Paw Prints In The Snow...The Joy Of A Winter Dog Walk

It has been a cold, snowy winter and all of the dogs I walk, love it. When the dogs are excited to walk, even cold weather walks are enjoyable for me although I would much prefer walking on a sandy beach. For the pups, every walk in the snow is an adventure.

I enjoy winter walks the nost when the snow is still falling and everything is white and beautiful. Falling snow confuses some of my furry friends and they will lift their heads to the sky to see where this white stuff is coming from. Others don't even seem to notice and just enjoy their walk as they would any other day.

Once the snow is on the ground, it's a puppy winter wonderland! Some want to lay down and roll around. Others love to dig, or poke their nose deep in the piles as if looking for hidden treasure. None of them mind the cold or the wetness, they just see it as fun.

Their joy makes me smile and will brighten a winter day every time. Best of all, they leave behind one of my favorite things of winter - paw prints in the snow! All different sizes, in different patterns, leaving behind wonderfully cute reminders of the fun that was had.

Then, when the sun comes out, and the snow begins to melt, the  new source of excitement are the uncovered patches of grass that appear. For the dogs it's an opportunity to sniff the upcoming spring. For me it's a symbol of the warmer weather that will soon be here.

Does your dog like to make paw prints in the snow?

4 Rules For A Better Behaved Dog

We have all been there. Your puppy is misbehaving, doing everything you don't want them to do. Ignoring everything they know about good behavior.  But they look so cute! The mischievous look in their eye, the wagging tail, the joy on their face. How can you be angry? After all, they're only a puppy.

Puppies grow fast and learn quickly - both good and bad behavior. Behavior that is "cute" for a puppy can be dangerous when acted out as an adult dog. Don't encourage or overlook when your little 10lb puppy jumps up on you or others. Will this behavior be as cute when they are 50+ pounds?

4 rules that should be followed whether your dog is a tiny puppy or a full grown adult dog:


Be Consistent:

No is no and needs to be all the time.  Allowing the behavior some of the time will translate to your dog that it is allowed all of the time. If you don't want your dog to jump up on people, then they cannot be allowed to greet anyone this way. Leash pulling cannot be allowed no matter who is walking them. When things are not consistent dogs cannot distinguish between right and wrong.

A Treat is a Treat:

If a treat rewards good behavior then your dog will learn that if they act in an acceptable manor they will get a treat. However, if treats are plentiful they loose their attraction causing your dog to no longer respond to this positive reinforcement. Only reward good behavior and only give treats for this purpose.

Exercise!

All dogs, especially high-energy breeds need exercise. Walk, play ball, do indoor activities to engage your dog's mind - any activity that will fight boredom and work off energy. The result will be a dog that is more focused and better behaved.

Feed Quality Food:

Feed quality food and the result will be a happier and healthier dog. They will feel better, have more energy, and be more focused. Their diet should consist of high quality proteins without chemicals or fillers. For more information please visit What Should NOT be in your pet's food.

There are so many ways your pup will try to look cute. My dog Dallas' cute smile and wagging tail are hard to resist. What are some of your dog's irresistible behavior tricks?

It's Time To Allow Dogs To Be True Members Of Society

What are some of your dog's favorite place to visit? Dogs are very social and benefit from interactions with both humans and other dogs. But sadly, misconceptions about dogs and the countless myths about their behavior has lead to an over abundance of these:

For dogs to be upstanding canine citizens they first need to be social and accepted as members of the community. This includes park trails for dogs to walk on-leash. On-leash walking trails give dogs to opportunity to meet and greet other dogs and humans while maintaining their own controlled space.  In addition, with the help of the leash, they have the opportunity to learn boundaries, get exercise to release energy, and experience the world around them in a controlled environment.

Dog parks allow dogs to run off leash is a safe area as they learn to interact with other dogs of a variety of personalities and temperaments. They allow dogs to find companionship and learn life lessons that they can only learn from other dogs.

Experience eliminates fear - Dogs who are involved and accepted in the community are better behaved.  Through social events they learn and understand what is expected of them in society.

