Every dog owner knows that their yard belongs to their pet just as much as it belongs to them, if not more! The perimeter of your property is where your pooch loves to play the most, so it’s important to keep that space safe and comfortable for him, while still looking tidy and green for you. It’s hard to know the best ways to take care of your front yard when you share it with a four-legged friend; too much attention can take up your time, and not enough care can leave you with an unsightly lawn. So what’s a dog loving homeowner to do? Follow along and we’ll give you a few great tips on how to make your yard work for you and your furry friends.

Pet-Friendly Fertilizers and Pesticides

Fertilizing your lawn and treating your lawn for pests is an important aspect of owning a home, and is beneficial for both you and your pet. However, lots of chemicals are often used in the process of getting your grass to be green and bug-free, and this can be bad news for your dog. It’s no secret that dogs love to eat grass now and then… so imagine how bad it could be if your pup started snacking on a freshly treated lawn. If you must use chemicals to treat your lawn, be sure to keep your pets away for the recommended amount of time, and limit your dog’s exposure to the lawn for a while afterwards. You can also opt for organic, pet-friendly options to help keep both you and your fur babies a little safer.

Mowing and Lawn Edging

It may seem intuitive to mow your lawn often and keep your grass short for your pets to play in, but that’s not always the best choice. Lawns mowed high, and blades of grass kept at about 3″ long tend to be the healthiest. This is because the blades of longer grass tend to have stronger roots, and the shade of the longer grass helps to keep soil moist longer, as it isn’t exposed to the sun. By keeping your grass blades a little bit longer when mowing and lawn edging, you’ll end up with a lusher, greener yard that’s more comfortable for your pet to play in.

Regular Watering

Watering your lawn regularly is also another aspect to creating a dog-friendly front yard. Keeping the soil moist helps to keep blades of grass looking their best, and also at their strongest. When your grass has well-watered, strong and deep roots you won’t have to worry about playing fetch and losing patches of grass nearly as much.

Another reason to keep a water source within reach is well… dog urine. A classic killer of grass, dog urine is notorious for creating unsightly spots on your lawn if left to bake in the sun. If you don’t already have a sprinkler system installed, consider keeping a hose at hand every time your doggy does their business in the front lawn. After they are finished relieving themselves, simply hose the area down to dilute the urine and your grass will continue to look its best!

Inspect Your Flower Beds

There’s danger for your pets lurking in the garden beds, and most homeowners don’t even realize it until they are in the after-hours veterinary emergency room. There are a number of known popular flowers and plants that are hazardous and even deadly to pets, so be sure to know what you have in your garden before you let your pet roam. Hydrangeas, rhododendron and azaleas are among a few of the known popular plants that are toxic to dogs, so check your garden and flower beds to make sure you’re not accidentally creating an unsafe environment for your pet.

Keep Trash Secure

Do you typically keep your trash cans in the front of your home out of habit and convenience? Wherever you keep your trash, be sure to make it safe and secure so your pup can’t try to get into it. Dogs seem to love nothing more than rooting through gross, stinky trash, right? Keep your dog from strewing yesterday’s garbage all over your front yard and be sure to have all of your garbage kept safely out of their way.

Make a Shady Space

After a long walk or on a particularly hot and sunny day, your pooch will really appreciate a shady place to rest and relax in the front lawn. If you don’t already have natural shade from mature trees, consider installing a covered area on your front porch for some relief from the sun. Don’t forget to leave out a water bowl with fresh water; dogs can easily get dehydrated too!

Set up Some Fencing

If there’s one thing that every dog has in common, it’s unpredictability. Even the most obedient, well-trained dog can get a little wily and won’t be able to resist darting across the street to catch the neighbor’s cat, or chase away an offending squirrel. If you have a pup that’s always trying to escape, fencing in your front yard is an excellent option for you. This will help to set up boundaries for your pet, and if done right, can be a cute curb-appeal feature to your home. Setting up a fence is also a great idea for neighborhoods with high foot traffic, and will keep neighborhood kids, bikes and other animals off your grass and out of your property.

