Keep your dog out of the garbage

Why do dogs love garbage so much? They will literally eat anything! My dogs get to eat good quality dog food and treats. They even get fresh vegetables from time to time. But for some reason a smelly garbage can always gets their attention. It’s unfortunate but all too true. All you dog lovers out there can relate. This is one of the reasons we teach them the “leave it” command so much isn’t it?

Dogs don’t smell the same way as humans. Dogs have super noses! They smell things individually. When we smell a pasta sauce, we just smell the overall aroma. Dogs detect and smell each ingredient separately. Maybe that’s why garbage is so appealing to our furry friends. They don’t just smell a pile of unpleasantness like we do.

So in order to keep their noses and paws out of our garbage, we have to make sure we either keep our garbage cans out of reach, such as under the sink or in the garage. Or we can use dog proof garbage cans. New Dog Owners has done some research and came up with the top three garbage can designs to keep your pooch from indulging when you aren’t home.


You’ll never convince your dog that garbage shouldn’t be explored and eaten, but you can stop him from getting into yours.

Guest Article - Why do dogs eat grass?

Why do dogs eat grass? 

Many dog owners have asked this question for some time, but even experts in veterinary cannot offer a definitive explanation. However, the fact is that dogs love munching away on grass and others make it a routine. The modern dog frequently eat their prey partly because of domestic ancestors and evolution, which includes plat eating animals. Thus dogs find nutrients in many plants especially grass.

Do they feel ill?

Many dog owners assume this, but evidence suggests otherwise. About 68% dog owners notice their dogs regularly eating grass while 8% say that their dogs shown signs of illness before eating grass. This shows that there is probably no basis to idea of dogs eating grass because they are unwell.

Do they remember their prey?

Some dog owners suggest that dogs eat grass since on an instinctual level; they are reminded on the taste of prey. A wolf’s or wild dog’s prey comprises of herbivores and so the prey will contain un- digested plant substance.

Where do they get the grass?

Newport Beach is a dog friendly city. Dogs are allowed to head out at 10am and get in after 4.30pm at ocean front beaches. But finding the right grass isn’t always easy. In the event you need to have your own you can order from Newport Beach dog grass. We do recommend that for all health related concerns you consult your veterinarian and educated yourself.

Guest Article - Health benefits of owning a pet

When it comes to keeping pets the great health benefits are incomparably amazing. Comprehensive research has been done on this topic and shows that keeping pets helps greatly in many different aspects of health including emotional, mental and physical improvements as well as developing a person’s social skills and decreasing heart attack risks in an individual. These furry friends do a great job in keeping us warm in the cold. In a broader perspective, other health benefits include:

Reduction of stress

When you talk to a pet, as many pet owners do most of the time, it brings cheerfulness into your day to day life. This sense of humour brings out laughter from a possibly stressful life and greatly compels us into playful moods. The distractions that our furry friends cause are not only called for but also healthy.

They stabilise your emotions

Many people might find it hard if not impossible to believe this but when you cuddle with your pet the body is stimulated to release a stress reducing hormone called oxytocin. This hormone has a calming effect on your emotions. In addition it brings forth a sense of well being, connection and frees your mind and body from emotional instability and stress.

They keep you busy when you are lonely

This is especially true for the people who reside on their own. Pets provide good company to their owners especially when they are facing long spells of loneliness in their lives. Miami University through its research stated that people who keep pets do not feel as lonely as those who do not.

The health benefits of owning a pet are numerous and they cannot be discussed fully by simple writing. What we have given here are just a few examples of the great benefits of pet ownership. If you want to know more try buying one from a trusted breeder or a website like "PetsYouLike" and you'll soon see a richness brought into your life.

Guest Article - How to Find the Best American Pit Bull Terrier Breeder for you?

All of you have had had those moments in your lives when you have dreamed and thought about somehow getting a cute puppy as a family pet. If treated right, dogs are known as human's best friend - they are very kind and loyal to their owners and could serve as great child and housekeepers. If that moment in your life is now and you have set your eyes on the American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed I'll be like Superman for you because in this article I'm going to present you the ultimate guide to finding the right American Pit Bull Terrier Breeder for you.

