March

23

Why is my puppy’s energy so high?

There are actually a lot of possible reasons that your Puppy is being so energetic. Here are a few.

It needs more exercise

Many different types of dogs are bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. Because of this, they require a lot of exercises to be properly stimulated. If they don’t get it then it can cause them to become more hyperactive since they will be looking for ways to vent their excess energy.

You might be surprised at just how much exercise your puppy might need in order to be properly stimulated. So, if you want your Puppy to tune down the energy then the first thing for you to do would be to make sure that it is getting exercise daily and to try giving it a lot of exercise in one day to see how it responds. You’ll often find that it takes a lot to calm it down.

Attention seeking

The reason that it is acting in such an energetic way could be because it is looking for attention. If you don’t give your puppy lots of attention throughout the day, perhaps due to work, then it can cause your puppy to try to get it from you.

If you react to it when only to mischievous behavior, then it might have learned that behaving that way is an effective way to get attention from you.

Instead of reacting to it when it gets crazy try ignoring the behavior if you can and then giving it your attention when it is behaving the way that you want it to.

Bored

It could be that your Puppy is bored. This can go hand in hand with not getting enough exercise or attention. So, it’s important to make sure to give your puppy lots of exercise, training, attention, and toys to play with to keep it occupied.

It needs more training

If you have been struggling to get your Puppy to listen to you then it could be that it is not getting enough training. Puppies do not naturally understand what words mean.

So, when you tell it to “come here” despite not having previously taught it what that means then it’s not going to know what you mean.

March

16

4 Super Helpful Dog Bathing Tips

Life is crazy enough without wrestling your wet dog in your bathtub, so here are 4 helpful tips you can use right away to help make doggy bath time better at your house:

Bathing once a month should be enough for most indoor dogs who have normal healthy skin. Do so with dog shampoo or baby shampoo to ensure that no harsh chemicals affect their skin.  

For dogs who need more than the monthly bath, make sure to reduce the amount of soap or shampoo that you use on them unless it has moisturizing properties. Much like human skin, your dog’s skin can dry up if constantly exposed to soap.

Unless absolutely necessary, avoid giving your dog a bath multiple times a week. If you’re using a topical treatment to treat your dog from fleas, those work better if your dog’s natural skin oils are present to help speed up their effect.

To make bath time easier, train your dog to stay calm during baths from the beginning. Allowing them to panic and hide at the slightest indication of a bath would only prove detrimental for both of you in the long run. Instead, make bath time something enjoyable that your dog will love doing.

The question of how often to bathe a dog can puzzle a lot of pet owners, but luckily the answer’s quite simple. As frequently it is needed. No matter how frequent that is, using our 4 super helpful tips should make bath time better at your house.

March

09

5 Things You Do That Your Puppy Loves

Dogs are man’s best friend, and this special bond can be strengthened when we go the extra mile to understand the things that our pups love. Here are 5 things that you do that your puppy can’t get enough of.

1 Touch – Most dogs love to be touched by their human best friends. Whether it’s a scratch behind the ears or a pat on the head touch your pup is a special way to speak your pup’s language of love. Just as babies benefit from skin to skin contact, your puppy connection with you will strengthen simply through regular touch.

2. Eye contact – Puppies love to study our facial expressions and learn our emotions. Eye contact is important to help your puppy learn your individual facial expression. Don’t be shy about looking your dog in the eyes, you are helping him learn about all the things the human face can do!

3. Smile – We express happiness through our smiles. Similar to eye contact out smiles help out pups to understand the subtle nuances of human non-verbal communication.

4. Speak – Just because your pup doesn’t speak English doesn’t mean he can’t understand. Speaking to your pup is a great way to improve his ability to learn commands faster. Repetition is key so practice using the same tone when you use a command to help your puppy learn faster. We recommend that you don’t raise your voice at your dog as this can trigger fear and anxiety.

5. Exercise – Movement is playing for pups. Your puppy loves when you exercise and wants to join in. Whether it’s a just a walk around the block, or hike up the mountain, exercising with your dog is a great way to make your furry friend happy, and to burn off extra energy. 

