There are several conflicting stories and theories about the way that dogs and humans originally became friends. Archaeologists are still uncovering evidence about the first dogs around the world so our picture of the human-dog relationship is developing all the time. Here are some things that we think we know now. Genetic evidence points to…
Watching a litter of pups interact is better entertainment than anything you can find on TV – guaranteed. They play, sleep, and eat as one furry pack and, within that group, they speak a language humans do not always understand. Play bows, chasing and being chased, growling, barking, yipping, biting, pawing, ear position, facial expressions,…
You had an especially long day at work and you were not sure if you would ever be allowed to go home. However, the nightmare was waiting for you at home. As usual, your four-legged friend greeted you at the door with all excitement and wags, making the homecoming that extra bit special that every…
Your neighbors are complaining that your dog barks incessantly when you are gone and although you have tried a few suggestions from friends on how to stop the barking, nothing has worked well enough to fix the strained relations between you and your neighbor. Desperation is setting in and you are now looking for a…
Friends visit and your puppy greets them at the door with a puddle of urine. You come home from a long day at work to having your shoes dampened by the same pup. Your teenage son and daughter have a boisterous argument and your pup rolls on its back between them and urinates. Frustrating, messy,…
The AKC’s Working Group of Dogs contains some of the dog world’s hardest-working canines. Working dogs are extremely versatile. They include protection dogs, livestock guarding dogs, shepherds, police and military K9s, search and rescue dogs, water dogs to help fishermen, sled dogs, and even dogs to pull carts and act as draft animals. Perhaps no…
For pet owners and pups on the go, plastic dog kennels have become a can’t-live-without product making life as we know it so much easier and more convenient. Whether you take your pet jet setting on luxurious Hawaiian vacations or you simply need a place for them to lounge safely while you are away at…
Sleeping has gone to the dogs . . . and in the case of these orthopedic dog beds – that’s a good thing of course! While ordinary dog beds might provide enough comfort for younger dogs or dogs without any health problems, older dogs require more support. Because dogs with arthritis or pups that are…
Whether it is your first dog or your latest addition, buying an appropriate collar should be the first thing you do before you pick up your new companion. Not all collars are created equal and buying a dog collar, although sounding like a simple enough task, has a wide range of important variables that must…
It’s every dog owner’s worst nightmare. Somehow, through some accident or terrible series of events, your beloved pet is missing. Unless you’ve experienced it yourself it’s hard to put into words the anxiety and fear that someone feels when their dog is missing. If you should find yourself in this position there are some things…
When a female dog is in the clinic to be spayed or a male is to be neutered, the veterinarian starts by giving the pet a physical exam to ensure that its health appears good and that its reproductive tract looks normal. Often, the doctor also recommends pre-anesthetic blood work to help minimize the chances…
Babysitting a puppy, or puppy sitting, is something many of us are asked to do from time to time. If you have a friend with a puppy you may be asked to keep a puppy for a few hours or for a couple of days. Or you may need to have someone keep your puppy…