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Unique Protein Diets That Benefit Your Dog’s Wellbeing

PetGuide Staff
by PetGuide Staff
November 30th, 2016 12:00 AM
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unique protein diets that benefit your dogs wellbeing
Have you ever thought about adding a unique protein to your dog’s diet? Here’s why you should, and a few novel proteins to try!


Proteins are the building blocks of life, and its importance in your pet’s life is just as great as it is in yours. Proteins play a vital role in every biological process – the amino acids from which proteins are made are what make up a major proportion of our pet’s cells. When you think about it that way, you understand the importance of the right proteins in your dog’s diet.


Dogs love the taste of meat, and by offering your pet protein from multiple sources, mealtime is made even more enjoyable and tasty. Whether it’s in the kibble, sprinkled on top as a mixer, or given as a treat, unique protein sources can be a part of your pet’s complete and balanced diet.


What can you do to ensure your pet has a healthy, palatable diet? You can start by exposing your dog to a variety of unique proteins. And what dog wouldn’t prefer a high-quality meal packed with exclusive proteins, full of nutritional benefits, exceptional taste and delectable aromas. That’s why Merrick has a complete line of dry and wet formulas that showcase a host of novel proteins.


A mix of unique proteins in your dog’s diet can also help him maintain a shiny coat and keep skin healthy, thanks to the Omega fatty acids it contains. Every protein source contains different levels of amino acids that are broken down and used for all aspects of your dog’s growth and development. But not all proteins are created equal – some are better for pets than others. And you want to make sure your pooch enjoys the benefits of a high-quality diet rich in animal-derived protein.


Add a unique protein to your dog’s diet to give them more of what they really need. Here are a few of our new favorites:


  • Salmon provides an excellent source of protein for dogs. As well, it’s a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, and that can help support a healthy and shiny coat. Salmon helps support a strong immune system that will help keep your dog’s body and mind healthy.
  • Duck is often found as an ingredient in many limited ingredient or hypoallergenic dog foods, and it is easier to digest than chicken. Easily digested proteins are beneficial for many dogs, and duck is an affordable ingredient option.
  • Lamb is an easily digestible animal protein that’s appropriate for dogs of all ages. Its nutritional content is amazing, and like beef, it has a high fat content. Lamb is considered to be pasture grown and under quality conditions, making it a good alternative for rotation in your pet’s food choices.
  • Venison is also an easy-to-digest protein source and is often recommended for dogs with intolerances. It’s considered a novel protein that your pet probably hasn’t been exposed to in the past.
  • Rabbit has a higher protein content than most meats, including chicken, turkey and beef. This means it is a great source of fuel for your pet’s muscles, and supplies key amino acids that will assist in tissue repair and immune system boosting.


Give your dog a taste of something different and go with a unique protein found in many of Merrick’s dog food formulas. Head to Petco’s online store to order meals that will nourish your dog from head to paw!
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5 Benefits of Feeding Your Dog a Raw Diet

When you think that fresh is best, that belief makes it into every meal – even your dog’s! Here are a few benefits of feeding your dog a raw diet. As a dog owner, it is your job to ensure that your dog’s basic needs are met. Not only does this include training, socialization, and daily exercise, but it also includes a healthy diet. The quality of your dog’s diet will have a direct impact on his general health and wellbeing, as well as his risk for developing certain diseases and his lifespan on the whole. If you are concerned about the quality of your dog’s diet, consider making the switch to a raw diet. Related: Making The Switch To A Raw Food Diet For Dogs? What is a Raw Food Diet for Dogs? A raw food diet for dogs is exactly what it sounds like – a diet that is comprised of fresh, raw foods. While there are different ways to create a raw food diet for dogs, one of the most popular and beneficial options consists primarily of meat and raw bones, fortified with some fruits and vegetables or formulated supplements to ensure nutritional balance. Dogs are primarily carnivorous animals, which means that their bodies are adapted to extracting nutrition from animal-based sources – this means that meat should be the primary focus of a dog’s diet. In addition to raw meat and organs, raw bones provide key minerals like calcium as well as other nutrients. Raw food diets for dogs can be either homemade or commercially prepared – what you choose depends on how much effort you are willing to make or how much you want to spend. Related: Is The BARF Diet Really as Gross As It Sounds? The Benefits of Raw Diets for Dogs One of the main benefits of a raw food diet over traditional kibble is the fact that the nutrients in the food are more readily available. The cooking process used to create kibble exposes the raw ingredients to extremely high temperature which destroys a significant portion of the nutrients and natural enzymes contained in the ingredients. A raw food diet has not been cooked, so the original nutrient content of the ingredients is retained. The nutritional integrity of a raw food diet provide many benefits for dogs, including the following: Improved Nutrition: As it has already been mentioned, raw food diets for dogs are not cooked, so the original nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients is preserved. This negates the need for synthetic vitamin and mineral supplements which are often added to commercial foods to make up for the loss of nutritional integrity that occurs with cooking.Healthy/Regular Digestion: Both dogs and cats have fairly short digestive systems which limits their ability to digest fibrous plant foods. A raw food diet for dogs is largely meat-based, however, so it is easy for your dog to digest. Because less energy is wasted digesting plant materials, your dog’s digestive system will work more smoothly and more regularly – this also results in fewer, firmer stools.Cleaner Teeth: An estimated ¾ of dogs and cats will suffer some degree of periodontal disease by the time they reach 3 years of age. Kibbled foods provide some limited dental benefits by helping to scrape plaque off the surface of your dog’s teeth, but the process of chewing raw meats and raw bones is much more beneficial for this purpose. The chewing process also massages your dog’s gums, increasing circulation.Shinier Coat: A diet that consists of fresh, natural foods will provide your dog with the nutrients he needs to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Essential fatty acids are the key to optimal skin and coat health and these ingredients are abundant in a raw food diet.Relief from Food Allergies/Sensitivities: The more dogs are exposed to potential allergens like corn, wheat, and soy ingredients, the more likely they are to develop a reaction. Raw food diets are typically grain-free and gluten-free which significantly reduces the risk for allergic reactions. The high nutritional value of a raw food diet for dogs may also help to resolve issues with environmental allergies. In the end, it is completely up to you what you choose to feed your dog. Because your dog’s diet has a direct impact on his wellbeing, choose a diet that provides for his nutritional needs in a healthy, wholesome way. A raw food diet is a great way to ensure that your dog gets the nutrients he needs from quality, natural sources.

