Category: Petcare

Many dog owners have seen their dogs’ showing signs of jealousy. Professional dog trainers actually use jealousy as a training tool by removing unresponsive dogs during training and allow dogs to watch their handlers working with another dog. A lot of dog owners observe their dog’s display of jealousy when their owners interact with other dogs, family members or friends.  

A Dog’s Jealous Behaviors May Include: 

• Biting / Snapping
• Barking
• Growling
• Whining 
• Getting between his owner and other objects
• Behavior towards an object or thing you’re interacting with
• Pushing extra attention from you‌

Behaviors that Really Need to Be Watched Include: 

• Aggression. Any kind of biting to gain the attention over a person, pet or object is a bad sign. 
• Accidents inside. Since our dog can’t talk to us, they express themselves through their physical actions. They know going to the potty inside is wrong, yet it will get your attention.  
• Aggressive growling or howling. 

Signs of Possessive Behavior 

Your dog may be showing possessive behavior if they do the following: 

• Growling
• Snapping
• Excessive whining
• Attacking another pet or person

Understanding a Protective Dog

If your dog is overly protective, it may be because that’s their natural instinct. This reaction may seem aggressive if your dog perceives you are in danger. Sometimes protective instincts can get confused with jealous or possessive behavior. ‌

Your Dog is Protective if They Do the Following: 

• Focuses on another animal, person, or situation
• Give their full attention to the scenario
• Calms down and backs down after no threat is found‌

The key difference between a protective dog and a possessive dog is the relaxing and backing down part of the equation. A possessive or jealous dog doesn’t typically back down, and his behavior remains consistent.

Changing Problematic Behavior

Be patient. First, you’ll need to use positive reinforcement and reward your dog when they act the way you want them to. If your dog comes in between you and another person, try ignoring them. If your dog keeps getting in the way, get up and move to another space. The ignoring and or not reacting to what they are doing will help your dog know their behavior is not working to get your attention. 

The Three Main Tips 

• Don’t verbally communicate with to them when they do this
• Don’t touch them or push them away
• Don’t make eye contact with them

Your Dog is Doing This to Get Your Attention.

By not showing them attention while they do this may deter them from continuing the behavior.‌To stop your dog’s jealous behavior early in life, consider trying the following ideas: 

1. Avoid showing too much attention to one pet over another. 
2. Train your dog to feel safe, secure, and relaxed in their crate.
3. Make a separate feeding area for multiple animals. This way they are not competing for food.
4. Reward your dog when they’re exhibiting good behavior. 

We need to remember; our pups are living creates that have real emotions and feelings. Your pup loves you and wants your attention, similar to a child. It is important to always remain patient with your dog and train him using positive reinforcement. It is also crucial to begin training at a young age as puppies are more prone to learning while their brain is developing. Although older dogs are able to be trained, the process may take longer and be more challenging.

Homemade dog treats come with a variety of benefits. For one, you know the ingredients in them. They are also less expensive than commercially produced dog treats. They are also something fun to make! Before feeding your pup anything that he normally does not eat, it is always recommended that you check with your veterinarian first. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Below is a list of our favorite homemade dog treats that we think your pup will enjoy!

Baked Chicken Treats

For a quick and easy treat, consider this homemade baked chicken dog treats from Eileen Anderson. Using a basic pyramid pan, this recipe can make about 500 small treats that your dog will drool over. After being baked, you can refrigerate or freeze the treats.

Treat Ingredients:

• 1 10-ounce can of chicken, including liquid
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup tapioca flour
• ½ cup of white flour
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Blend chicken and eggs in a food processor.
3. Pour the mixture into a bowl, and stir in flour and oil. This batter should be a little thicker than pancake batter but still pourable.
4. Spread the batter onto the silicone mold on a cookie sheet, making sure it’s in the holes, and then scrape it off the dividers.
5. Bake for 12 minutes.
6. Once cooled, turn over the mold and dump the treats out.
7. You can bag up the treats and refrigerate or freeze them.

Homemade Bacon Pyramid Pan Treats

Is your fur-legged friend a fan of bacon? If so, this simple recipe by Michelle Taylor will be a hit. With four basic ingredients, this is a great homemade treat for beginners.

Treat Ingredients:

• ½ package of bacon
• 2 eggs
• 150 grams of gluten-free flour
• Water to thin

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Blend the bacon and eggs.
3. Add flour. Stir in water if the batter needs to thin.
4. Smooth the batter over the baking mat and bake for eight minutes.
5. Once cooled, cut the treats into bite-sized pieces.

