dogIDs "How-To" Dog Blog

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 forever. But the number one question I receive about running with dogs goes something like, "But he' …

I'm taking my 11-year-old cat Beamer to the vet on Friday to have his mouth examined. The poor guy has some gross-looking teeth that might be causing him pain. Had I taken his dental care more seriously while he was younger, I could've prevented some of his current discomfort.February is National Pet Dental Month, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, and I'm writing this to encourage other pet owners to do what they can to keep their pets' teeth and gums clean and healthy.Pe …

There are plenty of helpful guides out there on how to potty train your puppy. But what if you adopt an adult dog from a shelter? The dog may or may not be potty trained. The following are someTips to help set your adult dog up for success.1. Don't assume the dog is potty trained. When it comes to potty training, treat your adult dog like a puppy until you know she is potty trained. Even if the previous owner or foster owner says the dog is housebroken, that doesn't necessarily mean the dog …

What Are the Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Pet Parents?Every dog is an individual, regardless of her breed or mix of breeds. When you're thinking about getting a dog, you'll receive tons of opinions about which breed of dog is best for you and you'll have to take that advice in stride. For example, golden retrievers and Labs are often recommended as great family pets, but some retrievers can also be unruly and excitable.I asked other dog experts for their opinions on the best breeds for first-t …

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 several resolutions for me personally, and yes, some I carry over year after year. From trying to be a …

Adopting a new dog or puppy is an important decision that should involve the entire family. That’s true no matter what time of year it is. Keeping that in mind, the following are some tips to consider if you’re planning to give a family member a dog or puppy this Christmas. Choosing a dog as a family gift together I can’t think of a better surprise than a cute puppy with a red bow around his neck as he sits under the tree. In all reality though, that puppy would probably be peeing under …

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 slobbery as mine? Is there really anything wrong with allowing your dog on your bed? I talked with …

Do you plan to share some of your turkey with your dog this Thanksgiving? Turkey can be a safe treat for dogs in moderation, but feeding table scraps can also lead to unwanted behavior such as begging. The following are some tips from veterinarians on how to help dog owners decide what's best for their own unique dogs. Table scraps as treats Dr. John Faught is the medical director of Firehouse Animal Health Center in Austin, Texas. He generally does not encourage his clients to feed thei …

I am a newlywed, which means everybody is asking when my husband and I are going to have kids. It’s a tough question to answer. Am I ready for children? Do I even want to have kids? Can’t our two cats and Boxer-mix dog be enough? They sure feel like kids to me, and truth be told, I usually prefer spending time with animals anyway. Not to mention the fact that we are still paying off debt, saving up to buy our first house and barely feel like we can keep our own lives on track, let alone be …

Dog lovers are always looking for ways to help homeless pets. While adoption is out of the question for some of us, perhaps fostering a dog could be an option. Fostering a dog means you provide the dog with a temporary home until the dog gets adopted. The following are someTips to help you get started with fostering a dog.1. Realistically evaluate your lifestyle. Welcoming any new dog into your home is usually a lot of work, and it's very important to find a dog that will fit into your r …