Why is Protein Essential in a Dog’s Diet?

For optimal wellness, dogs need a balanced diet that includes high-quality proteins. Here’s why protein is essential to your dog’s health. All animals require a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in their diet but the ratios vary from one species to another. While the average diet for humans is largely carbohydrate-based, protein is the most essential nutrient for dogs. Keep reading to learn more about the role protein plays in your dog’s diet and to find out which protein sources are the best for your dog. Why Do Dogs Need Protein? Dogs are carnivorous by nature, though not strictly so. Cats are called obligate carnivores because their bodies are adapted to digesting and utilizing animal-based foods more than plant-based foods. To a lesser degree, the same is true for dogs, though they are better able to digest certain plant products than cats are. Related: 5 Benefits of Feeding Your Dog a Raw Diet Still, in order for your dog to remain healthy, most of the ingredients in his food should come from animal sources and protein is the most important nutrient in his diet. If you come across a dog food product that doesn’t list some kind of meat as the first ingredient (or heaven forbid a vegetarian or vegan formula), run the other way! Protein is made up of amino acids – these are organic compounds that play an important role in a number of essential bodily processes. Dogs need a total of 22 different amino acids in their diet, though their bodies are capable of synthesizing (producing) 12 of them. The remaining 10 are called essential amino acids because they must come from your dog’s diet. While some plant-based proteins (like those you would find in beans and legumes) contain one or more of these essential amino acids, only animal proteins (like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs) contain all 12 – that is why animal proteins are sometimes called “complete” proteins. In your dog’s body, these proteins help to build healthy cells, tissues, and organs – they also help with the production of hormones, enzymes, antibodies and more. Related: Unique Protein Diets That Benefit Your Dog’s Wellbeing Best Protein Sources for Dogs Your dog’s need for protein will change a little bit throughout his life, but the best sources for that protein will not. As a puppy, your dog’s diet should be comprised of at least 22% protein but, as an adult, he only needs a minimum of 18%. Keep in mind that these are both minimums – the more protein in your dog’s diet the better, as long as it doesn’t become excessive in terms of calorie content. The best protein sources for dogs are animal-based proteins like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs – this includes things like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, salmon, tuna, and more. In terms of the biological value of different proteins for dogs, the order is as follows: egg whites, muscle meats, organ meats, fish. Muscle meats include fresh meat from sources like chicken, lamb, and beef while organ meats include things like kidney, heart, and liver – your dog needs both for a balanced diet. Your dog will not thrive on a diet of meat alone but protein is by far the most important nutrient in a healthy and balanced diet for dogs. When shopping for dog food, make sure that the product is largely meat-based with plenty of animal-based protein but also balanced in terms of fat, carbohydrate, and other essential nutrients.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Basics You have to leave it to dog breeders: they make very simple names for their breeds. There is perhaps no better example of that than the Australian Cattle Dog, so dubbed because it was bred in Australia for – what else? – herding cattle. Because of the terrain of Australia, this cattle dog has been bred to have plenty of endurance, cover long distances, and generally have an assertive and athletic demeanor. But if you’ve found your way to this site, there’s a good chance you’re wondering about the Australian Cattle Dog as a family pet, not necessarily as a working dog. There’s good news on this front: the Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor that is generally considered to be healthy enough personality-wise for a family to take home. Like any breed, this brand of dog is not without its own challenges and unique characteristics, but that’s exactly what you’re here to explore. Let’s take a closer look at this unique-looking breed and find out more about what makes the Australian Cattle Dog such a special type of dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor, the perfect dog for a family. Origin Just look in the name! These dogs are Australian, they’re bred to herd cattle, and, well, they’re dogs. Of course, anyone simply guessing about Australian Cattle Dogs is able to figure out just this much when it comes to this breed, so let’s dig a little deeper and find out some more. Naturally, the history begins Down Under. While many people might associate a breed of dog, for example, the German Shepherd, as being more classic breed, the Australian Cattle Dog actually goes back even further in terms of documented history. You’d have to start around 1802 if you want to learn about this breed of dog (and, if you’re taking notes, the German Shepherd would officially emerge in the same century, albeit some time later). A man named Thomas Hall realized the need for a certain type of dog that would be suited to the task the Australian Cattle Dog has been named for, so he imported a number of breeds of similar type and with similar abilities and bred them. The dogs were useful and popular enough that they eventually rose under the name of Cattle Dog – throughout the 19th century, their popularity grew rapidly. Eventually they became more popular in the United Kingdom and United States, as well. Pedigree

