cute this puppy … Read more

12-Year-Old Boy Leaves Puppy Outside Shelter With A Devastating Note

On February 13, the staff at the Xollin Animal Shelter in the Mexican state of Michoacan discovered a Pit Bull puppy in a cardboard box outside their facility. The injured pup was accompanied by a stuffed toy and a note from a broken-hearted boy. “My name is Andrés and I am 12 years old. My mom and I decided to leave my dog in your hands, hiding it from my dad because he is thinking about selling him. But he … Read more

Puppy Bowl XVI Recruits Over 90 Adorable Adoptables

I’m not a big football fan, but that doesn’t mean I don’t look forward to the day of the Super Bowl every year. No, it’s not for the commercials. It’s not entirely for the snacks either. I get excited to watch the annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet! Erin Wanner, a senior production executive for Animal Planet, told Patch how this annual tradition came about over 15 years ago. “We put down some turf on the office floor and let some puppies … Read more

Firefighters Rescue Puppy From Texas Storm Drain

The city of Elgin, Texas is experiencing flash floods, but firefighters were busy with a different kind of rescue earlier this week. A small puppy was on a walk with his owner Monday evening when he fell into an open storm drain. The rescue by local firefighters was caught on video, and features James Daniel Lopez climbing into the tight spot to retrieve the bewildered, but otherwise uninjured pup. With so much going on in their town, firefighter Lopez and … Read more

How To Stop Your Puppy From Biting

Puppy nibbles may seem cute at first, until your puppy gets overexcited and her needle-sharp teeth sink into your skin. Nipping is normal puppy behavior, but it’s important to teach your puppy not to bite. Otherwise, they’re likely to grow up thinking that biting is acceptable behavior. Here are a few tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. What’s the difference between teething, nipping, and biting? Just like humans, puppies start life with a set of baby teeth … Read more

Pregnant Dog Wanders Into Fire Station, Delivers Puppies, & Finds A Forever Home!

When a pregnant stray dog was ready to give birth, she seemed to know that the big-hearted folks at the Apopka Fire Department in Florida would be happy to help her! The dog, now named Lady, wandered up to the station, where the crew was happy to take her in. “And so I went outside and saw her, and she was pregnant,” said Lt. Renee Beasley in a story by Fox 6. “Even though she was pregnant with her belly, … Read more

This Shelter Defies Dog Breed Labels By Throwing Them Out The Window

The folks at the Arizona Welfare League (AAWL) know that every dog’s personality is different, shaped by its history, experiences, and temperament. Following a study conducted by Arizona State University, this organization wanted to give all the dogs in their care a fair chance at winning over potential adopters with nothing but their good looks and shining personalities. Michael Morefield, Marketing and Communications Manager at the AAWL, weighed in on the issue in an article by Life With Dogs.  “Breeds are an aspect of … Read more

6 Ideas To Help Your Dog Sleep Through The Night

Parents of small children know sleepless nights are bound to happen, but what about pup parents? Many dog owners learn the hard way that like babies, dogs don’t always respect your desired sleep schedule. You love them, but that doesn’t mean you love waking up multiple times a night to deal with their crying and acting out. Puppies don’t sleep through the night because they’re still working on house training, but it’s also a common problem for adult and senior … Read more

Horribly Abused Pit Bull Puppy Is Recovering And Awaiting Forever Home

DISCLAIMER: Some readers may find pictures and videos in this story to be disturbing. Please continue with that in mind. In the early-morning hours of February 23, a 9-month-old Pit Bull was found tied to a fence by her muzzle in Philadelphia. She was taken to a Philadelphia animal shelter, and her name, Emerald (Emmie for short), was on a list of dogs scheduled for euthanasia that was emailed to Outcast Rescue. The rescue immediately came and got her and … Read more

Special Needs Puppy Passes Miraculous Milestones, Thanks To Her Cat-Rescuing Foster Mom

On November 28, a very special puppy celebrated the latest in a series of extraordinary milestones. Her name is Sasha, and on that joyous day, she celebrated her 12 week birthday. For most puppies, turning three months old is a given, something taken for granted. But for Sasha – who was born with hydrocephalus, a cleft lip and cleft palate – each day is a gift.   From her very first day on earth, Sasha has been in the capable … Read more

