May 16, 2018 | We Learn
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Dog Meat (Part 2): A Rescue Story
We were far from civilization. There were no police stations nearby. Nothing. So what do we do? How do we save the dogs? Continue Reading >
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May 14, 2018 | We Learn
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Dog Meat (Part 1): A Rescue Story
While growing up in Assam, we were familiar with the fact that there are certain sections of people in Northeast India that eat dog meat. Dog meat is a delicacy in Northeastern states in India like Mizoram and Nagaland, much like mutton, pork and beef are for other communities. Continue Reading >
May 2, 2018 | We Love
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Sharing Your Bed With Your Dog Is Amazing: Here’s Why
If you’re a true animal lover, you may have no issue with letting your dog cozy up in bed with you. With conflicting information about whether it’s good for your dog to even sleep in the same bed, it’s hard to determine if it’s even a healthy habit. Here are some reasons why it’s okay to let your pup jump on in bed with you tonight. Continue Reading >
April 20, 2018 | We Learn
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10 Chew Toys Your Dog Should Avoid
Chewing is a natural part of a dog’s well being. Chewing on toys or other healthy items is beneficial for a dog’s mental health and sense of comfort. Beware of the following items below, however, because they can cause your dog more harm than good. Continue Reading >
April 18, 2018 | We Care
5 Inexpensive Ways To Keep Up With Your Dog’s Dental Hygiene
Dental hygiene is just as important for dogs as is for humans. In fact, according to Billings Animal Family Hospital, keeping up with your dog’s dental hygiene is not simply aesthetic; It can add two to four years to your dog’s life. Continue Reading >
March 16, 2018 | We Love
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Rescuing A Princess: A Personal Story
My friends with rescue pups often talk about how their dogs choose them. Continue Reading >
February 15, 2018 | We Care
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How To Utilize Canine Training Equipment
Walk into a pet store, and you will find at least one aisle dedicated to tools to walking your dog on a leash. Walk down the next aisle, and you are sure to find more equipment dedicated to training - everything from treats and clickers, to crates and pee pads, wanting a well behaved furry family member has become a huge market for the sale of a wide variety of training equipment. So how do you decide what is the best for your dog? And most importantly, what actually works? Continue Reading >
February 12, 2018 | We Learn
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How To Build A Dog Friendly Garden
San Francisco has great weather nearly all year round, which is why so many of us love to spend time together as a family (dogs included) in the garden. If you are thinking of bringing a pup home for the first time, however, you may be surprised to learn that your garden may pose risks to your pup’s safety. Organization, the right selection of plants, and escape prevention are just a few steps you can take to ensure Fido is safe and sound while frolicking in the back (or front) yard. Continue Reading >
February 7, 2018 | We Learn
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How To Train New Behaviors
Getting a dog to offer a new behavior with increased frequency in order to put it on cue requires precise marking and reward timing. In my experience, I find that I utilize two major techniques when trying to implement a new behavior into my dog’s repertoire - luring and free shaping. Continue Reading >
February 1, 2018 | We Care
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Recall Tips And Tricks
There is no better feeling that having the confidence in your dog to be able to comfortably let them off of their leash and know, without doubt, that they will come back to you when called. It is an elusive accomplishment for many dog owners, and probably the most frequently stated goal for new clients coming in for training. Continue Reading >
January 29, 2018 | We Learn
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4 Reasons To Train Your Dog
You bring home your new pup and you’re completely in love with your new addition to your family. With all the excitement over your new dog, you may not have considered training him. Once he starts chewing on shoes and barking like crazy at the neighbors, there’s no better time to start training. You can train your dog yourself with some useful resources online or you can contact a professional dog trainer. Continue Reading >
January 26, 2018 | We Care
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Psychiatric Service Dogs And Emotional Support Animals
You’ve probably heard of or seen service dogs for the blind, but did you know there are also service dogs who help people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health impairments? Psychiatric service dogs (PSD’s) are trained to perform tasks that help a person who has a psychiatric illness. Continue Reading >
January 25, 2018 | We Learn
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What Is Leash Reactivity?