It's not only the dogs need to learn. Humans need to learn how to properly interact with their canine companions. Quite often, this requires the willingness and ability to think like a dog. It's important to respect a dog's space, treat them with respect, and understand that a dog can't respond with words. When bullied or intentionally, or unintentionally, provoked they may react with a growl or a nip. It's important to know that these reactions do not make the dog viscous, they are simply be communicating pain or fear.

It's time to let "man's best friend" be given every opportunity to to be part of the community and bring the joy and companionship that will enhance the lives of all they meet.

Pet Safety For Puppies - Everything Changes As They Grow

Puppy parenting can definitely be a challenge when it comes to safety. The precious little bundle of fur is also a bundle of energy and curiosity. They love to explore, run, jump, and, of course, chew. All the while they are growing which means that, in order to keep them safe, thing need to change right along with them.

July is Pet Safety Month and it is also a  month when many families welcome new pups into their home. Puppies will chew and try to eat everything so it's important to know what to keep out of reach and when to worry if something is accidentally ingested. With growth comes change and many things need to change right along with them. Remember, what is "out of reach" today may be fully accessible to them tomorrow.

Not all foods are dog friendly: Many everyday human foods are toxic to dogs, including, but not limited to,

• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Avocado
• Gum (that contains Xylitol)

Not only should these foods never be given to your dog, they must be kept far from their reach. Open bowls on tables, bags of food in a backpack, grocery bags left on a chair, are all  places your pup may find, and eat, what they shouldn't.

Medications: Be sure to keep all prescription and over the counter medications out of puppies reach (both human and veterinary) . Bottles of pills rattle and may sound like fun to your pup. Remember, they will be able to chew right through the bottle, box, or packaging. These bottles or boxes can be easily grabbed off a table top or can be pulled out of a bag or backpack.

Frequently Check Toys: Puppies love toys that squeak.  Unfortunately, if that toy becomes ripped and tattered the squeaking mechanism can become a choking hazard. Check toys often for rips and tears and discard those that could become a danger.

Beware of plants both inside and out: Click Here  for a listing of both toxic and non-toxic plants.

Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses: As your puppy grows their collars, leashes, and harnesses need to grow with them. Collars should be checked every week to ensure a comfortable fit. Too tight collars will irritate your dogs skin or will cause lacerations if they become much too small.

Frequently check the leash for rips and tears. Puppies love to chew on them and damaged areas may break unexpectedly on a walk and cause a dangerous situation.

Keeping up with your puppies ever changing world is the best way to keep them happy and safe.

Wordless Wednesday - Dallas, What Did You Do?

Dallas, did you do something naughty? Looks like I may have caught you with your paw in the treat bowl...

This is a blog hop!

Does Your Dog Communicate With "The Shake"?

We have all seen our dogs do "the shake", especially after a bath or after getting wet in a downpour. Dogs also have their own personal reasons to shake, some we may understand and some we may not. Recently, I have been trying to decipher "the shake" to determine what my doggie friends are trying to communicate.

For one I have noticed that his shake is his way of letting me know he is annoyed with me. When I interrupt his chew time to leash him up for a walk, he shakes. I pull him away from a dangerous sniff spot, he shakes. Sometimes after the full shake he will shake just his head with a slight muffled bark...I guess that means he is really annoyed at me. I wonder if he has noticed that I have figured out his secret code.

Another one of my walking buddies will shake right before I open the door for us to go outside. After I leash him up we walk to the door and, on queue every time, he will shake. An happy, excited, full body body shake that starts at his ears and works it's way all the way down to the end of his tail. It makes me smile because I know that is his signal that he is happy we are taking a walk together.

When I am out walking with my dog Dallas she will shake, every time, after she has "done what she needed to do".  A quick, full body shake that is so fast I believe her feet actually lift off the floor. That's her signal to me that she is done with the business of the walk and ready to go have fun.

Does your dog communicate with "the shake"?