Dogue De Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux Basics An ideal guard dog for anyone with experience in handling and training dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux – also known as the French Mastiff or the Bordeaux Bulldog – has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house, including with children. Like other guard dogs, it will need to be raised in a way that socializes it with other dogs and with people so that it understands who represents a real threat and who does not. As a large dog, it can be intimidating for some, especially children, but generally the personality of this dog is very calm provided it doesn’t feel anyone is infringing on the household. Teaching the dog to be relaxed around strangers you welcome will be important, and you just may find that this unique, heavy dog becomes a neighborhood hit. And you’ll definitely feel safe with a Dogue de Bordeaux in your presence – so that’s not an issue. When many people imagine French dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not what they have in mind. But when it comes to the breed you’re interested in, this might be exactly what you had in mind. Let’s learn more about this “Bordeaux Bulldog.” The Dogue de Bordeaux has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house. Origin The translation of Dogue de Bordeaux could perhaps be described as “Bordeaux Mastiff,” but it is also known as a French Mastiff in areas outside of the country, particularly in America. As for its historical origins, the translations are not so clear. Many think the Dogue de Bordeaux could have descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and the Bulldog – which would certainly make the nickname “Bordeaux Bulldog” more appropriate. Dogs in the Middle Ages in the Aquitaine region may have also been ancestors to the modern Dogue de Bordeaux, and by the end of the Middle Ages, its use as a companion and guard dog was more frequent. Although the Dogue de Bordeaux took a heavy hit during the French Revolution, it regained its numbers throughout the years and a man named Raymond Triquet helped it to survive by taking the breed under his wing. The dog’s very tough history includes use in war, guardianship, and even training in hunting large game like bears, bulls, and jaguars. It was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.

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Bordoodle

Bordoodle BasicsAlso known as the Borpoo, Borderdoodle, Borderpoo, and Border Poodle, the Bordoodle is a fantastic family dog. These canines are affectionate, intelligent, and protective, so if you are in search of a best friend that will always be at your side, this breed could be your best match. These dogs bond with their humans hard and fast. You’ll never feel alone with a bordoodle. This pup is a friend for life.However, before bringing a Bordoodle into your family, though, you really should get to know the breed a little better. That’s where Pet Guide comes in. We’ve done the research and are prepared to provide you with everything that you need to know about the Bordoodle before committing to adding one to your family. The helpful information below will allow you to decide if this adorable pooch will love being a part of your family. So keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to discover everything worth knowing about the Bordoodle.The Bordoodle is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and Poodle.Origin When it comes to designer dogs, there’s not much information on the origin of the individual breeds. Unfortunately, no particularly accurate history has been documented as these dogs have exploded in popularity. All we know is that the trend of crossbreeding purebreds peaked in the late 1980s with the first litter of Labradoodle. However, there have always been mixed breed dogs, even without names to label them (they just weren’t bred deliberately at that time, they were all happy accidents). This further complicates things for people who want to find out the history of a designer dog breed. For instance, there may have been Border Collie and Poodle mixes before the Bordoodle came to be, but the moment this mix was developed intentionally is the moment that ‘counts’.Since there are no breeders to step out and claim that this hybrid breed was a result of their initiative, there is no way to know when that moment happened for the Bordoodle. The best guess anyone can have is that the Bordoodle had its start in the United States, sometime in the last 20 years- the same as most other hybrids. We may never know when the Bordoodle was officially named, but we will forever feel grateful that it happened.Of course, just because we don’t know when or where the breed was created, it doesn’t mean that the reasons for its development are unclear. It’s easy to see why breeders decided to cross a Border Collie with a Poodle. Both are considered to be the among the most intelligent dogs in the world, and the hope was that their offspring would also be highly intelligent, with a friendly nature and potentially low-shedding coat. To say breeders succeeded in this goal would be an understatement.Pedigree

Aussiedoodle

Aussiedoodle BasicsThe Aussiedoodle might have a name so absurd that it sounds like a joke, but this is very much a real breed of dog. More than that, it’s one of the most adorable puppers that you’ll ever be lucky enough to lay your pretty little eyes on. The Aussiedoodle is a medium sized, extremely fluffy, and almost unfairly cute breed of designer dog. It was created by crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Standard Poodle. Like most designer dogs created from a pair of purebreds, the Aussiedoodle’s physical characteristics can sometimes vary. But in general, they are a medium sized dog with a slim, yet surprisingly strong body. Their coats may vary in color, but they are always curly and sweetly soft to the touch. Just try not to fall in love with one of these things. Is practically impossible, regardless of silly their name might sound.Aussiedoodles, like both of their parents, are extremely intelligent and trainable animals. They are also eager to please and love having a job to do (whether it is playing catch or competing in agility). They are an excellent choice for intermediate dog owners that are able to keep up with their energy levels. These dogs will keep you active and entertained, so only consider bringing one of these beauties home if you can keep up with them.The Aussiedoodle is a medium sized, extremely fluffy and almost indecently cute breed of designer dog created by crossing an Australian Shepherd and a Standard Poodle.Origin The Aussiedoodle is a relatively new breed of designer dog that is in high demand amongst doggo lovers and cuteness enthusiasts. And it’s really not that surprising considering the many qualities of the parental breeds involved in this little beauty. Both the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle are remarkably smart dogs with sweet and playful nature, which obviously makes them fantastic companions. However, even with their ever-growing popularity, there is not much we know about these crossbreeds just yet.Some Doodle mixes, such as the Bernedoodle or the Labradoodle, have a well-documented origin story, but when it comes to the Aussiedoodle, there is no such luck. The reasons for creating a mix of these two breeds might be clear, but the nitty gritty of the process certainly isn’t. The best guess that anyone has is that the Aussiedoodle shares his history with the majority of other designer dogs. That means that they were first born sometime in the last 20 years, somewhere in the United States. Not a lot of help, I know. Unfortunately, that’s the best that can be done with doggos like these, no matter how cute they are!Pedigree

Is It Okay to Have Sex in Front of Your Dog?

