Puppy Reveal Parties Are The Latest Way To Announce a New Addition

by Lori Ennis

December 17th, 2018 12:00 AM

puppy reveal parties are the latest way to announce a new addition

Gender Reveals are the latest trend for new parents, and dog parents are no exceptions! Yep, puppy reveal parties are a thing, and we have to tell you–we think they’re the best thing ever!

Pink or blue baby humans is so yesterday. I mean, not that we don’t love an adorable human reveal–we do.

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💚❤️ CHRISTMAS ANNOUNCEMENT! ❤️💚 Thanks to @lynzeemcdowelldesigns for helping us document our Christmas miracle! #😍

A post shared by Mallory Kaster (@justmallorykaster) on Dec 11, 2018 at 6:26pm PST

We just think puppy reveal parties are the best thing ever!

Our family has expanded by four feet 🐾 Our new fur baby, Canelo 🐶💙 pic.twitter.com/28i7SdqilC

— 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓪 𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓪 🌻 (@_angelicah26) August 29, 2018

Because seriously? Who cares if it’s a boy or a girl when it’s a puppy? Puppies are so stinking adorable no one even pays attention to the nethers because they’re too busy “ooohing and ahhhhhing!” And can you blame them? I mean why wouldn’t you want to have a party to celebrate all the cute?

Formally introducing the newest member of our family. Born February 15, 2018, everyone meet Koda Wesley.

Can’t wait to see how big you get little one. 🐶💕 pic.twitter.com/tz2knqaVz6

— Nelly 🇨🇴 (@nelisbobelis) May 11, 2018

And, if puppy reveal parties aren’t enough fun (is there ever enough when it comes to puppies?) puppy breed reveal parties are up and coming too. Adopt (don’t shop!) and then have the best time ever when the DNA results come in.

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🦄 dis lady is obsessed wiff me. Mom youz done wiff dis pawto shoot yet?!? I’m ready to tear my new unicorn apart @embarkvet . . . . . . . . test results

A post shared by Lola💜 (@lifewooflola) on Jul 4, 2018 at 8:55am PDT

Yes, celebrate the results with a super-fun party just for your pup and if you really want, add in the puppy gender reveal to get the biggest bang for your doggie dollar!

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Well THAT was surprising! Results from the later. For now, some pics from the party 🎉

A post shared by Emily Carmo (@emily.a.carmo) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:30am PDT

PUPPY REVEAL! Meet Finnigan♥️ pic.twitter.com/u9hV4nuf5i

— Myriah Marlene (@MyriahMarlene) August 30, 2018

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Thank you @jaciewaltonphotography for capturing such a sweet moment! && thanks @lillieavenue for helping find something to wear the day before 😅

A post shared by Dani Gaffney (@danigaff) on Aug 17, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

You spent the moolah on the test, right? So go ahead, plan a reveal party. Look how much fun they are!

Fact is, not everyone seems to think that human gender reveal parties are all that anymore. Something about privacy and gender spectrums…stuff completely not necessary to think about when it comes to puppies because puppies are known for shamelessly showing their goods for a sweet rubdown and they don’t really care what you call them as long as you call them for dinner!

Puppy and breed reveal parties done right include dog cakes and toys and party favors. Yes, party favors because what’s a party without a favor? PS: Photographer important too!

So, say, “Bye-bye, human gender reveal parties,” and, “Hello, puppy parties!” And then be sure to share all the deets all over social media.

This is the stuff people want to know about!

Lori Ennis

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Trupanion Reveals Most Popular Puppy Names For National Puppy Day

It’s National Puppy Day, and to celebrate, Trupanion compiled a list of the most popular puppy dog names based on their database of over 500,000 insured pets and ‘Luna’ has taken the top pet name for 2019! If you’re a dog owner, you can get behind pretty much every day being National Puppy Day, amirite? But, so we can celebrate our little love bugs even more, National Puppy Day is a way to shower the furry friends in our lives with a little extra TLC. To celebrate, Trupanion has combed its database of over 500,000 insured pets throughout Canada and the United States and given a list of the most popular dog names. You might be surprised to know Luna topped the puppy moniker list for 2019, Why surprised? Because when Trupanion looked back over the last decade, Luna didn’t even make the top 20 list for names! Related: Marathoner Adopts Abandoned Puppy After Carrying Him Across The Finish Line The pupular gal dog name Bella made its way back to the number two spot this year, after taking slight dips in 2017 and 2018. Bella always runs neck and neck with the ever-loving Charlie but this year, the girls squeaked by! As is always the case, when new names rise, others have to fall and that was the case for Lola (she was a showgirl) and Molly. In 2009, Molly was in the top 5, but just ten years later, she’s down to number 15. Lola was in the top 10 last year but got edged out.

Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier Basics Whenever you hear the word “Bull,” you probably imagine a frightening thing indeed. Who can blame you? Bulls can be scary – people run away from them as a sport in Pamplona, Spain. Bullfrogs are big, giant versions of frogs that we associate with big, loud noises. But what about the Bull Terrier? Do they live up to the Bull name or are they closer in temperament to that other popular domestic animal, the cat? Well, take one good look at the Bull Terrier and you’ll probably find out why it’s more terrier than bulldog. The rough name can be a little misleading, but as it turns out Bull Terriers can make loyal, energetic, and even fun pets that the entire family can enjoy – or can work as a great companion even if you’re the only member of your household. But does that mean a Bull Terrier is right for your own domestic situation, whatever it is? Let’s take a closer look at this unique terrier and find out what really makes its clock tick. Bull Terriers can make loyal, energetic, and fun pets that the entire family can enjoy. Origin One look at the Bull Terrier will let you know that the breed really don’t come from such a nasty pedigree of dogs as the name might suggest. Bull Terriers look, well, a little weird. They have larger heads and smooth faces – a quality often enjoyed by the pet owners in the United Kingdom. In North America, we have to trace their origins to really understand their appeal.

Teach Your Dog To Be A Canine Good Citizen

Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Your dog knows the basics when it comes to obedience, but it’s time to take it to the next level. Your dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Sure, you may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. Plus, you’ll get a fancy-schmancy certificate to hang on the wall and brag about. What Is The Canine Good Citizen Program? Set up by the American Kennel Club in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) rewards dogs that have good manners both at home and in the community. To complete the program, your dog must pass the two-part, 10-step CGC test. Not only will this program teach your dog good manners, but it also focuses on responsible dog ownership for you. Reasons to take the Canine Good Citizen Test Of course, better doggy manners and a certificate from the American Kennel Club are enticing reasons, but there are more benefits that come with it. If you’re just starting out on obedience training, it’s a dynamite place to start. Once you start the training process, the bond between you and your dog will grow stronger. And kids can get into the fun too – there are club across North American that offer courses just for kids and canines. By performing and mastering the steps in the Canine Good Citizen program, you’ll notice your dog picking up good habits. These include responding well to household routines, having good manners in around people and other dogs, and loving their owner that much more (if that’s even possible!). And there’s no telling where this will lead you. After you finish up with the Canine Good Citizen program, there’s nothing stopping you from tackling agility, tracking, and performance events. You may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. What Dogs Can Participate? Any dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Pure and mix breeds are welcome to take the test. And there are no age limits. Young pups and senior pooches are eligible. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations (such as rabies vaccines). Depending on where your dog takes the test, there may be few exceptions relating to participation. If you take it at an AKC show or with a dog training school, you’ll have to abide by the regulations set out by the organization. Where Do You Go For The Test? Countries all over the world offer the training and testing for the course. Breed and dog clubs, dog training schools and community clubs offer Canine Good Citizen training and can administer the official test. As well, dogs can be tested during AKC shows. Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a Canine Good Citizen? Are you interested in learned more? Learn more about it at the American Kennel Club’s website. You can see the full list of steps and requirements after the jump. And tell us how many of the 10 steps your dog can already do by leaving a comment. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. Test 2: Sitting politely for petting The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler. Test 3: Appearance and grooming The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash. Test 5: Walking through a crowd The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). Test 7: Coming when called The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. Test 8: Reaction to another dog To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. Test 9: Reaction to distraction To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. Test 10: Supervised separation This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.