Don't Ask The Groundhog...Your Dog Knows When Spring Is On The Way

I know spring is coming without ever looking at the calendar, feeling the change in weather, or seeing spring bulbs starting to pop out of the ground. Although they are all signs of spring, the most accurate information comes from the dogs I walk.

Nothing excites a dog's nose like the change in seasons. Winter walks are challenging with snow covering up grassy areas and piling up around trees limiting the accessible sniffing areas. With everything frozen, even the uncovered area must loose their excitement. Although many dogs love the cold weather, live to climb to the top of snow piles, and hop and dig through piles of white, as the months drag on they seem to get bored with the frozen landscape.

I always wait for the day to come. We go out on our walk as usual, but as soon as we exit the door I can tell things are different. Their nose starts to twitch. Ears perk up. It's not long before I know a new season is upon us! Walks are no longer "walks" they are short stops from one sniff spot to another. Some spots smell so good it is difficult to drag them away! Do they smell the flowers ready to emerge from their winter hiding spots? Does the grass smell different as it awakens from its winter sleep? It makes me wish I could enjoy the scents of spring this early in the season but I will have to wait. When the flowers start to bloom and the trees start to bud I will finally be aware of the change of season by the slight changes in the scent of the wind. Until then I will enjoy the excitement I see from the dogs and anticipate the beautiful weather that will soon be here.

The Joy of the Bully Stick

I have always heard how much dogs love bully sticks but I had never gave them to my dog Dallas. When I learned that Life's Abundance had new "Buffalo Bully Sticks for Dogs" I knew it was time to treat Dallas to the experience.

All I had to do was open the package and she came running! Although she never had one, she knew it was something good. When I first gave it to her she paraded around with it in her mouth like a trophy. Then she settled down and has been chewing happily ever since!

Dogs just love these new bully sticks! I brought a package with me to one of the pups I enjoy daily walk with. As soon as I walked in the door I could see the excitement on his face. He knew I had a treat for him - a really good treat! Reluctantly, he agreed to walk first and have the treat upon our return but I could tell he was anticipating his reward that was left at home.

He was not disappointed!

Bully Sticks are a wonderful treat because they promote chewing which is not only a fun and calming experience for the dog it is also good for their dental health. Life's Abundance Buffalo Bully Sticks, which contain no additives or preservatives and are made from free-range, grass-fed buffalo, are a healthier alternative to beef chews or rawhide.

Do your dogs love Bully Sticks? Click here to Visit My Life's Abundance Rep Site  and learn more about these and other dental chews for dogs.

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks or How I Learned To Play Fetch

Even as a puppy my Sheltie Dallas was never very excited to play. She loves her walks, is happy to socialize with everyone she meets, but show her a ball and she is not interested - fetch is just not in her vocabulary.

It's been a long, cold winter and Dallas's walks have been shorter than she (or I) would like. Hoping to give her a fun activity, and possibly some exercise, I thought I would once again introduce her to "the ball" and see if we could have a fun game of fetch.

I chose a nice pliable, medium size ball with a nice squeak. Will full enthusiasm I showed it to Dallas. She was happy to come and sniff, but then promptly walked away.

Her first negative reaction did not deter me.Thinking she needed some additional incentive I rubbed some peanut butter (one of her favorite treats) on the ball. For that she came running over but instead of picking up the ball she sat and licked it, all clean, with out ever taking it in her mouth.

Still determined to have some playtime, I rolled the ball, said "lets go get" and ran with her to get it. She happily ran with me then waited for me to pick up the ball and roll it once again with the command. Again we both ran to the ball so I could get it. This continued for a while and not once would she pick up the ball but she was always happy to run with me so I could go fetch it.

Not exactly what I had in mind but we had fun and we both had some exercise. Maybe she would prefer fetch with a stick...

Snow Day with Furry Friends!

My furry friends and I walk in all types of weather and this winter has been exceptionally challenging. Much more snow this year then we are accustomed to here. Some of my doggie friends love the snow and some, like me, cannot wait for spring.

Despite the weather, the pups must go out so some choose to get dressed and ready for the cold:

Bailey LOVES the snow!

