How to Find the Right Urban Mushing Instructor

by Kevin Roberts

Published: December 26th, 2015

how to find the right urban mushing instructor

Kevin Roberts doesn’t just walk the walk – he also teaches what he preaches! As a highly accomplished urban mushing instructor, our pro has a few tips on how to find the right trainer for you.

There is no doubt about it – the popularity of “Urban Mushing” is at an all-time high. Whether it’s a team of huskies pulling a scooter, a skijoring team sliding down the trail, or a one-dog canicross team, people across North America are fascinated with this dog sport.

If you’re the owner of a high-energy dog, and you are looking for an activity for you both to enjoy, urban mushing might just be your style. To get started on the right foot… or ski… or sled runner… you’re going to need some instruction. The good news is that with the popularity of Urban Mushing, clubs and groups are popping up all over the place – and there’s a good chance you’ll find one in your neighborhood. I’ve been teaching a variety of urban mushing styles for years, so I’ve put together some tips on finding the right class and instructor for you.

Location, Location, Location

Geography will play a major role in your decision. While there are online courses and tutorials for new Urban Mushers, the best learning is most often hands on. Not only can an in-person instructor help correct an error before it becomes a bad, or even dangerous, habit, they’re also a wealth of knowledgeable when it comes to local recourses. These pros have the insider scoop on the best trails, outfitters and vets. They might even know where the closest emergency room is, you know… just in case.

Urban Mushing Specialty

Ask any potential instructor what type Urban Mushing they have experience with. Subtle differences come into play for dogs being asked to pull a skier opposed to working with a jogger. If you are interested in a particular sport with your dog, ensure that the instructor has first-hand experience with it. Canicross, scootering, bikejoring, skijoring, and sledding are the most recognized sports in mushing, with international governing bodies overseeing races and events. An instructor will be up to date with the qualifications regarding the rules and regulations of the governing bodies. Even if you don’t intend to race, many of the rules are for safety precautions, and your instructor will be familiar with them.

A red flag is any potential Urban Mushing Instructor who throws around the word “joring.” Joring refers to the Scandinavian word for “driving,” as in driving a team of dogs or horses. Skijoring and Bikejoring are both recognized sports. An instructor who says they “jore” or adding “joring” to the end of any activity is most likely a newbie, a poser or just wants to look cool. You expect your doctor and your mechanic to know the vocabulary of their trade; so too should an urban mushing instructor.

Not Just For Huskies

Urban mushing is certainly popular among husky owners. But these northern breed dogs aren’t the only ones who can enjoy pulling sports.

Nearly any healthy dog over 30 pounds can safely partake in pulling sports. Thirty pounds is about the average industry standard for dogs with a solid enough frame to safely pull. There may be exceptions for dogs under 30 pounds, but typically smaller dogs don’t have the proper build to be involved in pulling sports. Avoid instructors who brag about having trained tiny dogs, like Chihuahuas. A responsible instructor would rather turn away a potential client than risk doing damage to a dog.

Herding and working breed dogs take to pulling sports well. Be sure to ask the instructor what experience they have had working with dogs of your specific breed. Training a Husky to pull is an entirely different matter than getting a Border Collie to run in harness. Both breeds make great pulling dogs, but in the case of the Husky, you’re tapping into thousands of generations of dogs bred to pull. I’m not saying it’s harder to teach one to pull than the other, but it certainly is different. A competent instructor will have experience with more than one certain dog breed.

Bragging Rights

In most countries, dog training isn’t regulated. That means that Tom, Dick or Cesar can hang up a sign, print out some cards and be in business of dog training. Some of them even get on TV and become famous – but it doesn’t mean they know what they’re doing.

If an Urban Mushing Instructor wants to train you and your dog, he/she better have some experience to back it up. Have they attended races in the discipline they offer instruction in? Do they have any dog training certification, or are members of any professional dog training groups? These are important questions to ask to ensure you get quality instruction.

Safety

Urban mushing is an inherently dangerous activity. You’re moving at high speeds, and you will fall. I repeat, you will fall. Often.

