Puppy Pawsitivity

You just brought a puppy home and your friends start telling you horror stories about taking their dog to the vet, the groomer, and how their dog is afraid of the car… you wonder, is there a way to get my puppy to like these things?  How can I help my dog enjoy new experiences?  Have no fear!  Dogs Can Do is here!

There are very easy steps you can take to create positive experiences for your pup even in places most of our canine companions hate going.  Let’s review the basic principles you’ll need to follow.

Many people will tell you to give your dog treats at the vet or the groomer as this will help your dog enjoy these establishments.  This sounds simple, but there are important factors missing from this advice.

Imagine, you take your dog to the vet, you have your treats at the ready.  You enter the vet office and attempt to feed your dog.  Your puppy ignores the treat, it’s as if it isn’t even there!  You figure “she must not be hungry,” and continue the visit with an upbeat attitude, hoping this will do the trick.

What’s actually happening is that your dog is already too afraid to eat!  How is this possible?  You just walked into the waiting room.  Nothing happened!  Try and see things from your dog’s point of view; this is a new and unfamiliar environment.  Other dogs in the waiting room are already nervous (pacing, panting, whining).  While these signals are enough to put your puppy on edge, we’re still forgetting a major factor…. YOUR DOG’S SENSE OF SMELL!

Dogs’ sense of smell is far greater than ours.  Dogs can smell chemical changes in our bodies and in other dogs.  So, while we only see and hear signs of discomfort from other dogs your puppy can actually smell their fear.

How do we counterbalance this?  We need to take things a step further.  When taking your dog to the vet, go early so you can spend time outside.  Take your dog for a walk around the block before going into the office, this puts them in a neutral state of mind.  We’re also going to incorporate basic obedience.  This creates the opportunity for us to give our dog treats for performing cues they already know.

This process will shift your dog into obedience mode, get them to take treats, and enjoy themselves. Now, when we move into the waiting room, we are going to use a simple cue to keep our dogs focused on us; “Watch.”  The “watch” cue is used to get our dog to make eye contact with us.  Before coming to this visit you will have practiced “watch” at home. You say “watch” and your dog has learned that looking at you will get them a treat.

By taking your dog for a training walk before entering the vet’s office you’ll have help them access the thinking part of their brain.  They want to work and earn that treat.  Once you’re in the office you’re going to use “watch” to prevent your dog from fixating on what’s going on around them (i.e. fearful dogs) and keep  their attention on you.  Furthermore, since your dog is already in the proper state of mind, she will happily take the treats being given.  This is how we create the idea that “Going to the Veterinarian means good things!”

You can apply this simple process to various situations, going to the groomer, pet store, even a friend or family member’s home your pup’s never been to before.  The key is to start with the right mindset (via our training walk) and give them something to do once we’ve gone inside (“watch”).

Now, let’s discuss car rides.  Many dogs are afraid of the car because the only time they go for a ride is to go to the dreaded Vet or Groomer.  How do we solve this problem?  BEFORE ever going to the Vet or Groomer, take your dog for short care rides to create good experiences.  You can take short rides where you have no real destination or when you need to go through a drive through for coffee, food, or the bank.  The best part?  You don’t even need treats!

Rolling your windows down slightly to let in smells will be something your dog finds rewarding.  Dogs love experiencing new smells.   Additionally, we’re creating safe / neutral experiences which helps our dogs see car rides as being fun and exciting.

By following this simple formula of taking your dog for a training walk before entering new environments and then rewarding them once you’ve gone inside, we’re able to form positive associations for our dogs and prevent them from becoming fearful.  Taking this extra step will save you and your puppy from a lot of unnecessary stress!       

Dogs and Kids: Cuteness Overload!

Your baby is crawling on the floor and starts splashing in the dog’s water bowl.  Your dog looks at the baby and then at you.  Everyone smiles and laughs.  Some may take videos and post to social media.  But, what’s really going on with your canine companion?  How does he feel?

     Most people look at this scenario and think “Oh how cute!”  The problem is that they are missing the dog’s cue’s.  A baby plays with a dog’s water bowl and the dog’s ears pin back, she hangs her head, and is looking to mom as if to say “Are you going to take care of this?” (clear signs of stress).

     Both children and dogs look to us as parents and expect us to handle things.  If situations like this continue the dog may take it upon himself to correct the child.  And how do dogs correct?  Through measured bites.  Something that isn’t going to cause damage to another dog, but as humans, and babies in particular, will cause injury as we are not as sturdy as them.