Gordon Setter

Gordon Setter Basics Originally deployed in Scotland to retrieve hunted birds that had fallen to the ground, the Gordon Setter’s strong hunter’s instinct, skill with scents, and general companion qualities have made it a very popular breed indeed, as well as an enduring one. Having been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1884, it is far ahead of many modern breeds that could be considered more popular. Today, a Gordon Setter is known as an excellent, loyal, and obedient breed that looks great with a properly-groomed coat but is also an ideal exercise partner and friend in the outdoors. As part of the Irish Setter’s pedigree, it’s hard to deny that the Gordon Setter has had a long, rich history of pleasing owners and hunters. But today, the breed can also be considered an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – they are friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. If there’s ever a dog that exemplified the phrase “man’s best friend,” the Gordon Setter would have to be considered one of the leading contenders. Here’s more information about this strong, historical breed. The Gordon Setter can be an ideal companion even if you don’t have any birds for it to sniff out – it is friendly, energetic, and respond well to training. Origin It should be noted that many other dogs similar to the Gordon Setter have actually not retained its heritage like the Gordon Setter has. In the early 19th century, this breed became popular thanks to help from Duke Alexander, the fourth of Gordon, and continued to make its mark as a popular hunting breed with strong scent-sniffing instincts. Able and willing to please, the breed was brought over to America, as well, where it also found popularity enough to be recognized by the American Kennel Club long before the 20th century. With its strong hunter’s instincts and excellent companionship, they have enjoyed a relatively stable history as a breed, including their adherence to a “black-and-tan” coat that is considered perhaps its strongest trademark.

Rover Boutique Offers Designer Dog Clothes for Refined Pooches

Your pup will strut his stuff in cool Canadian Designer Dog Clothes Some dogs like glitz and bling, other prefer to don a more refined, classic style. And for posh pups that love designer dog clothes, there’s Rover Boutique. A Canadian-owned and -operated company, Rover handcrafts durable and timelessly designer dog clothes for fashion-conscious dogs and their owners. Rover offers a selection of shirts, dresses, outerwear and accessories in six sizes to accommodate dogs from the small to big (they also do made to measure as well.) Perfect for a day on the water, the navy peacoat is made from mid-weight cotton twill and features a double-breasted design with velcro closure. We love the Skipper Peacoat, part of the Classic Collection. Perfect for a day on the water, the navy peacoat is made from mid-weight cotton twill and features a double-breasted design with velcro closure. Rover has a variety of coats, blazers, dress shirts (the Oxford shirt is too adorable for words), bow tie collars and dresses that will set your pooch apart from all the other dogs at its next obedience class reunion. For designer dog clothes that definitely make a statement, you can check out the full line of clothing at Rover’s website.

Top 10 Cuddly Fluffy Dog Breeds

We like big fluff and we cannot lie! What’s not to like – there’s just more pup to hug. Check out our picks for our top 10 fluffy dog breeds. Pull out the hoover and grab your lint roller; we’re about to talk fluff! Not the soft and cuddly puppy-dog fuzz type that disappears when your pooch gets older. This is hard core fluff that grows with your best bud, fills the lint trap, produces tumbleweeds the size of melons and qualifies him to make our list of top ten fluffy dog breeds. Poodle

Why Do Some Dogs Pee While Doing Handstands?

Have you ever seen a dog mark his territory while balancing on his front legs? Here’s why dogs pee while doing a handstand. It’s a common sight for male dog – he always lifts one of his back legs to pee. But have you ever seen him doing a handstand while peeing? Probably not. But there are dogs out there that do it, as strange as it may be, it actually serves a purpose. Assume the Peeing Position! It may sound like a strange idea, but if you actually take the time to observe your dog peeing in different circumstances you might notice that his position changes. Some research suggests that various social functions as well as the dog’s proximity to its home may influence the way in which a dog urinates. One study of female dogs identified two postures that were used more often when the dog was away from home than when she was in familiar territory – these positions are called the squat-raise and the arch-raise. Related: TaoTronics UV Blacklight Solves the Case of the Invisible Dog Pee Puddle To give you an idea what different positions look like, here’s a brief pee position overview: Stand: The dog pees while standing normally.Lean: The dog stands on all fours and leans forward slightly.Raise: The dog stands on all fours and lifts one leg.Lean-Raise: The dog stands on all fours, leans forward and lifts one leg.Squat-Raise: The dog squats down while slightly lifting one leg.Squat: The dog squats down without lifting a leg.Arch-Raise: The dog arches the back and lifts a leg. In addition to these common positions there is one more than is not quite so common – the handstand. Yes, some dogs actually tilt their bodies forward until they are literally walking on two paws while urinating. What Purpose Does a Handstand Serve? Sometimes it may seem like our dogs do strange things for no reason at all, but if you delve a little deeper you may be able to identify a reason. When it comes to dogs that perform handstands while they pee, there are several possibilities. Related: Do You Lift a Leg When Your Dog is Stung by Jellyfish? Aside from being a biological need, urination is also a tool dogs use to mark their territory. It has been discovered that it’s most frequently smaller dogs that perform handstands while peeing. This could be because the handstand position raises the dog’s back end higher off the ground so that his urine stream can spray farther, perhaps mimicking or covering the stream of a larger dog. Some dogs only perform handstands when spraying against a vertical object such as a wall or a tree, though this is not always the case. You can learn a lot about your dog just by observing his behavior. From the way he holds his tail when greeting a new friend to the way he positions his body when peeing, dog behavior is always an intriguing subject of study. Try paying a little more attention to exactly how your dog moves and behaves for a day and you might make some interesting discoveries!

