Why Basic Obedience is Good for Your Dog at Any Age

Zoey at graduation for her basic obedience class! 

Some dog parents worry that it is too late to sign their dog up for basic obedience classes. They worry that their dog is too old to learn new tricks, or they can only learn when they are puppies. This is totally not true! Sometimes it might seem like they stop learning at some point, but that is not the case. I signed up my dog Zoey for basic obedience at Dog Zone, located in New Baltimore, MI, when she was two. I was worried that it might be a little too late and her bad habits were not going to go away. Boy was I wrong! She loved the class and learned so much. We learned the basics: sit, lay down, stay, come, heel and a few fun games to play at home. Zoey was always excited to go to class on Saturday afternoons! Here are a few reasons why basic obedience is good for you and your dog!

·       Builds a stronger relationship between you and your dog.

·       Helps your dog become more social with other dogs.

·       It is fun for the both of you.

·       It will help you learn how to control your dog.

·       You will receive tips that are important for the health of your dog.

·       You become a proud dog-parent. You can show off your dogs new tricks to friends and family.

Have you and your dog been to basic obedience class? If so, what was your favorite part?

12 Reasons Why Your Dog is the Best Valentine

Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many singles are dreading the day. When they walk into a store and see all the red and pink, they become sick to their stomach. Valentine’s Day brings high expectations, no matter what your relationship status is. This is why everyone should have a dog. They will always be your favorite valentine, even when you are married. If you don’t believe me, here is why.

Zoey! 

1. Dogs can’t eat chocolate, or want you to send them flowers. They just want a five minute belly rub.

2. They always want to spend time with you.

3. You know exactly what they want. You don't have to worry that they won't think you bought the right gift, or were thinking about them enough. 

4. They don’t care what you are wearing. They will hang out with you in your pajamas. No uncomfortable dress clothes and heels!

5. You don’t have to make dinner reservations to spend Valentine's Day with your dog. SCORE! 

6. They won’t ditch you.

7. They give the best kisses and snuggles. 

8. Your four-legged friend will never be late for your date. They are always waiting for you to come home and spend time with them. 

9. They will watch a chick flick with you, and not judge when you are crying your eyes out.

10.They are easy to please in the kitchen. No need to impressive them with a home cooked meal. They are just happy if they are getting human food.

11. Dogs can’t talk. Need I say more?

12. They love you unconditionally, and that will never change. 

What is your favorite thing to do with your dog on Valentine's Day?

How You Know Your Dog is Your Best Friend

Your four-legged friend makes it very obvious, that you mean the world to them. You feed them, take them on walks, play with them, and give them all the love and affection they need to be one happy dog. Your dog worships you. You always have someone waiting for you when you get home from a long day at work with kisses and love.  Their mission in life is to make you happy. Dogs are loyal and will never let you down (well, maybe when they pee on the carpet or eat your favorite shoe). 

Here are the signs your dog is more than just a pet, but your best friend: 

Zoey and I! 

• You celebrate their birthday with presents and their favorite meal! You may even invite their dog friends over to party! 
• They have their own spot on the bed!
• You greet them first (before your spouse) when coming home!
• They never leave you alone. They follow you everywhere you go ... I mean EVERYWHERE!
• You share your meals with them … one piece for you, one piece for them.
• When you go out shopping, you buy them more things than you buy for yourself!
• You know what they are thinking at all times, especially their guilty look.
• They are always up for an adventure with you, if it is a car ride to get food, or going to a park to meet up with friends! 
• They know just how to make you feel better when you are sick!
• You tell them all of your problems and secrets because you know they are great at keeping them! 
• They get sad when they see you packing for an out of town trip, and make you feel so welcomed and loved when you get back! No one will greet you after a trip like your dog! 
• They will do anything with you, as long as you are spending time with them! 

Is your dog more loyal than your human best friend? Its okay, I won’t tell them!

