6 Reasons Why Your Dog Should Walk On a Harness Instead of a Collar

6 Reasons Why Your Dog Should Walk On a Harness Instead of a Collar

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By Ruby Smith @ PetSoFun.com

Do you often get caught in the dilemma of whether you ought to walk your pooch with a dog harness or with a collar? This question is crucial, and every dog owner should keep in mind the comfort, convenience, and safety of their dogs when seeking its answer.

I know that resisting limitless designs and colors of personalized collars is not easy. However, I always recommend a dog harness over a collar because it offers the best interests for your dog.

To choose between a dog harness and a collar, the right decision should not be based on style. Collars may provide an effective means of holding your dog’s registration and name tag for identification, but they might not be reliable at all times.

The majority of experienced dog owners, myself included, would recommend a dog harness over a collar for your daily dog walk.

Why so? Read on to find out.

1. A Dog Harness Offers Better Control

As you probably already know, not all dogs remain calm when on a retractable dog leash. Some are very hyperactive. A dog might be tempted to lunge toward other canines as you walk on the sidewalk, to dive after birds, or even make an effort to charge at your neighbor’s cat. It means your dog is having fun, and that is perfectly okay until such hyperactivity puts her in trouble.

With a dog harness, you get better control over your active dog as you hold the leash. As opposed to a collar which only steers the dog by pulling her neck, a harness gives you total control over her whole body (1).

Mainly, a big hyperactive dog is controlled with ease when on a dog harness. I love to use the harness on my rambunctious dog when taking a walk especially through busy locations where she is notoriously active.

2. A Dog Harness Minimizes Neck Strain

If your canine is fond of pulling, she is exposed to more significant injury if she is walking on a collar. By pulling, there is a considerable strain on her neck which could result in severe damage. Often, the injury sustained from collars on dog necks in not obvious or sudden, but rather a gradual deterioration which leads to severe injury.

When your dog is excited, she will keep pulling to achieve the moment’s satisfaction without realizing the actual hurt on her body. However, over time, your dog might exhibit subtle signs of discomfort which indicate a severe injury.

Is your dog small in size? If it a Miniature Pinscher or Chihuahua, for instance, it is at a higher risk of neck injuries if she has a collar around her neck. Small dogs have incredibly delicate neck bones.

Therefore, a single sharp pull on her leash could result in severe pain. A harness is essential as it distributes the strain over a large body area to protect your dog from possible injury (2).

3. A Dog Harness Discourages Pulling

The whole point of having a retractable dog leash on your dog is to be in control over the direction of movement. You are responsible for walking the dog, and not the dog walking you. Your dog could pull on the leash incessantly thereby making a walk down the sidewalk feel like an intense workout involving your upper body. If your dog successfully pulls you and you obligingly follow, then you’d have sent the message to your dog that pulling is a way of determining the direction you take during your walk.

With a collar, all you may seem to do is keep up the pace with a forward progressing canine. However, the dog harness discourages your dog from pulling and having her way during your walk. A dog harness effectively redirects your dog’s momentum. When the dog pulls, the harness automatically hauls her in the opposite direction. As a result, your dog stays safer under your direction of movement.

4. A Dog Harness Minimizes the Risk of Escape from Leash Restriction

Collars have the general rule of the ability to fit two fingers between your dog’s body and the collar material. Such space ensures that the collar is not too tight. It also minimizes injury on your dog.

However, if you have a determined canine, she will take advantage of such a comfortable collar. How? Well, you could be slightly distracted, and your dog will easily maneuver her head up the collar and sprint away. If your dog has a small but thick head or if she is wiggly, the chances are that she can artistically escape from her leash as you walk. The physical danger of a stray, leash-free dog is imminent.

On the other hand, a dog harness covers and securely fits your dog’s body in place. A harness goes around the dog’s chest, front legs, and the shoulders. Subsequently, your dog cannot escape artistically (3).

5. A Dog Harness Discourages Ocular Proptosis

Ocular proptosis is a condition where a dog protrudes her eyeballs out of the eye sockets. The disease can be diagnosed with ease: the dog’s eyes appear to bulge out of the head and extend beyond the eyelids. Blunt head trauma typically causes ocular proptosis. However, in some breeds of dogs, the condition is triggered by neck strain (4).

