Archive for November, 2019

• How to make Thanksgiving Celebration Dog Centered

  Having a new puppy is just as great as having a new baby. If you are not able to be with family this Thanksgiving, you’ll want to spend with your furry friend. Here are ideas for making Thanksgiving all about your pup.

  Watch the dog show: A great thing to do on Thanksgiving Day is watching the National Dog Show! Cuddle up with your pups and watch all of the beautiful dogs strut their stuff. It’s always fun to daydream about showing dogs and what’s better than cheering on dogs as part of your Thanksgiving festivities?

  Go on a walk or hike: This year I have created a Thanksgiving week challenge, which entails taking your dog on a walk every single day of that week. Take a nice morning stroll on Thanksgiving Day or go on one in the evening to walk off all of those delicious calories.

  Cuddle by the fireplace: Grab some hot cocoa and a blanket and cuddle up with your pups in front of the fire. How cozy!

  Take photos! Your friends and family will double-tap, like and share your selfies with your new puppy.  Dress up with your favorite fall sweater and capture the moment with your best friend. 

  Play indoor games: I know many states already have snow. If you are in a place with snow, play some indoor games like ‘hide and seek’ with your dog. You can also teach them some new tricks using Thanksgiving food as positive reinforcement. 

  Remember that not all Thanksgiving foods are safe for dogs. It is best to consult with your vet before giving your dog human food, even in small amounts. 
  

• Designer Spotlight: Borador

  The Borador, (border collie lab mix) despite sounding like a holiday destination, is actually the most reliable dog you could wish for. This intelligent and loving canine is the result of mixing a Labrador Retriever with a Border Collie.

  Due to the high intelligence of the Collie and the Labrador’s want to please people, these pups are a dream to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement and reward, with a consistent routine. The Labrador’s scavenging nature means food rewards are top of the list.

  They are extremely energetic, so ensure you meet their daily exercise needs. Most owners of these dogs boast their dog as being the friendliest dog ever; most suited for families and the easiest to train.
  

  As both of his parents have working backgrounds, you could argue that the Border Collie Lab Mix is a working dog. However, as it’s a mixed breed, and is not currently registered with any major Kennel Clubs, it is classed as a companion or designer dog.

  To understand more of this seemingly perfect family companion, let’s have a look at his parents in more detail.

  The Border Collie. An agile herder with an impeccable work ethic. It took a while for the Border Collie to be recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995. Border Collies are renowned for their speed and athleticism, often being the dog of choice in agility rings. Their astounding intelligence, ranking number one of all dogs’ breeds, and work ethic mean they are a dream to train.

  The Labrador Retriever ranks number one for popularity with The American Kennel Club. The Labrador was first registered with the English Kennel Club in 1903 and then by the American Kennel Club in 1917. The Labrador is often used as a working dog, but it has seemingly gained. It’s popularity for its family companionship instead. Labs are renowned for being friendly and super people orientated. They are energetic and happy; they love nothing more than playing ball in the yard and hiking in the woods. Equally, they love chilling on the sofa at the end of a busy day.
  

• Dog Training Tips For Apartment Dwellers

  If you are considering a move to an apartment with your dog, or perhaps you already live in an apartment but are considering buying a dog, there are a few important things to consider.  Loving your pet and giving them the proper care they need while living in a confined space can be difficult, but with these tips, it’s not impossible.
  

  Consider A Smaller Breed: Be realistic about the size of your apartment versus the size of your pet. Great Dane’s in a one-bedroom 500 square foot apartment just aren’t practical.  While a large dog may be your preference, while living in an apartment you may want to reconsider and go for a small or medium dog breed that will be more comfortable in smaller spaces.
  

  Devote Dedicated Play Time Daily to Your Pet: You absolutely cannot neglect the much-needed playtime on a daily basis.  If you want an unhappy, loud and destructive pet then stop playing with them. This isn’t just taking them for a walk to do their business, but active playtime.  Get them to chase balls, play with the kids and run off energy. That means you need to find a nice local park or area where you can take them daily for playtime.
  

  Don’t Expect Too Much: Be realistic.  No animal will behave perfectly. Understand that there will be occasional barking, accidents on carpet and pairs of shoes that get chewed upon.  Work in regular training and consistency to help prevent these things from becoming habits.
  