     As parents and pet parents we should be managing these situations.  We keep the baby and the dog separate and monitor any short interactions.  Dogs naturally expect other dogs to give their litter space and as humans we should teach the same.  Eventually, and gradually allowing for slow, controlled, and observed greetings.  

     Teaching our dogs to give children space, as a general rule of training, but also teaching our children how to approach and interact with our dog.  By employing this approach you’re making both your child and dog feel better.  They understand that mom and dad will handle things and all is well.

     As our children get older, we should be educating them on how to properly spend time with our dog.  As a trainer I’ve seen too many instances where a parent finds it funny that their child will go up to their dog, get in their face, pull on their ears, or be rough with them in general.  This could cause a dog to lash out.  Often people see the dog as being a problem or aggressive.  But, when you review the situation it may just be that the dog was responding like a canine would instinctually as there was no intervention by mom and/or dad.

      This isn’t to say that there aren’t instances when a dog will respond inappropriately and that’s a different story.  However, I believe as people we neglect to see things from our dog’s perspective and don’t consider how they communicate.

Why Dogs Don’t Behave

Many Pet Parents wonder why their dog behaves badly.  Why doesn’t my dog come when I call her in from the yard?  She always comes when I call inside our house!  She only listens when she wants to!

 This is a common complaint that I hear from Pet Parents.  In their mind their dog is ignoring them and only listens when they want.  But, that isn’t the case.  Dogs rarely if ever act out of spite.  So, what’s actually going on?

 In this particular situation the dog can come when called inside because there is very low distraction in the home.  Therefore, nothing is competing for her attention.  But, if my dog is outside and won’t come when I call her it’s likely because she’s distracted.  It could be that it rained yesterday so the grass is more fragrant and compels my dog to explore the new scents.  It  may be much more enticing.  Perhaps she sees a squirrel and is chasing him, or a neighbor is outside and has peaked her curiosity.

 I always explain to people that you CAN get your dog to recall from outside.  The important thing is to gradually expose her to distraction when you’re training.  If your dog hasn’t practiced commands in the presences of distractions, they will not be able to “listen” in a real life situation when they pop up.

 My dog’s always barking at strangers, he’s so rude!  Again, we’re thinking like a human.  To us, bothering someone for coming to our door or passing by is being rude.  Dogs don’t think in these terms.  For your dog they see this stranger as a threat and are trying to warn them off.  Essentially saying “Hey! Get out of here! Mom, there’s a threat nearby!”

In this scenario it’s our job to teach our dogs who’s safe and that there isn’t any danger.  We do this through proper training.

 Let’s look at one more example.  When we’re walking my dog is lunging at barking at other dogs.  I get to him as quick as I can.  I pet him and tell him everything is okay, but he just won’t listen!

 This is a major difference in communication.  As humans we can communicate to one another with soothing words and gestures to calm one another down.  To a dog on the other hand, my soft soothing voice is weak in it’s vibration.  My dog thinks I’m afraid and that he must protect me.  To make things even worse, I’m petting my dog while he’s misbehaving.  My human intention is to soothe, but all my canine companion understands is that he’s being rewarded (through affection) for his behavior.

 The next time you think you have a “bad dog” try thinking a little deeper and consider things from his/her perspective.

If you are located in the Naperville, Elmhurst, Villa Park or Lombard, IL communities and are in need of Dog Training or Dog Walking services reach out to us here or give us a call at 847.802.9534

Littermate Syndrome

This may be something you are not familiar with, as was my case.  I actually heard this term mentioned on another podcast and had to look it up.  Littermate syndrome can occur when two puppies adopted from the same litter grow up together in the same home.  In some cases, these sibling puppies will form such a deep bond with each other that they fail to properly socialize with people and other dogs.

Two dogs can be twice the fun for us! But when those puppies are adopted together from the same litter, problems such as littermate syndrome can occur.  When dogs suffering from this are separated they will exhibit classic signs of separation anxiety.  You can learn more about separation anxiety in episode 21. Most experts agree that pet parents should get one puppy at a time and wait a year or two between bringing the dogs into their home.  This can be the best way to avoid littermate syndrome.  One of the worst aspects of littermate syndrome is that your pups do not properly bond with you.