First of all, I have to say that if you're looking for a cute puppy only because it's cute you should definitely change your mind considering the choice of this pit bull breed. They are really great and loving animals despite society's opinion on them but every creature on Earth grows up in course of time and some of them don't look that cute anymore! Just saying, everyone should be treated right no matter how they look like, ain't that right?

As an owner of a representative of this breed, I am going to show you the right way about how to find a reputable breeder and exactly how I did it a couple of years ago.

How to spot the right APBT breeder for you?

1. A reputable breeder breeds only one dog breed, if you know what I mean. Beware of people who are in the businesses with more than 1, maximum 2 breeds. They are probably owners of a puppy mill where dogs are being produced like potatoes in really large amounts and have been kept in horrible conditions. You should not buy from such places or in any way support their existence!
   
2. As a reputable breeder, there will be probably a lot of people interested in his puppies. That's why, you'd most likely have to join a waiting list.
   
3. They are probably part of a Pit Bull dog club - most of the respected breeders are usually somehow involved in some sorts of dog club. In most cases, they are also breeding show-dogs.
   
4. The reputable will ask you A LOT of questions. They always want know in what conditions is the puppy going to raise, what person are you, is the puppy's needs going to be satisfied etc. They will be emotionally and physically involved during the whole process even after selling the puppy to you.

Those 4 points would most possibly lead you to finding the right American Pit Bull Terrier Breeder for you (at least that's what my friends did) but that's not what I actually did. In fact, I didn't even get my doggy from a breeder. You have probably heard of those non-profit Rescue Centers which support adopting young and adult dogs what is a great human action by itself. I did get my puppy from one of them and have to say I love my dog more than anything! It's an awesome creature!

The top American Pit Bull Terrier Rescue organizations you should check out are:

• Pit Bull Rescue Central
• AdoptaPet.com
• Out of the Pits

In the end, it's really not about how much you're searching for something. It's about where you're searching for it. Getting the American Pit Bull Terrier you have always dreamed of is a matter of 3-4 days, maybe a week or two. But it's totally worth it making a pit bull smile. In fact, pit bulls are among the few dog breeds that are able to smile. They really do!

Guest Article - The Importance of Puppy Training

Puppy training and socialization are extremely important, since the puppy stage is the most critical time in the development of the dog.  The training that is done (or not done) during this stage of development will forever affect the behavior of the dog.

A puppy that is well adjusted and properly socialized will make a good companion. It will be neither aggressive to nor frightened of anything or anyone it would typically encounter in day-to-day life. A dog that is not properly socialized will be untrustworthy and possibly even a liability, because it could become a fear-biter and get into fights with other dogs. Unsociable dogs have difficulty adapting to new environments, and a routine visit to a veterinary clinic could turn into a nightmare for everyone involved. Avoid the hassles by starting puppy training right away.

The period of socialization lasts until the puppy is approximately 12 weeks old. However, at that three-month mark, the socialization process does not end, as it is important that your dog’s socialization skilled continue to be refined. It is easiest to socialize the puppy before it is three months old. Any later and it becomes a time-consuming process that few owners will have the patience, energy or money for.

Puppy training can assist you in creating and maintaining a balanced and healthy state of mind in the growing pup, since you will understand how it operates and might react in different situations. Being aware of the personality of the puppy enables the owner to step in to correct possible behavioral issues prior to them becoming problematic. 

Teaching the puppy how to sit, come, stay, drop it and not to bite could prevent the pup from eating something it shouldn't, save some fingers, or just make life less hectic when the puppy listens from the start.

Bear in mind the importance of remaining patient at all times. Training assists the pup in learning confidence and feeling good about itself. Gain its respect and trust by showing respect, and an unbreakable bond will be formed.

Calming Signals

This article was inspired from the book by Turid Rugaas “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals”.

We know dogs speak a different language then us. And the more we understand that language, the better relationship we will have with them.

Dogs use calming signals in order to maintain good social relationships with each other. These signals help them keep the peace when meeting new dogs, playing and in stressful situations.