Collars are associated with more neck strain. Use a dog harness to avoid possible ocular proptosis complications and pain.

6. A Dog Harness Discourages Respiratory Complications

Any neck strain on your dog can be painful. However, did you know that such tension could worsen your dog’s respiratory problems?

Excessive pressure on the neck means that the windpipe is squeezed. This makes it difficult for your dog to breathe. Such dogs are bound to experience coughing fits whenever they are led on a walk on a leash.

Tracheal collapse may be worsened, especially in small breeds. The collar could trigger the malformation or weakening of the cartilage making up the trachea. A dog harness serves to minimize the pressure exerted on their high-sensitivity necks during walks.

A Dog Harness Should Be Used Only to Walk Your Dog

Even with the above strengths of the dog harness over the collar, the harness should be used when walking your dog, and not every other time when you wish to restrict your dog. Unless you are taking your dog for a walk, avoid having the harness to minimize possible skin irritation around and under the armpits and chest.

Having the harness on at home could raise chances of tracheal collapse due to more extended periods of harness use.

Also, the harness should be taken off when your dog goes to bed. This will minimize chances of your dog getting chocked. The harness could thus be both uncomfortable and hazardous.

Lastly, the harness should be avoided at home to minimize the possibility of skin infection on your dog. The harness becomes wet when left on your dog for a long time, and this could promote disease (5).

Conclusion

In conclusion, a dog harness is a safer and more convenient option over a collar. When both are fitted to a retractable dog leash, the dog harness discourages respiratory complications, discourages ocular proptosis, minimizes the risk of escape from leash restriction, discourages pulling, minimizes neck strain, and offers better control.

Get a dog harness which fits your dog size, training level, and personality and keeps your dog safe and comfortable while on your walk.

Ruby @ Pet So FunAuthor Bio: Ruby Smith is the proud owner of Pet So Fun. She is also responsible for the abundant content creation on the website. She knows that there are millions of pet owners looking for the right kind of information online. And this is where her expertise lies. Smith writes about pet care health and fitness along with the best pet product recommendations. There is nothing on her blog that doesn’t encourage others to create a healthy and friendly environment for their pets. Visit the PetSoFun website, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Summer heat

Keep Your Pets Safe in the Summer Heat

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Ahhh, summer: You can finally safely take your dog out for long walks and to the park. You can even let your cat (if he or she is an outside kitty) onto the deck or other outside space.

But just because the weather is warmer doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe for your animal. In fact, summertime can present real health challenges for your furry friends. For example, have you ever seen your dog pant—really really panting, almost seemingly without relief? That’s one of the signs that they may be overheating and need your help. In fact, overheating can be so extreme with pets that they can suffer seizures.

Of course, the very best way for you to help your pet stay out of the dangers that heat presents is to not get them stressed to that point at all. If it’s too hot for you outside, it’s too hot for your animals. And remember: They are wearing a fur coat. Here are some tips to use…

Keep-Pets-Cool-Infographic-by-John-Moore

4 Dog Food Ingredients That Sound Healthy but Are Actually Not

4 Dog Food Ingredients That Sound Healthy but Are Actually Not

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We get it. Not every pet parent has the time to cook each and every meal for their furry pooches. Sometimes it’s just easier to scoop out a few servings of dog food and place it in a bowl. The common criticism against feeding your dog store-bought dog food is that you really don’t know if they are healthy or not. You want a dog food that closely resembles a dog’s natural diet, which is mostly animal protein.

Unfortunately, pet food manufacturers know that consumers look for certain keywords in the labels. That’s why they use clever words and phrases to fool pet parents into believing what they are buying is healthy. This is why we recommend seeking out expert pet health advice from reputed sources before buying any dog food. Create a habit of looking up the ingredients in the label. To help you decode these gimmicky terms on pet food labels, following are 4 common dog food ingredients that seem healthy, but they are not.