Puppies typically are separated from their mothers around eight to twelve weeks.  At this time they begin to navigate their independent lives.  If siblings are kept together after twelve weeks they may become each other's “security blankets”.  As a result, they may miss the crucial phase of social development, resulting in stunted socialization skills and even anxiety when separated.

Littermate syndrome is not a diagnosed disease, and bringing in two puppies from the same litter does not guarantee they will develop this, but it does increase the chances of poor socialization.  The most common symptoms are:

• Extreme Codependency: When two puppies experience littermate syndrome they become so dependent on each other for security that they resist anything outside of their comfort zone.  This includes other people, dogs, locations or activities.

• Separation Anxiety: The result of codependence can be anxiety that occurs whenever the two puppies are physically separated. They can become so overwhelmed that they have a meltdown.

• Fearfulness: When two puppies are codependent, they fail to interact with people, dogs and things around them.  They may not develop the confidence that forms from learning and exploring their surroundings.  Because of this, they develop a fear of anything new.

• Poor Social Skills: Just because two pups are social with each other, does not mean they are good with socializing with anyone else.  Puppies need the opportunity to interact with other dogs and humans during the formative stage that develops good social skills.  When dogs are experiencing littermate syndrome they just rely on each other, and there is a possibility that they may not have equal status - one may be more dominant - which can lead to aggression.

• Aggression: While not always present, aggression can arise when one pup is more dominant than the other.  The bullying by the dominant sibling can become more intense as the dogs grow.

Littermate syndrome does not go away on its own.  The behavioral issues that arise from the puppies being raised together can be addressed however.  It may take a lot of effort, but you can help your dogs to achieve proper socialization skills and good behavior.  If you have already adopted littermates, please note that there is no guarantee they will develop littermate syndrome.  But you should be helping each individual pup be comfortable without their sibling.  Take puppies on individual walks, take them to separate training classes and have them crate trained separately.  Overcoming the behavioral issues associated with littermate syndrome is a huge task.  If you want your dogs to become confident when separated from each other and disciplined when they are, be prepared to invest significant time, but it will be worth it. I promise!

Mid-Day Dog Walks

We all know how important walks are for our dogs.  It is not just about the physical exercise, but also about the mental stimulation our pups get from allowing them to explore the world. But what if you work and are away from home all day?  That is where a professional pet sitter, like The Pet Lady, comes into play. Hiring a professional pet sitter to visit your dog while you are away from the home can be a great thing. 

Naperville Sitter, Alyssa with her pups!

So what can you expect from a daily dog walk? Most people assume that walking their dogs is just letting them out so they can do their business, but it is so much more for them.  Dog walks with The Pet Lady give you peace of mind to know that your pup was taken care of while you were away along with all the other benefits that your pet gets while on a walk.  One of those is socialization, which is beneficial to dogs of all ages.  There is also the exercise that your pet gets along with the mental stimulation they may need to not be destructive when left alone. Routines are important for our pets, and when your schedule does not coincide with your pet’s schedule, that is where The Pet Lady can step in and help keep your dog's schedule.

Potty Breaks and Dog Walks.
At The Pet Lady, we offer potty breaks and legacy walks for your pups while away.  Everyone knows you're busy working hard to spoil your pets and live your life to its fullest. So you don't always have time (or the energy) to battle traffic and come home during your lunch break to let your pup out to do their business. If you don't get home in time, you may be walking in to find that your pup left you a messy surprise to clean up. And no one wants to deal with cleaning up a mess after a long, possibly stressful day at work.

Naperville Weekend Sitter, Gabbi with her dog

Midday dog walks and potty breaks with The Pet Lady are great because you no longer have to stress about making it home in time (even if you're running late) because you know that your pup was taken out and did their business from the daily updates and photos from your sitter.  Our 15 minute potty breaks are perfect for pups who know when it is time to do their business, but may not need as much exercise as other dogs.  Our Legacy dog walks are 30 minutes and give your pup more time to check out smells, play and release some energy in the middle of the day.