March

05

5 First Tricks for Your New Puppy

By John Woods. Founder of All Things Dogs– Dog Breeds, Training and Behavior.

Coming home with a new puppy is one of the most exciting events that could happen in an animal lover’s life. Their excitement and cuteness are infectious with their little paws and a head too big for their body. Between belly rubs and playing with toys, new pet owners will run into a few behavioral issues that might frustrate them if they’re not addressed soon enough. This is where training comes in; it is extremely important to teach manners and begin to establish trust between human and dog.

Like people, all dogs learn differently. Some are more food motivated, others love getting pets, or their favorite toy as a reward. Finding this motivator is key when training because it will create a positive and exciting experience for the puppy.

These are five tricks to teach your new puppy in the first month of adoption…

  1. Their Name 

This is the most important thing for your puppy to learn because it will help you get their attention in several different scenarios, whether it’s trying to find them after they got off leash or having them do a trick for you.

How-To

  1. Having their favorite thing in hand, say their chosen name as you give them their treat or toy. They will soon associate the name with something you’re going to give them that is very interesting. Repeat for only a couple minutes at a time because puppies do get tired.
  2. When you come back home from work or class, greet them by saying their name over and over. Petting, toys, or treats enhance the positive association they have with their name and owner.
  1. Leave It 

When you can get your dog’s attention with their name, puppies have a habit of getting themselves into trouble either way. “Leave It” is a simple command that redirects the puppy’s attention towards you instead of something like a frog or electrical cords that they would like to chew up.

How-To

  1. Let the puppy see you have a reward in your hand, preferably something small so when you make a fist it is completely covered. This works best with treats.
  2. Before they can snatch it up, close your hand and say “leave it”
  3. The puppy will try to gnaw and paw at your hand for the reward, but stay strong.
  4. Once the puppy looks away or loses interest, reward them with the treat and repeat.
  5. Once they get the hang of that, drop the treat on the ground, say “leave it,” and quickly cover it with your hand.
  6. Repeat step 4 with this new variation.
  1. Come 

The “come” command is pretty simple because it reiterates the same steps like teaching them their name, just at a distance.

How-To

  1. When your pup is out of arm’s reach, get their attention with their favorite reward.
  2. As they trot towards you, say “come” and reward them with the treat, toy, and/or lots of love.
  3. When they are preoccupied with something else, call out their name and “come.” Reward them handsomely when they do run over to you, expecting something fun or tasty for them to have.
  1. Sit

Having a puppy sit might seem impossible because of all their wiggles, but rest assured, it is possible. With a little bit of incentives, your pup is sure to follow suit.

How-To

  1. Have your puppy’s attention with their reward while they are on leash.
  2. With the reward in hand, hold it above their head and move it slowly towards them, parallel with their back.
  3. Your puppy will want to back up, but having a hold on their leash keeps them from moving and ultimately tricking them into sitting down.
  4. Just before their butt hits the ground, say “sit” and reward them. Repeat until you can do this without the leash.
  1. Down

This will be the hardest command out of the others, especially with stubborn puppies. Laying down means that the dog is giving up control, forcing them to be in a relaxed, vulnerable position with their new owner on command. It takes a lot of trust, but you should have a strong bond with your pup by doing the aforementioned tricks.

How-To

  1. Your puppy should be in a sitting position to make it easier for them to transition into laying down.
  2. Hold a reward at their face, not allowing them to get it, and slowly lower your hand towards the ground.
  3. If your puppy gets up out of sit, have them sit again and repeat the process.
  4. Before their elbows hit the ground, say “down” and reward them when they do go into a down position. Repeat.

For more tips, tricks and all things dog- head to allthingsdogs.com 

March

02

How To Choose The Right Crate

Crate training appeals to your pup’s natural instinct to seek shelter in a den-like environment. Crate training also helps to minimize damage to your home when you aren’t there. So how do you choose the right crate for your dog? Here’s our guide to choosing a crate.

Size:

You’ll want to consider your dog’s size when choosing a crate.