Peanut Butter Dog Treats

Almost all dogs love the creamy and sweet taste of peanut butter. If your dog is a fan of it, give these treats by Eileen Anderson a whirl! 

Treat Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• ½ cup peanut butter powder
• ½ cup white flour
• ½ cup tapioca flour
• ½ cup water

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. Mix the ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into the pan.
4. Bake for 12 minutes or until the treats are soft but still drawing away from the side of the pan.
5. Once cooled, stretch the pan and dump the treats out.

Cheese and Sardine Pyramid Pan Dog Treats

Looking for a protein-packed treat for your pup? If so, this cheese and sardine dog treat is the answer. 

Treat Ingredients:

• 1 can of sardines

 • 2 eggs

 • 150 grams of grated Parmesan cheese

 • A handful of roasted vegetables

 • 75 grams of tapioca flour (or plain flour)

 • Water

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 320ºF.

2. Blend all the ingredients in a blender to make a thick batter. Add water as needed to make it thicker.

3. Smooth the mixture over the baking mat and bake for about 15 minutes or until crispy.

4. Once cooled, cut into small pieces.

Cheddar-Apple Dog Biscuits

This classic one is from Martha Stewart and is a combination of cheddar and apple. 

Treat Ingredients:

• 2 cups barley flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oatmeal
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Baking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients and about 3 tablespoons of water to form a dough. Roll out the mixture between two sheets of plastic wrap to ¼-inch thick. Remove plastic wrap and cut out biscuits with a 3 ½-inch bone-shaped cookie cutter. Re-roll scraps and continue cutting out biscuits.
3. Space biscuits 1 inch apart on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes until nicely browned and firm.
4. Transfer biscuits to a wire rack. Turn off the oven and place the biscuits on a wire rack in the oven overnight. Remove from the oven and store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

We think your pup will love these tricks, which are all healthy sources of nutrition. As mentioned earlier, always check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog anything new.

From time to time, The American Kennel Club (AKC) adds new breeds of dogs to its registry. Being added to their list as a new breed is not something that happens with ease. The American Kennel Club has a rigorous screening process with extremely strict eligibility requirements in order for a dog to be recognized as a new, pure breed. These requirements include a national breed club with at least one hundred members and a population of third-generation dogs numbering at least three hundred. That is not easy to find. The dogs must also be found in at least twenty states in the U.S. To demonstrate how selective this process is, there have only been fifteen new breeds added to this registry since 2015. We rounded up five of these new breeds registered in the last five years to help you get more familiar with them.

Barbet

Initially registered in 2020, Barbet Dog is one of the AKC’s most recent additions. The Barbet has been shown off in French artwork that dates back as far as the early 16th century. This breed gets its name from the French word “barbe,” which means “beard,” and by looking at this pup you will understand why. The Barbet Dog is a rare dog breed, with a long coat similar to a Poodle, that consists of thick fur that transitions into tight curls. The Barbet is a very loyal and smart breed of dog that has an appearance as unique as its personality.

Azawakh

The Azawakh originated in West Africa and is a tall and slender dog. Although this breed has been around for a very long time, it wasn’t listed on the registry until 2019. This dog was originally developed to be a hunting dog. The Azawakh is a very rare breed and consequently, a very expensive breed. They have a similar, but not identical, appearance of a greyhound and are very athletic. Today’s Azawakh is still commonly used as sighthounds. The Azawakh does make a great pet and tends to be happy when his family is happy.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a strong and muscular dog which was developed in Argentina for hunting large game. This rare breed, which was initially registered in 2020, is also very expensive. The Dogo Argentino is a strong looking and focused dog that has a very alert mind and a strong will. They are known for their loyalty and protective personalities. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they are not known to be aggressive dogs. This breed does make a good family pet if you are able to find one.

American Hairless Terrier Dog

Despite their name, the American Hairless Terrier can be found in both hairless and coated varieties. This breed descended from a single Rat Terrier that was selectively bred for its hairlessness qualities. In 2016 the American Hairless Terrier dog breed was officially recognized. This breed is known to be outgoing, energetic, curious, and loyal. They are also very good at hunting small rodents. They make great family pets and are not known to excessively shed.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondjie Dog

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondjie was originally bred in the Netherlands to serve as a duck decoy dog. They were very good at luring fowl to their doom into “Eendenkooi,” which is a man-made pond trapping cage. Their Dutch name translates to “small cager dog,” and their unique tails helped entice ducks into these areas. Despite the Nederlandse Kooikerhondjie being very popular in the Netherlands for centuries, they were not registered with the AKC until 2018. This is a quality breed of dog that does well in families of all dynamics.