Releasing Energy and Getting Mental Stimulation.
I don’t know about you, but after a long day of work and battling traffic to get home, I am always happy and excited to see my pup with her wagging tail.  She is a bundle of energy wanting to play when I am ready to eat dinner and curl up on the couch to rewatch The Office for the millionth time.  If you can relate to my story, well…you know then.  Keeping up with your pup’s routine by hiring a professional pet sitter while you are at work, can be a big benefit for both you and your pup.
Potty breaks and midday dog walks can be great for dogs that may be exhibiting naughty behavior like chewing, scratching, digging, barking or howling.  Dogs need mental stimulation along with physical exercise to stay healthy and if they do not get the stimulation they need, they tend to find other ways to occupy their time and in my experience, anything they get into while bored or trying to release energy is usually undesirable.  We all know dogs need an outlet for their energy and walks can do just that.  The sights, sounds and smells they encounter on their walks provide a safe and nondestructive way for them to get their energy out and get the mental stimulation they need to be able to relax until you return home.  Allowing a dog to sniff while on their walk, works your pup’s brain and can help tire them out mentally along with helping to reduce separation anxieties while they are alone. 

Villa Park Sitter, Caitlin with her pup!

Maintaining Physical Health.
Not unlike humans, many dogs in the US are overweight or obese.  Daily exercise is very important to keep your pup around their ideal weight.  Exercise recommendations will vary based on your pup’s age, breed, medical conditions, and the individual dog.  Most organizations agree that dogs should get in 30 minutes of exercise daily.  At The Pet Lady, we tailor your dog’s walks to their needs.  For our senior pups, a 15 minute potty break for a walk around the block may be ideal.  They tend to tire quicker than younger dogs.  For dogs who have more energy or larger breeds, our 30 minute walks may be the perfect fit for your dog.  It gives them more time to sniff, provides walks that cover more distance, or allows us to leave some time for vigorous play during our time with your dog.

Keeping Up With Your Pup’s Routine.
Do you hate having to walk in rain or snow while your pup searches for the perfect spot to do their business? And we all know it is probably a block or two away before the spot is chosen.  Maybe once in a while it is not so bad, but whether there is rain, snow or sun your dog will be expecting their daily walk.
Potty breaks and midday dog walks with The Pet Lady allow you to stay dry, warm and uninterrupted with your tasks.  It allows your dog time to do their business, and the benefits of getting outside and exercised regardless of the weather.  Rain, snow or sun you can count on our dedicated staff to provide reliable walks and give your pup the exercise and attention they need. 

To learn more about giving your pup their best walk, check out our blog post Giving Your Dog The Best Walk here.

What’s Next?
So, what do you think? Does it sound like your pups would benefit from potty breaks or midday dog walks? If you want to experience the benefits of being able to keep your pup’s routine, contact your local professional pet sitter.  If you live in Illinois in the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard or Naperville communities, call 847.802.9534 or click here to contact us for a free meet and greet.

Exercising A Large Breed Puppy

Bringing a puppy home can be like installing a backup generator on full power - they just have so much energy! We all know that puppies need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, not only for their development, but to keep them from finding destructive behaviors that can be sometimes hard to break. Let’s dive in.

How much puppy exercise is too much for large breeds?

We all know that large breed dogs are prone to joint problems and with this knowledge we need to make sure we are not over exercising our puppies.  In spite of their shorter lifespan and quick growth, large dogs take a long time to fully develop.  The younger they are, the shorter your exercise time should be.  Even if your four month old German Shepard is more than happy to keep up with you on a long hike, you should save that kind of exercise until they are older.  Because large breeds do not fully develop until about 15 months, you won’t want to start any activities like agility early.  Any strain on underdeveloped joints can lead to bigger problems in the future.  You should let your puppy nap when they feel like it.  Shorter bursts of exercise will give them the chance to rest when their body tells them it’s time.

Tips for safe large puppy exercise.

There are a few things you can begin to teach your puppy and that you should bear in mind as you learn how much and how often your puppy needs exercise.  The first is to teach your pup how to walk on a leash.  In the beginning, puppies tend to see leashes as toys and may enjoy trying to nip them on walks.  Keep their attention away from the leash and on you by carrying treats and working on skills such as sitting throughout the first several walks.  Over time, they will get used to the leash and become better at walking with it.  You have to also keep in mind timing and how long you are walking with your puppy.  Start with short, slow walks and work your way up to longer walks.  Do not begin jogging with your pup until they are least six months old and keep the jogs short until they are at least 15 months old.  You also want to be aware of the weather and temperature outside.  Keep your puppy walks away from the hottest parts and coldest parts of the day.  Puppy pads can be very sensitive so walking on pavement when it is too hot or too cold can cause injury to your pup.

Types of puppy exercise to try.

We have mentioned walking and running, which are great forms of exercise for you and your pup.  However, there are plenty of other ways to get your puppy moving and active that will let your puppy play and wear them out without causing stress and strain on their growing bodies.