Some common calming signals include:

• Licking/Smacking the lips – dogs that are uncomfortable with a situation, for example having a camera too close to their face will often start licking or smacking their lips.

• Yawning – many people assume a dog yawning means he is tired. He might be but more likely he is feeling stressed for some reason and trying to calm himself. Or he is yawning to reduce the stress of another dog, or even you. In turn you can do the same for your dog. And you can even fake it.

• Averting eyes/Blinking/Turning Away – staring is often considered a challenge in a dog’s world. A confident dog can help an insecure dog by deliberately avoiding direct eye contact by blinking, averting the eyes or even turning away.

• Sniffing the Ground – this can be easy to miss since dogs spend half their lives with their nose to the ground. Dogs will sometimes sniff the ground when first meeting a dog or if a human is walking straight towards them. It’s like he’s minding his own business or at least wanting to look that way.

• Lifting a Paw – dogs may lift a paw if they are unsure and nervous or if they are trying to calm down another dog.

• Sitting/Lying Down – dogs will often sit or lie down to diffuse a potential fight. This is also a common way of trying to calm down an angry human. If you ever approach your dog with an aggressive energy, your dog might just spontaneously sit or lie down.

• Freezing – it’s not uncommon for smaller dogs to freeze when bigger dogs approach and sniff them, or if they feel threatened by a human yelling at them.

• Moving Slowly – have you ever noticed your dog move toward you slowly when you call him with either frustration or anger in your voice? Moving slowly helps calm dogs down. They may also calm down another dog by approaching them slowly.

• Moving in an Arc – this is considered a more polite way for dogs to meet as opposed to face to face. This approach allows both dogs to sniff each other at the same time. You can also help a nervous dog by approaching him the same way.

• Splitting – often misread by humans as a dog being jealous by getting in between two dogs or a dog and person. You may see dogs do this when play gets a little rough or when dogs are fighting. Getting in between fighting dogs can be a more effective way of diffusing the situation as opposed to when we pull them apart which often increases their intensity.

If you start paying more attention to your dog, you will likely notice him using the various calming signals in different situations. Once you do, it can open up a whole new world for you and your dog.

 

DogSpin

This one is for you dog people living in or visiting the Big Apple. You and your pooch will have plenty to do together.

DogSpin is a website that will help you navigate your life with your dog in NYC.

It features articles and resources to help people navigate life with their dog in NYC. DogSpin has things like:

• Weekly write-ups on dog friendly excursions in NYC such as a cruise on the Staten Island ferry, hitting the Chelsea galleries with your dog, checking out the Union Square Green Market and its pet jerky, Dog Day with the NY Mets, the Broadway Barks event, or getting Pooch-inis at the Shake Shack.
• Dog run maps, with info and photos so people can learn more before they go.
• Info on 101 of the dog friendly hotels in NYC.
• Dog trip ideas out of the city like to Montauk, the Catskills and Glen Highland farms.

You can also find local pet stores, vets and hospitals, daycare and boarding, trainers, dog walkers and so much more.

For info on the go, follow them of Twitter or Facebook!

  

Useful Product – Etira Pet Dryer

Dogs are funny. Mostly everything they do is the best. Walk time is the best. Dinner time is the best. Play time is the best. Bath time is the best? Well maybe with the new “Etira” pet dryer, it could be.

We dog people know all about getting dirty, don’t we. Over the years we get a lot of bath time with our furry friends.

Now this looks interesting, a dryer made especially for your dog. This product features:

• Powerful  - it has 4 times the power to dry your dog faster.
• Quiet – the low-mid decibel frequency sound reduces stress for dogs who are sensitive to noise.
• Automatic/Hands free – automatically moves up and down to allow for hands free use.
• Ideal air temperature – optimal temperature (40-45 degrees Celsius) is just warm enough for your pooch but won’t damage her skin.
• Clean air – the antibiotic filters on both sides provide clean air for both dog and groomer.

Looks like a great investment for groomers and dog lovers.