  Choosing to add a dog to your family is always a big thing to take on.  These dog training tips for apartment dwellers are simple courses of action that will help you to make the most of a tight space with your beloved pet.  Consistency in routine and behavior training is key to success. Choose a dog wisely that will fit into your family dynamic, as well as the space you have available.  Not only will this make apartment training that much easier, it will keep your family happy as well.
  

• Myths regarding shedding

  Do you have allergies to dog dander? If so, you’re not alone. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that as much as 10% of Americans are allergic to dogs. If you are allergic to dogs and you love them, this can present a problem, but not one that’s insurmountable. The first step is to arm yourself with the facts. Here are a few things you should know.

  What Causes A Dog To Shed?

  It’s normal for dogs to shed. Even though the idea of a “hypoallergenic” dog is popular, no dog is truly, completely hypoallergenic. They all shed to some extent. But if you’re allergic to dogs, don’t give up your quest to find a dog you can live with just yet. Some dogs shed much less than other dogs. And some dogs shed so little then it’s hardly noticeable.

  Dogs shed in response to the amount of daylight. The change in seasons affects their hormones and tells them when it’s time to get ready for winter (grow more coat); and when it’s time for spring (shed, grow new coat). Things like the temperature, the dog’s individual health, genetics, and diet also affect shedding. It’s not unusual for an intact female dog to shed after going through a heat cycle even when she hasn’t been bred.

  Dogs may also shed after a stressful event such as surgery, an illness, giving birth, trauma or accident, or even traveling in some cases.

  Myths Regarding Shedding

  There are a lot of myths about shedding in dogs.

  Myth: Dogs with longer hair shed more. This is false. The length of the coat has nothing to do with how much or how often the dog sheds. A shorthaired dog can shed just as much as a longhaired dog. It may be more noticeable when a longhaired dog sheds but some shorthaired dogs such as Beagles and Pugs seem to shed all the time.

  Myth: People are allergic to dog hair. Not exactly. If you’re allergic to dogs, you are usually allergic to dog saliva, urine, and dander. Dander is the tiny bits of dead skin that flake off the dog’s body. Dander is so small that it can be airborne and inhaled by humans. All dogs produce dander because they have to shed dead skin. (We all do.) Dogs that are known for being “hypoallergenic” don’t spread much dander around.

  Myth: Low-shedding dogs are also low maintenance. Mostly false. Many of the dogs that don’t shed or don’t shed much do require some special grooming. If you get one of these dogs, plan on visits to the groomer.
  

• Should you choose to buy an Adult dog or a puppy?

  When it comes to buying a dog there are so many options. You can choose by a specific breed, hair type, and even personality, but age also a factor you should consider when buying a dog? Many people dream of raising a small puppy from the beginning of its life and forming an unbreakable bond. It’s a well-kept secret that adult dogs can adjust very well to new home environments. Read on to learn more facts about buying adult dogs versus puppies.

  1. Potty training – One of the biggest differences between an adult dog and a puppy is potty training. Most adult dogs have already mastered the skill of potty training. Puppies require more patience as they learn to navigate the timing and location of potty training. One of the things to consider when buying a dog is your own ability to invest in potty training. Not only will you need to purchase pee pads, and odor eliminating cleaner, but you will also need to invest time and have patience because potty training doesn’t happen overnight. If you live in a space where accidents would be frowned upon, an adult potty-trained dog might be a better option for you.
  2. Bonding – We don’t call dogs man’s best friend for no reason. No matter the age, dogs have the capacity to develop special bonds with their owners. It is true that dogs are imprinters. This means that as soon as they find someone who’s trusting and loving to them, they will attach to them and always try to protect them. No need to worry if an adult dog will love you the same as a puppy. Both adult dogs and puppies will love and adore you the same.
  3. New tricks? – The old adage “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks doesn’t always prove to be true. Dogs are continuous learners no matter their age. Like babies, puppies are learning through experiencing their environment, while adult dogs have a handle on reality and learn through patterns and routines

  Whether you choose to buy a new puppy or open your home to an adult dog, there is no denying that your heart and home will expand to accept your newest family member.