High School Student’s Service Dog Inspires Legislation Against Discr

It’s sad to see people denied service in places because their service dogs are not welcome, but new legislation in New Jersey may make that discrimination against the law. In January, a young man in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, joined his local legislators to push for a bill that will impose fines on institutions that discriminate against people with service animals, and now the governor of New Jersey has Charlie’s Bill in front of him to make it official. Related: Washington Supreme Court Rules in Favor Of Girl and Her Service Dog Ben Shore, who is 16-years-old and on the autism spectrum, worked with his local officials to lobby for the bill’s passage and it has now passed both houses of the New Jersey state legislature. The bill stemmed from an incident at a Florida airport where Ben and his service Goldendoodle were discriminated against when airport staff refused to accept Charlie as Ben’s service dog. Charlie helps alert Ben to the possibility of a panic attack and helps him calm down in the event of one. Officials at the airport eventually allowed Charlie to accompany Ben, but only after Ben’s threats to call the police convinced them. Ben and Charlie also face discrimination at Ben’s school. Cherry Hill High School East’s policy toward service dogs went against both federal and state laws regarding Americans with disabilities, and though he fought to get permission to bring Charlie to school, he did so for only one day. His school refuses to put accommodations that pertain to Charlie in Ben’s federally protected Individual Education Plan (IEP), so he and his family are fighting the school district to make that happen. Until then, he leaves Charlie at home. Still, Ben says that he is glad his efforts have paved the way for other students, and hopes that awareness has led to other districts bringing their policies into compliance with federal and state laws. There are currently no laws in New Jersey that would give police authority to resolve situations where there is discrimination against an individual’s service dog, and the bill in front of Governor Chris Christie would impose a fine between $250 and $1000 to any person or institution denying a service dog to accompany an individual with disabilities. Related: New Tool Helps Service Dog Organizations Predict Puppy Training Success Current federal law says that the only reason an institution could deny entrance once the appropriate questions about a service dog have been answered is if the dog is unsafe or disturbs others in a menacing way. New Jersey Senator Diane Allen says that the law will help citizens not to have to endure what Ben did at the airport, and give them expedient and appropriate options for recourse under the law. For his part, Ben says he’s glad he and Charlie could make a difference, and is looking forward to the opportunity to go to the governor’s office and thank him in person for bringing such a good piece of legislation to actualization.

Canine Investigators on the Trail of Amelia Earhart

There are a lot of amazing things scent dogs are trained to do, and researchers are hoping that one of them may be finding the remains of lost aviator Amelia Earhart! Dogs are often trained for and used in search and rescue cases where they use scent to find and recover people. Now, researchers who have scent-trained four very smart pups are looking to make the discovery of a lifetime should the dogs be able to find the remains of famed aviator Amelia Earhart. Related: Search and Rescue Dog’s First Find Brings Little Boy Back To His Family Earhart was last known to be on the final leg of her flight around the world, with her navigator Fred Noonan. They took off in July of 1937, headed toward Howland Island in the Pacific, and were never seen nor heard from again. Though many expeditions have been conducted to find remains of Earhart or Noonan, or of their plane, they fail to come up with any concrete remnants of the crash or the aviators. Now, the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) is planning to take four scent-trained dogs to the last area experts believe she may have ended up in, the island of Nikumaroro. Over the last three decades, TIGHAR has explored theories that place Earhart as a castaway on a remote island once she realized she was out of gas and would not make her intended destination. Several years ago, 13 bones believed possible to be Earhart’s were found on the island, meaning that researchers believe there is a good chance 193 more exist for the finding. Related: Search and Rescue Dogs Saving Lives After Earthquake in Italy The four dogs—border collies named Berkeley, Piper, Marcy, and Kayle are believed to be top notch explorers, as they’ve been able to sniff out ancient burial sites that were nearly 1,500 years old and nine feet deep. The dogs will be sponsored by National Geographic, and will take a trans-Pacific flight and week-long ocean adventure to get to the island. Researchers say that if there are indeed any bones found on this expedition, they’ll be sent back to the United States to be further analyzed and matched with a distant relative of Earhart’s. The canine crew will spend eight days combing the remote island at their pleasure, sniffing out whatever smells the can that might lead to the resolution of one of the biggest mysteries in aviation history. We wish them luck as they attempt to make investigatory history! [Source: National Geographic]

