Three
Happy Birthday, my sweet boy. How time flies…

Arrow came a little over a year ago, and since then, you two have been inseparable buds.



But Kenzie will always be your true love.
Information on living with, training, and loving Dogs
I wondered why my green bean production was so low this year. Now I know why. This little smarty pants figured out how to open the garden gate to let himself in anytime he felt like having a little snack.
… Read More
Lyme Disease in the Northeast is No Longer Just a Dog ProblemIf you live in the Northeast, spend any time outdoors, or have dogs who do, you already know the drill: ticks are everywhere. And with them, the very real risk of Lyme disease.
So when I see claims downplaying Lyme risk (like in this video), I have to push back. She gives the likelihood of getting Lyme 3/10. I give this video 3/10 for accuracy for the … Read More
My dogs hate the heat. All three of them struggle all summer long to find the coolest spots. If there’s a fan, there’s a dog underneath it. If there’s a cross breeze, a dog is lying in it. If there is a tile floor, yep, careful not to step on another dog. You get the idea.
I’ve tried several “cooling mats/blankets,” including this gel mat (27″x43″), but it’s oddly heavy and has to be hand-washed. And this Cooling Blanket for … Read More
There have been some interesting shifts up and down on this year’s list. For instance, the Yorkshire Terrier has moved up a couple spots and the Bulldog has dropped a few. No surprise, Aussies and Cavaliers make it into the Top 15. Miniature American Shepherds (mini Aussies) are also rising quickly. Always, when a dog breed becomes popular, it’s super important to find reputable breeders who have dogs with good health.
Every time I take Arrow for a walk, I stuff a random number of small biscuits into my pocket. This is mostly for backup in case we encounter something really exciting (like a jogger or a biker flying past), and I want to be able to quickly grab his attention without grabbing his collar or cinching the leash. Also, as we walk, I like to randomly reward him with food (and always with praise) for looking back and checking in … Read More
I recently had a reader ask if it was a good idea to shave Aussies in hot weather. Let me quickly get to the short answer for those who don’t have time to read. NO! Do not shave your Aussie!
Read on to learn why.
Natural Temperature Regulation System
Double-coated dogs like Australian Shepherds have a sophisticated natural cooling system that consists of two layers:
Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it? That’s because it’s delicious— to non-vegetarians and dogs alike. They’ll come running every time they catch a whiff.
The struggle is real… You need to get a pill down your dog who’s not having it. You’ve tried every pill pocket on the market, only to have your dog spit them out. You’ve given up and resorted to the dreaded “shove it down the … Read More