Playing with toys - We all know that puppies love to chew, tug and tackle.  Toys are a great way to hold their attention, expend some energy and even show them what is okay to chew on.  Keep in mind that puppies have their baby teeth that will finish growing in about six weeks and they will begin to lose their baby teeth at about three months of age.  By six months your pup will have their adult teeth, but until then you should stick to toys that are designed for teething.  Fetch is a great way to play with your pup.  However, if they decide to sit and chew on their toy and not bring it back they may be telling you they are ready for a break in play. Tug-o-war is also an okay activity for puppies, but you need to be mindful of their puppy teeth.  They are going to fall out eventually but that does not mean they should be yanked out prematurely.  Let your puppy do the tugging while you sit back and hold the toy firmly in one place.  No matter what play you engage your pup in, play should last for no more than ten minutes at a time to give you pup time to rest and recoup.

Obedience training - Learning how to sit and stay may not be high-impact exercise, but it still involves activity and it is great for mental stimulation for your pup.  Work on basic commands for no more than ten minutes at a time.  Change up the space you use for training as your pup learns more tricks.  Move about your home and yard and test their ability to focus despite all the distractions that may arise.  Mixing low-impact activities with your pup's more vigorous play can increase the amount of time they are active without doing too much too quickly.

Exercise combined with mental stimulation - While we are quick to assume bad puppy behavior is from having too much energy, it can also arise when our pups are bored and looking for something to do.  In addition to physically stimulating activities, we should also be engaging our pups in mental stimulation.  Scent games are great to get your puppy moving as well as using their brains.  Use treat toys that they are drawn to and hide them around your home or yard and let them sniff out the location.  Doing this a few times during the day will keep your pup interested and will wear them out.

How much exercise and how often?

While there is no one size fits all for this question, understanding how much sleep your puppy needs will help you gauge how much play they may require.  On average, puppies sleep about 18-20 hours per day.  Bigger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds, so do not be surprised if your Great Dane only gives you four to six waking hours per day.  Of the hours your puppy is awake, only a fraction of them should be spent on exercise.  For puppies six months or younger, plan on two to three high-impact play sessions lasting no more than ten minutes each.  Work in one or two mentally stimulating activities into your pup’s day that should also only last about ten minutes each as well.  As your puppy gets older, you can gradually increase their play time especially for walks.  By the time your pup is about one year old a 30-45 minute walk should be okay for them to take part of. 

I hope these ideas help you and your new pup begin to form a wonderful bond and relationship.  The best thing to remember is that when a puppy displays bad behavior, consider that they may be bored and need something to keep them occupied to avoid those behaviors.

Puppy Biting

The most common question I am asked about is puppy biting, we all know that puppies will try to nibble just about anything they can get their mouths and they should grow out of it with age.  But when it becomes excessive there are some great things we can do to help curb that habit. 

Excessive puppy biting is typically a result of other problems.  As I mentioned before, puppy biting is normal and they grow out of it with age. But you can help minimize their biting by meeting their needs, and by creating desired habits from your pup.

Physical Exercise. Dogs need a mix of high stimulation exercise, such as play, chase and fetch.  As well as low stimulation exercise, such as sniff walks, hikes and swimming.  Making sure your puppy is receiving a healthy exercise routine can help tire them out.

Mental Exercise. Enrichment is great for your pup's mental health.  It helps dogs relax, and feel fulfilled.  Things such as training, sniffing, chewing, and searching for treats.  Training is a very important part of having a puppy, but it doesn’t end there.  Training is great mental exercise for dogs of all ages.

Hungry or Teething.  Many young, bitey dogs need three meals a day until puppy biting subsides.  Teething also makes a lot of puppies grumpy.  Have plenty of yummy or cold chewing options available for them.  Freezing some broth with a treat inside can be a great treat for a pup who is teething.

Over-Tired.  If your dog crashes and sleeps after a biting fit, it is likely that they were over-tired and lacking the ability to play nicely.  Always give your puppy time to nap where they will not be interrupted and often away from the family.  Crate training can be a great solution or give your pup a space in the house where they will not be disturbed, such as a spare bedroom or bathroom.

Over-Aroused.  When play goes too long or things get overly exciting, dogs can get a rush of adrenaline to the point where it is hard for them to not use their mouths.  Use enrichment and manage playtime to give them the breaks they may need.

