How do I know what to feed my dog?? (Especially with so much info and brands marketing their food! It can be confusing!) In a recent survey of pet owners, about 25% revealed that they change the diet they feed their dog or cat every 12 months!!! (I was actually very shocked by that!) Interestingly, dog owners are most likely to switch to a higher quality food more than cat owners. Cat owners are more motivated by which food their cat likes eating. Because a lot of veterinarians are not trained in pet nutrition, many are turning online and to …
Dealing with your Labrador barking can be very stressful. But there is a way to help reduce the noise that really works. We call the technique Click For Quiet, and I use it to reduce noise by reinforcing silence. Why is my Labrador barking? When a new puppy arrives in his new home, he has …
Since dogs are natural chewers and explore the world with their mouths a lot. Chewing sometimes alleviates boredom or stress but has many benefits as well: cleans teeth, exercises their jaw muscles. But what about the problem chewer? How about the puppy that “needs” to chew when he is teething? Let’s explore, quickly, what is SAFE and what is appropriate for your pet…and let’s do it WITHOUT teaching them to chew as a “bad habit”!! (this is CRITICAL!) BORDOM: Dogs that get a lot of social and mental stimulation tend to chew less than their under-exercised/under stimulated counterparts. So its …
Can dogs eat bread? Wheat bread and plain white bread is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. However, some dogs are allergic to the ingredients in bread, so be cautious when first giving your dog this human food. Too much bread as a treat can contribute to health problems like obesity in dogs. And …
Common Labrador genetic tests include hip and elbow scores, eye tests, PRA and dwarfism. Good breeders will check the sire and dam’s genetic health before breeding. At the minimum a Labrador puppy’s parents should have low hip and elbow scores, a recent eye test and be PRA clear (or one carrier and one clear). Labrador …
For 34 years now, I’ve heard thousands say to me, “I want a Lab with a BIG HEAD!! “ or… my favorite…”I want a block-headed lab!” (And I’m thinking, “Uh….no, you don’t want a ‘stubborn pet!!’ Ha! Sorry—it just sounds so funny to me) But is it all just about just SIZE? (sorry) Or is also about also including the muzzle size/shape and eye set, dome of head, “stop”, and ear set—and are the ears balanced correctly with the entire head? (There was one bloodline we had a few decades ago that use to have ears occasionally that were a …
It’s the puzzle every dog owner dreads: why does my dog smell? There are lots of things that can turn dogs into the source of bad smells. The long list includes: rolling in something, their diet, bad breath, getting wet, and much more. Pinpointing the source of the smell is the first step to neutralizing …
Why do dogs bark? Dogs bark to communicate a wide range of information. And it’s thought that barking in pet dogs has changed and evolved with domestication. So these days, a dog’s barks are just as likely to be directed at people, as at other dogs. Although sometimes it seems like they’re barking at nothing …
An essential list of our top 10 new puppy supplies. Make sure you have everything your little friend needs with our new puppy checklist and reviews. So you’re bringing your new puppy home soon and you’re wondering what Labrador puppy accessories you need to buy. We’ve prepared a new puppy supplies list with all the …
Can dogs eat potatoes? Plain, cooked potatoes are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. You should avoid cooking them in oil, or adding any extra ingredients like butter or salt if you are giving your dog potatoes. Raw potatoes and potato skins contain solanine, which can be poisonous to dogs in large quantities. …
The best dog bed for chewers provides a comfortable place to sleep, without a risk of total destruction every time you go to bed. The best beds achieve this by being too hard to gnaw, or too tricky to get his teeth into. Your dog might be chewing things because he is bored, anxious, or …
Finding the best moving dog toys for your dog can take a bit of research! If you have arrived here in search of awesome, inventive, engaging dog toys that move and make noise, you’re in luck! Read on for a carefully curated list of some of the best moving dog toys for your pup to …
Why do dogs eat grass? Most owners catch their dogs eating grass at some point in their lives. Dogs could eat grass because they’re bored, hungry, or just because they like the taste. Grass eating isn’t necessarily bad for dogs. But, pesticides and parasites in grass can be dangerous, as can certain common toxic plants. …
A dog water fountain is a splendid idea that’s sure to make a splash with your pup! The best dog water fountain options don’t just keep your pup hydrated. They are also a fun, entertaining way to provide your dog with fresh water – 24/7! We’re going to take a look at the best options …
Welcome To Our Complete Guide To The Very Best Dog Life Jackets. Looking At When To Use Them, Why You Need One And The Right Model For Your Dog’s Waterside Adventure. Some dogs love the water. They can’t wait to get wet, splash around, swim and dive. Others (like mine!) loathe it. They freeze at …