Others look at me as if to say "did we really have to come out here?":

My dog Dallas dislikes the snow so much I need to shovel out spots on the grass so she will "do what she needs to do". While everyone else is shoveling their walks, I'm shoveling grass. The things we do for our furry friends!

What does your dog do when they see the snow?

Wordless Wednesday - Blizzard!!

By the look on her face you can tell Dallas does not like the snow! 

What is your pup's favorite season?

Belly Rubs, Scratches Under The Ears - How To Pet Your Pet

Most dogs can't resist a rub down the back, scratches under their ears, or the ever enjoyable belly rub. Cats seem to not be able to get enough or rubs under their chin. You may be surprised to find that sometimes even the friendliest, most social pets may shy away or react negatively to being approached by an outstretched hand. Don't all dogs and cats love to be petted by their humans?

Myth: Dogs like to be scratched on the top of their head. Many dogs will back away if you reach over the top of their head to give them a pat, Since their field of vision does not include the area above them reaching over their head makes many dogs nervous and may cause them to react.

Myth: A cat laying on his back wants a belly rub. In reality, few cats enjoy to have their bellies rubbed. When a cat feels vulnerable or in danger, laying on their back allows them all four legs (and four feet of claws) to defend themselves. Reach for them when they are in this position and you may be mistaken for the enemy.

What do dogs like best? Many of my furry canine friends love rubs under their ears - preferably both sides at the same time. Scratches on the lower back is another favorite as well as long soothing rubs down their sides.

My kitty friends always enjoy rubs on the sides of their neck and they respond happily with purrs. My cat Tiger loves to have his face rubbed between his eyes down his nose, this really seems to calm and comfort him, but he is the only one I know who enjoys that. Many prefer to come to me, rub around my legs, and then walk away with out wanting me to reach out to touch them.

The number one rule: Never reach out to touch a a dog or cat you don't know. Bad experiences from their past could cause them to act out due to fear or pain. Everyone has their preferences but their purrs and wagging tails always communicate their happiness.

Wordless Wednesday - I See My Dinner!

Dallas doesn't have to see her food to know it's dinnertime. Once she knows it's getting close to her mealtime she starts to circle around, the pace of her excited pawsteps gets faster and faster as I fill her bowl.

What does your pup do when it's mealtime?

7 Reasons To Walk Your Dog

There are lots of reasons to leash up your pup and "hit the road", "pound the pavement" or "take a stroll in the park". Running free in a fenced yard or playtime at a dog park are great but neither has as many health benefits as an old fashioned walk. I have compiled a list of my top seven reasons why you should walk your dog. Some of these reasons may surprise you.  Although the list is in no particular order, the first reason I am listing is my favorite.


1) A daily walk is a wonderful opportunity for bonding time with your pooch: There is nothing like experience long walks together in beautiful weather.  Although there will be days of rain, snow, or other inclement weather you need to take the bad with the good - together.

2) Walking is not only great exercise: Starting the day with an invigorating walk is a wonderful stress reliever.

3) Outdoor walking is great for your dog's feet: Walking on hard pavement will help file your dog's nails.

4) Dog's that get out and walk are better socialized: Running around in a fenced yard is very isolating. If your dog doesn't see people, other dogs and animals they will not learn proper behavior.

5) It helps them learn their neighborhood: As you walk with your dog they will learn the sounds and
smells of their neighborhood/ They will also mark their territory, leaving their scent along the way. This serves as a guide for them to find their way home in the event they wander away alone.

6) Walking is good for all ages: Puppies and young dogs need an outlet for their energy; adult dogs will benefit greatly from the daily exercise. Walking helps older dogs stay active in their senior years.

7) It helps prevent dogs from becoming fearful: Locked behind a high fence, dogs hear noises they don't understand and they have no way to investigate them. When out for a walk these noises surround them, they can see what they hear.  They take clues from you, their walker, that tells them if these noises are cause for alarm.

Nothing makes my dog, Dallas, happier than her daily walk. Even if it is just a short walk around the block I can tell she enjoys every minute...and so do I.