Defensive Biting.  Missing or ignoring body language that says “don't do that” leads to dogs taking further actions to stop the unpleasant event.  There is a great book called Canine Body Language by Brenda Aloff that is a great overview of basic canine body language.  The best part is there are pictures to support each body language so you are able to see what it looks like on a dog as well as reading about it.  I got it on Amazon and encourage all dog owners with dogs of any age to check it out. But I digress, the unpleasant event can be during petting, play or around food or toys. Most of the time a dog bite occurs that dog has shown at least one if not more than one sign that they are uncomfortable.

If your pup is still excessively biting after trying some things we talked about, consider limiting your dog's space from time to time where they are unable to practice the unwanted behavior.  Crates, tethers and play pens are great options until you are able to consult with a trainer.

The Best Breed For Your Lifestyle

Choosing a dog can be very exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time.  I mean, you are committing to care for a living creature who will depend on you for their entire life.  When choosing to add a dog to your family, you may have a lot of questions: “What kind of dog should I get?” “What’s the best breed for me?” “Will they be a good fit for my family?” 

The first step to being a responsible dog owner starts before you bring your pup home.  You need to seriously and thoughtfully assess your needs before committing and making a decision.  So, we will talk about some things to consider before adding a pup to your family.  There are also breed selector quizzes online that can point you in the direction of the breed that will work best for your lifestyle.  You can just google ‘breed selector’ and tons will come up.  I checked out the AKC, American Kennel Club’s breed selector and took the quiz. I talk about this a bit more in depth at the end of the blog.

Shar Pei

First, Are You Ready For A Dog?

It is critical that you fully think it through and do not make an impulse decision because the cute dog on instagram stole your heart!  You must make sure you have the resources to care for a living breathing animal for their entire lives.  You should make sure to become familiar with the average cost of care, not just food and treats, but veterinary care.  Those bills can add up quick - which means thinking about pet insurance and pricing that out!  You should consider how much time you have to be available for your dog, and many other basic elements of dog ownership.

Things to Think About Before Choosing a Breed

Ok, close your eyes and think about what your life would look like with a dog -  are they small or big, active to hike with your or vegging out on the couch binging Netflix, do they want to share you with other pets or have you all to themselves, a one-dog household? What I highly suggest is not falling in love with a breed before fully understanding the characteristics of that breed.  Some breeds require an involved grooming routine while others need lots of space to run around.  And don’t forget each dog is an individual who may exhibit traits that are not typical to their breed.  Spending time with your prospective dog before adoption will help you get to know their specific personality and feel clearer on whether that dog is a good fit for you.

Ok, so let’s get into a few breeds that may be a good fit for certain lifestyles.

Dogs for Fitness

If you love the outdoors, you might want a canine companion that shares your love for it.  Just about every dog loves to get out, but breeds that LOVE long walk or vigorous exercise tend to be medium-large breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Setters, Border Collies, German Shepards, Dalmations and Weimaraners, say that 10 times fast.  Now these breeds need a constant level of exercise, so if you are not hiking that day, you need to be sure to schedule time for high intensity play or a long walk.

Dogs That Love Kids

Bernese Mountain Dog

Now this is I think the first question parents of children ask themselves when considering adding a pup to their family. While just about every kind of dog can turn out to be a great companion for a child, there are some breeds that are particularly known for their love of children.  Beagles and Boxers are good for children who love to run and play.  Dachshunds are great for gentle, older children.  And Labs and St. Bernards adore children of all ages to play with and protect.  There are also breeds you should really consider if you have children, such as herding breeds.  The herding breeds can make great family dogs, but they innately want to herd and chase.  

Dogs Who Are Independent 

You are a busy one and always on the go.  While dogs are pack animals by nature and need companionship, some dogs are more independent than others and may fit a busy lifestyle.  Such as, Alaskan Malamutes, Russian Wolfhounds or Shar-Peis.  I had a Shar-Pei at one point, he really was a dog who wanted to be by himself most of the time.  You can also help your pup cope with you being gone by having more than one dog, and you can mix and match! 

Attention Hogs and Homebodies

If you want a pup that thrives on human attention, think Pomeranian, French Bulldog, or toy Poodle.  These breeds tend to need less activity throughout the day than other breeds.  For a dog that loves attention and is a good watchdog or one that will bark when strangers are near, your ideal match might be a Beagle, Bloodhound or Cocker Spaniel.  My pup, Sassy, is a Beagle/Jack Russel.  She alerts us anytime someone walks by the house on the sidewalk!