Find Dog Stuff

I am passionate about dogs and I love to learn about them and in turn help others to learn about them. The more you know about dogs, the better relationship you'll have with yours.

It's so easy to learn these days, just pick up your device of choice, ask Google a question and voila you have unlimited information at your fingertips. That can be good and bad. It can be challenging to weed through all the information and find what resonates with you.

Find Dog Stuff will help you do just that, find dog stuff. It's for dog lovers and up and coming dog people. There are easy to read articles on subjects such as: how to choose the right breed for you, what you need for your new puppy, practicing leadership, dog behavior, how to choose a good dog sitter, what to expect in the senior years, age related issues, how to tell an illness from an emergency, what items are poisonous to dogs and what are good dog toys. This is the type of information us dog people need to know. No matter how many of us write about these things, it’s always good to explore another’s opinion.

The site is growing so check back often. Be sure to share an article if you like it, either on any social network, by tweeting or emailing it to another dog lover. We can never learn too much about our loyal and loving furry friends.

Iqaluit Humane Society

I don't live in Iqaluit. But I have to admit I have a soft spot in my heart for the Iqaluit Humane Society. You see my dog Judique was rescued by the IHS. My husband and I adopted her on November 28th, 2011. She was 6 months old at the time.

Just 3 months earlier they had to close their doors to housing animals due to a lack of volunteers and an abundance of animals. In desperation they reached out to other no kill shelters. As it turned out, the SPCA of Western Quebec was not only willing to help, but were able to adopt out all of the dogs they took and agreed to take more. And from that a wonderful partnership was born. Sending dogs south has since become a weekly tradition which is called "The Dog Run". These runs are courtesy of Canadian North airlines who donate cargo space. To date, over 250 dogs have been given a second chance to live the life they deserve. Our Judique was one of those lucky dogs. And we’ve met other dogs from Iqaluit too around town. It’s not hard to spot those Northern beauties!

“The Iqaluit Humane Society 2007 is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned animals and promoting the humane treatment of companion animals.”

The IHS is run by volunteers and is now a registered non-profit organization. They rely on donations and funds from events throughout the year. And they need help right now. They've recently launched a 60 day fundraiser called “Save Arctic Animals – The IHS Mission”.

Please consider donating to this amazing organization that does everything to better the lives of strays, abandoned and abused animals.

 If it wasn't for these two amazing shelters, we wouldn't get to look at this precious face every day!
  

Judique at the SPCA of Western Quebec

Judique enjoying life

Here is a video of Judique playing with her friend Kali at the dog park, who is also an IHS rescue.


Please share this post to help me raise awareness for this cause which is so near and dear to my heart.

Thank you.

Canada Day and your dog

As you gear up to celebrate Canada Day this year, please remember that fireworks and dogs don't usually mix well. They can be very traumatic for your dog. Most dogs aren't exposed to fireworks very often and therefore never get the chance to get used to them.

Outdoor Celebrations

If you are going to an outdoor event, it's best to leave your dog at home. Take him for a nice long walk before you have to leave. This is a good day to leave him on leash during your walk just in case you hear an unexpected fireworks around your neighbourhood. Some people just can't wait until the evening to start the fun. Play some classical music to help keep him calm him if the fireworks can be heard from your house.


House Parties

If you are having people over, make sure you are aware of where your dog is at all times. Even just the loud noise of people having fun can make some dogs anxious. Just be aware of how your dog is feeling and act accordingly. Take turns between having him outside with your guests and being inside the house in a safe place. If it's hot remember to have access to cold fresh water and shade at all times.

Remember not to baby your dog or use a high pitch tone to calm him if he does get anxious. It's important for you to assure him there is nothing bad going on. You can use distraction (a game, a toy or a treat) or take that time to bring him inside for some quiet time.


Keep this information in mind for any big celebration or party. They are all the same to your dog!


Have a safe and happy Canada Day!

UKPetcam

We love our dogs and couldn’t imagine life without them. And that makes it harder to leave them every day doesn’t it? 

Have you ever wondered what you dog or dogs really get up to when you are away from the house? Of course you have!