Meat Products/Meat By-Products: Cheap food brands know that consumers look for words like “meat” and “protein.” This is why a lot of them use terms such as meat products or meat by-products. There is no real way of finding out if the “meat product” is made from quality portions of an animal, and therein lies the problem. The lack of regulation gives pet food manufacturers the liberty to add poor-quality portions from varied animal sources. For example, meat products can also include meat from diseased animals. The lack of information about these “meats” should be enough reason for you to avoid pet food that contains them. Most good quality dog food brands will not use an ambiguous term such as meat. Their labels would simply read “turkey,” “chicken,” or “beef.”

4 Dog Food Ingredients That Sound Healthy but Are Actually NotAnything Corn: Your dog doesn’t need corn. Full of fast-burning carbohydrate, corn is used as cheap fillers to make dog food. While they do contain some vitamins and minerals, these benefits are grossly outweighed by the sheer amount of carbohydrates they deliver. Grain-based dog food can cause some serious health problems as they often lead to obesity and even diabetes. The common misconception is carbohydrates from grains are necessary for energy. Truth be told, the opposite is true. Dogs don’t need carbs for energy. In fact, their bodies do an excellent job of converting protein into energy. Corn, on the other hand, quickly raises the blood sugar levels before it comes plummeting down. The sudden crash in blood sugar may cause dogs to feel hungry and lethargic.

Brewer’s Rice: Brewer’s rice is another filler that has almost zero nutritive value for dogs. The only thing it does have is high quantities of fiber, which is good for bowel health. However, the problem with brewer’s rice is that it’s a carb-laden ingredient. Unless your dog is specifically allergic to rice, brewer’s rice would probably do no harm, but it’s not something that can be termed as healthy. While a small portion of brewer’s rice is probably okay, it’s important to know that they are nothing but fancy fillers. This means if you find a dog food that features brewer’s rice as one of its top three ingredients, the food may contain too much carbohydrate.

Natural Sweeteners: Just because the pet food manufacturer crammed in the word “natural” doesn’t make these sweeteners healthy. The reason pet food companies use sweeteners, natural or otherwise, is because it gets your dog addicted. Even natural sweeteners such as molasses and honey can end up causing harm. They encourage your dog to overeat and they open doors for diabetes and obesity. Look out for ingredients such as corn syrup, fructose, licorice extract, molasses, and natural sweeteners.

5 Dog Training Products that Are Must-Haves for Dog Parents

5 Dog Training Products that Are Must-Haves for Dog Parents

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By Jenny Perkins @ HerePup.com

As you become a pet-parent and welcome a dog in your life, you suddenly have various new responsibilities on your shoulders. Among many of these is the job of training your pooch, especially if you are adopting a puppy. The task of teaching your pup desirable behaviors and commands is difficult. It requires consistency, persistence, and patience. However, there are a few handy products that may help you save time and effort. Here is a list of five of these items that are must-haves for pet-parents.

Pavlovian Dog Potty Trainer

Having issues potty training your new puppy? Don’t you know how to potty train a puppy? Well, it turns out the famous Russian physiologist Ivan Petrovich Pavlov’s research has the answer to your troubles. A Pavlovian trainer is a training tool that has been created using his analysis as a basis. The device has a sensor hidden inside a paper cloth which detects when the puppy does his business on the target and dispenses a treat to encourage your dog to do it at the same place. It is an excellent tool to potty train your pup and can help save time and effort.

Clicker Stick

A popular method employed for training dogs is clicker training that uses a clicking device to mark your pup’s good behavior. It is an effective way of training that focuses on the strategy of positive reinforcement. A basic tool employed for this particular method is the clicker stick. It is an excellent tool to teach your dog to follow instructions without having to pull on the leash or continuously repeat commands. You can select any object as the target, for instance, your pup’s bed if you want him to settle down, use the stick to guide your dog. When your dog follows the commands you can click the stick to notify your pooch about desired behaviors. The design is comfortable for pet-parents, and the product offers a consistent training approach.