Extra small dogs – 18-22 inch crate: Best for breeds like Yorkshire, Terriers, Malesa, Papillons, and other toy breeds

Small dogs – 24-inch crate: Best for small dogs like Pugs, Shih Tzus, Miniature Dachshunds, and other small or miniature breeds

Medium Dogs – 30-inch crate: Best for medium-sized dogs like French Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, and other medium breeds

Intermediate – 36-inch crate: Best for intermediate dogs like bulldogs, bull terriers, beagles, cattle dogs, and other intermediate breeds

Large – 42-inch crate: For large dogs like boxers, border collies, Dalmatians, poodles, retrievers, and other larger breeds.

Extra Large – 48 Inch crate: For extra-large breeds like Akitas, Rottweiler, Huskies, Collies, Malamutes, and other extra-large breeds.

Type:

Wire – the traditional wire crate is the common choice for dog owners. Most are fully collapsible and come with a removable pan for easy transport and cleaning.

Plastic – These are a great option for frequent travelers and most airlines accept hard plastic crates.

Soft crates – Best for small breeds as these can be treated as a carry on travel item.

Do’s and Don’ts of using a crate:

  • Do place the crate in a warm and inviting place
  • Do place treats and toys in the crate
  • Don’t use a crate as punishment for bad behavior
  • Don’t leave your puppy in the crate for more than 3 hours

February

29

Choose The Best Dog Food

If you could help your dog to live a long and fruitful life would you do it.? The answer for most pet owners is “of course”. Well, the great news for you is that you can. Helping your dog live a long and quality life isn’t rocket science, it’s actually quite simple. Read on to learn the simple steps you can take.

Choose high-quality food

Not all dog foods are created equal and your dog deserves the best. Visit your vet to get a recommendation for the best quality food for your dog’s specific dietary needs. You may pay more for your dog’s food but health is wealth. Feeding your dog high-quality food now can help you save money in the future on the vet bill as your dog ages.

Avoid obesity

Obesity is the gateway to illness in dogs. A lean dog is more likely to live a long and quality life. Be sure to not underfeed your dog in a fear of making him obese. Your vet can help to recommend the correct portion size and frequency of meals for your pup.

Visit the Vet regularly

When it comes to vetting visits is best to stay on track. Missing milestone appointments can compromise your dog’s health. Mark your calendar or create a reminder on your phone so that you can always attend your vet appointments. Your pup will be very grateful.

Make Dental Health a priority

Healthy teeth and gums can help your dog live longer. If you notice tooth decay, bad breath, or tooth loss speak to your vet about options for improving your dog’s dental health.  The sooner you act the better when it comes to oral health.

Monitor his outdoor time

Outdoor time is your dog’s chance to run free and wild, but it’s your job to ensure he isn’t hurt. Always assess areas that your dog plays in and ensure they are safe and free from sharp objects or dangerous hazards. This will help playtime be carefree and fun. 

February

22

Biking with your Dog

Most dogs love to run, and some breeds are physically bred for speed and endurance, like the greyhound, who can run up to 45 mph. Dogs of any breed or size will enjoy a long jog in the park or a quick run around the block. And if riding a bicycle is something that you enjoy doing, taking your dog with you is a wonderful way to spend time with him while getting a good workout yourself at the same time.  Here are few tips to teach a dog to run alongside you as you bike.

How to keep your dog by your side

If you usually ride your bicycle in your neighborhood, it won’t be difficult for your dog to keep up. The safest way for riding a bike with your dog in this location is to keep him on a leash. This will help to prevent his from wandering away.

Look for a leash that allows you to keep your hands on the handlebars while giving you the ability to keep your dog on leash at the same time. These types of leashes can be mounted under the bike handles. They offer protection and comfort for both you and your dog.

How To Deal With Distraction

Your dog will less likely get bothered by distractions if he knows how to heel. Therefore, practice his obedience skills like “Off”, and “Leave it” before you begin your ride.

