If you own a dog, the idea of crating her probably makes you cringe. It’s especially difficult if your dog fights the idea and takes a lot of coaxing to get into the crate. My own dogs are surprisingly okay with being crated for cross-country trips or weekends at my parents when we are out of town. However, it wasn’t easy in the beginning. My chocolate lab Jake is a howler and let his feeling be known loudly during crate…
Our fur-babies are special in our hearts, not quite children that grow up and create their own lives. These amazing creatures are our companions throughout their lives. Often dogs enter as impressionable puppies, and grow and age with us. Each breed is different; each dog within the breed is different as well. Some breeds are a bit more high strung than others, some more intense and determined, some so easy-going and fluid in their attitudes that you’d swear you could…
Pets can help children socialize and form memories that last a lifetime. However, it’s important to consider pets a part of the family and to be sure that everyone is comfortable when dynamics change. This could include introducing a new pet to children and other pets, bringing home a new baby, or becoming first-time pet parents when you already have children. Let’s take a look at some ways to plan for these scenarios and make sure that you find the…
Jane and Sparky When Jane adopted Sparky from the shelter, all she saw was an adorable mixed breed. Sparky was lively, and charming. Up-to-date on shots and a clean bill of health. A perfect dog companion to a working person and family. They knew it would take Sparky time to adjust to his new home. But they hadn’t anticipated the frantic barking to last more than a few minutes. Worse, when Jane returned home from work, Sparky would crawl into…
Dogs are often considered part of our family. Unfortunately, we can’t always take them with us as we do what needs to be done during the day. When your dog experiences separation anxiety, this can make things as normal as going to work or running out to do a few errands heart-breaking for both you and your fur baby. Even dogs who don’t experience a great deal of anxiety show sadness when you prepare to leave them alone. After all,…
People have been dressing up their pets throughout history, but the practice has certainly become more commonplace over the past few decades. It’s rare now to go into a pet store and not see an adorable little costume for your pooch (or sometimes other furry friends), and there are entire lines of pet clothes and accessories now in existence. But should you really be dressing up your pet? Let’s take a look at the facts: History It’s not quite clear exactly how far…
Does it seem as if your dog is perpetually begging? Does your cat meow and come racing through the house at 100 mph every single time she hears the crunch of a bag or the refrigerator or microwave door open? Chances are you do have a hungry pet with large mournful eyes scanning your clothing for microscopic crumbs that have escaped the sliding board of doom into your stomach. It’s at times like these, or when you notice that your…