What To Expect When You Adopt A Dog

Our guide to what you can expect when you adopt a dog Yay – you’ve decided to adopt a dog! That’s wonderful news. And because you’re such an awesome expectant pet parent, you need to know just what you’re in for. Your dog is an investment – in time and money. Before you adopt a dog, you should know that your life and your budget are going to change drastically. In terms of money, there’s usually an adoption fee involved, but there are long-term finances to think about. Dog insurance, medical bills, dog food, grooming… and those are just a few of the things you’ll need to be prepared for. As well, your new dog is a time commitment. You may need to rearrange your schedule to make your dog feel welcome and take care of her needs. That means skipping drinks after work to take your dog out for a pee and making sure you’re up early to take her for a walk. If you’re prepared for the money and time it takes, then you’re ready to adopt a dog.You’re going to be tested – by the rescue organization, that is. They will evaluate you and you’ll be interviewed about your home and lifestyle. They will also ask questions to make sure that you and the dog are a perfect match.Expect a home check. Some shelters and rescue organizations come by your home before the adoption process is complete to ensure that it is safe and compatible. They make sure that your home is large enough for the breed you’ve choose, is your yard is safe and that your home is prepared for the new arrival.You need to set limits. Starting from the day you bring her home, your dog is going to look to you to tell her what’s right and wrong. This includes where it’s appropriate to pee, where she can sleep, meal times and play times. Most importantly is setting yourself up as the pack leader. She needs to know that you’re in charge. Do this lovingly and firmly over time. No matter how cute she is, you need to correct her when she does something wrong. Dogs crave order and when you deny it to them, mayhem and destruction are sure to follow.It’s may take a while to get her into the swing of your household, so don’t expect too much. She may be scared and timid. She may even hide or refuse to eat until she gets to know you better. Be patient and give her space. Talk in gentle tones and offer treats and affection. If she has an accident indoors, don’t punish her. If you give her love and attention, she’ll soon come out of her shell and become an excited member of your family.If you have other pets, you may see some jealously or aggression. Your new rescue dog may become possessive of you or the family when she comes to live with you. You may also see resource guarding behaviors toward other dogs over food or toys. As your new arrival and the established dogs get to know each other, there may be some arguments as to rescue dog’s place in the pack. Don’t panic – this is normal behavior. As your new dog becomes adjusted to her new home and becomes more confident, this behavior will disappear. If you’ve adopted a dog, where there any surprises that you weren’t aware of? Do you have any advice to pass along to readers who want to adopt a dog? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Photo Credit: Rob Swatski

Baseball Bat Dog Proves It’s Better to Run the Bases Than Retrieve

The ‘future’ bat-dog for a Texas AA baseball team has cracked us up with his less-than-obedient bat behavior, and is making the viral rounds as he rounds the bases. It’s tough to be a retriever. I mean, let’s face it…with a name like that, people will expect that you will, well…retrieve. Which we’re sure you’d love to do unless there’s a huge field to run and kids to knock over! Related: Dog Makes Unscheduled Appearance on Russian Morning News [Video] Which is just what happened Brooks, the future bat-dog for the Frisco RoughRiders in Texas. The RoughRiders are the AA Affiliate feed team to the Texas Rangers, and the bat-dog in training gave spectators a laugh when he failed to retrieve bats, as his job implies he’d do, as well as when he knocked a child over in the name of a good run. Watch out 🛑! @RidersBrooks is running the bases! 🐶 pic.twitter.com/jOPARsapWu — Frisco RoughRiders (@RidersBaseball) June 20, 2017 Seems Brooks may not be the best retriever, but boy can he run! He had the crowds cheering for him, despite the fact that he wasn’t paying one bit of attention to his trainer, who was earnestly trying to get him to retrieve the bat like a good boy. Related: Detroit Tigers Announce the Return of ‘Bark at the Park‘ . @RidersBrooks "retrieves" the bat. Enjoy! 😂 pic.twitter.com/fqEPZegspp — Frisco RoughRiders (@RidersBaseball) June 20, 2017 Brooks doesn’t seem one bit phased that he’s not officially clinched the job of bat-dog, and feels like the whole knocking the kid down (the kid was just fine, by the way) thing is just a rookie mistake to be expected. Because, really…isn’t that what a dog running the bases is all about? We sure think so! Good boy, Brooks, good boy! You hit a homerun in our eyes!