There’s the potential danger of coming into contact with other teams, other trail users or trees. Your instructor needs to know the dangers of this sport and will have equipment in place to support you. The use of helmets should be highly recommended, if not, mandatory. Urban mushing instruction should take place on designated trails, away from the obstacles of off-leash dogs and vehicles.

And any Urban Mushing instructor of merit will have a few “close-call” stories to share with students. A good instructor will let you know about the risks involved so you’ll be about to make an informed decision about participating in the sport.

Social Media

The majority of Urban Mushing Instructors maintain an online presence. Use these platforms as a tool to judge them, partially, by the company they keep. If their pages are “liked” by other members of the mushing community, such as outfitters, mushing clubs or race organizations, then this goes to show their good standing and expertise in the mushing community.

You can also gain valuable insight by reading through their responses to questions or updates. If the tone if helpful and encouraging, this person might be a great instructor for you!

Support System

The best mushers know they don’t know it all. Taking a one-off, one-hour workshop is going to be enough to get you hooked up with a harness and a basic idea of what you are getting into, but it certainly won’t equip you with the skills to be self-sufficient out on the trail.

Different instructors have different formats to support their students. Some hold weekly meetings, while others pair you up with a more experienced mentor to work one-on-one with. A good program is designed to help students succeed. Of course, there will be pitfalls and problems along the way, but a great instructor will be there to guide you.

Dog Talk

Mushers love to talk about their dogs, so ask about their own personal dogs. Who was the dog that first started them in this sport? How did they know they were hooked on mushing? Where do they acquire their dogs from? When you see their eyes light up, you know you are on the right track of someone who not only loves the sport, but loves their dogs!

Kevin Roberts

Kevin Roberts lives for adventure. Together with his pack of rescue dogs and his husband, he spends as much time outdoors as possible. Kevin lives by the motto: "Get outside and play with your dogs!

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Dispelling the Myths About Urban Mushing

Urban mushing is gaining in popularity… and with it, more grumbles about whether it’s safe for dogs. If you come across a hater, here’s how to challenge their concerns. Despite the popularity of Urban Mushing, it is still largely misunderstood. People see a dog working in harness and may assume abuse. While there have been cases of mistreatment and abuse of sled dogs, too often people jump to conclusions without knowing what is really going on. “You can’t push a rope” is a common saying in the urban mushing community in response to people who think that dogs are forced to run. Dogs run because they love to run. Or they don’t. No musher can force them to run. We know that. But real life Negative Nellies and online Trolls don’t. They are quick to lash out and attack what they don’t understand. Here are some tips for dealing with the haters. Related: 4 Dog Mushing Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Noob Educate You know this sport. You love your dogs. They love you. You are all out there having a great time because life is for living. So fight with facts! Explain how you have conditioned the dogs and what temperatures you run in. Go over safety gear, including proper fitting harnesses for your dog’s build. Make it clear that your dogs are not in any danger. You feed a proper diet, your veterinarian is on board and your dogs are healthy and fit. An educated, impassioned speech might convert them to a life of mushing, or at least get them to leave you alone. Correct Mistakes Listen carefully to what they are saying, and correct any misconceptions. Overly concerned busy bodied citizens with little information can easily ruin good things for the rest of us. Every winter, petitions and videos from animal rights organizations calling for the ban of sled dogs sports circulate. There is plenty of false information out there already, so when met with criticism, listen carefully and correct any of their misconceptions. Related: How to Find the Right Urban Mushing Instructor You can’t speak for every musher and for every dog, but you can educate them about your own best practices and the careful attention and nurturing you provide your dogs. Educating someone about how well cared for your dogs are, how they are passionate about mushing, how much of a bond you have with each dog, that just might mean they don’t go to town council and have sled dogs banned on your local trails. Be an advocate for your dogs, other mushers and our sport. Who knows, you might even convince them to give it a try with their own dogs. Join a Community There’s strength in numbers. Meeting up with a group of fellow mushers provides support. Take to social media and search for groups of like-minded mushers in your area. If there aren’t any around, join a virtual network of mushers. Even if you don’t live in the same area, having their support can be meaningful. A good group to learn from means you will always be bettering yourself and your dogs. Ignore Them Sometimes it all comes down to a case of a mean person being mean. They may not be worth your time. So in this case, simply ignore them. They don’t get the reaction they were craving; you don’t use up your time. Move along! The best part about ignoring them? It doesn’t add any fuel to the fire. Walking away from a potential argument leaves them with nothing to say. If you can’t change their mind, or show them reason, the best thing to do is ignore them. Fighting them will only serve to inflame them. Shaming them, no matter how tempting, will just mean that their anger will crop up elsewhere. We have seen how “well meaning” but ultimately negative people have successfully petitioned to have mushing made illegal in their communities. Ironically, this is the biggest act of cruelty is denying a dog the chance to run.