Birds do it, bees do it – hey, it’s natural! But it can be hard to do when someone is watching you. That’s why you may ask if it’s okay to have sex in front of your dog. Your dog is your best friend and you are his. He loves you more than he loves anything in the world, so you shouldn’t be surprised if he acts a little possessive from time to time. But some dogs take it too far. For some dogs, even the simple act of someone hugging their owner can seem like a threat. Dogs don’t always understand human body language or our actions, so they can easily be confused. But how does your dog feel when you’re having sex? What does he make of it all? Keep reading to find out. Related: Planned Parenthood Uses Pussycats For New Sex Education Videos What is Your Dog Thinking? If you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably had experiences where your dog showed up in the middle of a situation at an inconvenient time. Perhaps it’s when you’ve just cleaned the floor and he chooses that moment to run across it with muddy paws. Things like this happen but you probably aren’t concerned about it, much less bothered by it. But when you find your dog staring at you having sex, it can be a little unsettling. Related: Having the Awkward Talk About Cats Humping Though your dog may not understand exactly what you’re doing, he has some sense of what’s happening and could react in one of several ways. Animal communication experts suggest that dogs see sex as an exchange of energy and, perhaps more importantly, as a redirection of your attention away from the dog and onto someone else. For some dogs, this can trigger jealousy or incite some kind of territorial reaction. That’s when your dog starts to act a little creepy. For some dogs, they just see sex as a form of activity or play that they want to be part of. So, they jump on the bed or whine at you until you give in and give them the attention they’re craving. What Should You Do? If you don’t like having your dog around while you have sex, simply close the bedroom door or put him in another room. This is a simple enough solution that works well in most cases. In other cases, however, the dog can become very territorial and protective of his owner, sometimes going so far as to step into the moment and try to break things up. If this happens on a regular basis, you may need to consult an animal behavior expert to work with your dog. Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with having sex in front of your dog. What really matters is now you feel about it. If it doesn’t bother you and if it doesn’t seem to bother your dog, there’s no reason to make a change. If your dog starts becoming dominant or territorial, however, that is another matter and an issue you may need to address. Sometimes it’s difficult for dog owners to understand their dog’s behavior. Put yourself in your dog’s shoes for a moment and consider what he might be thinking when he sees you having sex. Perhaps you’d rather not think about it at all, but you should still know that your dog isn’t getting any kind of strange enjoyment out of it – he’s simply curious or concerned.

Jack Chi

Jack Chi BasicsWho says good things don’t come in small packages? If you’re looking for a tiny dog with a huge amount of spunk, then meet the Jack Chi. This pup is a natural born charmer. These compact canines don’t just have a big attitude, they’ve also got an even bigger heart. When trained and socialized in a manner that prevents some of their potential behavior issues, these mini doggos can be lovely companions for families of all shapes and sizes. Their sweetly affectionate nature and undeniable intelligence ensures a certain degree of adaptability, but there are still some things to consider if you have your heart set on this Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier mix. No dog is perfect after all, no matter how adorable they are.Also known as the Jackuahua, the Jack Chi packs boundless energy in its pocket-sized package. If you are ready to share your home with a canine that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, but is also intelligent, friendly, and perpetually ready to snuggle? Then this designer breed could be an ideal choice. It needs to be said that the Jack Chi can be a bit of a challenge, despite its many fantastic qualities and its absolutely adorable appearance. You need to be prepared. You need to know what you’re dealing with. So, what exactly are the Jack Chi downsides that prospective owners need to be wary of? Well, read on to find out. We’re about to tell you everything that you need to know about this breed to decide if this small pip with a big heart is what your family needs. Let’s learn more about the quirky little Jack Chi. The Jack Chi is a cross between a purebred Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier.Origin Designer dogs are a fairly recent trend in the world of canine breeding. Because of this, it can sometimes be challenging to discover their exact origins and the story behind their appearance. Up until recently, crossbreeding was purely incidental, and no breeder would intentionally mix two purebreds unless it was a part of a long-term multigenerational breeding program. However, when the Labradoodle became popular in the 1980s, it all changed. Hybrids, or first generation mixes, became highly sought after and a lot of different breeds became a part of the crossbreeding trend across the United States. The Jack Chi was one of the big successes of this crossbreeding boom. Unfortunately, there’s not much more we know about the breed, beyond the fact that it was probably created in the heights of the designer dog craze- sometime in the last 20 years. There just wasn’t much documentation kept about these pooches.However, despite the short history of the breed, the Jack Chi’s qualities are not a matter of mystery. Simply by looking at the parental breeds of this hybrid, we know as much as we would if the Jack Russell and Chihuahua mix was around for decades. Jack Chis tend to embody the best (and worst) qualities of their beloved parents. This makes them a very versatile designer breed, with a ton of positive traits that greatly outweigh the few negatives that they might have. Pedigree