High School Students Gift Their Mourning Teacher A Pawesome Surprise

A group of teenagers at Clements High School in Alabama knew their history teacher, Troy Rogers, was going through a rough time. With no children of their own, Rogers and his wife doted on their senior dog. The 11-year-old Golden Retriever was blind, and one day the dog disappeared. After weeks of desperate searching, Rogers was forced to face an unwelcome truth. It was presumed the ailing dog wandered off to find a quiet place to take his last breath, … Read more

Man Gets The Ultimate Surprise After Weeks Of Grieving The Loss Of His Dogs

James Xuereb of Guelph, Ontario was heartbroken after he and his family lost their two dogs, Lucy and Nemo, within 3 weeks of each other this past summer. He had been mourning the deaths of the dogs, who passed due to congestive heart failure and old age, for many weeks. That’s when his wife, Wanda and daughter, Jaleen decided to surprise him with a puppy in order to lift his spirits. They gave him a birthday card first, and he … Read more

Report Finds That Around 80% Of Online Ads For Pets Are Scams

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has released a new report which states that it’s almost impossible to search for a puppy online without coming across at least one scam. In fact, according to the report: “Experts believe at least 80% of the sponsored advertising links that appear in an internet search for pets may be fraudulent.” While anybody can fall into this scam, the people who are most likely to fall for it are those in their 20s and 30s. People … Read more

Pup Abandoned In Airport Bathroom With Heartbreaking Note Has Been Adopted

You may remember the teensy-weensy Chihuahua pup whose story went viral after he was abandoned in an airport bathroom along with a note from his owner. While opinions about Chewy’s former mom – a self proclaimed victim of domestic abuse – varied, everyone ultimately wanted the same thing: a happy outcome for Chewy. Now, almost three months after his story garnered international attention, the tiny pup has gotten his fairytale ending. He’s been adopted!   “Hi! I’m Chewy! My owner … Read more

5 Tips For Determining Your Rescue Dog’s Age

Rescuing a homeless dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. In order to provide the best care for your family’s new addition, it is important to determine their age – or at least an approximate range. Vaccination schedules, testing for common diseases like heartworms, and optimal diet are all dependent on age. Your veterinarian can assist you with this estimation and these five tips will help you narrow down your pup’s age range. 1. Study … Read more

Veteran Discovers Puppy In A Backpack Abandoned In His Truck Bed

A Tampa, Florida puppy is lucky to be alive after spending anywhere from half an hour to 3 hours stuffed into a backpack that had been placed in the bed of U.S Air Force veteran Jerry Murray’s pickup truck while he was in a meeting. Murray didn’t notice the backpack until he got home and heard a noise when he went to pull his briefcase out of his truck. The puppy’s head was poking out of a New York Yankees … Read more

Photographer Does Adorable Newborn Photo Shoot For Foster Puppies, World Melts

Kelly Frankenburg specializes in newborn and infant photography at her home-based studio, 11 Sixteen Photography, in Richmond, Virginia. Usually those newborns are human, but when she started fostering a rescued Chihuahua and her 3 puppies, she knew a photo shoot was in order. Frankenburg and her family recently started fostering for Richmond Animal Care And Control. When she brought mama Paris and her three 2-week-old puppies home to foster, she knew she wanted to take professional pictures of them to help … Read more

Shelter Puppy With Unusually Large Head Sparks DNA Debate

When a litter of four stray puppies arrived at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in June, the staff instantly noticed that one of the pups was not like the others. While his three littermates bore the characteristics of mini Border Collie mixes, the pooch they named “Bighead” had short, chubby legs like a Basset Hound – and, you guessed it, a very big head! Lauren Gallagher works in the HSSV finance department and has fostered countless dogs for … Read more

5 Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make When Socializing Your Dog

