DIY Dog Grooming: What You Need to Know

Rebecca Bretana
Dog grooming is costly! If you have a long-haired pup, you know how hard keeping your pet good looking is. There are some things you can do at home to limit how much time you spend taking your dog to the groomer. You might even save a little money. If you aren’t afraid to get a little dirty while getting your dog a little clean, then here are some ways to groom your dog yourself. Bathe Your Dog Most dog owners have a bathing routine, but if you don’t, now’s the time. Instead of waiting for your next trip to the groomer, buy some good pet shampoo and scrub your… Read More Continue Reading

24 Top Male Dog Names for 2018

Rebecca Bretana
Sifting through male dog names to find the right name for your new puppy? There are many names out there, but what’s right for you and your new companion? Here, we outline the top 24 male dog names for 2018. You’ll find there are some common themes that run through this list. Can you spot them? Popular Male Dog Names in 2018 Angus – A fun name perfect for a big male dog, or maybe (ironically) a teacup dog. It’s a popular name from England that means “choice” or “one.” What will your choice be? Apollo – For you Greek literature fans out there, Apollo, the god of music might… Read More Continue Reading

10 Things You Should Know Before Doing a Dog DNA Test

Rebecca Bretana
Thinking of buying a dog DNA test? Take a moment to learn more about these innovative tests before purchasing your kit. We all know what DNA is: it’s the sequence of nucleotides that is the basic blueprint of any living organism. Everyone and everything has DNA. Dogs have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes along 78 chromosomes. For comparison, humans have 46 chromosomes. In 2005, MIT’s Broad Institute published a piece describing canine DNA sequencing. Now, breeders, dog owners and scientists use dog DNA tests to learn more about man’s best friend. Interested in getting your dog’s DNA tested? Read on to find out what you should consider before buying your… Read More Continue Reading

Tonka the Malamute: The Wondrously Smart WaterWolf

Pam
Meet one of America’s most favorite canines, Tonka the Malamute! If you haven’t heard of Tonka yet, you will be amazed and entertained when you watch his fun-filled adventures. No matter which one of Tonka’s videos you watch, you will see his big personality shine through. Tonka’s doggie mom says she thinks of him as a “little boy in disguise.” The bottom line is this. Tonka the Malamute is definitely not just your average dog. Tonka’s doggie mom, Bonnie Miller DeMoss, is the creator and narrator of Tonka’s YouTube channel, called “The Adventures of Tonka the Malamute AKA Waterwolf.” Bonnie clearly finds so much joy in interacting with her beloved Tonka.… Read More Continue Reading

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

Pam
Are you familiar with the term hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive. This becomes a problem because the thyroid is responsible for regulating the metabolism in the body, in humans and dogs alike. As a result, the metabolism can be lowered to a screeching halt. Over time, the thyroid gland can become completely depleted. Causes of Hypothyroidism in Dogs Experts suggest there are a few different reasons for a dog to develop hypothyroidism. One reason is a result of a disorder called autoimmune thyroiditis. This condition causes the immune system to attack the tissues of the thyroid gland. Something as serious as cancer, or as simple as… Read More Continue Reading

The Cockapoo: A Fun Mixture of 2 Popular Breeds

Pam
Dating back all the way to the 1960’s, the Cockapoo is the very first of what is known as the “designer” dog breeds. It is a mix between the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. This adorable little dog has a big personality. The Cockapoo has bright, soulful eyes and a fluffy coat that you just can’t wait to pet. Are you looking to bring a happy little addition to your family? Look no further than the cute little Cockapoo! Other Names, AKA Some people have their own names for the cockapoo. Some call him the Cockapoodle, or a Cocker Poodle. Others call him the Cockapoodle, or the Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix.… Read More Continue Reading

Fun Ways to Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday

Pam
Source: Baked by Joanna Happy Birthday Red Rover! Do you know when your dog’s birthday is? If not, maybe you just remember the date that he or she came into your life. Many people consider their dogs to be part of their family. Why not indulge in a bit of fun and celebrate your favorite furry family member’s birthday? Here are some things to consider when planning their special day. Venture Out If the weather permits, why not make a day of it? Pick a great location for a doggie playdate. The most obvious choice would be a dog park, or a dog-friendly beach spot if you live on the… Read More Continue Reading

An Introduction to Gun Dog Training

Pam
An Introduction to Gun Dog Training The foundation of gun dog training relies on laying the groundwork. This includes giving instructions, affirmation and rewarding the dog for the behaviors you are trying to enforce. Creating boundaries is another vital aspect. Setting Boundaries Gun dog training involves both discipline and reward. Logically, good performance is rewarded with positive reinforcement, such as praise. Discipline is learned through various training methods, all of which involve setting boundaries for the dog. The dog needs to understand how far you are willing to let him go, and respect your boundaries. He needs to learn when it is time to retrieve, and also when it is… Read More Continue Reading

Adopting a Pet: The Right Thing to Do

Pam
You say you are thinking about adding another member to your family? What better way to make it official than by adopting a dog or cat of your very own. Now I know that new puppies and kittens from the pet store are fuzzy and cute, but think about where they come from. Inhumane puppy mills crank out puppy after puppy, with complete disregard to the life of the mother who lives her life in a cage. The mother simply becomes the means to an end. The Humanity of Pet Adoption When you choose to adopt a pet, you save a life. Who knows what kind of life they would… Read More Continue Reading

What Is Dog Speak?

Pam
If you understand baby talk, you should understand the concept of dog speak. According to Science Daily, the way that we speak to our dogs is important to building a loving owner-pet relationship. Dog speak is a way to improve attention, and to create a social bond with your pet. Research British researchers at the University of York set out to uncover the most effective ways to communicate with your dog. Previous studies examined talking in a high-pitched voice with exaggerated emotion to puppies and dogs. While puppies did respond accordingly, adult dogs did not respond to this. York researchers tested this theory with similar experiments, such as why humans… Read More Continue Reading