Leash reactivity, sometimes also called leash aggression, is one of the most common problems prospective clients come in wanting to address with their dogs. It can make walk time extremely uncomfortable, even though it should be an enjoyable activity for both you and your dog. So what is leash reactivity? Where does it come from? Continue Reading >
January 22, 2018 | We Learn
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3 Reasons Your Dog May Bite: Be Informed Before It’s Too Late
According to Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T, approximately 800,000 dog bites every year in the United States are severe enough to require medical treatment. Out of these serious dog bites, around 17 are fatal. According to the same statistics, 50 percent of American children experience a dog bite by age 13. Continue Reading >
January 1, 2018 | We Learn
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Can’t Adopt? Transport!
Many animal lovers are familiar with the many ways to help shelters contend with their abundance of abandoned, abused, and unwanted pets. You rescue, volunteer, or donate money and supplies, but there is another, lesser-known way to assist these shelters in their mission. Continue Reading >
December 29, 2017 | We Care
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Babies and Dogs: Beyond The Cute Factor
Is there anything cuter than a captured moment between a young child and a dog? There is something about those interactions that melt my heart. But with all of that cuteness, comes the challenge of properly acclimating a dog to a new human to help set them both up for a successful relationship. Recently, there have been some difficult to watch videos circulating around social media with dogs being pushed past their limits and redirecting their frustration on a child. These incidents are preventable, and it is time that proper techniques for introduction and management were addressed. Continue Reading >
December 26, 2017 | We Care
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Tips To Consider Before Bringing Home A Pup Before The New Year
The end of the year is approaching in a haze of gift wrapping and holiday merriment. Puppies in Santa hats gaze out at us from Christmas cards, and many people are inspired to leave a puppy of their own under the tree. But before you rush out, there are some important issues that need to be considered: Continue Reading >
December 4, 2017 | We Love
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7 Reasons To Adopt
An alarming number of adoptable pets are becoming euthanized in the United States. The unfortunate reason – Too many pets are brought into shelters and not enough people will consider adoption. There are several reasons why adopting is better than buying. Continue Reading >
December 1, 2017 | We Learn
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What To Do If Your Dog Bites A Person
So the unthinkable happens. Sweet little (insert dog name) loses their bone for a second and ends up biting somebody before you can stop them. Argh! Now what?! Don’t worry I will talk you through it. Continue Reading >
November 9, 2017 | We Learn
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Dog Training As A Lifestyle
Committing to having a well behaved, furry member of society requires dedication to the entire well being of a dog. A great first step to achieving this goal is to enroll your dog in training classes. Not only does this help you to teach your dog good manners, but it also helps you to build a working relationship and line of communication with your dog that will carry throughout their lives Continue Reading >
November 8, 2017 | We Love
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Caring For A Dog Post Surgery: A Personal Story
I was on my way home from a work trip when I received a text from my boyfriend that he was taking our 4-year-old pitbull terrier, Bentley, to the emergency vet because he had temporarily lost control of his back legs. Continue Reading >
October 29, 2017 | We Learn
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No Tricks, Maybe Treats: Tips For A Safe Halloween With Your Dog
Like with most holidays or big celebrations, when Halloween comes around we can get pretty self-absorbed. In our quest to host a perfect party, build a perfect costume, or make our house the best house for trick-or-treaters on the block, we may forget about how our dogs feel about all of this hustle and bustle. Here’s how to make sure your dog stays safe and happy this Halloween. Continue Reading >
October 26, 2017 | We Learn
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Living With Dog Aggression
Try as we might, sometimes challenges arise with a dog that are very difficult to train out of them. Dog to dog aggression can often be one of those challenges. Even dogs that were social as puppies can develop dog aggression or selectivity due to bad experiences, over zealous play, or maturation that creates intolerance. Continue Reading >
October 24, 2017 | We Care
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Choosing The Right Breed
If you’re like most people, you choose a puppy because they’re too cute to ignore. Maybe your parents had a particular breed and you think you’d like that same sort of dog. The first tip in finding a breed that suits you, is to be bluntly honest with yourself. Continue Reading >
October 12, 2017 | We Learn
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Holiday Friendly Dog Treat Recipes
Store-bought dog biscuits are not only expensive, they also contain ingredients that may be harmful to your pup. So why not make your own? Homemade dog treats are not only easy to make but healthy as well! With ingredients like peanut butter and vegetables, these three treat recipes are delicious and nutritious. Continue Reading >
October 12, 2017 | We Learn