Socialization is a key part of raising a happy and well-mannered canine citizen. From the time they’re puppies all the way through old age, dogs are continuously learning about the world around them. Without proper socialization, dogs can be unnecessarily stressed or fearful, and they need social interaction for both mental enrichment and physical exercise. Socializing your pup can be as simple as taking them on regular walks and introducing them to other dogs, but there’s also a wrong way … Read more

Stray Puppy Who Was An “Unwanted Gift” Gets Rescued, Thanks To A Stranger

Do you know what to do when you see a dog in need of assistance? For those who have never been confronted with the situation before, it can be difficult when you find yourself there. You don’t want to frighten or injure the dog, but you don’t want to be bit by a scared pup or risk it running away before help arrives either. A successful rescue takes planning and a delicate hand. When a stranger saw a pup cowering … Read more

Pet Sitter’s Note Hilariously Describes What It’s Like To Love A Dog

A day in the life of a pet sitter is never easy. It may seem like it’s all snuggles and games of fetch, but this note shows the bad, the silly, and the smelly that comes with the job. Reddit user carlwinslow187 started a hilarious conversation thread about what happened when the family pup spent the night with a dog sitter. The dog’s owners went out for the evening, and as responsible pet parents, they asked someone to come over … Read more

Vet Refuses To Give Up On “Paralyzed” Puppy

Veterinarians are forced to make difficult decisions every day. Dr. Z of Duarte Azusa Animal Hospital outside Los Angeles recently found himself confronted with an agonizing situation involving a six-week-old puppy named Bo. The tiny pooch’s owners said she was paralyzed and signed over their rights to her after declining all treament – except euthanasia. But Dr. Z refused to give up on little Bo so easily.   He ran a series of tests that revealed the cause of Bo’s “paralysis.” … Read more

More Than 80 Great Danes Saved From Suspected Puppy Mill

On Friday, June 16th, police and officials from the Humane Society of the United States rescued 84 Great Danes from a suspected puppy mill in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The 84 dogs were found to be housed in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, with their feet sliding in their own feces while walking. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the Wolfeboro Police Department has previously dealt with the owner of the residence regarding barking dog complaints. An investigation was … Read more

93-Year-Old Woman Is Best Friends With Her Giant Fluffy Neighbor

Every human/animal bond is special, and 93-year-old Sally and one-year-old Brody have the kind of connection every animal lover hopes for. In 1990, Sally lost her husband. All but one of her four children moved far away, but the independent senior was never alone. Sally has lived next door to Dave Mazarella in Mt. Vernon, Washington for the past 15 years. As a fellow animal lover, Mazarella has had a host of pets. Sally has met and loved them all, … Read more

Ask A Groomer: What’s A Puppy Cut?

Have you ever asked a groomer for a puppy cut and been given a strange look – or, worse, a bad haircut? Would you be surprised if I told you the term “puppy cut” actually doesn’t give the groomer very much information? What should you say to make sure your dog looks perfect? A puppy cut could look like this… The term puppy cut originally referred to a fluffy trim given to Poodles for the show ring before they were … Read more

Ask A Groomer: How Can I Prepare My Puppy For Grooming?

Want to set your puppy up for success? Here are five things you can do at home to ensure that your puppy has a lifetime of safe and positive experiences at the groomer. Touch and hold their feet. Several times a day, start by briefly touching each foot, then rewarding with a treat. Move on to holding each paw for several seconds before rewarding. The goal is to be able to trim their nails without upsetting them. Most dogs will … Read more

How To Teach Your Doberman To Stay

Stay is one of those behaviors that is useful for any dog to have, but is tricky to train. Whether you want your Doberman to be the next obedience champion, or just to stay put when you open your front door, it’s a wonderful behavior to teach. Plus, it helps your dog learn self-control, which carries over into other parts of her life – such as not diving for your food plate or chasing the cat. The following is a … Read more

Puppy Who Survived Heroin Overdose Has Found The Perfect Adopter

A once frightening story has a beautiful happy ending! Just 2 weeks ago it looked as if a tiny Chihuahua puppy was not going to survive. Now, the little fella is healthy, full of energy, and ADOPTED! It began when police discovered his near lifeless body in his owners’ truck outside a Texas Home Depot. He had consumed their stash of heroin and required immediate emergency care. “He was extraordinarily lethargic, almost comatose,” Dr. Stacie Fowler of North Texas Emergency … Read more

