Silverspoon is a 70-pound bundle of gentleness, patience, and loyalty. Described by the shelter as adaptable, she’s the kind of dog who will snuggle on the couch all day or trot by your side on a brisk run. She’s house-trained, kennel-trained, and has impeccable leash manners. She’s gentle, loving, and adored by everyone she meets.And yet, this beautiful 5-year-old dog has been returned to the shelter three times.Silverspoon’s story isn’t unique — it’s part of the darker reality of shelter adoption that we don’t often hear about. Approximately 60% of adopted shelter dogs are returned...
When you’re in a situation that requires calling the police, your primary concern is often the immediate safety of yourself and others. But if you’re a dog owner, there’s an additional, sometimes overlooked, concern: the safety of your pet.Tragically, there have been numerous incidents where family dogs have been shot by police officers during routine visits or emergency responses. These incidents are more common than you think. The recent shooting by a police officer of a Labrador Retriever mix in front of the owner and her children is the reason for this article. You can...
Hello, future dog owners! Today, we’re going to talk about something really important but fun—your future dog’s personality, or what we like to call their “temperament.” Just like people, dogs, and certain dog breeds, have their own unique personalities and personality types. Some are super playful and energetic, while others might be more laid-back and calm. Knowing about these different types of personalities can help you find the perfect doggie friend for your family.Why Dogs’ Personalities MatterImagine you’re a person who loves to chill at home, watching movies or reading books. Now, what if you...
Are you thinking about a puppy for the Holidays? Are you a first-time dog owner?I’ve owned dogs for close to 35 years, multiple breeds, and raised dogs from puppies to seniors. If there’s one thing I know, it’s dogs.If you’re a first-time dog owner, here’s my take on dogs that would be good for you/your family and followed by dogs that while popular, you should avoid for your sanity.Every person/situation is different, but if you’ve NEVER owned a dog, or, it’s been longer than 15 years since you’ve had one, then this listing is developed...
Dog socialization is more than just a buzzword in the world of pet ownership. It’s a critical aspect of raising a well-rounded and well-behaved dog. In this post, I’ll delve into why dog socialization matters, what it entails, and how to ensure your pup gets the best out of this essential aspect of their development.Understanding Dog SocializationDog socialization begins at birth with the mother dog and the breeder. This is why it is so important to the dog’s early development that it is not removed from contact with its mother or siblings prior to eight...
You’ve decided you want to get a dog and you’re on your way to the shelter. STOP!Before you walk through the shelter door:— Do you know what size, temperament, and type of dog is right for your lifestyle and family? Or, were you just thinking about walking up and down the shelter aisles and see which dog appeals to you? (Note: six out of ten dogs are returned within two months of adoption. Please don’t be a statistic.)— What are your expectations for your new pup? Some dogs acclimate quickly, while others depending on their...
Did you know that 70% of dog owners do not do any research on dogs before they adopt one? Did you also know that nearly two-thirds of pets adopted were returned within the first two months. Choosing a puppy is a balancing act between your head, your heart, and your instincts. Let me tell you the short story of Nabucco.Nabucco at 9 months old; 1st day at his forever homeThis is my purebred German Shepherd, Nabucco, whom I adopted in March, 2020, on Friday the 13th. A contractor who was remodeling my backyard deck held...
So you’re thinking of starting a pet sitting business or doing pet sitting as a side gig?What are the questions you should be asking the owner of the dog if you decide to do this? Because the questions you ask are what is going to make you in demand. As the owner of four pups, if I hired a pet sitter, I would expect the person to ask me these questions, with the main question being, what is your contact information? For the other questions, I’ve broken them down into five categories. Or, if you...
For many dog owners, there’s only one answer. Yes. But not so fast. It’s not so much a question of if, but when, if you want a healthy dog.In one of the Facebook groups that I belong to, a member asked the community if she should neuter her German Shepherd. It was amazing to me, as one who has always spayed and neutered my dogs, the number of commenters who replied ‘no’ and that they had no intention of doing so. And for those who neutered their dogs, they said they noticed no difference before...
There are hundreds of social media videos and articles about the German Shepherd Dog (GSD), what great dogs they are, how they’re good with children, how protective they are, their work in the military and police forces. But how many of these videos and articles address the characteristics and traits that are found in successful German Shepherd owners?German Shepherds are the 4th most surrendered dog to shelters across the country. And why do you think that is? My point of view — people getting in over their heads and not realizing how much work a...
Do you have a new puppy in the house, or will be getting one soon? You probably have a list of items that you need — leash, collar, crate, toys, cleaners, etc. but here’s a list of items that people frequently overlook and that aren’t always found on the “getting a new puppy” websites. MicrochipWhen getting a new puppy, make sure you have it “micro-chipped” and that you get the certificate from the vet or the breeder. Over three million dogs enter shelters each year as strays, but less than ~19% are returned to their owners. ...
This is the second of a two-part series about adopting a shelter dog. In Part 1, I took you through what to expect when you arrive at the shelter. In Part 2, I take you through what to expect when you bring your shelter dog home. Whether you’re an experienced dog owner who has decided to get another dog to replace a long-departed best friend, add a second dog to your home, or are a new dog owner who needs some coaching, here are some tips I hope you find helpful.On the Way HomeIf you’ve...
This is the first in a two-part series about adopting a shelter dog – knowing what you’re getting into and can expect. In this post, I’ll take you through what to expect at the shelter, and in Part 2, if you find the right dog, what you can expect when you get it home and how to prepare.What Kinds of Dogs are at the Shelter?There are literally all kinds of dogs at shelters, and by shelters, I’m referring to the city or county public shelters usually know as Animal Care & Control (ACC). Whether short...
A recent post in a Facebook group that I belong to caught my attention. A owner lost her two beautiful German Shepherd Dogs to moldy dog food. She and her partner came home and found the first dog had already passed in his crate, covered in bloody diarrhea, while the second dog needed to be rushed to emergency, where less than one day later, due to liver failure and quality of life, he was humanely euthanized.While still in shock, the owners went through everything that could have possibly killed their dogs. They took the bag...
If you think that only first-time dogs owners make all the mistakes, rest assured that is not the case. I saw this post recently on one of my social media feeds. In short, the owner of two Bernese Mountain Dogs, aged three years and one year, wants to rehome younger of the two. Why? Because the older dog, who is recovering from double elbow surgery, and going to physical therapy can’t handle the puppy exuberance the of one-year-old.But, wait! There’s more!After the initial rehoming post, the owner has now paused the request, because her husband...