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Agility For Your Urban Pup
Take a walk around your neighborhood. Chances are within a couple of blocks, you will pass things like benches, fire hydrants, planter ledges, mail boxes, etc. To the average person, these are just everyday objects that do not attract much attention. Now imagine your dog being able to balance on these objects, walk across them, or jump up onto new surfaces - your mundane neighborhood walk just took on a whole new life! I fondly refer to the utilization of these everyday objects as “urban agility”. Continue Reading >
October 9, 2017 | We Care
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Why I Don’t Ask To Pet The Future Guide Dog
When I first started undergrad at the University of Georgia, along with the hundreds of frightened freshmen wandering around with maps, I started noticing that there were dozens of clumsy little puppies on campus with students. Each wore a tiny yellow vest that read, Guide Dog Foundation. Continue Reading >
October 7, 2017 | We Care
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5 Natural Ways To Fight Ticks
Ticks are pesky – both for pets and humans alike. And it’s not just because their bites are itchy. Did you know that they can make you sick? Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and spotted fever. In dogs, they can lead to anemia, blood loss, tick paralysis, and skin irritation. Continue Reading >
October 4, 2017 | We Care
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How To Handle A Vet Visit
One of the most challenging experiences for owners and their dogs can be visits to the vet. Tension runs high, so very often, dogs will exhibit behaviors they never do anywhere else. Teaching your dog handling skills to make checkups and other vet visits less of an ordeal can make these trips much less traumatic for both the dog and their person. Continue Reading >
September 28, 2017 | We Care
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How to Keep Your Pup Cool In Hot Weather
Who doesn’t love summer time?! The barbeques, the beach, the long days, the vacations, and most importantly, the extra time with your pooch! While most people love the warmth of the summer, those day that are brutally hot for people are just as tough on the dogs. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping your dog cool (and safe!) during those scorching days. Continue Reading >
September 22, 2017 | We Love
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Adopting A Special Needs Puppy
Have you ever looked another creature in the eye and felt an instant bond? Continue Reading >
September 20, 2017 | We Care
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All You Need To Know About Muzzles
Like many other hot topics in dog training, the use of a muzzle has a lot of stigma around it. For most people, seeing a muzzled dog walking down the street automatically causes feelings of panic as the dog is assumed to be unpredictable. There are many positive uses for a muzzle, and ensuring any dog is properly muzzle trained can be a huge relief should any situation arise where your dog might have to don one of these Hannibal Lecter masks. Continue Reading >
September 5, 2017 | We Care
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Dealing With Mange
While the term “mangy mutt” is insulting, there’s no question many rescue dogs suffer from this skin condition. Common types of mange are found in dogs, sarcoptic mange – or scabies – and demodectic mange. Continue Reading >
September 1, 2017 | We Learn
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GPS Collars For Off-Leash Hiking
Off-leash hikes are a great way for your pup to experience the great outdoors but what happens when he catches the scent of a squirrel or other critter and takes off? Enter the connected pet, the latest market segment to be disrupted, that offers many emerging gadgets meant to help you keep track of your pet and their activities. Continue Reading >
August 30, 2017 | We Learn
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Training Via “Place Command”
Every trainer has a repertoire of commands that they find to be most useful in their training programs and the way they work their clients’ dogs. One commands I find to be extremely useful and common across all trainers is the use of a ‘place’ command. Continue Reading >
August 25, 2017 | We Care
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Reasons To Reward Your Dog
Positive reinforcement isn’t just for kids, it’s ideal for dogs as well. Figure out the best reward your dog would respond to best, whether it’s a treat, playtime, a new Frisbee, or even verbal praise. Dogs love knowing their humans are approving of them and their behavior. Most dogs strive to be loyal to their owners so when praise and rewards are involved, dogs know their mission was accomplished. Continue Reading >
August 23, 2017 | We Learn
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What You Need To Know About Dog Parks
Dog parks are a hot topic amongst dog trainers. On one hand, they are wonderful places to socialize your dog with fellow dog lovers. On the flip side, they can be the source of many health and behavioral complications for dogs. This article is not meant to sway you one way or another, but more to discuss the pros and cons of the utilization of dog parks. Continue Reading >
August 21, 2017 | We Care
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Tips To Help Fear Aggression
Helping your dog with their fear aggression takes a lot of time and effort on your part. It's possible to manage their behaviors, but there is no real "cure" for any aggression. But here are some things you can do to help. Continue Reading >
August 18, 2017 | We Care
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How Clean Is Your Dog’s Mouth?