How To Choose a Headlamp for Night Time Dog Mushing

Lots of things go bump in the night – but you don’t want it to be you or your dogs! Longer nights mean lighting up the trails with the proper headlamps. If you’re like me, you need to have a day job in order to support your mushing habit. This means I run my dogs before or after work, often in the dark. Loading gear, harnessing dogs, checking feet and seeing where we are headed are all important – that’s why I rely on a headlamp. For the first-time buyer, choices in headlamps can be a little overwhelming. This handy guide will light the way to the headlamp that’s right for you. Switch: Before I even get into the technical aspects of a light, I check out if it can be easily operated with my gloves on. If I can manipulate the buttons with gloves, it’s useful. Some buttons are so small to press that there’s no way you’re going to be able to use it on the trail. Always bring your gloves with you to the store to test out headlamps. Related: How to Find the Right Urban Mushing Instructor Beam Type: There are two types of beams: Flood and Spot. With Flood beams, think wide, not deep. This beam is perfect for sorting out gear at the truck and can be useful for hitching dogs up to your rig. With Spot beams, think “Spot on” – this is a light you can focus ahead on the trail so you see where you are going. The most useful headlamps for mushing are adjustable Flood/Spot lights. By flicking a switch or pressing a lever, you can convert it from one beam to another. And remember my tips for switches – you need to be able to operate it with gloves on. Many lights have a Red Light Setting as well (no, not that kind of red light!). These red lights help preserve your night vision, as well as the night vision of the dogs. Related: What’s the Difference Between a Kick Sled and a Dog Sled? Some headlamps offer a tilt feature. These are handy to be able to direct the beam where you need it. Not all tilting mechanisms are created equal. Some lights works on a flimsy plastic hinge, which may bounce around. Look for a headlamp that offers a sturdy titling system. Lumens and Beam Distance: Lumens are fancy talk for how much light is sent out from a light source. Generally, a higher lumen light is going to be brighter. But all those lumens come at a cost – the higher the lumens, the more battery power your light is going to need. Some headlamps will advertise run time, but these are under ideal conditions. In extreme cold, with a long beam, your headlamp is going to be pushed harder than a spotlight on a mild evening. Going hand in hand with lumens, beam distance tells you how many meters a headlamp can project light. Think of your setup, and how far out you want to project. Dogs generally don’t need the same light as us to run in the dark, but you will still want to be able to see far enough down the trail to ensure a safe run. Batteries: Lithium batteries are the best choice for cold weather, followed closely by rechargeable nickel metal hydride ( NiMH) batteries. Rechargeable batteries don’t hold their power as well, so unless you are using it often and are good at charging, stick with the lithium. Batteries can be mounted behind the light, so they ride up around your forehead, or in a battery pack at the back. Personally, I prefer headlamps with batteries right behind the light. I find some battery packs flop around, and are difficult to fit around a helmet. Manufacturers have begun to add a feature called “regulated output”. Most headlamps get gradually dimmer as they use up the battery power. This is often so gradual that you may not even notice it until you suddenly can’t see your lead dog. Headlamps that operate using regulated output don’t have this problem. But, rather than getting dimmer slowly, they will suddenly lose power. Not so fun. Whether you choose regulated output or not, it’s a great idea to carry an extra set of batteries.