Also, make sure you bring along his favorite snack. Whenever he comes across a distraction, tell him to “Leave it” and then give him a snack. It’ll be easier for him to pay attention to you, above anything else, because he knows that you brought along his favorite snack. Also do this exercise before you ride.

A few more tips

  • Start with short paths that your dog is familiar with
  • Be patient as your dog get the hang of running while you ride
  • Wear protective gear, including a helmet
  • Don’t ride too fast, remain at a comfort pace for your dog

February

15

Can Dogs suffer from Anxiety?

Humans aren’t the only ones who suffer from anxiety, dogs can also experience anxiety in various forms. Read more to learn about the types, causes, and treatments for anxiety in dogs.

Most dogs will exhibit some degree of anxiety in their lives, and this behavior can be displayed as fearful or aggressive behavior. There are several types of dog anxiety including

  • Separation anxiety
  • Noise phobia
  • Food aggression
  • Fearful aggression

Anxiety or stress in dogs can be caused by a number of factors so it can be difficult to determine the cause. In some cases, it can be simple to determine the cause but difficult to treat or manage. One of the best ways to determine the cause of your dog’s anxiety is to look for the symptoms that occur when the trigger is present. Symptoms can range from

  • Pacing
  • Hiding
  • Shaking
  • Avoidance
  • Vomiting
  • Inappropriate urination or defecation

Once you have determined the trigger then you can begin with treatment or management of your dog’s anxiety. There is no one size fits all treatment plan for dogs with anxiety so be patient and compassionate to your dog in the process.

Desensitization – If the trigger is the nail trimmer, begin to desensitize your dog by presenting the trimmers in a non-threatening environment and allow your dog to adjust and begin to naturally reduce his anxiety.

Counter Condition – Offer your pet a reward when exposed to the trigger to help your dog associate the trigger with the reward. The reward will eventually begin to outweigh the fear

Medication – in extreme cases it may be best to consider medication to help manage your dog’s anxiety. Visit your vet for guidance on the severity of your dog’s anxiety and determine medication is the best option for treatment. 

Lastly, its import to remember the do’s and don’ts of dealing with a dog who has anxiety

  • Don’t challenge or show aggression to a dog
  • Don’t physically harm your dogs
  • Do ensure your pet is current on all vaccines
  • Do warn others of your pet’s behavior before allowing them to touch or approach your dog

 

February

08

6 Facts about Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers are one of the most famous dog breeds in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Here are 10 golden retriever facts that will only make you love them more.

1. Golden Retrievers Are a Noble Breed

 The breed came into existence in the 19th century mainly due to the efforts of Lord Tweedmouth. They were first bred in Scotland from flat coated retrievers and water spaniels.

2. Golden Retrievers are Natural Swimmers

By instinct, golden retrievers are large water lovers. In fact, their outer coats are water repellent. This proved beneficial for hunting in environments where there were wetlands and rivers in addition to forests. Even to this day, goldens take like a fish to water.

3. There Are Three Types of Goldens

There are British, American, and Canadian types. Most of the differences lie on the physical attributes, but there is some variation in temperament as well.

4. Two American Presidents Had Golden Retrievers

Both President Ford and President Regan had golden retrievers as pets. President Gerald Ford’s was named Liberty (full name Honor’s Foxfire Liberty Hume), who even had a litter of puppies while she was at the White House.

5. Goldens are Internationally Popular Dogs

And not just in America, where they are the third most popular breed by registration. They rank fifth in Australia (probably because they can chill with kangaroos, am I right), and eighth in the United Kingdom. Not shabby at all, huh?

6. They are Guinness World Record Holders

There are at least two golden retrievers in the world who are known Guinness World Record holders. The first one is for the loudest bark (beating even a chainsaw at 113.1 decibels), and the other is for the most number of tennis balls held in a dog’s mouth (five).

February

01

8 February Pet Holidays that you should Observe

Pet owners look for any reason to celebrate their beloved animals. Well, this February we are giving you 8 reasons Dog holidays that you can Observe. 

Feb. 3: Doggie Date Night. 

