dogIDs "How-To" Dog Blog

Different Types of Service Dogs and Their Jobs
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…
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…
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…
Should You Kennel Train Your Dog?
When you adopt a new dog, everyone you talk to will give you unsolicited training advice. Visit the dog park/don't  visit the dog park. Use a slip collar/don't use a slip collar. It's a lot of conflicting information to work through! When it comes to kennel training a dog, you will also hear a variety of opinions, and it's hard to know what to do. Personally, I'm a big fan o…
What to Know About Dog Daycare Best Practices
If you’re considering sending your dog to daycare, there are some things you should consider.Dog daycare is a place for your pup to socialize with other dogs and it gives them ample opportunity to exercise throughout the day, which is especially great if they’re left alone at home for most of the day. However, there can be problems with dog daycares: if your dog is anxious or aggressive around oth…
Tips to Consider for Running With a Dog
Running With Your Dog TipsThinking of running with your dog? Do you know how many dogs would be so jealous if they only knew? I've gone running with about 100 different dogs over the years through my dog running business, and here are my tips for running with your pup. Tips for running with a dog1. Keep the leash short. I know this is obvious to those of us who've been running with dogs…
New Year's Resolutions for You or Your Dog
As 2015 draws to a close and 2016 is right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about New Year resolutions for you or your dog. I know some people who say they never make any because they never follow through on them, but I still like to make them whether I stick to it or not. The effort is what counts, right? Even if for a short time, it’s better than nothing.My Own ResolutionsI have se…
Should You Allow Your Dog on the Bed?
I don't allow my dog to sleep on my bed because he's a little, um ... gross. Ace is one of those big, drooly-types who always has "shoelaces" hanging from his mouth. If I do allow him to sleep in my room on the floor, he's constantly waking me up by flapping his ears, flinging drool or snoring. Needless to say, my dog does not sleep on my bed. But what if your dog isn't as noisy and…
How to Stop a Dog From Counter Surfing - 4 Tips
You set a bag of rolls on the counter and then head out to your car to carry in another grocery bag. You’re gone a whole 30 seconds and … the rolls are gone! Raise your hand if your dog is guilty of this! Do any of you have dogs that like to steal food off the counters? Not only is this frustrating, but it can even be dangerous if the dog takes something that could be harmful, like ch…
How to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby
If you’re expecting a baby, you might be wondering how the heck your dog will react to the new family member. You’re probably also thinking about what you can do ahead for planning that introduction.The following are some tips and tricks from parents who've been there.How to introduce your dog to your newborn baby1. Change up the routine before the baby arrives.Obviously, once the baby arrives you…
How to Teach a Dog to Take Treats Gently
Some dogs will naturally take treats gently from a person’s hand, while others can be quite careless! If you have a dog that snaps at your hand in a frantic attempt to get a treat, the following are some tips you can use to teach him to be more patient and gentle. These are also good tips to try if you recently adopted a puppy. It's much easier to start out by teaching good manners than…
Things to Consider When Naming Your Dog
Choosing a name is an important part of getting a new dog, and is one that helps give your dog an identity. To your dog, the name will mean “I’m talking to you so pay attention,” but to the world your dog’s name will be a reflection on you and your relationship with your dog.The key aspects you need to consider before naming your dog...Some owners choose to go with descriptive names based on their…
What is a Slip Collar and How is it Used?
As the name suggests, slip leads and collars simply slip over your dog’s head and have a slip action when pulled tight while around your dog's neck. They are excellent training tools to help your dog learn to behave while walking on a leash.Slip Collar Slip collars don’t have a traditional buckle closure. They are designed as a sliding or "slip" loop. One end of the collar is strung through t…
Tips to Consider if Your Dog is Scared of Children
Children and dogs often do really well together. I always had a dog growing up, and our family golden retriever was very tolerant of us kids playing rough with her, chasing her, taking her toys and so on. She didn’t seem to mind one bit and likely enjoyed this kind of attention from us. For other dogs, though, children can be stressful, annoying or even scary, especially if the dog is not…
How to Stop Your Dog From Barking When Home Alone
When I first adopted my dog Ace, he would bark for 20 minutes every time I left for work (those high-pitched, annoying yips!). This was stressful for me, because I lived in an apartment at the time and didn’t want my new dog to cause problems with my neighbors. I remember asking a friend what I should do, and she said not to worry. She believed my dog would adjust just fine to my ro…