Dog Tips and Advice

Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Why Did She Shop, Instead of Adopt?

A shelter dog advocate is up in arms when a family member "rescues" a dog from a breeder. The Hairy Dogfathers have some ideas on keeping the peace.

Pros and Cons of Having a Dog at College

Is it a good idea to get a dog while you're at college? Before you decide, be sure to go over all the pro and cons to keeping a pooch while in school.

Planing Your Pet’s Future: What All Pet Parents Should Do First

A non-profit animal welfare organization helps you ensure your pet gets continued lifetime care in case they outlive you.

Ask the Animal Communicator: My Dog Is Always Hungry!

Dogs are not the world’s most popular companion animals for nothing. A dog can be the most loving and devoted pet you can imagine.

How Can I Help My Dog Adjust to a New Routine

Dogs thrive when they have an established routine. They like things to be predictable, so surprises are not always welcomed with enthusiasm. This means that any major changes in that established routine will require plenty of adjustment and could result in some odd behaviors.

Does Your Pet Really Need Ray-Bans for the Solar Eclipse?

One of nature's most awe-inspiring sights - a total solar eclipse - takes place August 21, 2017. You have your glasses, but does your dog need a pair?

How To Help A Dog Hurt In A Traffic Accident

No one ever wants to see a dog hit by a car, but you do want to be prepared so you can help. If you want to be more than a bystander, here's what to do.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Heartache of Losing a Pet

In most cases, our precious pets will pass before we do. And yet when that time finally arrives, the worry and pain and grief can feel unbearable.

Lost Dog Advice: How To Help Kids Cope When Your Dog Goes Missing

When a dog goes missing, it can be tough for everyone... but children may feel it the most. Here's what to do and say to your child in case of a lost dog.

4 Calming Tips to Ensure Stress-Free Pets This Holiday Season

Do your pets go into excitement overdrive during the holidays? Here are a few tips to make sure your dogs and cats enjoy the festive season stress free.

Stress-Free Tips for Keeping Your Christmas Tree Safe From Your Dog

You've decorated the Christmas Tree and it looks fabulous... that is, until your dog spots it! Make sure your tree survives the holidays with these tips.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: No Walkies, No Lovin’!

What's a girl to do when her boyfriend isn't man enough to walk her purse pooch? She turns to the Hairy Dogfathers for some sage - and manly - advice.

Responsible Pet Ownership: Beyond the Basics

Mike Bober, the President and CEO of PIJAC, shares his thoughts on why responsible pet ownership begins before you get a pet.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Animal Overshare On Facebook

There's such a thing as too much information. The Hairy Dogfathers have a few ideas to moderate tear-inducing rescue posts from Facebook over-sharers.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Bad Manners At The Dog Park

There’s some serious drama going down at the dog park! What do the Hairy Dogfathers have to say about it? Dear Hairy Dogfathers, Talk about dog park DR…

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Crazy Cat Complication

We’ve all heard of the “Crazy Cat Lady” – but what happens when it’s about to become the “Crazy Cat Couple?” The Ha…

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? 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.

Losing A Pet: Dealing With The Death Of Your Dog

Nothing compares to the heartbreak of losing a pet, especially if it comes suddenly. We have some tips on how to cope with the grief after losing a pet.

Why Does My Dog Follow Me Around the House?

Do you have an indoor shadow? If your dog follows you around the house, there may be a few reasons why this happens.

Does Your Dog Have A Sleep Problem?

Since dogs spend a big portion of their day sleeping it away, it stands to reason that just like humans–our furry friends may have sleep issues as well…

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: First-Time Parent Jitters About Fur And Huma

An expectant couple’s first human baby is on the way… but will the two adopted furbabies treat their new brother or sister like family? Here&rsq…

Tails From A Pet Sitter: Walking In A Winter Blunderland

An excited dog and slippery conditions don’t mix. Here’s how to safely walk your four-legged friend in the snow. This time of year can be dishear…

6 Questions to Ask Before You Adopt a Dog With Your Partner

You're thinking of taking a big step in your relationship - adopting a dog as a couple. Before you do, ask yourself these six important questions.

Fetching Tips For Transitioning Fido To Fall

As the leaves begin to drop, it's a sure sign to pet parents that we need to get our dogs ready for fall. Be prepared for the season with these timely tips.

Let It Snow: Getting Ready To Make The Most Of Winter With Your Dog

When I wrote an article on Urban Mushing, I was contacted by Kev Roberts, a skijoring, kicksledding, and dog-scootering aficionado who lives in Winnipeg, Man…

Bootie Call: Bootie-licious Tips For Picking Out Dog Boots

Get your mind out of the gutter! There’s nothing wrong with a little bootie action… when they’re on your dog’s paws. If you want a s…

Proper Canine Camping Etiquette For Well-Mannered Mutts

Pitching a pup tent with your pooch this summer? Here are some tips on how to ensure you and your pet will be welcomed back to your favorite campground.

