dogIDs "How-To" Dog Blog

What to Do if You See a Dog Left in a Hot Car
I leave my dog in the car from time to time. I live in a coastal town where the mornings are cloudy, and we have a cool sea breeze. My dog waits for me while I run in to pick up a prescription or whatever it might be. I love my dog very much, but I know some people would find my actions inexcusable. There are, of course, very serious risks to leaving a dog alone in the car, and anyone…
5 Commands Every Dog Should Know
While we're all aware our dogs should know basic commands, sometimes we need a reminder on why certain commands are so important and how they can even save a dog's life. This is my list of the top 5 commands I believe all dogs should know and respond to. If you have additional commands to add to the list, please mention them in the comments. 5 Commands Every Dog Should Know1. S…
How to Clean Dog Ears and Keep Them Clean
Clean dog ears are very important. If your dog is pawing at his ears or shaking his head more than usual, he may have an ear infection. Or, maybe he just needs his ears cleaned. This post will go over some basic ear care tips you can follow for your dog. It will also help you decide when you might want to seek help from a veterinarian. At-home tips for keeping your dog’s ears clean Kather…
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Sitter
Photo: Lindsay Stordahl[/caption] Hiring a professional pet sitter can be a great option. Some dogs don't do well in a busy boarding kennel environment. They might not get along well with other dogs, or they might get too stressed out from all the barking. For those dogs, hiring a professional pet sitter allows them to stay in the comfort of their own home while receiving plenty of one-on-one…
6 Tips for Introducing a Puppy to Your Adult Dog
So you’re planning on adopting a puppy or younger dog, but how will your current dog react? You may need a bit of help before introducing a puppy to an older dog. Maybe she generally loves other dogs, but you’re worried she’ll be jealous or that a puppy will be too playful for her. How can you help the introduction go as smoothly as possible? The following are some ideas that should help…
5 Tips for Choosing the Right Rescue Dog
   Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding decisions a dog lover can make, and there is no shortage of dogs in need of homes. But how do you choose the “best” dog for you and your family? The following are some tips to get you started.How to choose the right rescue dog1. Find a rescue group or shelter first and then choose a dog. If you’re interested in adopting a dog,…
What To Look For When Buying Hunting Dog Collars
Many hunters enjoy the hobby because they can share it with their pups. There’s a lot of gear that goes into hunting, including your dog’s collar. You shouldn’t take this decision lightly because the right collar will make a difference. Here’s what to look for when buying hunting dog collars for your furry friend. PersonalizationSafety is incredibly important while you’re out hunting with your dog…
Stop a Dog From Whining for Attention
“Why is my dog whining?” asks the exasperated dog owner as his or her pup continues to cry. Dogs really know how to get our attention, and one way to do so is by whining.It works, right?With a dog constantly whining in the background, you can’t help but rise to the bait. Cries and whines almost always get a reaction from us. We either laugh at the dog, talk to the dog, pet the dog or even scold th…
Last Minute DIY Dog Crafts For Mothers Day
RUH-ROH! It's almost Mother's Day and you still don't have a gift. Don't worry. dogIDs tested out some DIY dog crafts for your favorite (fur) mom.DIY Dog Crafts for Mothers DayPawesome Blossoms Here is what you will need to make this artwork: A paint canvas or paper Green acrylic paint A paint color of your choice for the flowers (also acrylic) A paint brush A sharpie or black paint A bow…
Common Fears in Dogs and How You Can Help
I fostered a dog last month who was scared to put her paws on different surfaces. Pavement and carpeted floors were no big deal, but tiles were scary and so was our kitchen floor!In her case, I figured she just hadn’t been exposed to those kinds of surfaces early on in her life, and after a few days she realized they were safe.Dogs develop all sorts of different fears, and I asked a couple of prof…
What Kind of Dog Leash is Best?
Which Leash Is Best For My Dog? We have a variety of dog leashes to choose from at dogIDs, but how do you know what type of leash is best for your dog? It's a bit overwhelming! To help you decide, I'll go over some options. Then you can decide what kind of leash is best for your dog. Types of dog leashes1. Snap leashes Snap leashes are basic leads that clip to your dog's collar or…
When Should I Replace My Dog's Collar?
Some dog collars are made better than others. The same is true for dog ID tags. Some collars and tags are designed to last the lifetime of the dog, while others may only last a few months.I'd like to start a discussion on when a dog's collar should be replaced for the safety of the dog. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts and let us know how often you have to replace your dog's collar and tag…
The Top 3 Leashes for Everyday Dog Ownership
Depending on what activities you like to do with your dog, you may need a variety of different leashes for each situation. In this post, I’ll go over a couple of popular leash options and give some examples of when each leash could be used. If you have a favorite type of leash, let me know in the comments!Different types of leashes for dogsThe basic snap leash Snap leashes are your typic…
Best Owner Practices When Potty Training Your Puppy
There is no doubt that potty training a puppy can be a difficult task. There are many different methods and practices that you can choose from when potty training your dog, but how do you know which one is the best? In this article, we will go over some of the best practices for potty training your puppy. These tips will help make potty training easier and less time consuming. Remember…
Is Tug of War a Safe Game to Play With Your Dog?
Tug of War is a fun game between dogs or between a person and a dog. I play tug with my Lab mix Ace almost every day. He loves it! But, my dog also growls and shakes the toy and gets overly excited at times, so I can see why some people might think tug encourages a little too much aggression. You may have even heard some people say you should always make sure to “win.” I asked a few others…