With today’s technology, not only is it possible to keep an eye on your furry friend, it’s easy and you can do it right from the device of your choice.

UKPetcam is a family owned business that specializes in Pet Security solutions.

Not only can you see what you pooch is up to with the Pet Security Camera, you can get his personal point of view with the Fun Pet Video Collar. Imagine seeing things through his eyes, now that would be interesting. Or having peace of mind knowing your dog’s exact whereabouts can be streamed right to your smart phone with the GPS collar.

Whether you dog sneaks up on the couch, gets into the garbage or just chills when you’re not at home, wouldn’t it be nice to know?

Silver Dog Charms

Are you the kind of person who wants to wear your love for dogs? I sure am!

Recently founded, Exquisite Charms of London has a wide collection of Sterling Silver dog charms. But they won’t stop until they have a charm for every recognized breed. Very impressive!

Or choose from paw or bone shaped bracelet or earrings.

Make your Own Charm is a very special opportunity to have a designer replicate your dog from a picture. You can capture that look that melts your heart. What a great way to keep the memory of your beloved dog forever.

You can follow them on facebook to keep up to date when new breed charms are added, to see and share pictures of dogs and participate in “Rescue Wednesday”. Every week, a different charm is donated to a shelter or rescue organization. It’s a unique way to bring attention to the tireless work being done for homeless dogs all over the world. And we can all be a part of it.

Summer heat and your dog

Summer is a wonderful time of year but you must be vigilant and practice common sense and caution when it comes to your dog. That sounds so easy doesn't it? But you'd be surprised how uncommon common sense is!

Your dog's well being is your responsibility so please take it seriously. Keep in mind that even young dogs can be affected by the heat but be extra careful with your senior dogs.

To shave or not to shave

You may think that shaving your dog's fur in the summer is the right thing to do. But that is not necessarily the case. A dog's coat actually helps insulate and keep him cool in the summer and vice versa in the winter. And shaving your dog can put him at a higher risk for sunburn and getting bitten by mosquitoes, black flies, etc. Ultimately the choice is yours, but you should take everything into consideration before making that decision. It should never be done just because you are trying to avoid shedding or brushing.

Walk

Walking with your dog during the summer is so enjoyable. On those really hot days, do the following:

• go when it's cooler (early morning, late afternoon and evening)
• bring water
• have your dog walk on grass if possible
• walk slower than normal
• stop and rest in the shade
• shorten your walk
• use your judgement, sometimes it's just too hot to walk

In short, pay attention to your dog and adjust your walk accordingly.

Car

It is shocking and extremely sad that dogs are left in hot cars year after year despite all the constant warnings. Opening the windows a crack is NOT good enough! Hot cars and dogs don't mix period. Leave your dog at home; this is not the appropriate time of year to bring them along on your errands.

If you have to take your dog somewhere in your car, run it for a few minutes ahead of time to cool it down. Turn on the air conditioning and always bring water with you.

As cute as it is to see a dog enjoying the sights, smells and sounds with his head stuck out the window, it really is very risky to allow this. Your dog could be seriously injured or even killed if you have to suddenly break. Or he could be hit by debris or any number of things. It's just not worth it. Instead open the window a crack, just enough for some wind and smells to come in.
 

Backyard

Always have fresh water available and encourage your dog to lay in the shade. You can cool him down with a hose, invest in a kiddie pool or a fill a bucket. Never tie your dog up somewhere they cannot access grass, shade or fresh water.



Sign of overheating

Take action immediately if your dog is experiencing any of the following:

• rapid panting and excessive thirst
• pale gums
• is lethargic
• weakness
• nausea and diarrhea

If your dog is showing any of the above signs of overheating, try to regulate his temperature with some cool water. Call your vet for further instruction.

Your dog relies on you to keep him safe. Show him you are worthy of such an important responsibility.

Enjoy the summer!

Rogz Dog Harnesses

We all know how important it is to walk with our dogs every day. For many, a harness is a preferred tool to use. Since harnesses do not put any pressure on the throat they are a good choice for dogs with respiratory or trachea issues. And if you have an escape artist who knows how to back out of his collar, a harness can stop your little Houdini.