Dog Training Crate

Crate training your dog is crucial as it has multiple benefits. It can make the process of potty training your pooch simpler and is quite useful for those who wish to travel with their pooch. The crate acts as your pup’s personal space to relax when he wants to distance himself from chaos. So if you are looking to train your puppy, you will have to invest in an excellent quality crate. The selection of a crate depends upon factors such as your dog’s size. Ensure that the one you choose is large enough for your dog to turn around and stand up comfortably – not too large though as your puppy may then use half of it as a bathroom. This can be a dilemma if you have a young puppy as a small crate won’t be of use as your pup grows, so you can invest in the kind that comes with removable dividers.

Body Harnesses

Another problem for dog-parents is the constant battle they have to fight while walking their dogs. No parent likes having to pull on the leash continually. If you wish to make the experience pleasant, then a body harness is just the tool you need. It is a beneficial training tool that is particularly useful for puppies. They provide better control than ordinary leashes because they discourage pulling and jumping and distribute stress over the dog’s back or front. A training harness can make the training process efficient and enjoyable.

Puppy Pee Pads

For those who live in an apartment, house training the pup may be a hassle. Not only the puppies, but our adult dogs can also develop the habit of house soiling. Of course, you need to identify the reason behind the unwanted practice and get it treated. It can either happen as a consequence of separation anxiety or due to kidney problems (in which case you need to consult the veterinarian and feed your dog food for better kidney health). However, you will need a solution till the problem is solved. In some situations, you may also have to train your pooch all over again, and that is when the puppy pee pads can be of use. These highly absorbent mats contain a substance that can attract your pups when nature calls thereby preventing your home from becoming a mess. Just bring your pooch to the pee pad every few hours, depending on his bladder strength and use commands such as “go pee” or “go potty” to train him to relieve himself.

About the author: Jenny Perkins is an Animal Behavior Specialist and a passionate writer. She loves to write about the nutrition, health, and care of dogs. She aims at providing tips to dog owners that can help them become better pet-parents. She writes for the blog HerePup.

Best Way to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smell

Best Way to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smell

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By Jenny Nolan, CleanerPaws.com

We’re all familiar with it. Whether you’re a dog owner yourself or simply grew up around dogs at one time or another you will have experienced the brute force of wet dog smell.

Best Way to Get Rid of Wet Dog SmellThere is just something about the scent that a wet dog gives off that manages to polarize dog lovers. Of course, there’s nothing your lovable pooch can do about the smell they give off when wet, but are there steps you can be taking to prevent the smell from offending your sense of smell?

In this article we intend to look at exactly what causes wet dog smell and how you can combat it once and for all.

What causes wet dog smell?

You may or may not have noticed that “wet dog smell” is more prevalent in certain breeds of dogs. This is because it is caused by the oils contained in their coats. This means breeds who have oilier coats than other types of dog, such as the hound family, give off more of a smell when soaking wet.

The actual oil causing the stink is sebum, which actually protects a dog’s skin from dehydration. However, when this oil comes into contact with water, such as after a bath or when your pup gets caught in the rain, it creates a bacteria that causes the unpleasant odor.

How to prevent It?

OK, so now you have some insight into the science that causes wet dog smell, and now it’s time to see how you can go about preventing this odor in the first place.

When it comes to tackling wet dog smell then you need to start by drying your dog properly, either after they have got wet on a long walk or after you have bathed them.

This may sound straightforward enough but there are actually a number of steps to carry out in order to dry your pup effectively.

Best Way to Get Rid of Wet Dog SmellFirst, start by hand drying your pet from head to paw. Use enough pressure to dry up as much moisture from your dog’s coat as possible. Your dog may not enjoy being rubbed in this way, but if possible keep them still for as long as possible and reward them afterward with their favorite treat.

Once you feel like you have dried your dog’s coat as much as you can by hand, it is time to use a dog hair dryer to finish the job. Drying your dog’s coat with a hair dryer will allow you to use cool air to completely remove any excess moisture from your pet’s fur. As laid out above, this will prevent the oils in your dog’s coat from producing the bacteria that gives off that unpleasant smell when wet, so carrying out this step is hugely important.

Last but not least, it is time to brush your dog. This can actually be carried out while you’re drying your pet and will leave your dog’s coat in the best health possible. Focus on damp areas of your dog to effectively fluff them up, leaving your dog looking and smelling great. (This stage of the grooming process is also a great time to clip your dog’s nails… go here to check out the best dog nail clippers reviews.)