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How Do I Make a DIY Nail Board for My Dog?

Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

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Folliculitis in dogs is a disease which causes infection or inflammation of hair follicles. It is one of the more common skin diseases amongst dogs and is caused by bacteria, fungal infections, skin irritations, or  parasites. What is more, it can affect dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds, so if it happens to your four-legged friend unexpectedly, it is best to know how to treat this pesky skin issue.What Is Dog Folliculitis?The symptoms and causes of dog folliculitis can vary. In most cases, the healthy follicle is “compromised”, which leads to the accumulation of bacteria that are otherwise normally found on your pet’s skin. The end result is great discomfort for your dog, and it should be treated as quickly as possible. But how will you know that it is dog folliculitis and not some other health issue? Well, one of the foremost symptoms to look out for is red and inflamed skin. This condition causes excessive redness and even swelling in certain areas of the skin. This should be a telltale sign that something is amiss. Together with this, you could notice pimples, also known as pustules. They are small raised bumps and often contain pus. Of course, your dog will show signs of discomfort as well. They will try to itch and  lick the affected areas, in hopes of relieving the discomfort and making themselves more comfortable. This can all be accompanied by hair loss, mostly in the directly affected areas of your dog’s coat and skin. Ultimately, in the most severe cases, open sores, scabs, and skin lesions may appear. At this point, veterinary care is needed immediately.If you suspect your dog has folliculitis, it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can perform diagnostic tests, such as skin scrapings or cultures, to identify the specific cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. It is crucial that you do not attempt any solution on your own. Self-diagnosis and do-it-yourself treatment can lead to complications or ineffective outcomes, so professional guidance is essential. Based on the evaluation, your vet can introduce a number of treatments and solutions – here’s what to expect.How Is Dog Folliculitis Treated?Topical antibiotics and antifungal creams are the most common treatment options. They are applied directly to the affected areas and are most efficient in early and moderate cases of dog folliculitis. Of course, if the case with your dog is more serious, your vet could propose an oral treatment. This consists of special medications that work to eliminate the infection at the core. Another possible solution is using special medicated shampoos that work to heal the follicles through gentle washing. 

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New Study Shows Surprising Effect of Pet Ownership on Seniors

You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

What Should I Include in a Pet First Aid Kit?

As loving pet parents, we do everything possible to keep our furry companions safe and healthy. However, life is unpredictable, and accidents happen, so we must be prepared for unexpected emergencies. This includes ensuring we have a fully stocked, pet-friendly first aid kit available. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential items you should have on hand to care for your pet in those unforeseen moments. From basic cuts and scrapes to more severe injuries, you’ll be prepared to act as your pet’s first line of defense when it matters most. Can You Use a Human First Aid Kit on Dogs and Cats? Yes, sort of. Most of the items included in a human first aid kit can be used to treat your pet in the case of an emergency. You may be wondering – if they can use the same supplies, why do I need a first aid kit specifically for pets? Some items you won’t find in a human first aid kit may be necessary depending on your pet’s injury or ailment. These could address a problem that only a dog or cat could experience, or they may involve finding alternatives for human products that are unsafe for our pets, like human medications. What Human First Aid Products Can Be Used on Dogs and Cats? Most standard items in your first aid kit can be used on dogs and cats. For example, bandages, gauze pads, ice packs, and medical tape are all suitable for pets. They are the exact same items often included in both human and pet first aid kits. Tools like scissors, latex gloves, and tweezers will also be helpful when performing first aid on a pet. This means that if you currently have a standard human first aid kit at home, you are already well on your way to being prepared to take care of your pet in an emergency. To update your human first aid kit and make it suitable for pets, you will just need to add a few important items:

Survey Finds America’s Most Dog-Friendly Cities, You May Be Surprise

The number of Americans embracing a pet-friendly lifestyle is on the rise, and we’re here for it! We read announcements and news articles daily about businesses introducing pet policies and welcoming our furry friends into their establishments.However, if you’ve been traveling with your pup, you know that not all cities are created equally. Some locations truly shine—not only welcoming dogs but also creating an environment where they can live their lives to the fullest. From dog-friendly patios and shops to beautiful park spaces, these cities are rolling out the red carpet.Interested in finding the best locations for our best friends? MarketWatchGuides studied the country's 98 biggest cities, ranking them based on seven dog-friendly metrics, including:Number of pet activities per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly apartments per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly weather days (days where the high did not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the low did not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit)Number of dog parks per 100,000 peopleNumber of vet offices per 100,000 peopleAverage vet costsUsing these findings, they gave each city a ranking out of 100 in 3 categories—Dog Friendliness, Dog Walkability, and Pet Health—as well as an overall score out of 100, allowing them to rank the cities from most dog-friendly to least dog-friendly. The findings may have you reconsidering what part of the country you call home!According to the study, Raleigh, North Carolina, was the most dog-friendly city in the United States, with an impressive overall ranking of 80.3. While the city did rank low on a couple of factors (namely, the number of dog-friendly weather days and the number of dog parks), it scored high enough in the other metrics to earn the top spot.Most impressively, the city scored 91.2 on the Pet Health Score, which considered the number of vet offices and average vet costs.Other cities that managed to earn a spot in the top 10 most dog-friendly cities included:Nashville, Tennessee (78.2)Madison, Wisconsin (77.4)Lexington, Kentucky (76.7)Boise, Idaho (76.5)Austin, Texas (74.3)Portland, Oregon (73.9)Cincinnati, Ohio (73.4)Seattle, Washington (72.6)Greensboro, North Carolina (71.1)Of course, ranking these cities on an overall score may not appeal to every dog parent. While one may prioritize finding a city with the lowest vet costs, another may be willing to pay a little more to enjoy a location with more dog-friendly restaurants.Recognizing this, they then broke down a few fun stats to consider:The city with the most dog-friendly restaurants per capita was Orlando, Florida. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, North Las Vegas, Nevada, took the title of the fewest dog-friendly restaurants per capita.The most accessible pet health care in the United States can be found in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Does your dog love heading out for a “Pup Cup” on a warm day? The Starbucks chain first popularized this tasty treat, referring to the small cup of whipped cream as “Puppuccinos.” If the very mention of a Pup Cup has your dog’s tail wagging, you may want to visit Atlanta, Georgia, where you can find the most locations offering pup cups per capita.Wherever your pet-friendly travels take you, check out our list of Dog Travel Essentials to set you (and your dog) up for success!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are Collagen Chews Good for Dogs?

Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

Dog Helps Find Missing Child

Dogs can be heroes, and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the story of a very special police K9 in Auburn, Massachusetts. When a 12-year-old went missing from their home and couldn’t be found for roughly two hours, Auburn police knew that they had to work quickly, and Biza the dog played an integral role in the child’s rescue.Child Found with the Help of a Police K9 Named BizaAccording to a Facebook post by Auburn MA Police Department, information about a missing child was received around 10:30 p.m. on January 31, 2024. The child had been missing since around 8:30 p.m., when they had left their home. No one knew where the child could be, and the frigid temperatures made everyone worry even more about their safety.Because the child had last been seen in the Pakachoag Hill area, Auburn police officers, Massachusetts State Police troopers, and detectives got to work looking for them. But it would be Biza, the K9 partner of Officer Ljunggren, who would really come through and help the search end successfully that night.Following the Scent to a Missing ChildBiza picked up the child’s scent and tracked it for more than two miles. The police were able to find signs that the missing child had been in the area, so they kept up the search until they were able to find them and bring them home to their family just a short while later.This is one example of many times that Biza has helped police in Auburn succeed since she joined them in 2022 from Germany. In addition to helping find missing people, she has also helped police track down suspects.  Thanks to Biza and her ability to track the right scent that night, a child was saved from the cold and made it home safe.Here’s a quick video about this story, showcasing a few photos of beautiful Biza:

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