Celebrate by taking your pup on a special night out. Whether it’s a simple night stroll through the park, or a night at home to cuddle and watch movies, your dog deserves a date night.

Feb. 3: National Golden Retriever Day.

Golden Retriever’s day is your opportunity to show your pride and joy. Find a local group online or join a meetup with other Golden Retriever owners to celebrate. 

Feb. 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day

It happens more often than you think. If you have suffered from Pet theft, then you know how painful it can be to suddenly lose a friend and family member. Shed light and tell your story using #pettheftawarenessday

Feb. 20: Love Your Pet Day.

We know that every day is love your pet day, but this day is an opportunity to show it. Buy his favorite treat or let him go with you to the bank. It’s the little things that show how much you love your dog. 

Feb. 22: Walking the Dog Day.

Have you been wanting to get more exercise? Well, today is your day to start! Instead of letting the dog out in the backyard, take your pup on a walk and begin a new regime. Your dog will love exploring the neighborhood and bonding with you. 

Feb. 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day.

Dog Biscuits are great, just ask your dog. He’ll surely know how to celebrate dog biscuit appreciation day. 

Feb. 25: World Spay Day. 

An annual campaign by the Humane Society International and The Humane Society of the United States; held the last Tuesday of February.

January

31

Introducing Your Pet To Home Guest

Whether it’s the holiday season or a dinner party or summer vacation, your home can get busy at times. Since your pet is a family member, your guest should feel as comfortable as you do in your pet-friendly home. There are many ways to introduce your pets to your family and friends that will help create a peaceful and happy environment for all.

To avoid any unnecessary trauma, and have a positive and exciting experience, follow these tips when introducing your pets to your home guest.

 

 Here are a few helpful tips on how to properly introduce your pets to new people. 

1. Separate Space For Guest and Your Pet 

When guest arrives, place your dog in a separate room until your guest are settled in your home. This will avoid over exciting your dog, causing them to misbehave and jump with uncontrollable excitement. Separating your pet room your guest will be especially helpful if you have more than one guest visiting. Once everyone is settled, bring your puppy out to meet your family and friends. 

 2. Pet Treats

Allow your guests to offer your pet treats. Some pets can be shy and nervous about approaching people they are not familiar with. Treats are an excellent way to eliminate shyness and develop the trust your pet needs to happily meet your guest. Allow your guests to hold the treats in their hands and allow your pet to initiate the introduction and approach your guest. This gentle way of building trust for your pet will help them welcome your guest to your home.

3. Don’t Force the Introduction 

Allow the process of introduction to happen naturally since dogs like to sniff out people first. Take your pet and guest on a walk together. It may take a little time for your pet to feel comfortable,

January

24

Home Training Your Dog

Getting a new puppy can be an exciting time! As a pet lover, you can’t wait to add your new family member to your home, but this is the easy part. Home training your new family member is the most rewarding venture, yet it can be the most challenging. Puppies are naturally very excited animals and need to be trained for the household environment. It is important you start to train your puppy as soon as they enter your household. Here are a few helpful tips on how to train your puppy at home.  

1. A Space Just for Your Puppy 

Establish your household boundaries. If there are areas in your house that you would not like your puppy to roam around in, make that clear to your dog. It is perfectly fine if you tell your puppy  “No” this will help you establish boundaries with them. Set up a specific area in your home for your This space will be used for feeding your puppy, a doggie bed and any toys your puppy will enjoy.

2. Curb Any Bad Puppy Habits 

Any biting or nipping of any kind should be discouraged. Puppies naturally bite or nip when they are excited. This chewing type action is not a sign of aggression, but merely a natural trait for dogs. It is up to you to let your puppy know this type of behavior is unacceptable in your household. By not allowing your puppy to continue this behavior, you are stopping any bad habits that may develop, as well as preventing serious bites when your dog’s teeth become even stronger. 

3. Reward Good Behavior 

Training your puppy can be tough on them, remember they are trying their best. Practice patience and give lots of treats, rewarding them for their hard work. Praise them with a friendly pet or cuddle that will make their tail wag and make you the happiest pet owner on earth!