Pet Hack Of The Week: Find Your Lost Pet

It's a pet parent's nightmare - your furbaby has wandered away from home. Keep tabs on your pet with Tile, a simple, inexpensive way to find your lost pet.

How to Find a Reputable Service Dog Training Program

We've seen a growing crop of scammy organizations offering "Service Dog Certification." If you have legitimate need for a service dog, do it the right way.

Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Poetic Poop

What's a bard to do when her kids won't pick up the dog's poo? The Hairy Dogfathers put feather-quilled pen to paper in order to offer some refined advice.

How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Dogs

When your dog starts scratching from fleas, do you scratch your head about what you need do? Don't worry - we know how to get rid of fleas on dogs!

6 Advantages Of Living In A Multi Dog Household

Two dogs are better than one – Let’s look at the pros of a multi dog household The more, the merrier – that’s the motto of many famil…

Wax On or Wax Off – What You Need to Know About Paw Wax

What have you heard about paw wax? Kevin Roberts clears up a few common myths about paw wax and the right way to use it on your dog's paws.

Is Your Kid Ready For a Pet?

"Can we please get a dog? I promise to take care of it." Your kid has been pushing you for a pet, but are you ready for the responsibility?

Ask the Animal Communicator: My Cat Is Always Hiding From My Friends

The feline mystique is real. As any true cat lover knows, it is impossible to make a cat do anything a cat doesn’t want to do. And sometimes this can make for truly awkward interspecies family situations.

5 Smart Tips For Curing The Back-To-School Dog Blues

Now that summer's over, Kevin Roberts, an elementary school teacher and dog dad, has a few ideas to keep your pup's mind occupied until school lets out.

How To Stop Your Dog Drinking From The Toilet

Want to flush that bad habit? Here’s how to get your dog to stop using the toilet as his personal water bowl. At some point in time, most dog owners he…

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Is Poop Getting In The Way Of Picking Up?

When you’re walking your dog, the only thing you usually pick up is the dog’s poop. But what happens when your Wing Man’s smelly mess keeps…

Is College the Right Time to Get a New Pet?

Many pets end up on the streets or at rescue centers because college students haven't fully thought through everything that pet ownership entails.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: In Need of a Donation Rescue!

After being stood up by a rescue, a pair of grieving pet parents doesn't know what to do with their dearly departed dog's possessions.

Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?

What is it about grass that tastes great to dogs? Let's talk about why dogs eat grass and if you should do anything about it.

The Quest For Dog: Learning From Experience

In the second article of Amanda Schlee’s quest for the perfect dog, she takes a look back at a breed she has already owned growing up – but is it…

Top 10 Things To Do On Your Dog’s Summer Bucket List

After a long Canadian winter, my dogs and I are so ready for the dog days of summer! To make the most of our summer time fun, I have devised my ultimate summertime bucket list.

Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Shelter Stalker?

When adopting a dog, is there such a thing as TMI when it comes to shelters asking questions? Good thing the Hairy Dogfathers are here with their thoughts.

How To Create a Safe and Inviting Pet-Friendly Backyard

You want a lush lawn, but you want pets to be able to safely enjoy it so you can spend more time outdoors. Here's how to do pet-friendly landscaping right.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Dog Before Your Baby Arrives

Congrats on the new human addition! How is your dog taking to the changes? Here are some things to do to get your dog ready before baby comes home.

Pups With Tents: Rustic Tips To Remember When Camping With Dogs

Many people love getting in touch with nature, For Kevin Roberts, camping with his pack is a cherished part of life as well as a great Canadian pastime.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

Barking. Even if you are a lifelong dog lover, the sound of your pup barking nonstop can seriously get to you after a while. Why do some dogs bark so much? Is y…

How to Get Dog Urine Out of Your Carpet

Accidents happen to the best of us. If your pooch has one on your carpet, here's how you can that urine spot out.

Ask the Hairy DogFathers: Pet Sitting Predicament

What do you do for a friend who's house and dog sitting while you're away? The Hairy Dogfathers have a couple of tips for pet-sitting etiquette.

Licensed To Drool: Why Do I Need To Get A Dog License?

Even though your dog can't reach the gas and brake pedals, he still needs a license. Here's why you need to get a dog license for your pooch.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Doggy Custody Arrangements

Breaking up is hard to do - especially when dogs are involved. What do exs-to-be do when both want to keep the dogs? The Hairy Dogfathers have the answers.

6 Reasons You Need To Camp in Style With Your Pooch in an RV

We had the opportunity to talk with Amy Burkert from Gopetfriendly.com, who shared with some fabulous reasons RVing with your pet is the thing to do!

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Beach Bummed Out

Surf's up, dude! No dog's allowed on the beach? Bummer! The Hairy Dogfathers have a few tips to insure your beach-side vacay doesn't turn into a wipeout.

How To Safely Walk Your Dog In The Big City

Walking your dog in an urban metropolis isn't for the faint of heart. Before leaving your big-city high-rise, check everything off this 12-step checklist.

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.