What You Should Know Before Starting a Dog Boarding Business

Let’s get down to business – starting a dog boarding businessSo, you are considering starting a dog boarding business? Perhaps you’ve learned a lot over the years and want to share that knowledge of dog care with others. Or you simply have all the perfect accommodations for dogs. Whatever it is, starting a dog boarding business can be a great idea. When it comes to opening such a business, it may seem as though you need little besides space to house the dogs and staff to feed and walk them. In reality, however, starting and maintaining a dog boarding business can be full of unexpected challenges. After all, it is never as simple as it seems at first glance. With the proper research and preparation, however, it is possible to create a thriving business. But, if you do it wrong, you could be faced with some serious problems. It is best to know exactly what such a business entails. So, if you are considering opening a dog boarding business, keep these tips in mind.Questions to Ask BeforehandStarting such an enterprise won’t be an easy task. Before you commit to starting your business, there are a few simple questions you need to ask yourself. What is your primary motivation for opening the business? Do you have the time and space to devote to the business? Is there a need for a dog boarding business in your area? If your primary motivation for opening a dog boarding business is to make easy money, you should think again – as is true of any business, you need money upfront to get your business started and then it could take some time before you start to see a profit. It could cost you anywhere between $25,000 and $80,000 to get your business off the ground.In addition to the financial factors, you also need to think carefully about whether you have the time to devote to such a business. If you feel as though you are truly able to commit to a dog boarding business, your next question to answer is whether there is a need for such a business in your area. It doesn’t matter how much time you put into developing the business – if the need isn’t there, your business is unlikely to succeed. Another important issue to raise is the legality of having such a business in your area. You will need to research zoning and licensing requirements in your area to make sure it is legal for you to start any kind of business (particularly out of your home). Some cities and states can have tight rules and regulations on such matters, so careful research is key. And remember, there’s no such thing as asking too many questions – it is perfectly reasonable to want to be as informed as possible.Proper Planning Is Key Once you’ve determined that you’re ready to start your own dog boarding business, it’s time to get to work. And a great plan will help guide you through the entire process, as you’ll know what you need to do in order to make your dreams of working in the pet care industry a reality.Here are a few tips that can help you get started. Then, once your dog boarding business is up and running, it will be a matter of properly managing it in order to maintain it for the long run and watch it grow over time.Outline What Services You’ll Offer: In addition to boarding, will you also offer grooming and bathing services, or perhaps even canine training sessions? Will you only offer longer-term boarding, such as for people who are going on vacation for a few days, or will you be providing daycare services for people who just need someone to watch their dogs while they’re at work? Will you have a small store that will sell pet food, toys, and other pet care products to your customers? All these questions need to be answered and made known to potential customers. If you want to make a better income, then certainly you can expand your service and go beyond simple dog boarding. But with each new service, you will likely have to expand on the number of employees, raising your costs. In the end, it is all about calculations and income. Determine the Prices You’ll Charge for Your Services: After you establish the services that you’re planning on offering through your dog boarding business, it’s time to figure out your prices for those services.Your price structure will depend on your location, as different markets might charge different amounts of money to customers for the same services. So do your research into what other local dog boarding facilities are charging. Sometimes it is the pricing that will set your business apart from the competition at first!Beyond that, you also need to come up with prices that will allow you to make a large enough profit every day in order to keep your business running. This step will involve calculating your expenses to ensure they’ll be covered by the money you’re bringing in from sales. It will be easier to do this once you’ve found the right facility and you know what the overhead costs will be. Pricing can be difficult to balance, so take every expense and income into the calculation. Your prices need to be attractive enough to potential users, but not so low as to incur losses. And if your close competitor has lower prices – then try to offer a better service than theirs! Remember, higher prices need justification with quality service or products. Find the Right Facility: Now that you know what services you’ll be offering to your customers, you can more easily find the ideal facility to make it all happen. Perhaps you’ll find a former dog boarding facility that you can revamp and make your own, or maybe you’ll find land on which you can build one from scratch. No matter what, check zoning regulations, local laws, and licensing requirements to ensure you’ll be able to run your business in a particular location.As you search for your place of business, keep location in mind at all times. Will it be easy for customers to find your boarding facility? Will it be located in an area that gets plenty of traffic by car and by foot, so people who have never heard of your business before will learn about you?Also, be sure that the facility you choose will give you enough space to house everything you need. Again, this will depend on the services that you’re planning on offering. For example, if you’re adding grooming services to the mix, you’ll need to have a space that will accommodate that. Check that the facility will be easy to keep clean and safe for your workers and the animals in your care. And ensure that temperature control will be simple throughout the year as well.Tips for Better ManagementRunning a successful business is all about careful and quality management. A business that is run in chaos and “crossing the bridges as they come” is never easy to control and can quickly spiral into ruin. But a business that is carefully researched, set-up, and maintained, is sure to succeed. So always devote a certain part of your day for hard and dedicated work at your business – the effort is sure to pay off! Once you have done the background research and have determined that opening a dog boarding business is definitely the way to go, you can start thinking about some of the details. A large percentage of new businesses fail due to poor management, so you would be wise to keep these basic management tips in mind before you start your own business:Treat your business as a business – you may have gotten into it because you love dogs, but if you don’t treat your business as such you won’t take it seriously. Keep your personal affinities and preferences at home. Business needs to be done after some rules, so always take them seriously and to heart. Your customers are bound to see it reflected in the business. Invest in effective marketing strategies to increase your sales and to get the name of your business out there. Keep in mind that in order to earn money – you need to spend money. Sometimes investments are the shortcut to earning big! Don’t miss out on opportunities to make extra income off existing clients – offer grooming services, sell toys, etc. A bunch of small steps can lead you a long way! Increase your income steadily by offering new and interesting services. Keep track of everything from the hours you spend on bookkeeping to the money you spend on upkeep of your boarding facilities – over time you will start to notice opportunities to increase efficiency.Reinvest in your business – when you first start your business you should put your early profits back into the business rather than putting them into your pocket. Here, patience is key. You’d be eager to spend all those first earnings, but the smartest thing is to play it cool and re-invest them into your business. This can only boost your efforts further, resulting in better earnings down the road. Don’t forget about savings – put away a little bit of money each week to help provide a cushion against disasters and unexpected costs. Just a little bit each week can amount to a lot of money at the end of the year. These savings can really come in handy in unexpected situations. You will thank yourself later. Hire quality staff – being an animal lover shouldn’t be the only criteria – look for people who are responsible and hardworking who will mesh with your existing staff. You cannot do everything by yourself. So don’t try to save money by refusing to hire new staff. It will affect the business badly. Don’t Start Without Considering:Odds are, you haven’t just thought of this nilly-willy or because you love dogs so much. (Although maybe you have, and that’s okay too. Just be sure to pay attention to the following tips!)It’s quite a possibility that you have already worked in a doggy day care or kennel and this maybe inspired you to get into the biz yourself. If not, it’s something that may be super beneficial to you as you open your own, and working in an established operation beforehand will give you a wealth of knowledge and experience money just can’t buy. If you work in an established boarding or kenneling business, you’ll be able to see what works (and what doesn’t) and how you’d like to operate in your own right. You’ll gain good experience with animal behaviors from different animals, how to handle different health issues and general maintenance issues that may come up with your own facility.If you’ve not worked as a vet tech, pet sitter, dog walker or animal shelter employee or volunteer, doing so is also something that could bring valuable, first-hand experience on the ‘dime’, so-to-speak, of another organization before you jump in on your own.You also want to consider finding local membership groups for kennel owners that will give you insight and education opportunities, as well as networking situations that may be advantageous for different circumstances you may find yourself or your facilities in. Like-minded people committed to the same concepts of quality kenneling are great communities to find, and ones that can enrich your experience and that of your potential customers as well.We also can’t stress protecting yourself and your customers enough. Consider whether you’ll be a business, a sole proprietorship, a limited liability company or something else altogether. Talk with others in the industry and your attorney.Be SURE to have insurance–for you and for your clients, and make sure you have an established protocol and partnership for emergency situations. They WILL come up, and preparation is the key to surviving them.Starting a business isn’t easy and it definitely isn’t something you should jump into without proper forethought and preparation. If you feel as though you have the time, the financial means and the drive to successfully operate a dog boarding business, however, don’t let anything stop you from accomplishing your goals!