So there you have a real quick guide on what causes wet dog smell and how to prevent it. Just remember your pet isn’t to blame that they give off an unpleasant odor when wet, so show patience when grooming them and you will reap the rewards.

Winter Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Dogs

Winter Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Dogs

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Winter is just around the corner. But are your dogs prepared to embrace the cold?

While it’s common to think that your furry pal’s coat is enough for them to stay comfortable in the winter, other dog breeds have more difficulty in adjusting to low temperatures. Dealing with a dog during winter time can be sometimes messy, especially if it’s long-haired. Be sure to prepare the appropriate gear and adjust your grooming routines. Here are a few winter tips for grooming hairy dogs.

1. Protect those furry paws.

As explained in a past article here on DogPerDay, your dog needs to wear boots before going out into the snow. This is because winter conditions increase the risk of your dog’s paws in terms of developing dryness, frostbite, and cracking. If your pooch has particularly hairy paws, the fur may collect snow as well. The purpose of the boots is mainly to keep the dog comfortable while out in the snow. They also help it tread on ice.

Keep in mind that your canine buddy may need time to adjust to the shoes. Let it walk around the house for a while until its legs are able to move naturally.

2. Brush your dog regularly.

The last thing your dog wants in the middle of winter is a full body shave due to clumps of matted fur. So be sure to brush down excess fur from time to time. Shelley Williams suggests on Animal Behavior College that keeping the coat in a breathable condition allows it to properly insulate the dog. Matted fur creates gaps in the coat, letting more cold air get to the dog’s body. To avoid this, a daily brushing session is recommended. Although, a weekly routine works fine, too. (Visit bestdoggear.reviews to learn more about effective grooming tools for Shih Tzus.)

3. Get your pooch a new haircut. Winter Grooming Tips for Long-Haired Dogs

Most owners are hesitant to give their dogs a haircut in the winter, because the fur is supposed to keep them warm. While that may be true, you should also consider the fact that the pup would normally spend most of its time indoors. This means giving it a winter haircut isn’t entirely a terrible idea, particularly since long coats can get clumped like mentioned in the previous tip.

Do note, however, to take time in choosing the best groomer for the job. A groomer that handles your neighbor’s dog perfectly may not necessarily be able to do the same for your pooch. A blog post by Go Fetch shares several tips on choosing the right dog groomer. The first step is to ask around, get input from friends and family, and create a list of potential options. Call each one or visit their clinics prior to the grooming session. The latter is ideal so you can already gauge their handiwork by observing the other customers.

You might also consider a do it yourself approach, as there are now many professional dog grooming clippers out there to choose from that make it easier than it used to be.

4. Give your furry pal warm baths.

Since the dog will be staying indoors most of the season, its odor might fill up the place. To keep the smell at a minimum, give your dog a nice, warm bath. There’s no need to worry, as there is no harm in giving it a bath during winter. However, the Petcha blog warns that you should never let a wet dog step on snow because it will only worsen the dog’s body temperature.

5 Practical Ways To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy This Winter

5 Practical Ways To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy This Winter

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By Lucy Wyndham

Winter is almost here, and 78 million dog owners in the US will be trying to keep their pets warm and comfortable during the upcoming chillymonths. While some dogs may prefer to stay indoors curled up in front of the fire, some pets—especially those who have boundless energy—will be heading outdoors to play in the snow. Though a bit of winter playtime is important to keep your dog happy, keep in mind that just like humans, pets are susceptible to winter ailments such as the common cold, frostbite, and hypothermia. To keep your dog healthy this winter, it’s imperative to keep them as warm and dry as possible whether indoors and outdoors. Dog owners also need to look after their pet’s nutrition and keep them away from common chemicals that are often used during the cold months.

Here are 5 smart ways to keep your dog healthy and happy this winter.

Protect your dog’s paws

One of the first things that you have to do before taking your dog out in snowy conditions is to protect your pet’s paws. Clip the hairs around your dog’s toes to prevent ice or snow from getting lodged between them, and make your dog wear booties before heading outdoors. Choose boots made of materials that will keep water out, but make sure that the boots are breathable for comfort. You can also make homemade dog shoes by purchasing the appropriate materials and tracing your dog’s feet on paper so you’ll know how big the boots should be.

