Going On A Trip Without Your Dog

When you leave, does your dog know when you are coming back?

Most dogs have a specific reaction to their families coming and going. Your pup might follow you to the door when you leave and be sleeping on the doormat when you return. Or, your pup might be one that plops herself on her bed after her morning walk, and doesn’t move until it’s time for her evening walk; with no care as to your comings and goings.

Whatever the reaction your dog gives, do you think they know when you are leaving for an extended period of time versus just a few hours? Our friends at Whole Dog Journal asked that question recently and got some pretty cute responses. Read them here and see if you might want to add your comments too!

We are heading into Fall and the holiday season, so now is the time when we go on trips, leaving our pups behind. Whether you are the experienced traveler or this is a once a year occurrence, we could all use some advice on what to do to prepare our pups for when we leave without them. The AKC has some great tips on how to prepare and what to do to relieve some of the stress that comes with leaving our pets at home. Check that out here.

We would like to mention that if your dog is destructive when you leave your house, that can be separation anxiety. This is an behavioral diagnosis that needs attention, especially if it is keeping you from leaving the house and enjoying your life. If you think your dog is having separation anxiety issues, please call us. We can get you the help you need. 602-237-6775

The Jack Russell Terrier

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Have you met a Jack Russell yet?

The Jack Russell is a high-energy terrier bred in 1800s England for fox hunting by the eponymous Reverend John Russell. The demand for hunting dogs declined dramatically post-World War II, after which Jacks increasingly found themselves as family and companion dogs.

But though their original job has shifted, their original energy levels have not, earning them nicknames like Jerk Rascal Terror. The trick to living with a JRT is exercise—lots of it. In fact, a Jack named Bothy made history as part of the 1982 Transglobe Expedition. More commonly, Jacks excel at high-energy dog sports like agility, flyball, and triebball—and most love a good game of fetch. Jacks also love to train, and are good at it, too. (Think Eddie from the TV sitcom Frasier!) In short, a JRT with a job is a happy JRT (and one who’s much easier to live with).

If you enjoy great company and a bit of a challenge, and are ready to provide lots of exercise and training for your best friend, search nearby shelters and rescues for a Jack in need of a home.

Crate Training

The Importance of Crate Training

Life happens.

And when it does you may think you are prepared. But is your dog?

We seem to be experiencing more than our fair share of natural disasters in the world lately. Most of us have maybe thought about how to prepare ourselves, and maybe even about what to do with our dog if something happens. But is your dog really ready?

Take a look at THIS ARTICLE that our friends at The Whole Dog Journal have written.

Then see for yourself if you can confidently say you and your dog are both ready for what life may throw at you.

The World of Doodles!

What is a doodle?

In short, a doodle is a cross between an poodle and some other dog breed. Some of the most popular ones are Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Sheepadoodles and Bernedoodles. Doodles aren’t technically a breed, they are mixes. They are not a recognized pedigree by the AKC since they are not purebred, but the AKC does have the Canine Partners Program that allows them to be registered members.

Doodles can make great pets for most families and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years. But why?

Doodles Doodles everywhere!

When explaining why the doodle seems to be the pet of choice for so many, we can also answer why they make great pets. The number one answer for their popularity is – they make great family pets. They are laid-back, friendly, kind-natured, smart, cute and quite loveable. Not to mention that the different mixes lead to different size dogs. So you can find one that fits into your size lifestyle!

It is also well-known that doodle mixes tend to shed a lot less than other dogs. This keep allergens down as the dander has less chance of shedding off the dog and into your house. Therefore they have a reputation of being less-allergenic than most dogs. Although no dog is truly “hypoallergenic”, those of us with dog allergies tend to have better luck having a doodle in the house.

Who is the ideal family for a doodle?

The answer to this question can rely heavily on the type of doodle mix you are considering. Remember a doodle is a mix and therefore you have to take the other half of the genetic make-up into consideration. But for the most part, doodles are good for families that are active, involved and want a dog that will be an integral part of their family. Doodles are pretty high-energy dogs and need a lot of exercise on a regular basis. They are better suited for families who like to take their dog places with them on adventures. Maintaining a regular routine of exercise and focused activities to keep their keen minds from getting themselves into mischief, is what doodles crave. Not to mention, you need to be willing to brush and groom your doodle’s locks on a regular basis.

Can I afford a doodle?

Maybe. Doodles were originally bred to be service dogs, and they make great ones! But they are a popular dog and therefore can be expensive, anywhere from $2,000 – $4,000. Breeders are pretty easy to find with a simple online search. But buyer beware! Watch out for doodle scams when looking to bring one into your family. As puppies, some mixes can look like doodle mixes and be sold as doodle mixes, but aren’t really. Do your research and find a reputable breeder in your area. Talk to others in the dog industry, don’t just rely on the internet.

Canine Influencers

This last year of limited in-person contact has seen many of us spending more time than ever on social media. But we humans aren’t the only ones.

Locked in our homes and looking for new hobbies to pass the time, more dog lovers are introducing their dogs to social media, too.

Well, in a manner of speaking: the number of Facebook pages, Instagram and Twitter accounts, YouTube channels and blogs “by” dogs (as well as cats, pigs, and all manner of typical and atypical pets) has exploded.

This isn’t an entirely new trend.

Doug the Pug is a notable early pioneer. Doug’s people catapulted his winning online presence into a veritable industry with over 8 million social media followers and a hearty retail line.

Then there’s Bosco and His Big Stick, a Dachshund who, you guessed it, delights his Instagram followers by carrying seemingly impossibly large sticks (branches, really) while out on his daily constitutional.

Other internet darlings include Jiffpom, a Pomeranian with a Katy Perry music video on her resume, and the Urban French Farmers, a trio of rather opinionated French Bulldogs who share their daily trials and tribulations via their Facebook page.

While most of our dogs aren’t likely to reach such superstar status or rack up followers numbered in the millions, if sharing your dog’s unique personality with the world appeals there’s plenty of online advice to be had on how to build their audience. A Google search will turn up everything from how-to articles for hobbyists to marketing companies specializing in turning pets into social media stars. If you’re looking for a new way to spend time, and you live with a dog who has something to say (or is a comic genius or even just particularly photogenic); perhaps it’s time to set them up with their own online presence. Who knows—your best friend could be the next Doug the Pug! At the very least it’s likely to bring joy to your family and friends.