Did you know that there are 339 breeds of dog on Earth? That’s a lot dogs! Each dog breed comes with very distinct traits. Besides physical attributes each has its own personality, skill, and demeanor. Although every dog is special, some are just more “pupular” than others. Below is a list of the top ten dog breeds in the United States and a little information about each dog.

Ranking #1 – Labrador Retriever

For over thirty straight years, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular breed of dog in the United States. This pup is not only as handsome as they come, but has a personality to match. They are kid friendly and mom approved dogs that are always happy to see their family. They do great with other pets in the house and do not require excessive amounts of work.

Ranking #2 – Goldendoodle

The Goldendoodle’s popularity continues to take off much thanks to her sweet and playful personality and very approachable demeanor. This breed has a lot to offer and is a joy to be around. They enjoy playing, do great with children and are not known to be aggressive. The Goldendoodle is also a very attractive dog who cleans up well!

Ranking #3 – Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is not only a very smart breed of dog but a very loving and loyal breed. They are family friendly dogs who easily train and who remain very loyal. This breed is known for its companionship and simply enjoys being around his family. For families that are active, this pup is able to keep up and looks forward to making his family happy.

Ranking # 4 – French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is the perfect combination between adorable and lazy! This breed enjoys the company of his family and other pets. They are also mild mannered which allows for them to interact well with younger children. They enjoy taking naps and being close to their family. For those who want a good-looking pup without having to invest a lot of time in grooming, this should be one to consider.

Ranking #5 – Labradoodle

What do you get when you mix a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle? The Labradoodle. This very attractive dog is also very smart. They make amazing family pets and enjoy being the center of your attention. They are also social dogs who enjoy the company of other pets in the home. If a smart and good-looking pup is what you are searching for, this breed should be considered.

Ranking #6 – German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is quality pup who is known to be loyal, smart and protective. Despite being protective, they can also be very gentle and caring. They enjoy staying busy and they do best with families who enjoy spending time outdoors. Thanks to their intelligence and physical attributes, this breed is also used in law enforcement and the military.

Ranking #7 – Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is an elegant dog who is not afraid to get her paws dirty. Despite having a luxurious coat and pretty features, she loves to play and play hard. This breed is very popular and has been for years. If you are looking for a gentle lapdog who is ready for a game of tug of war, the Shih Tzu should be considered.

Ranking #8 – Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a small yet feisty dog that doesn’t back down from anyone. These pups are also very loving and have caring personalities. They enjoy spending time both indoors and outdoors with family and have been a family favorite for generations in the United States. This breed does well for those who are first time dog owners because they are low maintenance and relatively easy to care for.

Below is a list of our favorite at-home dog hacks for dog owners. These tips and tricks will help you save time and are also pretty neat to try! They range from cleaning up loose dog hair to easy ways to check for fleas.

Dryer Sheets Pick up Dog Hair

Looking for an easy way to clean up dog hair? Use dryer sheets! They pick up loose dog hair with ease. Simply rub a dryer sheet over your furniture or wherever else pet hair collects and watch it disappear! Dryer sheets will allow for the hair to cling which makes this routine chore quick and easy to accomplish.

Use Baking Soda to Clean up Pet Urine

Every dog will eventually do it. When your dog pees on the carpet sprinkle some baking soda on the spot and allow it to sit for twenty to thirty minutes. The baking soda will absorb the liquid and help to remove the odor. Once dried simply vacuum it up! Depending on how saturated the carpet is, a second round may be needed which should do the trick.

Check for Fleas by Giving Your Dog the White Towel Test

Do you suspect that your pup has fleas? Or do you just want to check and make sure he doesn’t? Have your dog lay on a white towel while you examine & brush their fur. The white towel will make it easy to see any loose flea dirt that falls from your dog. Although these critters are very small, they will be able to be seen on a white or very light-colored towel.

Make Your Own DIY Pill Pockets with Peanut Butter, Milk & Flour

One of the most popular life hacks for dog owners was finding a way to get their dog to swallow pills. If you’re having a difficult time getting your dog to swallow pills consider making your own treat by mixing peanut butter, a dribble of milk, and coating it flour. Form each treat into a small round shape the size of your thumb nail. This will keep the pill secured inside the treat assuring your fur-legged friend takes his medicine.

Soften Up Dry Food Using Warm Water

If your pup has a hard time eating his kibble, consider mixing a little warm water over the food first. This will soften the kibble and allow your pup to enjoy his meal. This especially helpful for dogs who may have sensitive teeth.