Rogz dog harnesses are high quality for your pooch made from soft yet tough and durable nylon and are adjustable. Suitable for dogs, just choose from small to extra large.

There are conflicting opinions of whether harnesses encourage or discourage a dog to pull. It really depends on the individual dog. And at the end of the day, the harness won’t train your dog not to pull. That’s up to you. But as long as you feel comfortable with the tool you choose, you are heading in the right direction.

Dogtails

Its spring and we all know what that means.....extra dirty doggies!!!

If you bathe your dogs at home and prefer to use a natural product, then check out Dogtails products.

Wash

The shampoo is a natural clarifying shampoo made with essential oils. All the ingredients are listed right on the website. It’s gentle, appropriate for all fur types and is earth friendly.

Dry

Cut drying time and pamper your pooch with this soft and absorbent microfiber towel. It’s hypoallergenic, safe for the environment and can be washed over and over again.

Brush

Made from bamboo these brushes promote a shiny coat while being gentle on your dog. This combination of wire and natural boar bristles will detangle and smooth your dog’s coat all at once. The brushes come in small and large, just pick the one that suits your dog’s size.

You can buy each product separately or in a bundle. Sounds like a great gift idea. 

The best news is that for every Dogtails shampoo purchased, a soft towel is dropped off at a local shelter. So not only will your dog benefit, dogs in need will too. That’s pretty awesome.

Check out some of the dogs who love Dogtails products.

Still need convincing? Then read this recent review by “Pretty Fluffy”.

Dan's Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Caring for a dog takes a lot of time and energy. And while I believe it’s up to us living with dogs to take responsibility for them, sometimes we need a little help. After all your dog’s needs should come first.

Dan’s Dog Walking & Pet Sitting services are available to the Port Washington, Great Neck, Roslyn, Manhasset and surrounding areas. They provide a multitude of services such as walking, medical visits, pet taxi, in home overnight care, senior pet care and much more.

If you need more involved care for your pet and house due to a vacation or business trip, you can also request in home services such as watering plants, collecting mail, alternating lights, taking out trash and more. Not only will your pet be cared for, your house will look lived in.

You want your furry friends to be well taken care of. So be sure to check out the testimonial page. It’s always nice to read how happy customers are.

And they are always looking for other reliable and trustworthy people so if you’ve ever thought of turning your love for animals into a career, this could be the right opportunity for you.

Website: Dan’s Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Coral Rose Art

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Those of us with dogs know that is very true.

One way of making a picture last forever is to have it painted by a professional. It’s a wonderful way to preserve the cherished memory of our furry friends after they have left us.

More and more artists that are drawn to painting dogs and other animals and I can understand why. Dogs make such beautiful subjects. You just have to look in their eyes to see true beauty.

Coral Rose Art uses pastel pencils to achieve extremely life-like detail which can be seen on the exquisite German Shepherd shown above. You will see this dog along with many other beautiful animals in the gallery section of their website.

If you are interested, all you have to do is supply your favourite picture and decide the size you desire. If you are unsure, the artist can help you decide from different pictures which would be best suited to become a painting.

This is also a wonderful gift idea for any animal lover.

Website: Coral Rose Art

Camano Island Kennels

If you live in the Northwest Washington area, the Camano Island Kennels offers all of the above.

This is a full service boarding, grooming and training facility. It’s situated on 5 acres on the beautiful Camano Island in the Great Pacific Northwest.

Boarding

Camano Island Kennels offers a clean, comfortable and safe environment for you pooch in a relaxed setting. Your dog will have nothing but the best including heated floors, air circulation, privacy dividers, raised sleeping platforms, soothing music, walking trails and premium food. It sounds like your dog may never want to leave!

Training

There is always room for improvement when it comes to your dog’s behavior. With two full time professional trainers on site, you will have access to private training or group lessons. They will work with every breed and size and no behavior is too difficult to solve.

Grooming

Give your furry friend the full spa treatment or choose from a variety of grooming options. Your dog’s comfort and enjoyment is top priority. Only natural products are used and the facility is bright, airy and very clean.