Shichon

Shichon BasicsIn recent years there has been a drastic increase in the popularity of designer dog breeds. Once considered little more than mutts by snooty purebred enthusiasts, designer dogs are now rightfully considered to be special and lovable pups in their own right. Everyone seems to want a designer dogs these days. And the Shichon is one of the most sought after mixes in the pack! Adorable looks, soft and fluffy fur, and a friendly, sweet nature all make the Shichon attractive to a variety of pet owners. After all, who wouldn’t fall in love with a breed dubbed the Teddy Bear Dog? Only a monster and you aren’t a monster now, are you?Also known as Zuchon or Tzu Frise, the Shichon is a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Shih Tzu, resulting in a hybrid pup that combines all of the best features of both breeds. The Shichon gives you the small size of the Shih Tzu and the friendly disposition of the Bichon Frise. Why choose between two wonderful dog breeds when you can have the best of both in one lovable pup? You don’t need to choose between your favourite breeds anymore. You can have it all! That’s the main appeal of designer dog breeds, and the Shichon is a perfect representative as the cross truly gives you a perfect blend of two popular breeds.These hybrid dogs are not demanding. They will adapt to almost any family or living situation. However, like all breeds, the Shichon also has his quirks and special needs. What are these exactly? You’ve come to the right place to find out. Read on to learn all about these designer dogs before welcoming one into your family.The Shichon gives you the small size of the Shih Tzu and the friendly disposition of the Bichon Frise.Origin Designer dogs are a popular global trend, but individual hybrids don’t have well-documented histories. Few people were paying attention to how these dogs came to be so popular and even less were documenting the development. The origins of the Shichon breed cannot be traced back to any one breeder because the crossing of purebred dogs is not a new phenomenon. There have been surprise mixed breed litters for as long as dogs have been breeding, but that’s not what experts would consider a “true” Shichon. The history of the breed starts with people who started intentionally developing it, with a clear goal for the future. And, since no one has stepped out to claim that they first created the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix with the idea to make a fluffy family companion, there’s no way to know the origin of the breed itself. The Sichon remains a bit of a mystery, but thankfully even if we don’t know exactly where these pups came from, we do know that they are lovable and loyal companions. That’s all that matters.That said, it’s safe to assume that the Shichon shares the origin story with the majority of other designer dogs. The first litter was probably born somewhere in the United States in the last 20 to 30 years. And that’s only if you take designer dogs as your timeframe. If you are looking at all Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise mix in history, it’s certain you could find more of them much earlier than that. But, let’s stop sweating about this breed’s mysterious origins. There’s so much that we do know about them that is necessary to explore.Pedigree