We have all heard that old myth that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. We don’t need the Mythbusters blowing something up to prove how busted this myth is. Continue Reading >
August 16, 2017 | We Learn
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Understanding The Pillars Of Operant Conditioning
There is a lot of buzz around the various types of dog training available. From purely positive to compulsive training, every trainer has their theories on what method is the most successful (for the broadest range of dogs). Ultimately though, all theories are based off of interpretations and study on dog behavior and how they learn. Continue Reading >
August 14, 2017 | We Care
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Safe Boating For Dogs And Owners
One day you may decide to bring your favorite four legged friend on a boat ride. Maybe you will kayak or canoe around a local watering hole, or take a ferry out to a nearby island. Here are some things you should think about before hitting the water with your dog. Continue Reading >
August 9, 2017 | We Learn
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When Nerves Get The Best Of You
Challenges with dogs come in many shapes. From health problems to aggression, many dogs struggle with a wide array of behavioral problems that often bring them through the doors of a training facility. Having handled and train hundreds of dogs of all breeds, I often get asked what the most difficult dog is to train. Continue Reading >
August 7, 2017 | We Learn
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Helping Your Dog Get Over A Fear of Flying
Many dog-owners are opting to travel with their dogs as airlines, hotels, and even restaurants are becoming more pet-friendly. Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience that not only strengthens your bond, but also helps you save money on pet care. Continue Reading >
August 4, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Socialize An Adult Dog
A lot of forums out there are of the opinion there is a window period that comes with socializing rescues. Yes, dogs that have not been socialized as puppies usually present as adult dogs with abuse symptoms. A lot of people that have shy dogs may assume their dogs went through abuse, but in all probability, they were not socialized well when they were young. Continue Reading >
August 2, 2017 | We Learn
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Working With The Dog That Is In Front Of You
One of the hardest parts about working with dogs and their people is breaking the news to an owner that their dog might not be capable of certain goals they desire. Learning to work with the dog that is in front of you is a huge part of having a successful training relationship with your dog. Continue Reading >
July 31, 2017 | We Love
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The Road To Quentin: A Personal Story
The boys grab their bikes and pedal down the road as they make their way to the newest discovery on their long list of adventures. The pack consists of close friends who foster a deep and enduring relationship with each other, and with their dog. Snoopy wasn’t always part of the crew, as she was considered a street dog and many of the boys’ mothers chased her away in the fear of rabies, fleas, and ticks. Continue Reading >
July 26, 2017 | We Learn
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What Is Marker Training?
Clear lines of communication between the dog and the handler is the most crucial components of a successful training program. Continue Reading >
July 24, 2017 | We Learn
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Choosing Safe Toys For Your Dog
Do animals need toys? Absolutely! Toys can help dogs practice their nurturing skills by loving on a “baby.” Toys can also provide stress relief and mental stimulation. However, not all toys are created equal. Here we discuss how to choose the best toys for your pooch! Continue Reading >
July 14, 2017 | We Love
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Rescue Spotlight: Daisy
Daisy came into our lives when she was about nine months old. We know very little about her, except that she was the youngest of the litter and unwanted by the owner. She is a beautiful little cross, between what and what we are not sure, but there is some Yorkie and a lot of Cairn in the mix. Though she was dirty, flea and worm-infested, we instantly fell in love with her and today Daisy is the light of our lives. What we don’t know is what Daisy has seen in her past. Continue Reading >
July 12, 2017 | We Learn
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5 Things I Wish People Knew Before Enrolling in Dog Training