Dog poop disposal methods include flushing, trashing, and composting the waste. Most places have dog poop disposal laws and penalties for improper disposal. But, these laws vary depending on where you are. Proper disposal is important, as humans and even other dogs can pick up parasites and diseases from dog poop. So, every owner should …
Biking with dogs can be great exercise and great fun, provided you are careful and well prepared. Knowing how to cycle safely with a dog and the best dog bike trailers on the market is a recipe for a fun day out. Biking with dogs Your dog can accompany you either by running alongside you, …
European Labrador Retrievers are often confused with English Labradors. But in fact, technically speaking, there’s no such thing as a European Labrador! So where did this idea of a European Lab come from? And why are English Labs sometimes labelled as being generally European rather than specifically English? What is a European Labrador? The Labrador …
.Welcome to our complete guide to large dog beds. Giving you reviews, ideas and top choices for our lovely Labradors. As a dog lover, it seems only natural to tend to your pooch’s needs even before your own. If you’re hungry, you fix your pup’s dinner first. If you’re relaxing after a busy day, you …
Welcome to your complete guide to dog carriers for Labradors and other large breeds! You may find yourself needing to transport your Labrador for longer than a quick trip to the vet. Perhaps your beloved pooch is going to accompany you on a vacation, and an airline-approved crate is in order. No matter what your …
In life, we often find ourselves powerless to avoid crisis, disappointment, and disillusionment. Still, we DO have a choice in how we react/respond to these hurtful interruptions that take up residence in our lives or turn it upside down. We’re tempted to give up, experience depression, or even lash out at the very people we love most. That’s when we decide if we will sink or swim. And its a lesson I’ve learned quite often from my dogs. One such experience occurred during a “first swimming lesson” in our pond on a hot, sunny day in July with a puppy …
From the time we began lockdown in March, I wondered how long it would last and what in the world the outcome would be. Of course, I never expected our country to splitter into such unrest, hate, and anger, and the story is still unfolding. But there are dogs. I can’t tell you how many days I faced slight depression over the fallout of this pandemic on the lives around us, and my dogs still managed to make me smile, embrace the important things in my life that I could cherish at the time (daily), and they provided some great …
Do midges bite dogs? Midges are one of the many bugs that are known to bite dogs. Their bites can be itchy and painful, but can affect individual dogs differently. Midge bites often are nothing to be worried about. But, these little flies can carry and pass on a number of diseases. If you’re worried …
The best dog grooming supplies for Labradors are those that deal with their double coat and serious shedding. Because your Labrador’s coat might look low maintenance, but those short and smooth hairs can be quite a handful. Not only do Labradors shed like there’s no tomorrow, they often have a real fondness for muck. Delighting …
Is there such a thing as dog grief? There are lots of stories about dogs appearing to grieve for people, fellow dogs, and even cats and other animals when they die. However there are also skeptics who argue that just because their behavior looks like grief, it doesn’t mean that emotionally they mourn in the …
No one likes the idea of living with a sad dog. We want to give our pups the best life possible, and believe that they’re happy with us! But we can’t always avoid sadness in our own lives, and likewise we might find ourselves wondering if dogs can feel sadness too. Sad Dog Attributing human …
I’m so glad you asked!!! After over 33 years of owning dogs, I have to say that an ounce of prevention goes the farthest way. There are things you can do to SAVE you money that many people never think of. And here are the biggest mistakes people make that cost them money when they own a dog: Not purchasing Pet Insurance. This one hit me right between the eyes and gave me a black eye a time or two. We never “expect” our dog to chew through a stick that had an old rusty piece of barbwire in it. …
Rare dog breeds are unique and fascinating. They can make a great addition to the right household. But, because there’s such a small gene pool to choose from when keeping purebred rare breeds alive, there’s a risk of inbreeding and increased health problems. It’s important to assess the health and needs of any dog breed …
If your dog won’t give the ball back, won’t drop the ball, won’t let go of his toys. Or if your dog won’t fetch at all, then this is the article for you. We look at the solutions to these common fixable retrieving problems. Labrador Retriever you say? The Labrador part might be right, but forget the …
‘Do dogs sleep with their eyes open?’ is a frequent question of many startled dog owners. Startled, of course, because their dozing hound still seems to be keeping a watchful eye on what’s going on around them! Sleeping with one or both eyes partially open is not uncommon in dogs, and it’s usually harmless. However …
