There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face. ~Ben Williams The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too. ~Samuel Butler, Notebooks, 1912 From the…
Temperament is a common term in the dog world but few of us actually know the definition of the word. Temperament refers to the aspects and traits of a person, or dog’s, personality that they were born with; the innate versus learned traits. In child psychology, the ‘nine temperament characteristics of Thomas and Chess’ include:…
The thunder booms and the dog dives under the bed. It booms again and the dog runs from under the bed into the bathroom. Another shaker blasts and the dog runs back under the bed from the bathroom. Panting, eyes glazed and staring, the poor dog is beside himself with fear over what we consider…
Most dogs pick up an occasional flea. In some cases, a flea can lead to a serious flea infestation that drives your dog crazy. Left untreated, fleas can bite your dog and cause him great distress. They can even take over your home. A female flea can lay 50 eggs per day, and thousands of…
Obesity is not just a human epidemic. In North America, obesity has swept through our pets as well with more and more animals developing weight-related diseases that were almost unheard of twenty years ago. Diabetes, osteoarthritis, tears to the anterior cruciate ligaments, heart and respiratory disease, and pancreatitis are all on the rise among our…
Spaying (for girls) and neutering (for boys) are usually done when a dog is around six months old. This is a good age for a number of reasons. First, most puppies have received all of their vaccines by this time and are therefore protected against some of the germs that may be present in the…
No dog is entirely hypoallergenic. That means that all dogs produce dander (skin flakes), collect dog saliva on their skin, and collect other allergens from the environment such as dust. But some dogs have coats that seem to be much less likely to trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to dogs. Here’s a…
There are no real differences between feeding a purebred dog and feeding mixed-breed dogs unless you have a breed that is known to have particular digestive problems. Most purebreds and mixed breeds can be fed the same dog foods, fed at the same times, and fed similar amounts based on their size and activity levels….
You have done your research, choosing a breed of dog that is going to well match your lifestyle and you found a reputable breeder that guarantees the health and temperament of their pups. You know you have the chance of buying a puppy that is going to be a perfect compliment to your family but…
Eager, Alert, Powerful, Self-Confident, Playful, Intelligent, Versatile, Gentle. History and Origin of the Golden Retriever In the 19th century, how humans hunt changed dramatically with the overall improvement of the common rifle. Hunters were able to shoot more accurately over greater distances and often would not be able to retrieve the game. Sir Dudley Marjoribanks…
There are many reasons why you would decide to switch your dog’s food – your puppy is now an adult dog, your adult dog is now a senior or your dog has developed allergies to the food they are on currently. Maybe it is as simple as you want to improve your dog’s overall health…
Although you may not be able to convince Paris Hilton of it, a dog collar is more than just a fashion accessory. Yes, they come in every color under the rainbow, in every material known to man and canine, and even come with a myriad of bling to choose from, a collar is actually a…