Pups for Apartments

If you live in an apartment, you’re probably looking for a dog who doesn’t bark at every little thing and one who may not need tons of indoor space.  Basenjis are famously known to be non-barking, however they are high-energy and need lots of playtime.  Other breeds known to be on the quieter side include Greyhounds and English Sheepdogs, but again they tend to need good long walks and vigorous play.  You also may want to steer clear of Bulldogs and Boxers, who tend to snore, and quite loud I may add.

Dogs For Those With Allergies

Bichon Frise

All dogs have a protein in their saliva and dander that some are allergic to, and there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog.  However, some dogs produce less dander, and others shed less and so do not drop as much dander filled fur around the house.  A few dogs you should consider if you have allergies are Schnauzers, Poodles, Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dogs and Doodles, such as Labradoodle, Goldendoodle, Bernadoodle.  While Labs, Goldens and Bernese sometimes have more dander and shed more, the Poodle in the vanity breeds reduces it and may be a good breed to consider.

Pups If You Have Issues Getting Around

Whether it’s knee pain, MS, or arthritis, you probably want a pooch who likes short walks and one that can get the exercise they need indoors.  So, think big or small! Bullmastiffs and St. Bernards need little exercise as do Basset Hounds, Shih Tzus and Pekingese.  Typically medium sized dogs need a lot of exercise and attention.

Dogs Who Love To Socialize

If you love to throw a party, are a habitual socializer or are looking for a love connection you may be looking for a breed who likes to go places and meet new people. People-lovers to consider include Spaniels, Setters, Goldens and Labs.  Think of the dogs who always want to say hi to everyone! You may also want to consider Beagles, Huskies and Bichons.  These breeds also tend to be very tolerant of people who may not be as familiar with dogs. They are patient and willing to please and very easy going.  

Dogs Who Live To Walk

Do you need a bit of an incentive to get up off the couch and get outside - or perhaps you're coping with hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease.  Well then you should consider Akitas, Airedales (sidenote, beautiful dogs, will walk for days if you let them) or Eskimo dogs.  Smaller breeds like Pomeranian and Toy Poodles love to walk, but not very far.

Travelers

Do you travel a lot? You may want a pup to enjoy that with, if you fly a lot you may be looking for a small, easy to transport pup that will fit in a carrier in the cabin of the plane.  A Yorkshire Terrier or Maltese might be a good breed.  Please note, this is asking a lot of any dog, but these breeds tend to remain calm and quiet when with their people.

Soothing Stress and Depression

Whether it’s the playfulness of the Pug, the self-confidence of a Shiba Inu or the warmth of a Great Pyrenees, having the right dog in your life can help reduce and relieve stress, ease depression and overall make you happier.  Add in your pups 'smile’ when they see you, their joy for life and unwavering devotion, it is no wonder that people and their pooches have loved each other's companionship for years!

Should I Get A Pure or Mixed Breed?

Now that you have an idea of what type of dog may fit your lifestyle, you now have to ask yourself: pure or mixed breed?  Whether a dog is a pure breed known for specific characteristics or a mixed-breed, dogs are individuals, just like people, and can vary greatly.  

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Whether you want a mixed-breed or pure, you can often find the right pip at a shelter or breed specific rescue.  Shelters and rescues accept thousands of dogs of every type and temperament, so the chances of you finding your new best friend are high!

So I mentioned earlier about the breed selectors that you can find online.  Again, I looked at the AKC breed selector at www.akc.org/dog-breed-selector.

German Shorthair Pointer

So the quiz was about 7 questions and each question was a very quick multiple choice.  The things they asked do you have a dog or have you owned a dog before, how much time do you have each week for training, what is your home life (house, yard, apartment, etc), do you have small children,  how much barking can you tolerate, tolerance to shedding and activity level.  Oddly enough all the things we talked about.  Honestly, I really liked these questions because hopefully they will prompt people to thoughtfully consider their answer.  So what was my result? German Shorthaired Pointer! They are a medium sized dog who thrives on exercise, training and love.  I’ve got to be honest, love this breed! They are great, I have a few GSP as clients, they are great with their nose, eager to please and sweet natured dogs.  

If you live in the Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard or Naperville, IL communities and are in need of a dog walker or pet sitter, we would love to meet your four-legged best friend! Click here to contact us about our pet care services or call 847.802.9534