5 Tips To Prevent Your Jack Russell Terrier From Pulling On The Leash

Just because your Jack Russell Terrier is not a large dog, does not mean they shouldn’t walk nicely on leash. While your JRT may not be able to pull you over, they can still cause injury to your shoulder, arm, or wrist should they suddenly bolt. It’s also not good for your dog’s body to be constantly pulling against you. This includes pulling due to her stopping and barking at everything. Finally, leash manners mean your dog listens and pays … Read more

This Puppy Has Ear Markings That Mirror Her Adorable Face!

Like snowflakes, no two pets are alike, and this means that some end up with really cool markings! Lucy is a white and black spotted pup who was at Lollypop Farm, a humane society in Fairport, New York. According to The Dodo, she was part of a litter born to a stray dog who was rescued and brought to the farm last year. As Lucy grew, staffers were delighted to see that the markings on her ear were beginning to … Read more

Watch This Floppy-Eared Puppy’s Reaction To Hearing A Strange Noise

There’s just nothing on Earth like the irresistible cuteness of a puppy head-tilt. Full of curiosity in a big, exciting world, when an inquisitive young pup cocks her head, it’s almost impossible not to laugh. As our dogs grow older and wiser, they start to figure out their surroundings. But on those occasions when they still tilt their heads, it reminds us of those curious puppy days. The German Shepherd puppy in the video below has one of the cutest head tilts … Read more

Sleepy Puppy Throws The Cutest Tantrum Ever During Her Haircut

Things Puppies Like: People, Other Puppies, Butterflies, Naps…and basically anything they can chew and/or chase. Things Puppies Dislike: Rules, Collars, Booster Shots…and if this hysterical video of Oreo the 11-week-old Shih Tzu is any indicator, getting their hair cut!   Little Oreo is still new to the world and trying to figure out what’s expected of an adorable long-haired pup like herself. When she arrived for her second-ever grooming appointment at a veterinary clinic in Leesburg, GA she happily played … Read more

Puppy Found By Dumpster, Sold Online & Abandoned On A Doorstep Finally Gets Rescued

Poor little Snowflake has had an incredibly rough start to her short life. At just 5 weeks old she was found abandoned behind a dumpster in Bakersfield, California. The person who found her attempted to sell her on Craiglist for $10, but was only offered $5, so he or she dumped little Snowflake, soaking wet and freezing cold, on a stranger’s doorstep. The homeowner contacted Amanda Brooks, an adoption coordinator with the rescue group, Marley’s Mutts. She rushed over to … Read more

2 Hero Dogs Step In To Save A Tiny Puppy Someone Threw In The Trash

The morning of Tuesday January 31 began just like any other for a police officer in Novo Horizonte, Brazil. He was leaving to drive his daughter to school when he noticed a neighborhood dog rummaging through the trash. At first it appeared that the dog had found a dead kitten, but on closer inspection the officer saw that it was a tiny newborn puppy – and that it was still alive. He tried taking the puppy from the dog, but … Read more

Puppy Steps In To Save The Day When His Human Fears For Her Life

Hercules may only be 10 months old, but the 110-pound Rottweiler certainly knows how to protect his human! When Catalina Humphrey was walking her pup down a popular jogging trail, in daylight, she was approached by a man from behind. The suspect only had time to grab her by the shoulder when Hercules sprang into action and turned on him, biting him again and again. Watch a clip on this amazing story below: Thanks to the heroic Hercules, Humphrey was saved from … Read more

UPDATE: Resilient Puppy Whose Face Was Burned Finds His Forever Home!

Update: Last week, sweet Dudley found his forever home! Despite enduring so much pain and trauma in his young life, this pup’s spirit remained unbroken, and his resilience is absolutely inspiring! We have no doubt that this pooch will be spoiled with his new forever family. Original Story: In Lenoir County, North Carolina, a puppy who’d suffered horrible burns on his face wandered into someone’s yard. Luckily, this is when his life changed – for the better. The property owners immediately … Read more