Enrolling your dog into a training program and finding the right trainer for you and your dog can be an arduous process. With no overarching governing body that regulates who can and cannot train dogs, and no required education to be completed before beginning to train dogs, finding a qualified dog trainer that you trust with your fur baby can be a challenge. Continue Reading >
July 8, 2017 | We Learn
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5 Outdoor Summer Activities To Enjoy With Your Dog
The cold is over and it's time to for you and your dog to get outside and get active! Continue Reading >
July 5, 2017 | We Learn
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Balanced Training
Styles of training have shifted dramatically over the years. As people are wanting their dogs to be better trained to join them on outings, trainers are seeing more and more people expecting high end obedience out of their pets to ensure good behavior in public. I absolutely love this! I firmly believe in having dogs be a part of the family system, and raising the standard of dog training helps to make this possible. Continue Reading >
July 3, 2017 | We Learn
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How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable During the 4th of July
The 4th of July is fun for us humans; but it can be a nightmare for our furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your pooch safe and comfy. Continue Reading >
May 22, 2017 | We Learn
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Basic Tricks for Every Dog
During training, dog tricks are very useful and at the same time enjoyable. Dog tricks are more like dog basic obedience commands and should be more fun. There are many forms of dog tricks. Continue Reading >
May 19, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Make The Most Of A Dog Friendly Hotel
After a long day on the road it’s great to pull into a hotel or motel that you know is dog-friendly. If you’ve never stayed at a dog-friendly hotel with your dog before, here are a few things you’ll want to know: Continue Reading >
May 17, 2017 | We Love
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The Good Dog; A Personal Story
In 2009, I was working for the state parks (still do). One of the perks of my job is that being centrally located, I am able to travel the state weekly and visit many beautiful state properties. One of the downsides, I soon learned, is that cruel people occasionally dump pets in those parks. Continue Reading >
May 15, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Help Your Nervous Dog With Car Rides
I recently read a fantastic book called How to be Your Dog's Best Friend: A Training Manual for Dog Owners by the Monks of New Skete. The part that stuck with me after reading that book is the emphasis on the fact that to you, your dog is your best friend. But to your dog, you are the leader of the pack - their source of socializing, of friendship, of belonging. I really took that to heart. Yes, I work a full-time job and I hate leaving my dog at home, but I do my best to include her when I can. Short trip to the grocery store? Hop in. Let's go for a ride. The pack is on the move! Continue Reading >
May 8, 2017 | We Learn
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Working Dogs And Their Jobs
They don’t call a dog “Man’s best friend” for nothing. When it comes to our four legged friends, finding constructive ways to keep them busy isn’t always as easy as it seems. Whether you own a toy poodle or a Doberman pincher, almost every dog needs something to do that burns off their excess energy and keeps them out of trouble. Continue Reading >
May 5, 2017 | We Care
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Louie’s Club – A Dog Sitting Exchange Community
My wife and I adopted Louie when he was just an adorable 8-week old puppy in April 2015. From day one, he brought so much love and joy into our lives; definitely one of the best decisions we ever made! We quickly grew super attached to him (and vice versa), which made it really hard to be away from him when we had to travel. Not only did we want his boarding environment to be safe, but also one where he would be loved and cared for (just like at home). Continue Reading >
May 3, 2017 | We Learn
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The 2 Most Important Food Tips For A Healthy Dog
A balanced and nutritious diet is important for the health of your pet dog. You should know what you are feeding your dog at every stage of her/his life. Pet nutrition assumes a lot of significance, as a lot depends on what they eat on a daily basis. Continue Reading >
May 1, 2017 | We Learn
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Why Dogs Make Great Companions
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person? Have you ever wondered why so many people love dogs? When people say how smart dogs are, it’s no joke. According to Live Science, an average dog has an IQ of a two-year-old child. Continue Reading >
April 28, 2017 | We Care