Pet Photographer (Bow) Wows Us With His Pup Portraitures

Ordinary pets are turned into works of art when world-renowned photographer Jack Kenner turns his lens on them. We met him at Woofstock and had to share his barktastic work! Woofstock was a fur-bulous time and we loved meeting up with our favorite humans and canines, while meeting lots of new furry faces. One of our new friends is award-winning photographer and preservationist Jack Kenner. And one of the highlights of the show had to be the time we got to hang with him, chatting about how he got started and his inspiration.

Cool Tips to Beat the Heat on Summer Hikes With Your Dog

Summer is fleeting, which is why you want to make the most of it with your dog. If you’re hiking, keep these tips in mind to keep your dog safe and hydrated.Just like people, many dogs enjoy tackling the trails on a warm summer day. And just like people, dogs can be susceptible to heat stress. High humidity, direct sun, warm asphalt, and sweltering city temperatures are all great reasons for you and your dog to get out of the city and onto a trail. Before you go, there are a few things to know about staying safe while hiking this summer with your dog.Heat Stroke

Snoot to Snoot: Q&A With Surf Therapy Dog Haole

White sandy beaches, sunny skies, and choice waves – what more could a surfing dog ask for? Haole uses his passion for the sport in his role of surf therapy dog. What can’t dogs do? They hold important positions in our healthcare, police, and military services. They give us a reason to get outside and move our butts. They’ve got their own social media fans. And now, they’ve taken over the waves!

Was the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest Rigged?

This year’s winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog title is a Neapolitan Mastiff named Martha. But we think she’s way too cute and think the contest was rigged! Judges recently named a 125-pound Neapolitan Mastiff named Martha the World’s Ugliest Dog at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in California, beating out several Chinese Cresteds who typically take top honors. The judges found Martha, who had been neglected to the point that she was blind before she was rescued and given her sight back through surgeries, delightful, if not a bit flatulent, in the process. Related: Avert Your Eyes! These Dog Toys Prove That Ugly Is The New Adorable Veteran judge Brian Sobel says that he looks for unique dogs, and while the three-year-old sweetheart is definitely that with her jowls-for-miles smile, in a contest of ugly dogs, I have to go out on a limb and say I believe that the winner should be, well… the ugliest. Martha’s mama, Jessica Burkard of Penngrove, California, adores Martha and her gentle giant spirit and she does seem like a sweet gal. But seriously… Not all dogs catch the pretty stick, if you know what I mean, and this was a contest for them! Take this gal for example…This 6 1/2-year-old Blue Factor Brussels Griffon is named Monkey. I’m thinking she’s more like a mini-Chewbacca. A mean-muggin’ mini-Chewbacca, that is!

Top 10 Books For New Puppy Owners

Have you ever wished that puppies came with how-to manuals? We’ve got the next best thing – our top book picks that are perfect for new puppy owners!