Friendly Signs

Sometimes, it’s not your pet that’s the problem… but the pet of a thoughtless neighbor. It’s infuriating when other pet owners don’t clean up after their pet and not only creates a mess for you, but can also ruin the look of your lawn. A gentle, friendly reminder by the way of humorous garden signage can go a long way to helping further set up boundaries and protect your lawn.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to making your yard a safe and enjoyable space for you and your pets. However, with some visual tweaks and new, simple habits, you and your pup will be able to enjoy a comfortable, safe and beautiful lawn with ease!

In today’s world personal protection is a very relevant topic of conversation. Everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbor recognizes the value in maximizing their protection at all times. Whether you’re out and about or enjoying an evening at home, a personal protection dog can safeguard you from harm’s way and offer you peace of mind. Make no mistake, these dogs don’t just guard the front door: they’re extremely intelligent and can be trained to protect their owner from impending danger.

So what breeds are at the top of the list? Here are the five best personal protection dog breeds to look out for…

German Shepherd

Bred as a herding dog, the German Shepard is highly trainable, naturally protective, and is an extremely lovable pooch. After all, that’s why these canines are used as police and government-employed dogs. They’re not only great with kids, but they’re ready to defend their owner without a moment’s hesitation. If you want a companion that expertly follows commands, is incredibly loyal and works hard, then this breed is a great choice.

Rottweiler

Muscular and strong, Rottweilers are built for providing optimal protection. This breed is highly sought-after for their effective guarding characteristics, as well as their affectionate and loyal demeanor. Similar to the German Shepherd, Rottweilers are also bred for duty, often used among FBI and Police forces as they are eager to work and learn. While they’re sure to scare off an unwanted intruder, when the time comes to cuddle up on the couch with family, they’ll be right by your side.

Dutch Shepherd

Sporting a lean, muscular body, the Dutch Shepherd breed can easily intimidate any looming threat. They’re highly intelligent, willing to answer commands, and love pleasing their human companion. Recognized for their great temperament, Dutch Shepherds are the perfect addition to any family or individual seeking protection. They are also extremely active, meaning they love to play and dish out a mouthful of wet kisses to show their affection.

Belgian Tervuren

Known for their long mane, Belgian Tervurens are ideal for providing protection in regions that experience colder weather. Once the summer rolls around, their lengthy fur can be shaved down to keep them cool. Bred as a herding dog, this breed of canine offers individuals and families optimal protection due to their natural herding instincts. Belgian Tervurens score high on the IQ scale, enjoy obeying commands, and are also eager to please their master.

Belgian Malinois

This military, police, and FBI K9 is a popular choice among many when it comes to finding a well-groomed guard dog. While they’re incredibly smart and active, they are also affectionate and loving companions. If your family is highly active and enjoys being out and about, then you’ll want to get yourself a Belgian Malinois.

With the right training and attention, a personal protection dog is an effective way to safeguard yourself or your family from encountering any harm. The perfect companion is out there waiting for you to welcome him or her into your home with open arms.

Many dog owners enjoy taking their furry friends to dogs parks. Dog parks allow dogs to get exercise and socialize. Unfortunately, dog parks can also be dangerous both for dogs and dog owners if an aggressive pet is present. This infographic, sponsored by Morris, King and Hodge P.C. explains how you can keep your dog safe in dog parks. It explains how to spot the common signs of aggression in dogs and what to do if you encounter an aggressive pet.

Ever since man domesticated the dog, he wondered how to improve his companion so that it is loyal, reliable, and useful. Back in the old days we were mainly concerned about creating dog breeds for a variety of practical purposes, such as hunting or catching rodents, but these days things have changed. We own not just for practical purposes, but because we love them. We see and treat them as family members and they give us in return something that is very hard to find, and that is unconditional love.