Things to Do With Your Dog Indoors

Winter is finally here in Michigan and it sure is cold and snowy.  We only have 56 days till Spring! Not like I am counting or anything! My dogs hate the cold and only want to go outside to go to the bathroom. They are stuck inside bored, and getting into everything. I mean EVERYTHING. To keep them entertained, and their minds engaged through the cold winter days, I have made a list of things that will keep your dog from getting out of trouble!

1.     Hide and Go Seek

Zoey and Juniper are ready for warm weather! 

If your dog knows the command, “find it” or a command similar to it, this game is a lot of fun! You will want to use their favorite toy. Make sure to show them the toy and then go hide it. Give them clues when they are getting close to the toy. The first few times you play, you will want to hide it in an easy place. Soon enough, they will understand the concept of the game and they will get faster at finding the toys! Make sure to praise them when they find the toy. I give my dogs a treat!

2.     Tag You’re It

This is a great game to get your dog the exercise that they are missing out on.  You will need two or more people for this activity. Each grab a handful of treats. Stand anywhere in the house. Call your dog to you. Give them a treat, and then have your partner call them from where they are. Alternate back and forth, taking turns calling your dog!

3.     Toys, Toys, Toys

My dog Zoey is a big chewer! I always make sure to have a full basket of toys in the winter!  If she starts to get bored she will chew on things she is not supposed to. She loves the Nylabone. She will chew on the bone for hours!

4.     Learn a New Trick

Learning new tricks is fun, and helps engage your dogs mind.  The more tricks you teach your dog, the more they will learn. Exercising your dog’s brain will make them smarter, and give them a sense of fulfillment!

5.     Tug of War

Grab a robe and start pulling!  It is a great game for mental and physical stimulation. It takes a lot out of effort for your dog and it is fun and easy for you!

6.     Muffin Tin Game

You will need a muffin tin, tennis balls and treats! Use a treat that smells good. Place the treat in each hole of the muffin tin, and then place the tennis balls on top of the treats. The goal of the game is for your dog to lift the tennis ball out of the tin to get the treat. 

What is your favorite activity to do indoors with your dog? Comment below!

5 Tips for Every NEW Dog-Parent

Welcome to being a dog-parent! Bringing home a puppy is going to be a lot of work. You will get no sleep, have to replace new shoes, clean up dog poop on your bed, and oh did I mention no sleep? Who knew puppies were like having a new born baby. Are they cuter than a baby? I’ll let you decide that. Trust me, after the puppy stage, it is all worth it. I’ll help you make this easier on yourself with these 5 tips.

My sister Amber and her puppy Juniper! 

1.     Invest in a puppy pee pad.

You will thank me for this!  You will want to place the pee pad by the door that is used to let the puppy outside to go the bathroom. It will make it easier when the puppy is ready to move on to peeing ONLY outside.  Be careful, you don’t want your puppy only getting use to peeing on the pad. Make sure you enforce peeing outside verses the pad.

2.     Crate the puppy when you are not home. 
Crating the puppy is very important in the beginning. You do not want to give your puppy free range of the home in case they get into something, or eat something that they shouldn’t. Make sure you have toys for them to play with. Puppies always want to do something, unless they are sleeping.

3.     Walks are your friend.

Walking you puppy will help make them tired. Puppies do not have to be walked as long as full-grown dogs, so take a 10 to 15 minute walk around your neighborhood. They will be ready to be the sweet little angel you know they are.

4.     Enroll in puppy obedience classes.

This tip to me is one of the most important. Being enrolled in a puppy obedience class will build a strong relationship between you and your dog. They will get to socialize with other puppies, learn basic commands, and will be easier to handle.  

5.     Enjoy them!
Right now, you might be thinking that getting a puppy was a bad idea. You are so tired. It wasn’t a bad idea. I promise! They grow up so fast that you will be missing how little they were. Take a lot of pictures, and enjoy them being a puppy. Once they are big, they aren’t your little baby anymore; they are your big baby!

Have any puppy stories to share with our new dog-parents? Comment your story below!