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Canine Atopic Dermatitis
Your beloved dog can’t stop scratching and is absolutely miserable. You know he doesn’t have fleas, so what’s wrong? Like about 15 percent of all canines, he’s probably suffering from atopic dermatitis. Continue Reading >
April 26, 2017 | We Care
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My Dog, My Therapy
Can your dog be a therapy? Research suggests having a pet helps you live a longer, healthier life. Continue Reading >
April 24, 2017 | We Love
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Rescue Spotlight: Poppy-Lola
My name is Poppy-Lola and I’m a long haired chihuahua who’s life changed on June 6th, 2015. Continue Reading >
April 19, 2017 | We Love
Gift Ideas For The Dog Lover In Your Life
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner and Barkswell has been lucky enough to have some awesome companies looking to give discounts for their work. Whether for upcoming celebrations, special occasions or just to show some extra care to those you love, here are some choice gift ideas for the dog lover in your life. Canine themed or not, these gifts are right up our alley Continue Reading >
April 17, 2017 | We Learn
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3 Ways Your Dog Is Saying “I Love You”
Haven’t you ever heard that a dog has the most unconditional love in the entire world? Throughout your entire day there are hundreds of different ways that your furry friend is attempting to communicate with you. Once you become aware of the signs, your time spent will your precious pet will forever change. Continue Reading >
April 14, 2017 | We Care
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Canine Diabetes: Symptoms and Complications
One morning my husband and I were getting ready for work when he called out from the kitchen, “Did you spill a glass of water? The floor is wet.” Of course, I didn’t: I would never not clean it up. We dismissed it as something Chloe, our beagle, probably knocked over (her water bowl, a cup she swiped from the table, etc.). Continue Reading >
April 12, 2017 | We Care
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Paper Towels And Your Dog
In the past five days, Sonoma has been in two different emergency care facilities searching for the cause of her illness. Continue Reading >
April 10, 2017 | We Learn
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How Loving A Single Cat Saved A Few Dogs
Ok, why do we have a story about a cat posted here on Barkswell? Bear with me. I'll bring this around to dogs, trust me. Some time ago my husband and I decided to go take a look at the local shelter. We weren't particularly looking for a new pet, we just needed to be around animals for a bit. You know, show them a little love while they wait for their forever homes. Continue Reading >
April 3, 2017 | We Love
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Rescue Spotlight: Layla
Last year I was on a serious search to find a dog so I did why a lot of people would do go to a pet store to find my new friend. Continue Reading >
March 31, 2017 | We Learn
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4 Tips For Picking A Hybrid Dog
Purebred or mixed breed? That's the question many would-be dog owners ask when deciding about adding a four-legged friend to their family. Hybrid dogs – resulting from the crossing of two different canine breeds –have certain advantages over purebreds. They are generally not as expensive to buy, and also benefit from hybrid vigor. That means that a dog of mixed genetics is likely to have fewer health problems than one from a long line of purebred dogs with shared genes. Continue Reading >
March 29, 2017 | We Learn
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Sports Training For Dogs (And Handlers!)
As a professional dog trainer, I spend a lot of time during my day to day work routine teaching owners how to get the most out of their dogs. I love my work and find it extremely rewarding. However, there are definitely moments when I find myself stuck in a monotonous routine. Continue Reading >
March 27, 2017 | We Learn
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5 Tips For Introducing New Dogs
What’s better than having one dog? Having more than one! But bringing a new dog into a household with existing dogs is not as easy as just waltzing through the door and hoping for the best. Introducing two (or more) dogs takes a lot of patience and a bit of time. Continue Reading >
March 24, 2017 | We Love
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Health And My Dogs: A Personal Story
Many years ago when Lukas was still alive, I dealt with so many pet emergencies; I swear I wished my car had a siren. He was, after all, a delicate little shih-tzu. Continue Reading >
March 22, 2017 | We Learn
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What Does Your Dog Really Think Of You?