Thus, it is possible to say that in present days we are more interested in dogs that are great companions and friends. This led to the appearance of several cross-breeds, or as some may call them, “designer” breeds. This means that two official, pure dog breeds are used for the creation of a cross-breed, with the purpose of obtaining a mix of the best traits both breeds can offer. So the Goldendoodle, the cross-breed you are about to discover in the following paragraphs, is the result of breeding the Golden Retriever with the Poodle, two highly popular dog breeds.

Considered by some as the perfect mix…

While cross-breeding is meant to produce better dogs, not all combinations are always 100% successful. But in the case of the Goldendoodle, it appears that nothing can go wrong. They are dogs with an incredible temperament and adorable personality. Goldendoodles are gentle, playful, friendly, and very smart. Thus we can say that it is an ideal family dog. Properly socialized, the Goldendoodle will get along well with people of all ages, other dogs, and animals as well.

Another advantage of owning a Goldendoodle is that it has an adorable appearance, but without being small and fragile. Because one of the parents is the Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle will grow to be a medium-sized dog. So it won’t be too large or too small. If you are worried that small breeds are way too sensitive or incapable of withstanding your kids’ activity level, this designer breed will have what it takes to become a loyal companion for children of all ages.

It is not that easy to find…

The Goldendoodle is also a dog breed suitable for those that want a dog that is a bit more special. It is a cross-breed that has emerged in recent times, which means that there are relatively few dog breeders that can provide Goldendoodle puppies. Also, it is not an official dog breed, which further explains why these dogs are not widely available.

If you want to enjoy a healthy Goldendoodle as your companion, you should choose your breeder well. Cross breeding two dog breeds is not easy and in order to produce quality pups, the breeder must have sufficient experience. Take the time to perform proper research when looking for Goldendoodle puppies, as there is a chance you’ll come across a breeder looking to get a profit more than offering healthy and loved puppies.

They are hypoallergenic while having a teddy bear look…

Luckily the Goldendoodle inherits the Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat, which means that they will shed very little. So besides the fact that you won’t see too much dog hair around the house, these dogs are recommended for people with mild dog hair allergies as well. Due to the fact that there isn’t that much dog hair and dander in Goldendoodles, there is very little possibility for an allergy to manifest.

What about Goldendoodle coat colors? The most common colors for Miniature Goldendoodles are apricot, golden, red, white, and yellow. This is the result of mixing a dog with a coat that has various shades of yellow, the Retriever, with a dog that can be quite colorful, the Poodle. Besides these colors, it is also possible to find Goldendoodles that are black, dark brown, or gray, depending on the coats of their parents and how much these traits transfer to their pups.

Another aspect worth noting about their coats is that they can be found with three different coat textures as well. A Goldendoodle can have straight hair, wavy hair, or curly hair. Again, it depends very much on how the inherited traits manifest.

They are among the friendliest dogs in the world…

If you want a dog that has displays zero aggressiveness, a Goldendoodle is the one. These dogs are extremely friendly and when you think about their parents, you realize that it could be no other way. Both the Golden Retriever and Poodle are amazing dogs precisely because they are friendly, gentle, and tolerant of everyone. A Goldendoodle will want to befriend anyone and anything, so with proper socialization that starts at an early age, this dog can even be socialized with cats and other animals.

If this information about the Goldendoodle has charmed you, it is worth knowing that you are not the only one. These dogs have managed to win the hearts of many with their incredible charm and amazing character, becoming a beloved member of their owners’ families. For anyone interested in Goldendoodle puppies, Premier Pups provides all the required support. Working only with responsible dog breeders, Premier Pups promises to deliver only healthy pups that will provide love and companionship for many years.