Skunk Spray? No Problem.

If your dog was sprayed by a skunk the odor can be overwhelming and difficult to get rid of. One of the best ways to combat this unpleasant odor is by using pet soap, peroxide, and baking soda. These ingredients will help to remove the odor from your dog. At times, two or more rounds of cleaning your dog may be needed. Always use caution around your pup’s eyes when washing him, especially with the soap and peroxide.

Use Flour, Cornstarch or Baking Soda to Stop Your Dogs Nail from Bleeding

It happens to the best of us. We accidentally trim our pup’s nails too short and they begin to bleed. Use a homemade mixture of flour, cornstarch or baking soda with water until it’s a thick paste. Once the past forms apply it to the injured nail with moderate pressure for a few minutes. This will help clot the area that is bleeding.

Make Training More Fun by Alternating the Rewards

Rather than just giving praise for a new trick, add some tasty treats to the mix. When your pup follows the rules or is in the process of potty training, a small treat can go a long way. Alternating the types of treats will help keep your pup’s attention. This is a form of positive reinforcement and a great way to keep you fur-legged friend proud of his accomplishments.

Despite their massive and intimidating appearance, large dog breeds are generally well-tempered, warm, loving, friendly and loyal animals!  Throughout history, these dogs have been relied on for their strength which helped them to excel in guarding territory, protect livestock, and farm work. If a large dog is what you want than this is the blog for you. Below are the top six largest breeds of dogs and some information about them.

English Mastiff

At the top of our list of big dogs is the English Mastiff. This breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club. The biggest English Mastiff on record is named Aicama Zorba and broke the scale at 343 pounds. Typically, however, male English Mastiffs weigh 160 to 230 pounds while female English Mastiffs weigh 120 to 170 pounds. These dogs also stand about 30 inches tall at the shoulder, with females being slightly shorter.

Boerboels

The Boerboel generally weighs between 150 and 220 pounds, with no difference given between females and males. Farmers in South Africa began using this breed after initially developing them to hunt leopards and baboons. This dog is a very large and powerful dog and is known to be somewhat aggressive, so good socialization training at a young age is needed.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard dogs are large, strong and dominant in size. Male Saint Bernards typically weigh in between 140 and 180 pounds while female Saint Bernards tend to weigh between 120 and 140 pounds. Most Saint Bernards stand just under thirty inches tall at full maturity. This breed was developed to help rescue Alpine mountaineers. The face of a Saint Bernard has a distinct appearance with a wrinkled brow and short muzzle.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is another large breed of dog. Male Great Danes tend to weigh in between 140 and 175 pounds. Female Great Danes generally check in between 110 and 140 pounds. The largest Great Dane in the record books was named Zeus. This gigantic dog stood nearly four feet tall and stood seven feet four inches high when on his back legs. This being almost two feet taller than the average man.

Leonbergers

According to the American Kennel Club, male Leonbergers weigh between 110 and 170 pounds. Female Leonbergers generally weigh between 90 and 140 pounds. Both male and female Leonbergers stand about 30 inches tall at maturity. The Leonbergers has a unique lion-like mane around its neck and chest which magnifies its large appearance. Water rescue teams often use this breed because of their water-resistant coat. Many also deploy this breed to herd animals and as watchdogs because of their size.

Tibetan Mastiffs

Tibetan Mastiffs are large and solid dogs. Male Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 90 and 150 pounds. Female Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 70 and 120 pounds. They stand about two feet tall at maturity and are known to make an excellent watchdog. If a large dog is what you are looking for this is definitely a breed to consider.

Anatolian Shepherd

Anatolian Shepherds were initially developed in the Kangal region of Turkey to guard and protect livestock. Although this breed is large and strong and protective, they tend to be very gentle around their family.  Male Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 110 and 150 pounds while female Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. They stand about thirty inches tall at maturity.

We love our puppies, and so do you! Nothing will stop us from doing things for them to make them feel happy and loved. Below are some ideas of ways that you can improve their life, and they are much easier than you may think!

Boost Up the Exercise Routine!

Our pups love being active, especially with their family. A jog in the park or a walk through the neighborhood will get your pup’s heart beating and tail wagging. Some parks even offer secured off-leash areas, which is a great place for a game of fetch. Regardless of what you do, keeping your fur-legged friend active and well-exercised is a great way to keep them happy.

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation for your pup is a great way to fight boredom and stay mentally active. Taking your dog to new places and on new adventures is a great way to accomplish this. Instead of just walking your dog for exercise, try playing games that require them to follow commands. This is a good way to keep their mind sharp and happy.