6 Easy Hacks to Cure Fish Boredom

Just like any other pet, fish can become bored, too. And while they won’t chew up your shoes, keeping them occupied will ensure they live a healthier life.We buy toys for our dogs, cats, rats, rabbits, birds, and beyond. But how often does anyone get toys for their fish? Better yet, did you even know that fish could appreciate or need toys in their tank? Well, they do! However, that doesn’t mean that you can just go to a random pet store and expect them to carry toys for fish – it’s not such a popular choice as, say, dog toys. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to find anything to engage your fish and provide them entertainment in the aquarium. The key is to play off of what fish already do naturally. Adding things into their tanks that will occupy them and hone their natural instincts is a sure-fire way to have healthier happier fish that are more interesting to watch. OK, now that you know how awesome it is when you provide entertaining and engaging accessories for your fish, all that remains is to learn how to do it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be crafty or spending big bucks to keep your fish lively and occupied – here are six easy hacks to cure your fishes’ boredom.Ping pong balls: s: Yup, ping pong balls are amazing for fish – no need to get them a miniature ping pong table and rackets. Plain old ping pong balls are a cheap and easy way to amuse your fish. Bettas particularly enjoy moving them around the tank, but just about any fish will be curious enough to check it out. It will stimulate their senses, and it’s a cool party trick to show people when they come to visit.Related: Cost-Cutting Tips and Tricks for Aquarium EnthusiastsTubes and tunnels: Many fish decorations incorporate these attributes to some degree, but you can improve on them by making your own.  PVC pipe from your local hardware store connected with a couple of elbows joints will make an interesting place for your fish to explore and hang out. You can weight it to the bottom of the tank and cover it with rocks and plants if you don’t like the look of the pipes. For something a little fancier, you can use terra cotta planters in the tank. Of course, it’s important to note that any tubes or tunnels you introduce to the aquarium should be wide enough for the fish to pass through safely, and made from smooth, fish-safe materials. You don’t want anything rough that your fish could snag their fins on!Mirrors: Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest fishy of them all? Fish aren’t vain, but mirrors are especially interesting to fish like bettas that live alone. They will be interested in their reflections and will flare, charge, and be curious about the “fish” on the other side. This provides much-needed enrichment for the solitary bettas, stimulates them to exercise their fins, and encourages natural territorial behaviors in a safe way. Still, you shouldn’t keep a mirror in the tank all the time, as it can become counterproductive – place it in the aquarium for a few minutes at a time as a form of exercise, and don’t leave it in for prolonged periods.Related: Take a Walk On the Wild Side of BettasShells, rocks, and sand: Nothing beats natural habitat vibes! Not only that mimicking their home is something that all fish like, but it also means that you don’t have to put in any special effort or look for any exotic items to keep your fishies occupied. Something you already have in your tank can be interesting to some species of fish. Cichlids, for example, will love rearranging their tank space (for fishy feng shui, we assume). They will dig holes, build hills, and create their own territory. Air stones and bubble wands: There are many benefits to air stones and bubble wands – these decorative accessories are not only for decor, but they also produce oxygen bubbles, which not only aerate the aquarium, but also lift certain layers to the top of the tank. In addition to making for a neat feature in your tank for you to look at, these accessories will also amuse your fish. Fish that enjoy stronger moving waters will hang out in the bubbles, and flit and flee through them. In fact, some species thrive in stronger aquarium currents and having something like an air stone or a bubble wand is a must – the list of popular choices includes Plecos, Red Neon Goby, Danios, and others.Food: Nothing motivates fish like food! If you ever want to make your aquatic pets enthusiastic about something, grab their food flakes and see them go bananas. It doesn’t come as a surprise, then, that finding ways to make their food slightly harder to acquire is an excellent way to stimulate your fish. Breaking away from the usual flakes and pellets and trying something like frozen bloodworms or brine shrimp will shake up their diets, and give them something to do. Live foods also help get your fish to hunt, which is a natural stimulant for them. Naturally, before opting for live foods or similar, be sure that your fish are omnivores or carnivores – because plant eaters such as Goldfish, Pleco, Oscars, and others certainly won’t find prey engaging.

Lurcher

Lurcher Basics The Lurcher is a particularly unique breed of dog because its appearance can be greatly varied depending on breeding. Technically, a Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed, but it often takes the appearance of a Greyhound or Saluki. These dogs are intelligent and hardy, ideal for hunting applications. These dogs are known for their working skills as well as their speed and excellent eyesight. A Lurcher is a cross between a sighthound and any non-sighthound breed. Origin The Lurcher dog breed originated in Ireland and various other parts of Great Britain, descendant from a breed known as the Norfolk Lurcher. These dogs are not purebred but rather the result of a crossing between a sighthound and some type of non-sighthound breed, often a terrier or some kind of pastoral dog. The breeding of Lurchers varies depending on the desired characteristics, though cunning and stealth are some of the most desired characteristics for this breed. To give the breed a working instinct, Collie crosses are also popular – this type of crossing gives the Lurcher both intelligence and speed, the ideal prerequisites for a hunting breed dog. In the United States, crosses with scent hounds are particularly common. Pedigree

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