Separation anxiety in dogs can be easily detected. When your dog starts to howl or bark non-stop, and may even destroy things and urinate on the floor, you should find a way to reassure her and restore the faith she has in you. The following tricks and ideas are some of the best possible ways of dealing with dog’s separation anxiety…

Change the “Going Away” Signals for Your Dog

Your dog suffers from separation anxiety because she is familiar with the way you say goodbye. You need to change your going away signal to prevent separation anxiety. You may want to consider using another exit door, or put on your coat but remain in sight for about 15 minutes or simply leave your shoes, keys and other items in another location that your dog is unfamiliar with. Your goal should be to break your dog’s familiarity with signs that you are leaving. This may help ensure that their separation anxiety symptoms are not triggered. When your dog is not aware of your going out, she will probably think you are around somewhere and may not become anxious. This strategy may not be the best when you are going out of the home for a long time but it can be combined with other strategies to make it achieved the desired objective.

Play Your Dog’s Favorite Soothing Music and Add a Treat

It may take a while for you to detect the kind of song your dog reacts to oftentimes. Any music that calms your dog will always be good music to help her deal with separation anxiety. You should know that the Dog is a music lover. You can add a treat while playing music for the dog. The treat can distract him from paying attention to when you are actually going out.

Calming treats alone will only work as a short-term remedy to deal with separation anxiety in a dog, but the addition of the dog’s favorite song while she deals with the treat or toy can make the total effect longer-lasting in preventing anxiety. Playing background music for your dog can make your dog fall asleep occasionally, which is very good at calming her nerves.

Train the Dog How to Survive Alone and Create a Personal Space for Her

You should learn to command your pooch to stay in a room while you go to another room, even when you are not going outside of the house. If your dog is suffering from severe anxiety, then you may want to start by training her to stay in a room for 10-15 second intervals and gradually work for several weeks to train the dog for between 25-30 minutes to get her to stay in her place while you leave the room or house.

Similarly, creating a personal space for the dog is one of the most effective ways of helping her deal with separation anxiety. Instead of always sleeping on the same bed with your dog, you could give her a separate bedroom where you can pet her and give her some treats. Helping your dog get used to her own space will eventually eliminate separation anxiety.

Don’t Leave the Dog for Too Long

Perhaps not leaving your dog for too long may be the best possible way for the animal to get used to your routine. Your dog will eventually learn to stay alone for some part of the day if you return home within a few hours. If you have to stay away for between 6 and 8 hours or even more, you may want to bring your dog to work occasionally. You may want to structure your daily routine in such a way that you can pop in to check on her. If you are traveling for several days, you can take the dog to a close friend or relative or simply take her to a dog daycare center. Make sure the dog is perfectly taken care of when you are not around.

Make Use of Dog Anxiety Treatment Supplies

If your dog is suffering from severe anxiety, you should consider applying recommended calming agents. Consider contacting a veterinary doctor for more information on this. A dog should only be placed on calming agents only if she suffers from severe symptoms of anxiety. Any treatment medication that triggers allergic reaction must be discontinued immediately and reported to your veterinarian.

In addition to anxiety treatment medicine, you could also consider getting entertainment toys for your dog. Entertainment toys such as treat dispensers will get your dog to work and search for his treat. Pet-cube bite is another toy that can fling treats to your dog and make the animal chase such treats.

Conclusion

There are several other ways through which you can eliminate anxiety disorders in your dog. For instance, expert veterinarians suggest that you should remove all devices or items that may create panic in the dog. These may include collars, chokes, crates, and chains, especially if your dog doesn’t like such items. You may also want to hide some treats around the house and particularly indoors so that the dog can hunt for them, occupying her mind while you are out of the home.

One psychological way to help your dog believe you are still around is to make her smell usual scents of you. Some items in the home that have your scent may include your laundry or your fragrance. If your dog can smell a familiar scent in the home, even when you are not around, then she may relax and think you are probably sleeping or busy around the house. Dogs have a very good sense of smell and if you leave your bedroom open, she may think you are somewhere around. Some animal experts suggest that you should time your dog’s meal to the period you are leaving the home, which will keep your dog busy for a while.