It can be hard to leave your dog in the care of others. However when you look at the “Client Testimonials” page, you will see how other’s expectations were met and exceeded. It’s always a nice feeling to know your dog’s paws will be in good hands.

Website: CAMANO ISLAND KENNELS

Top 5 Crazy Dogs In World

Crazy Dogs, awesome but it's dangerous dog and some times it's become an angry dogs. If we buy a crazy puppies, it's better to make a crazy dogs. Crazy dogs is best choice able pets on securities. Here selected and best of 5 crazy dogs photos i'm posted for view and share, if you like any one or both five top crazy dogs.

Crazy Dogs.

Crazy Dogs

Crazy Dogs

Crazy Dogs

Crazy Dogs.

Useful Website - DOGHQ

We dog people all want to have friendly, healthy and happy dogs. And that’s also the goal of the DOGHQ website.

If you have a dog, you likely have a lot of questions. How do I stop certain behaviors? How do I become my dog’s leader? How often should I brush my dog’s teeth?

DOGHQ is a website that provides a wiki like forum for questions and answers. You are welcome to ask questions relevant to the community. In turn, if you see questions that you can provide an answer for, you are encouraged to do so.

Many of the contributors of the site are professional trainers, veterinarians and breeders. And the users vote for the best answers so you can trust that you’re getting the best information possible.

Learn to have a dog that is obedient and good with family and strangers.  And how to curb certain unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking. Get advice on the best on nutrition, grooming and exercise. And discover the joy of playing with your dog, the best toys and how to properly socialize your dog with other pooches.

Start learning today.

Winter Cold and Your Dog

Winter is a wonderful season and a lot of dogs love to romp and roll around in the snow.

But as fun as winter is, we have to be careful to watch out for our furry friends. Our dogs depend on us for everything. It's up to us to keep them safe while they are enjoying the winter.

Deep Snow

One thing that helps is shoveling or snow blowing a path in your front or back yard so your dog can easily walk/run or find a spot to relieve himself. It’s also easier for you to spend time outside with your dog and of course pick up after him.

For higher energy dogs, consider building a snow hill for him to run up and over. It’s a great way to burn energy when the weather is too cold to go far.

Frigid Temperatures

Not all dogs are created equally when it comes to the cold weather. Northern breeds certainly have an advantage in the winter time. Knowing your dog’s needs and tolerances will help you make the right decisions.

When temperatures plummet, do the following:

• If necessary, buy an appropriate coat for your dog
• If necessary, buy booties for your dog
• Shorten your walk and choose a route closer to home
• Keep your dog moving during the walk
• Watch for lifted paws or limping (if this happens, hold your bare hand over your dog’s paw for a few seconds to relieve the cold)
• Wipe your dog’s paws when you get home

Going for shorter walks more often will ensure your dog’s physical needs are being met while keeping them safe from the cold.

Always check on your dog frequently when he’s outside alone. Listen for barking or scratching at the door to ensure you know when your dog wants to come inside.

Never leave your dog outside alone for long periods of time without proper shelter and a heated bowl to keep his water from freezing. Snow is not an adequate replacement for fresh water.

When all precautions are taken and you put your dog’s needs first, the winter is a wonderful and fun season you can enjoy together!

My dogs Judique and Bear

Product Review - Discount Dog Poop Bags

Dogs are full love, loyalty and poop. A lot of poop! But we love them anyway don’t we. What we must look like to people without dogs.

So many bags, so much poop.

Personally it doesn’t bother me to pick up after my dogs. It comes with the territory after all. It’s up to us to keep parks, paths and especially our neighbour’s lawns poop free. And since we use so many bags, it’s nice to know that there are companies out there that make environmentally friendly ones.

“Discount Dog Poop Bags” offer just that. They make compostable and biodegradable bags. The colour is black which keep the poop under wraps and they are quick easy tie bags, which is especially nice in the cold weather. Choose one of two sizes that will accommodate your dog. And you buy in bulk, which like the name says offer’s a discount. What more could you want?

So why not support a Canadian made, environmentally friendly product. Order some poop bags today.