Bring a towel during long walksDog in the Fall

Your dog’s paws, legs, and tummy will surely be in constant contact with the snow when you’re walking your dog outdoors, so make sure to bring a dry towel to wipe him down. After your walk, get another towel, moisten it with some warm water, and use it to carefully wipe down your dog’s paws, legs, and tummy to get rid of ice, salt, and chemicals such as antifreeze which can be harmful to your dog’s health.

Feed your dog

Your pet needs food to burn calories which will help to keep him warm during the winter, so feed him more often than usual if he’s active but no more than the usual amount if he spends his days dozing in his dog bed. If your dog lacks appetite, try warming his food and serving him some rich, warm stews. According to the American Kennel Club, warming dog food to 93-104 degrees increases palatability. Make sure to stir the food thoroughly before serving to get rid of any hot spots in your dog’s food.

Keep his bed warm

Place your dog’s bed in the warmest spot in your home so your pet can be warm and comfortable while he sleeps. Provide a cozy blanket so your dog can burrow to his heart’s content. If your pet’s bed needs an upgrade, consider making a new dog bed using an old tire, some paint, and a soft cushion. It’s an easy DIY project that can help to keep your dog happy this winter.

Let your dog wear a sweater

Your dog may have a thick coat of fur, but it may not be enough to keep your dog warm this winter. Have several dog sweaters and coats on hand for your pet to wear outdoors and indoors. If you find that some canine apparel is too expensive, you can recycle old wool sweaters or make a dog sweater from scratch if you know how to knit.

Your dog deserves some extra love and care during the cold months. Follow these tips to keep your pet healthy and happy this winter. If you suspect that your dog is ill or is showing signs of hypothermia, flu, or frostbite, consult your vet immediately.

Tips for First-Time Puppy Parents (Article)

Tips for First-Time Puppy Parents (Article)

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By Jessica Brody

Bringing home a puppy is surprisingly similar to bringing home a baby. Between all of the cuddle-time and endless picture-taking, you have to keep the little one fed, give them a cozy place to sleep, create a potty-training schedule, and keep them safe. It takes some adjustment time for you both, but it’s one of the happiest decisions you can make. For all of you soon-to-be puppy parents out there, don’t be nervous. Just keep a few tips in mind before you add the newest little addition to your family.

Which Breed Suits You

Pet TipsDo you want an indoor or outdoor dog? Do you want a large breed or small breed? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself as you read through the variances between breeds. For example, if you are an active person, you will likely want a dog to run or hike with. In that case, Labradors and Australian Shepherds are some of the more active breeds. If you want a lap dog, a Dachshund or Pug may be the perfect choice. Each type of dog has a unique set of qualities that will help you determine whether they will be the best match for your family.

Helping Your Puppy Adjust to Your Home

To a puppy, your home is a very large and maybe even scary new place. Make sure you properly prepare your home before you let them freely roam. They will want to sniff everything, maybe chew on a few things, and potentially hide in small spaces like under the couch or under your bed. It’s up to you to let them explore, teach them what they shouldn’t chew, and facilitate the feeling of a safe home.

The first step is to provide them with their own specific spot in the house. Many dogs like to have a place like a kennel or bed as a type of home base. This is the spot where they will sleep, run to if they are scared, or play with their toys if they aren’t comfortable in the rest of the house yet. Show them where that spot is, and reward them for settling in. The more they feel like they have a safe place to run back to, the more they will feel comfortable to investigate the rest of the house.

Since everything is chewable, don’t let your puppy wander the house alone for a while. Walk with them while they are exploring and guide them away from any valuable items. Try to keep items like stuffed animals, children’s toys, clothing items, or pillows off of the floor. This way the puppy won’t confuse these items with their own toys. As time passes, they can begin to learn which items are off-limits and which items are safe to play with.

Activities to Do With Your Puppy

Pet TipsWhat are some activities to do with your puppy? Playtime is very important for a puppy. It helps them develop their relationship with you and learn their boundaries. As they fetch their toys or play tug-of-war with their favorite rope, they learn how rambunctious they are allowed to become, how hard they should bite, and when they are supposed to calm down. These are all the rules that you get to set while you learn your puppy’s playful habits.