Have you ever just sat there looking at your dog sleep and thought: “I wonder what he/she thinks of me?” First of all, when you come into the room, I wonder what our dogs mentally say to themselves to acknowledge our presence. Is it positive? Like “here comes (insert awesome dog owner name)” or is it more personal like “wow he/she’s put on weight” or “really? You wore that outfit last weekend”. Continue Reading >
March 20, 2017 | We Care
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How To Keep Your Old Dog Feeling Young
Getting old… it hurts. Even for your dogs. It’s important as a pet owner to keep up with your dog’s growing needs as he develops from an adult to a grand-dog. Just like humans, dogs will go through similar growing pains as they get older and their bones begin to lose density and joints become unbalanced. But there are ways to help your older dog feel young again. Continue Reading >
March 17, 2017 | We Recall
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My Besenji: The Dog Who Was A Cat
I’ve never lived without a dog, usually with multiples of dogs. Living in a home without a dog is a state of existence I couldn’t really even contemplate. When I finally (more or less) entered adulthood, and became engaged to my fiancée, we made the decision to continue living with our parents for a while. This was not because we were old fashioned, but cheap. We would stockpile some cash until we could afford to move out. I couldn’t wait to pick out our first dog together. Continue Reading >
March 15, 2017 | We Recall
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Gizelle’s Bucket List: My Life With a Very Large Dog (Excerpt)
Lauren is the author of a new dog book that just came out last week with Simon & Schuster titled GIZELLE’S BUCKET LIST; MY LIFE WITH A VERY LARGE DOG. It’s a book about growing up with mher English mastiff, Gizelle, and it’s based on her story published two years ago about a bucket list she made for her dog when she was dying of cancer. Continue Reading >
March 13, 2017 | We Learn
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Homemade Dog Treats: Easy And Affordable
If there's one thing my dog and I have in common more than anything else, it's a love for food. In unison, we'll rubberneck as soon as the scent of it strikes our noses. The sound of a fridge opening is heaven to our ears and a promise to our stomachs. Continue Reading >
March 10, 2017 | We Learn
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3 Things You May Not Know About Poodles
If a poufy hairdo, nail polish and little pink bows come to mind when you hear the word “Poodle,” you’re missing the point. While it’s true that some Poodle parents still favor the foppish look of leg and tail puffs, big hair and various adornments, most people who share their home with Poodles appreciate the breed for characteristics other than their foo-foo potential. Continue Reading >
March 8, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Eliminate Fleas
If you have a pet dog, fleas can give you sleepless nights. The one thing that most pet owners dread are fleas. Dogs can get infected if they come in contact with other animals or fleas in the environment. Before you start with any kind of remedial treatment, clean your home and items used by your pet. Continue Reading >
March 6, 2017 | We Learn
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Reading: A Form Of Pet Therapy
My dog Stormy is a pet therapy dog. Occasionally we will go to hospitals to help stroke patients regain their dexterity by brushing or playing with him, occasionally we will do a destressing session at the local college at finals time. But most of the time, kids read to him. Continue Reading >
March 3, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Introduce A New Baby To Your Dog
Here’s the situation. You love your four legged friend, he’s been there for you since you were living in that small apartment with only Ben & Jerry to keep you warm…well, cold at night. Now, you’re married and guess what — pregnant! Yay! But wait, how will Spot take to the baby? Is it safe? Should you let your sister keep him until the baby has her shots? Fear not, mama bear. With adequate preparation, there’s nothing to worry about. Continue Reading >
March 1, 2017 | We Love
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A Dog Without A Spleen
Later that evening me and my kids were taking care of Rick. It was kind of funny explaining to my two kids the importance behind Ricky’s surgery. They were a little unable to understand how one can survive without an internal body organ. At one point they even thought that Ricky would be handicapped. At the end of the day as Ricky slept peacefully I could not help but reflect on the relationship we have built with Rick for the past four years. This interesting dog with a unique personality definitely is a darling and a blessing to me and my family. Continue Reading >
February 27, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Make Your Dog Comfortable In A Hotel Room
As much as we all look forward to not having to make our own beds, free breakfasts (if we’re lucky!) and the excitement of the open road, our pups don’t always know what we humans are up too. Continue Reading >
February 22, 2017 | We Learn
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The Two Things I learned About My Local Shelter
If you’re like me and you have a less-than-progressive animal shelter nearby, chances are you’ll do anything to avoid setting foot in the place. Especially if it’s a kill shelter. No matter what terms they may use—euthanize, put down, PTS (put to sleep)—the staff destroys dogs, cats and other pets simply because they’re unwanted. Almost nothing makes an animal lover more upset. Continue Reading >
February 17, 2017 | We Learn
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Building Motivation
One of the most common things I have clients tell me is that they don’t want to have to use treats for the rest of their lives. Building the intrinsic motivation for your dog to want to work with you takes time and trust and continues to be fostered throughout your training program. Continue Reading >
February 15, 2017 | We Love
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Love Heals: Bridging The Communication Gap
I moved to my home city from Bangalore in October last year, to live with my parents. Out of the 28 years of my life, 10 were spent living away from home. So when my father was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, I knew I had to come back. My mother wouldn’t be able to juggle everything at home – chores and emotions - on her own. Continue Reading >
February 14, 2017 | We Love
Surprise Post: Barkswell Is Sharing Some Love On Valentine’s Day!
