dogIDs "How-To" Dog Blog

So you want to adopt a dog, or you've already adopted a dog - congratulations! Whether you’ve rescued them from a shelter or adopted a dog from a reputable breeder, you have so much to look forward to with your new best friend by your side.You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed in the first few days, and even weeks, after bringing home your pup. That’s totally normal! It’s important to remember that this is a big transition for your dog, and you and your family.Here are some things you can do to …

First, there was Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, then the weekend filled in and extended all the way through Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday.At dogIDs, our favorite day of this weekend is Small Business Saturday. It’s a day to shop small and a good reminder to support the businesses we love. Supporting small or locally owned businesses funnels your hard-earned money back into your community, creates jobs, and helps keep these passionate businesses going. Shopping Small isn’t limited to the co …

All dogs are good dogs, at least in our book. However, there is a group of trained professionals who do a little more good than the rest. These canines are service dogs.For someone who is unfamiliar with the fundamentals of the working dog world, there are many different types of service dogs, each with their own specializations.Though still working dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support animals do not fall into the category of service dogs. This distinction is made because of the training and …

At dogIDs, we are proud of the programs that give us the opportunity to work with our customers to give back to the community. Our Paw it Forward program is nearing the end of its second year and within that time, we have been able to raise over $25,000 for our partner organizations.Our customers have been incredibly generous with their donations to our Paw it Forward partners by donating to our chosen partner each quarter when they check out. That's why we've decided to include them even more i …

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 attention and exercise. But how do you go about finding the right pet sitter? Here are fiv …

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 with how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.1. Choose your second dog carefully. Before you eve …

   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, I recommend you get approved to adopt through a specific organization before you choose a dog. The …

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. If anything were to happen, you need to know that you can get your dog back safely. Choose a dog c …

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 professionals for some of the most common fears they see dogs experiencing.Common fears in dogsSome of t …

“Why is my dog whining?” It’s a question many dog owners find themselves asking daily. Dogs are clever, and whining is one of their most effective ways to grab our attention. Whether it’s your puppy whining for a cuddle or your dog crying for food, the behavior often elicits an immediate response from us.But why do dogs cry? And more importantly, how do you stop a dog from whining without reinforcing the habit? Let’s dive into the causes behind this behavior, ways to address it, and how to encou …