It’s also very important that you make time to walk them daily. These little ones have a lot of energy that they need to get out, and keeping them cooped up in the house won’t fulfill their need for exploration. But make sure you know the appropriate length of a walk first, so that their little muscles won’t be overworked.

You are about to find yourself in the middle of an adorable, furry adventure! You have nothing to worry about! You’re already doing your research and thinking through the first steps toward bringing them home. You are going to make a great puppy parent!

Wordpress platform

Thinking About Starting a Website Using WordPress?

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This is my personal experience, the good and the bad, with using the WordPress platform for my website, DogPerDay.com…

The website was started about nine years ago in 2008. My wife, Kate, was in the computer science industry, and so she was able to build it from scratch. WordPress was not really an option at the time, or at least we did not know about it. We hosted the website with a company called Lunarpages, and our email marketing system was some free software that came along with the hosting package.

We loved our little website, and it actually obtained a very good Alexa ranking of about 350,000 at its height. We got up to around 400 email subscribers before I kind of lost interest and stopped updating the site and stopped sending out my daily emails.

In about March of 2015 I decided that I wanted to revamp the website and Siteground hostingget it going again. We wanted our redesign to utilize WordPress, and so we hired a web designer for about $2,000. He had some good of experience building WordPress websites. He did a great job on the design and look of the website, and we got pretty much exactly what we wanted as far as that went.

What our designer did not really tell us about were the potential security issues that come along with a WordPress website. So if you are just starting, be aware of security and potential attacks from hackers. We were also not told about how to optimize our content, especially our images, as DogPerDay is an image-heavy website.

So as a result of our WordPress website’s poor optimization and security, we were harassed by Lunarpages regarding something called “CPU Usage.” Usually a website is hosted in what is called a “shared environment,” and if your website takes up too much CPU percentage, you may get a notice from your hosting company. This is also something we were never warned about, and so at the beginning I was posting all kinds of images at 500 KB, or 1 MB or more, thinking nothing of it. Don’t do that… if you’re building a new website using WordPress, optimize all of your images as much as possible from the very beginning.

Lunarpages was almost no help at all in solving these issues. In fact, they pretty much harassed us with unfriendly, threatening email warnings, making us feel like we were guilty of some kind of a misdemeanor. Lunarpages had no expertise at all in WordPress websites. And by the way, my website was extremely slow loading with Lunarpages. And so… just the other day I decided to terminate my account with Lunarpages and migrated my website over to Siteground.

I did some research trying to find the best hosting company to support a WordPress website, and Siteground was one that I kept seeing over and over again. They didn’t always receive the #1 best review, but they were the most consistently in the Top 3 of any WordPress hosting company review. In fact, I learned that they are an officially recognized hosting company by WordPress itself. During discovery, the sales associate in the Live Chat was able to answer all my questions and made me feel like Siteground could easily handle the former problems I was having.

The migration of my website over to Siteground was not perfect… it was not a perfectly smooth transition. But the Siteground support team was always very quick to respond to my questions and very helpful. They have a Live Support Chat, and so technical issues and problems can be taken care of swiftly and painlessly. So now DogPerDay is  up and running with Siteground, and I can already see a difference in my website’s loading speed. And it’s affordable.

If you’re thinking of starting a WordPress website from scratch, or you’re thinking of migrating over to a new hosting company, I recommend Siteground.

Click here to check out Siteground’s WordPress Hosting Plans >>

Web Hosting

GetResponse All-in-one Online Marketing Platform

And when we were researching email marketing platforms to use for DogPerDay, we chose GetResponse. They have a great email newsletter creation tool that is easy to use for a non-technical person like me. My DogPerDay daily emails look great using the GetResponse WYSIWYG editor (what you see is what you get).

GetResponse also has a great Live Chat tool for their customers, and they are always there to answer questions and resolve issues quickly. They have a free trial if you’d like to try it out before committing.

Click here to sign up for the GetResponse Email Marketing Platform FREE Trial >>