Top 10 Best Psychiatric Service Dog Breeds

Have you heard of psychiatric service dog breeds? These canines are specially trained to maintain their handler’s emotional state.In the world of working dogs, there are some truly special pooches whose careers are devoted solely to helping those in need. Therapy dogs bring joy to infirmed or elderly, Service Dogs support the physically challenged, and Emotional Support dogs provide relief in settings such as funeral homes or crisis situations. But there is another hero in this mix known as Psychiatric Service dog breeds, trained to provide one-on-one support to individuals who have autism, schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, and other psychiatric challenges. In fact, these dogs are so in tune with their handlers moods that they can be trained to recognize the signs of a sudden deep depression and to operate a special K9 rescue phone to summon a 911 suicide hotline through a pre-programmed phone. These dogs are a new breed of hero who deserve far more recognition.The Psychiatric Service Dog’s primary function is to maintain their handler’s emotional state and to perform work or tasks the individual is unable to perform. For instance, a psychiatric service dog might be trained to interrupt the repetitive behavior of a person with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or to provide an environmental assessment, or even to remind their handler to take their meds. Having a highly trained dog by their side can help people who have mental health issues lead independent lives and quite often support them in keeping their illness under control. Naturally, as they do complex work, not all dogs can provide service to people with psychiatric disabilities. These tasks are not easy and most pups aren’t up to the task. This service requires a special type of dog that is well suited for a special type of training.So, what’s a prerequisite for any psychiatric service pooch? Well, the size of breed doesn’t really matter. However, temperament does. This means that the dog must be keen-to-please, must be able to work well with a partner, must be reliable, must not be easily distracted, and of course, they must be highly intelligent given the depth of training involved. Yes, these dogs go through a lot of training before they become service dog. After all, they need to know to perform specific tasks that help their owners lead better lives. This isn’t any easy role for any dog to play.While any dog can be a service dog if they have what it takes to live up to the title and go through the extensive training program, there are some dog breeds that are naturally more inclined and capable of doing the work of psychiatric service dogs. Which breeds are there? Keep scrolling to find out. Here’s our list of the best psychiatric service dog breeds:1. Standard Poodle

Which Dog Breeds Make Us Happiest, According to Social Media?

As dog parents, we love sharing pictures and stories of our pups. After all, we all have the cutest, most adorable dog. Right? Sometimes these stories are funny, share special heartfelt moments, and sometimes these posts are sad stories that tug at our hearts. Curious about this range of emotions, Protect My Paws recently analyzed the content in nearly a quarter of a million dog-themed tweets. From here, they identified the 10 dog breeds that make us the happiest – and the results were surprising!To analyze and understand the emotions connected to each tweet in the study, they used the NRC Lexicon. This tool looks at the entire sentence, scanning it for recognizable emotional words and phrases. This included happy, sad, fearful, and trustful phrases.The result was a breakdown of which dog breeds associated with each emotion, and the results were surprising. While you may have expected to see German Shepherd Dogs among the most trustworthy or Golden Retrievers topping the dogs that make us feel the happiest, you may be shocked. The breeds that made this list stray from the usual stereotypes.So, what dogs make us the happiest?The study found that the little black furball known as the Affenpinscher was happily talked about the most on social media! This breed may only weigh between 7 and 13 lbs. fully grown, but they are full of personality. They are described as being feisty, inquisitive, stubborn, and humorous. Of the 200k tweets analyzed, 240 “joyful” words were identified per 1000 related to the Affenpinscher.Other dog breeds on this happiest list included:Staffordshire Bull Terrier (207)Vizsla (194)West Highland White Terrier (192)Portuguese Water Dog (185)Bullmastiff (183)Chesapeake Bay Retriever (184)Samoyed (176)American Staffordshire Terrier (175)English Cocker Spaniel (174)

Gerberian Shepsky

Gerberian Shepsky BasicsThe German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix combines the very best of his parents into a single breed – the friendly, energetic, and unfaulteringly loyal Gerberian Shepsky. Are you looking for a dog who will quickly become a member of your family? An animal who loves nothing more than to become a new furry relative in your home? You may have just found that mystical pupper. The Gerberian Shepsky (also known as a German Husky, Shepsky, Husky Shepherd, or Siberian Shepherd ) is an active and playful dog who loves kids. When properly socialized, these dogs are known for get along well with both humans and animals alike. He is tremendously affectionate, gentle, and loyal. Plus, thanks to his alert nature, superior intelligence, and working dog background, the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix often participates in activities such as guard duties and police work. Because he is protective of his “pack”, he can be expected to bark to alert owners to “intruders” or strangers. This dog truly loves his fam and will do everything that he can to prove it.In addition to his wonderful personality, the Gerberian Shepsky has unusual yet beautiful looks. A mix breed dog whose parents are a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky, this hybrid has an imposing physique. Often these dogs combine the overall appearance of the Shepherd with the Husky’s eyes and coloring of the coat. Each dog of this breed will have a unique appearance, owing to their crossbreed lineage. You simply can’t predict how hybrid dogs will often look and in the eyes of many owners, that’s just another of their many charms. Does the Gerberian Shepsky sound like a dog that’s perfect for your family? Read on to find out all about them before bringing one of these beautiful pooches home.The Gerberian Shepsky is often employed as a service or police dog, thanks to his alert nature and superior intelligence. OriginThe origin of all designer dogs is a bit of a mystery. In the 1980s, people started crossbreeding purebred dogs to create new breeds. The resulting ‘hybrids’ were an instant hit with many prospective pet owners who were enamoured with their uniqueness and attractive qualities. Even though there were ‘ups and downs’ for these breeds, designer dogs have only become more popular in the last two decades. They are almost as coveted as pure bread dogs (but not quite). Unfortunately, their popularity doesn’t mean we know a lot about the breeders who initially developed them or the history of these new crossbreeds. Sadly, no one bothered to document this history of hybrid pups. The only way to learn more about them is to take a look at the parental breeds and make assumptions about what they will inherent from mamma and poppa.The German Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix is the product of working dog parentage. The German Shepherd is a newer breed that dates back to 1899 and was developed for herding sheep. His quick intellect and strength soon saw assisting with search-and-rescue missions as well as police and military roles. As his name implies, the Siberian husky hails from the fiercely harsh environment of the Siberian Arctic. He was originally bred to pull heavy loads long distances through difficult arctic conditions. During the Alaskan Gold Rush, the dogs were imported as sled dogs and eventually became popular throughout the United States and Canada because they make such great pets.Pedigree

