dogIDs "How-to" Dog Blog

Should You Hike With Your Dog Off Leash?
Should You Hike With Your Dog Off Leash?
One of my favorite things to do with my dog Ace is taking him on off-leash hikes and walks.I had no idea this was such a controversial issue until I innocently posted about hiking with my dog off leash on another site and people (serious backpackers) told me a thing or two about how dogs should never hike off leash!Their reasons were: safety of other hikers &concern for the wildlifeAs much as I h…
7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Walks Interesting
7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Walks Interesting
Walking your dog is not only a form of exercise; it is also an opportunity for him to explore the world around him and learn some good behaviors. And, of course, there’s the chance to pee and poop. However, having the same dog walking basics everyday is dull and boring. While your dog may be always excited for the walk, some people may grow less and less optimistic each day that they would wish…
5 Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog More Active
5 Tips to Keep Your Senior Dog More Active
If you have a senior dog, you might have noticed he’s having a harder time keeping up while walking or running. Or maybe he’s stiff and sore after playing at the park, chasing a ball or doing agility. My own Lab mix is 9 years old. He used to be my running buddy, but today we stick to short walks because longer exercise sessions are hard on his joints. Obviously, dog owners want to ke…
5 Puppy Exercise Tips: How to Get Your Puppy Tired
5 Puppy Exercise Tips: How to Get Your Puppy Tired
If you have a puppy, you’re probably looking for some ideas on how to safely tire him out, especially if he’s in that naughty, “teenage” stage. Taking your puppy for walks is a good idea, but you may be wondering how far you can walk him without putting too much stress on his joints. And, is it safe to take him running? I asked two dog trainers to share some of their ideas for exercising…
The Top 3 Leashes for Everyday Dog Ownership
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…
How to Get a Puppy Used to Walking on a Leash
How to Get a Puppy Used to Walking on a Leash
Oct. 1 to 7 is National Walk Your Dog Week, so this week is a great opportunity to encourage other dog lovers to get out and walk more with their dogs. For this post, I thought I’d focus on puppies and when to start teaching them appropriate leash manners. If you've recently adopted a puppy, you're probably already teaching her the basics such as “sit.” But at what point should you start…
4 Reasons to Use a Harness to Walk Your Dog
4 Reasons to Use a Harness to Walk Your Dog
I’m a dog walker, so I use a variety of available tools for walking different types of dogs. One of those options is a leash and harness. The following are some reasons why you may want to consider a harness for your dog. Reasons to Use a HarnessA harness is more difficult to slip out of. Some dogs are able to slip out of their collars more easily than others. For safety reaso…
What to Do When an Off-Leash Dog Charges You
What to Do When an Off-Leash Dog Charges You
You’ve probably been out walking your dog, minding your own business, when someone’s off-leash dog charges you. While this is often annoying, it’s usually no big deal as long as both dogs are friendly. But what if your dog isn’t friendly? Or, what if the approaching dog isn’t friendly? The following are some tips on possible ways to handle an approaching dog, keeping in mind that every sit…
Do Dogs Need Boots in the Cold?
Do Dogs Need Boots in the Cold?
You may have wondered whether your dog needs boots to protect her feet from the cold and ice. Really, it depends on the individual dog's cold tolerance as well as her breed and how long she will be outside. My own dog has sensitive paws, and he tends to lift them up once it dips below 10 degrees Fahrenheit or so. On the other hand, some dogs act like they don't even notice the cold on their feet.S…