February 13, 2017 | We Learn
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Agility Training And Your Dog
“My dog could never do that!” I hear that a lot from people when they first see an agility team in action. It usually bursts out of them when the dog is flying through the weave poles, executing a task that seems impossibly difficult. I said something like that myself the first time I saw it, but, actually, most dogs can learn to do agility if they are physically able. Continue Reading >
February 10, 2017 | We Love
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The Most Important Thing You Need To Foster A Dog
If you're anything like me, you have a lot of empathy. And you need empathy if you're going to foster dogs. You have to care. But if you're like me, you can often care deeply and too much. That's when it becomes hard to foster. Continue Reading >
February 8, 2017 | We Care
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Top Food Safety Tips
People often think of their four-legged pals as superheroes. Who wouldn’t when we’ve seen them rescue men, help blind and older people cross the streets, save people from drowning, or even protect babies from the abusive nanny. They have been so celebrated as heroes that owners can easily forget that their stomachs are just as vulnerable to certain microbes as ours. Continue Reading >
February 6, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Use Your Dog To Find Love
If you start to find that your nights are beginning to consist of you wrapped up with your dog, watching a sad movie and wishing somebody was there to agree on its sadness (“Why didn’t she just move over?! There was room for Jack!!”), then it may be time to go out and find somebody you can lay with. No not like that, get your minds out the gutter! I meant on the couch while you watch titanic for an epic 9th time. Continue Reading >
February 3, 2017 | We Care
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Help Your Dog Cope With Separation Anxiety
You get up off of the couch to walk to the kitchen for a glass of water. Your dog follows you. You go into the bathroom to shower and soon hear the familiar scratch-scratch of his paws at the door. When it's time to leave for work in the morning, your pup starts frantically barking and trying to stand between you and the doorway. While you're gone, he might make a mess, chew up furniture or try to find a way out. Continue Reading >
February 1, 2017 | We Care
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How To Deal With Malassezia Dermatitis – A Tough Yeast Infection
The yeast infection known as Malassezia dermatitis is responsible for many dogs ending up euthanized or surrendered to shelters or rescue groups. While this yeast is found naturally on the skin of most dogs and causes no issues, changes in the skin due to allergies or the environment cause extreme yeast proliferation. Continue Reading >
January 30, 2017 | We Care
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How And When To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth
At a recent visit to the vet for my dog’s routine vaccinations, it was recommended that my dog receive some dental work. I was not surprised that my dog should require dental work, but the price was really high for it. It led me to wondering if it was worth it. Continue Reading >
January 27, 2017 | We Love
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My Dog Was Hit By A Car
When Bentley, my pitbull terrier, was only 1-year-old he got hit by a car and survived. It wasn't really anyone's fault. The problem was that Bentley was an escape artist. As a puppy, a week couldn't go by without him breaking out of the backyard through a hole in the fence or running out the door when someone was coming or going. And once he was out, it took a long time to get him back. Continue Reading >
January 25, 2017 | We Care
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How To Identify Dangerous Food Ingredients
I am writing because knowing what to feed your pet, especially your dog, is difficult. When we chose a dog to join our family - my husband and two daughters, we thought it would be simple. All we had to do was go to the pet store, get some dog food, make sure she did not eat too much, and that’s mostly it. However, our puppy got sick and we found out the dog food we were buying contained some pretty bad ingredients. Since then, we’ve learned a lot and Bonnie is much happier. Continue Reading >
January 23, 2017 | We Love
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Ranger The Red Heeler-A Personal Story
Third cage on the right. That's where I met my best buddy. He was in the far back of the cage, shaking in fear, & to be flat out honest he looked ugly as sin. Hair patches missing, eyes coated over & blood shot, underweight. Basically a rabid Coyote. Continue Reading >
January 20, 2017 | We Care
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English Bulldogs And Breeding Problems
English Bulldogs are some of the most popular dogs in the world right now. Many people desire them for their adorable scrunchy faces and fat bodies. Selective breeding by humans has lent the breed towards these “smushed” faces, compact bodies, and oversized heads. Unfortunately, that cute look can actually cause a lot of health problems. Continue Reading >