Top 10 Best Military Dog Breeds

Think you know your enlisted K-9s? Well, think again. You’ll be surprised with some of the picks on our military dog breeds list. Especially number 10!.If you’re anything like me, the moment you think “military dog” you envision a German Shepherd Dog or Doberman patrolling a barbed wire fence and barking fiercely when confronted by the enemy. It’s an image that we've seen so many times in movies and television shows. But as always, you can’t trust Hollywood for accuracy. Those are far from the only breeds of pup who have used in military service and just one of the many roles assigned to the enlisted K-9s and military dog breeds. When you dig into the history, it’s amazing what a wide range of pups have performed a wide range of tasks in military service. From large to small, muscular and burly, doggos went above and beyond the call of duty to fulfill the missions they were tasked with. There is no surprise here – dogs are known as loyal and brave companions, even in war. So what are the jobs typically assigned to our favourite furry friends by the military? Well, there are many and often those jobs require completely opposite tasks and behaviours. While Sentry dogs are taught to walk alongside their guard or handler and warn by growling or barking at approaching strangers, a Scout dog is trained to work silently so that they can detect and alert their handler to snipers, enemy presence, and ambushes. A Messenger dog carries information between handlers, while Mine Dogs are trained to detect both metallic and non-metallic land-mines as well as booby traps and trip wires. Casualty dogs are your war-time version of a search and rescue pooch who can quickly locate injured soldiers. While Tunnel dogs have been used to explore the confines of underground spaces to seek out enemy forces and alert handlers. Finally, Explosives Detection dogs have been specifically trained to pick up on the scent of the chemicals used in bombs and alert their handler when those odours hit their little pup noses.As you can see, there are quite a wide range of tasks for military service dogs these days. That requires a wide variety of breeds who can deliver on those tasks. Since the military has been training dogs for decades, they have experimented with a wide variety of breeds and come up with quite a list of powerful pups who are up to the tasks. So, who are the top dogs when it comes to military duty past and present? Keep your eyeballs glued to this page to find out. (Photo credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock) German Shepherd Dog

Pocket Pitbull

Pocket Pitbull BasicsIf you are looking for an active and friendly breed like the American Pitbull Terrier but prefer something smaller, like a Patterdale Terrier, the Pocket Pitbull may be the perfect breed for you. As a mix of the two breeds, these designer dogs bring together the best traits of their parents into one hybrid dog. Owing to their unique lineage and traits, these miniature Pitbull mixes are a good choice for people who live in an apartment or active owners looking for a unique pet to be share adventures with.The Pocket Pitbull is an intelligent and active breed that maintains a small but stocky stature. This breed is loyal and affectionate with family and, when properly trained and socialized, they do well with children. One thing to be wary of with this breed is that they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent the development of problem behaviors. All things considered, the Pocket Pitbull has a lot to offer to an experienced and dedicated owner. Are these dogs the right choice for you? Read on to find out.If you are looking for an active and friendly breed like the American Pitbull Terrier but prefer something smaller, like a Patterdale Terrier, the Pocket Pitbull may be the perfect breed for you.OriginThere might be a growing interest for miniature Pitbull mixes, but that doesn’t mean that this breed has a long and established history. In fact, there’s not much we know about the origin of the Pocket Pitbull. The main reason for this is the mixed breed lineage of these hybrids. Even though they have a “fancy” name and there’s a renewed interest in them, designer dogs are still simply mixed breed dogs to many people. Either way, this is a relatively new crossbreed, and wasn’t really established prior to the late 1990s.The Pocket Pitbull might sound like an exotic breed that just got its start, but there have probably been many Patterdale Terrier and Pitbull mixes throughout history. The only difference is that those crosses weren’t intentional- but rather a product of accidental mating between the two purebreds. No breeder claims that he or she were the ones to first breed the Pocket Pitbull, so there is no clear data about the breed’s origin. The best guess anyone can have is that these crossbreeds had a start similar to many other designer dogs- they were bred in the last 20 years somewhere in the United States. Nevertheless, them being relative newcomers does not make them any less unique or fun. Pocket Pitbulls were quick to win over the hearts of many owners across the world, thanks to their positive attitude, their energetic behavior, and the endless fun that they bring. Pedigree

Top 10 Cutest Dog Breeds

If you needed something to brighten up your day, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to feel all sorts of warm and fuzzies with our cutest dog breeds picks. If these pups don’t melt your heart, then you might not have a heart at all! Consult a doctor!

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