Showing 1 to 18 of 28 articles
  • Alert dog chasing a green stick toy at dusk, with owner blurred in the background

    Choosing the Right Toys for Your Dog

    Finding the right toys for your dog is more than just picking something off the shelf. The right toy supports your dogโ€™s health, behavior, and overall happiness. With so many types of dog toysโ€”chew toys, plush toys, squeaky toys, tug toys, and moreโ€”knowing what to choose can be the difference between safe, enriching play and unwanted risks.

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  • Close-up of a happy dog with eyes closed and tongue out, enjoying gentle petting under the sun

    How to Become Dog-Friendly Today

    Dogs are social animals, but not all warm up to people immediately. Some pups feel nervous around strangers, loud noises, or new environments if you want to be a good friend to dogsโ€”whether your pet or someone elseโ€™sโ€”you need to understand their behavior, body language, and needs.

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  • A small blonde Labrador puppy is giving a high-five to a blonde woman crouching down while outside.

    Puppy Training Tips

    Training your pup from day one helps set a solid foundation for good behavior and a well-adjusted adult dog. Puppies thrive on structure, and a predictable routine makes learning easier.

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  • A small dog is pulling on a rope dog toy.

    How to Prepare Your Home and Family for a Puppy

    If you and your family are welcoming a new puppy, there are some things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. A new puppy is fun but also a lot of work. Fortunately, with some preparation and the right products, you can make every opening of the dog food storage container fun for the family and the puppy.ย 

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  • How to Train a Dog with Positive Reinforcement

    How to Train a Dog with Positive Reinforcement

    Training your dog should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Whether you're teaching basic commands or advanced tricks, using positive reinforcement is a proven way to strengthen your bond while promoting good behavior. Read Article
  • The Three Rules to Training

    The Three Rules to Training

    When people tell me they can't train their out-of-control dog, I tell them to remember three words in this order: Control, Train, Treat. Let's break this down step by step... Read Article
  • A puppy laying in a wire Pet-mates pet crate

    How to Crate Train Your Dog

    Kennel, carrier, crate. Whatever you call it, it provides key benefits for your dog, from puppy hood through his senior years. Dogs are natural "denning" animals, and a kennel creates a special, safe place for them to curl up and rest, providing needed security and stress relief. It's also a comfortable and safe environment for your pet while traveling - either long distances or quick trips to the vet. Proper crate training leads to more effective behavioral training, house training and overall happier pets and pet parents. Read Article
  • A Doberman tearing up a roll of toilet paper

    My Pet Destroyed My Stuff!

    Why is your pet being destructive and what can you do about it? Bringing home a new pet is always an exciting time. You introduce him to the family, the house, maybe even his new yard. You show him his bed and his toys. And then, the inevitable happens. Your new pet will destroy something. He will destroy something you probably really like. It is what pets do. Why do pets do this and, more importantly, how can you stop them? Read Article
  • A dog reading the newspaper sitting on the toilet

    Housebreaking Your Favorite Dog: A Step By Step Process

    Of all the methods there are to housebreak a dog, one of the ways I find most effective is crate training. Many people complain to me about how their dog simply won't learn to go outside. Here's a simple 3 part process I use that can get even the worst dog house trained in 2 weeks or less. I call it the "House Training Triangle." This method is very easy and effective if followed correctly. The reason I like this system is because it teaches the dog to hold it and understand what they're doing right when they do go outside. Many people don't use crates when housebreaking. They just take their dog out every hour which is totally fine if that works for them. Read Article
  • A Pet-mates retractable dog leash

    Reeling It In

    How To Properly Use Your Retractable Leash. Retractable leashes offer dogs and their owners more freedom than traditional leaders. Dogs can move at their own pace, stop and sniff, run and check something out, or use the bathroom in a bit of privacy. Owners like them because they can walk without having to stop every three minutes while their canine companion stops to smell the roses. Retractable leashes can make walks more enjoyable by allowing the dog and owner to do exactly what they want. They do, however, require a bit more care and proper usage to ensure the safety of you, your pet and others around you. Read Article
  • Introducing a Leash and Collar To Your Dog

    Introducing a Leash and Collar

    There are a few collar options to choose from, but you do want to consider which style will work best for your pup. Read Article
  • Man walking his dog on a leash on the sidewalk

    How to Teach Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

    January is National Walk Your Dog Month, and while the month may be halfway over it's the perfect time to start walking your pet to create a healthier and happier lifestyle. Read Article
  • Two dogs playing rough in the grass

    How to Know If Your Dog is Playing Too Rough

    How do I know if my dog's play behavior is becoming too rough? I always thought it was just his excitement, but for the safety of other dogs and my family, I would feel more comfortable knowing his limits. How can I help to not support his rough behavior? Read Article
  • Proper Etiquette While Walking Your Dog

    Proper Etiquette While Walking Your Dog

    Just like raising a kid, you want your dog to master good manners, but sometimes we need a reminder of what is considered proper owner etiquette. Having good owner manners will help your dog improve their own. Read Article
  • Puppy sitting next to a woven tan basket

    How To Potty Train Your Puppy Like a Pro

    "How long can they hold it?" is one of the most common questions when it comes to potty training. Read Article
  • A dog running in the field with a harness on

    Which Harness is Right for Your Dog?

    When it comes to picking a harness for your pooch the options seem to be endless. Your pup might be struggling with anything ranging from anxiety, leash pulling or behavior problems. Read Article
  • A dog holding its leash in its mouth

    How to Pick the Right Leash for Your Puppy

    Curious about which leash is best for your new furry friend? Picking a dog leash for the first time can often be overwhelming. The size, length and kind will often vary depending on the type of dog it is needed for. Read Article
  • Two dogs in a park with its owner learning to sit and stay

    10 Basic Commands To Teach Your Dog

    For first-time dog owners and veteran dog parents alike, understanding how and when to train your canine companion can be confusing! Whether you have got a brand-new puppy or you've adopted an adult hound, we've consulted the training experts Read Article