Search Results for: blog stop breakouts

Stop Breakouts!

If you have an escape artist in the family, you have several options for breakout prevention and control. Stop yard breakouts! If your yard isn’t completely fenced in, your pet shouldn’t be allowed to roam without a leash. You can find portable fenced runs or tie-outs at your local pet store; the folks there will help you pick something appropriate based on the size and activity level of your pet. Make sure all gates are securely closed. Chain or otherwise secure gates — a smart pup could learn to pull a chain or lift a latch and take himself for … Continue reading →

Have a Merry Minted Christmas

I don’t drink, but walking into Target or Wal-Mart right now makes me want to run home and pour myself a boot of something stronger than beer. Tis the season for breakouts and breakdowns. Seriously. Have you been to the mall recently? Retailers have dumped their Halloween costumes and candy; bypassed Thanksgiving paraphernalia; and are shoving Santa down customers’ collective throats. Fa-la-la-la. We’re not even 85 hours into November and I already feel my inner Christmas Grinch bubbling up from the bowels of my being. How can I feel so behind on Christmas preparations when I still have buckets of … Continue reading →

Foofy’s Big Adventure

A few nights ago, my aunt and uncle found a miniature poodle wandering through their backyard. The little black dog came running right up to them when they called, and was wearing a collar and ID tags. My uncle tried the phone number on the tags, but there was no answer. It was late at night, so they set up a nest in the garage for Foofy the poodle. The next day, they called again. No answer. My uncle is a pretty web-savvy guy, so he looked up the owner’s name and address on the internet. It seemed unbelievable, but … Continue reading →

Pet Gate Basics

Not sure which pet gate is right for your dog and your house? Knowing the basics can help you make a decision. What are pet gates made of? They can be made of steel, plastic, or wood. Your dog’s size and behavior habits can help you choose the best material. A heavy chewer, for example, may need a wire mesh gate or a metal slat-style gate. Plastic and wood gates may not stand up to heavy chewing. If you have a very tall dog, like a Borzoi or a wolfhound, you may need an extra-tall gate. Do you want your … Continue reading →

How To Help A Chained Dog

If you are the owner of a chained dog, here are some things you can do to make your pup’s life better. Bring your dog inside! Your dog may need some help with housetraining and behavior to be a good inside dog. The one and only thing he wants is to be part of his human pack — so he’ll be eager to learn how to please you. Put up a fence in the yard. This will give your dog a chance to explore a wider area AND make it easier to approach your dog. A dog lunging at the … Continue reading →

Animal Abuse: Chaining Is Unsafe For Everyone

Chaining a dog to an object for a long period of time is unsafe for the animal. It can also be a danger to humans and other animals! Why is tethering unsafe for humans? Dogs who are tethered can become very aggressive. It is natural for a dog to feel protective of his territory! Instinct gives a dog (and a person) a fight or flight response to threats; a chained dog does not have the option to run. Chained dogs may feel forced to attack unfamiliar people to protect their territory. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that nearly one-fifth … Continue reading →