Positive Reinforcement

When training your pup be sure to use positive reinforcement techniques. Your dog wants to make you happy and is generally happy when you are. While training him, be sure to use the same words when they accomplish an act correctly, followed by an extra pat on the back. Your dog can sense the tone in your voice, so using a consistent and upbeat voice when he does good will allow him to sense your happiness and feel the same way.

Who doesn’t like a good massage? Well, your pup loves them too! Test out different massage techniques for your pup, and when you see one of his back legs twitching, you found the right one! This will allow you and your pup to bond while promoting relaxation. A good brushing of your dog will also accomplish similar results and make him look good too!

Let Them Relax

Many dog owners find it more convenient to keep their pup’s collar on day and night. Although this will save you time, collars can cause discomfort if left on too long. Consider removing your pup’s collar in the evening before bed so he can relax. A relaxed pup is a happy pup!

Feed Them Well

Properly fueling your pup has many advantages. For one, their overall health. A properly fed dog will look and feel better than a dog that is being fed low-quality dog food. Long-term health also greatly depends on the quality of his food. A treat here and there and fine but feeding your dog twice a day in twelve-hour intervals tends to keep their energy levels balanced.

Grooming is Good

Every dog needs to be groomed. Some breeds require more work than others based on their coats, etc. Daily brushing of your pup is very important as it will prevent stubborn knots and matting from forming. Not only will your dog look better being groomed, but he will feel much better too.

Pay Attention

Your dog seeks your undivided attention. Regardless of how busy your day is, be sure to pay your pup quality attention. That can be lying down together, petting while talking to him, or even teaching him a new trick. Your one-on-one attention with your dog is very important. This will allow him to feel loved and allow your bond to be even stronger.

No matter how you keep your dog happy, know that he relies on you and loves your presence. Taking the time each and every day to show your fur-legged friend love is good for his health and will allow him to know he’s special.

Many of us believe that owning a dog and dealing with shedding goes hand in hand. And in many cases that is the truth. However, there are dog breeds that shed very little to none at all. If you are looking for a low shedding or no shedding dog, this article is for you. We will go over a list of not only great family dogs, but dogs that are easy to care for and are not known for excessive shedding.

Bedlington Terrier The Bedlington Terrier requires some grooming, but they don’t shed. This breed is a gentle and caring family dog that makes a great fit into most families. They are not hard to care for and quickly bond with their family. The Bedlington Terrier is certainly a top-notch dog that will win your heart and lap in no time.

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is best described as being a happy, social, and energetic dog. The Bichon Frise does need routine grooming to maintain their clean white coats which grow, not shed. Due to this, this breed has less dander, which generally makes this pup a good dog for allergy sufferers. Between not shedding and being so lovable, the Bichon Frise is a highly recommended family dog.

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is an all-around fun and happy dog. The rough-coated version of this breed does not shed and is easy to groom. They are low maintenance pups that have very loyal and outgoing personalities. They do well with children and other pets inside the home.

Kerry Blue Terrier

Another top choice for those looking for a non-shedding dog is the Kerry Blue Terrier. This breed is a wise choice for folks looking for non-shedding and somewhat non-allergenic dogs. This breed is known for being affectionate, playful, and all-around fun to be around. They make tremendous family pets and are relatively easy to care for.

Maltese

The Maltese is a small, easy-going, and charming dog that has a single white silky coat. Basic routine care is needed in keeping this pup looking its best but is overall is a simple dog. They are considered low-shedding dogs which will allow for more playtime than vacuuming time. The Maltese has a long history of making a great pet and is sure to win your heart in no time at all.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium sized dog that has a soft and wavy coat that requires basic care. This breed is considered to be a low-shedding dog which means a lot less dander. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier makes a great family pet thanks to its warm and approachable demeanor and is known to quickly bond with its family.

Barbet

The Barbet originated in France and has become very popular in the United States over the last few years. This breed has a very tightly-curled coat which is non-shedding. They are very friendly dogs that tend to be loyal and loving to their families. The Barbet will generally quickly form a strong bond with you and your family. They also have eager to please personalities and enjoy showing off.

Regardless whichever fur-legged friend wins your heart, you have made a great decision. Dogs (high, medium, low, or no shedders) offer amazing companionship and normally offer years of happiness. All dogs will require basic care to look and feel their best and by taking the time to select a dog that best fits what you are able to provide it, will allow you and your new best friend to be happy and content.