Walking a dog may seem like a mindless activity, but believe me, its not just a walk in the park. Having run a professional dog walking company for four years, I have learned that there are 10 things that are crucial to ensuring the safety and happiness of dogs, their owners and the general public. Here are some guidelines every dog owner or dog walker should follow out of courtesy, safety and just plain common sense. 1. Pick up poop. Not only is not picking up poop illegal, but it is also unsanitary and can ruin other people's shoes. If you have ever had the misfortune of stepping in dog …

Many of our dogs’ comical or unusual behaviors stem from instinct. Dog's wolf ancestors lived in the wild and fended for themselves, so every action had a specific purpose. Although today’s pet dogs are domesticated, they are still animals, and many of their wild urges and behaviors come to the surface during playing or feeding.  Here are some common questions about dog behavior and possible explanations for dogs' actions: 1. Why do dogs eat grass? Certainly, he is not a cow, so why is he chewing on the lawn? A popular explanation is that dogs eat grass when they have an upset tummy because …

Did you ever want to take your pet on vacation with you, but couldn't bear to let him travel in cargo? Now there is an airline just for pets that will fly your cat, dog or small animal in the cabin of the plane! Flying with pets is a subject of much debate in the pet world. Although many pet owners consider their pets to be a part of the family, most airlines, unfortunately, do not share that point of view. Airlines typically have strict requirements that often prevent pets from travelling with you in the main cabin. Many airlines require your pet to be small enough to fit comfortably in a …

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and can provide stimulation and ease anxiety. It can also support good dental health by scraping tartar off dogs’ teeth. If you have ever found a destroyed couch or shoe, you know how helpful it can be to have something on hand to keep your dog busy. The popular image of a dog chewing an animal bone might look good in a cartoon, but in fact bones can be very dangerous for dogs because they can splinter. It is important to provide your dog with something safe to satisfy his urge to chew. Rawhides are essentially the hides, or skin, of a cow or pig. The …

Halloween is a fun time for kids and adults, but it can also be scary for animals if you're not careful. Any holiday brings an increased risk of harm and health problems for animals when candy and decorations are involved, but Halloween can be especially risky for a number of reasons. We encourage everyone to have a safe and fun holiday, but please keep the safety and well-being of your pets in mind! 1. Never leave your dog outside unattended - this is a generally safe rule to follow, but it is particularly important on Halloween. It is a sad truth that disturbed individuals have been known …

"The passion that moves us forward is from experiencing what cancer really does to the ones we love. We are driven because there is a hole in our soul where once was the love of our dog." - Gary D. Nice, CEO of National Canine Cancer Foundation Any dog owner can imagine how heartbreaking it would be to learn that his or her dog has cancer. I was astonished to learn that cancer affects one out of every three dogs, and that of those, over half will ultimately succumb to it. Older dogs are at a greater risk. It is the leading cause of death in dogs over age 10. As with humans, cancer can attack …

Dog toys don't have to be expensive purchases. There are many toys that you can make at home, and which your dog will like just as much. Here are instructions for making a few basic toys for your pup. Please note that you should always supervise your dog when he is playing with any homemade toys. Never include pieces that could choke or strangle your dog. If your dog starts to destroy the toy or eat portions of it, take the toy away and make a newer, sturdier version. Get creative but always keep your dog's safety in mind!  1. Fleece Braid Tug Toy These toys are often sold in pet stores for …

It only takes a little bit of time and effort to keep your dog healthy and clean. Although some dogs may not love being poked and prodded, grooming can actually be a pleasant bonding experience for owner and pet. Be gentle, use a soothing voice and supply praise and treats during and after every grooming session to show your dog that you are doing this out of love and not out of punishment. If you get into a routine of regularly bathing and cleaning your dog, you are guaranteed to be pleased with the results—a healthy, fresh and clean pet!  1. Dental Hygiene Just like people, dogs can get …

Last weekend, my brother lost his beagle mix, George, in New Orleans. They were swimming in the river when a current pulled George downstream. A group of kids told him that they saw a brown dog running around but we are not positive it was George. We are all extremely devastated and are working hard to do everything possible to locate this sweet boy. I have spent the past week advising my brother on the appropriate steps to take and I feel that every pet owner should know what to do when a pet becomes lost. The feeling of not knowing where your dog is or whether or not he is safe is …

Smart travelers know how important it is to be prepared when on the road. Flat tires, dead batteries and bad weather can lead to major headaches on long trips. But, when your dog is coming with you on a road trip, it is particularly important to have a special kit ready for when disaster or mishap strikes. Here's what should be in that kit: 1. Extra food Keep a small supply of dry food in the car. Be sure to check the food regularly to make sure it has not expired, and keep it out of direct sunlight. 2. Blanket If your car dies in the winter or you get stuck in a snowstorm your dog could …

Trusting someone else to watch your precious pooch can be extremely daunting, particularly for over-protective pet moms like myself. I was  faced with a near-crisis when I found out my usual pet sitter was unavailable to watch my dog during my upcoming week-long vacation in August. After exhausting all the usual options (family friends, trusted neighbors and business associates), I was left with a serious choice to make: board Kaya or find a new pet sitter to stay in my home and care for her. After years of doling out pet care suggestions it was time for me to take my own advice and find a …

Dog parks are a great way to meet other dog lovers and let your dog socialize while getting some exercise and burning off some energy! It is important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of other people to ensure that all dogs and people are able to have a good time at the park. Here are some tips to keep in mind at the dog park: 1. Separate big and small dogs. In parks that designate “small dog” and “big dog” sides, make sure you stick to the appropriate side of the park based on your dog’s size. The difference in body size alone can create a hazard for small dogs as they can …

On June 24, for one special day, thousands of dogs will have a chance to trade their bones for briefcases and their collars for collared shirts. Take Your Dog to Work Day provides a unique opportunity for hard-working dog lovers to bring their well-mannered canines to the workplace in recognition of Pet Sitters International's special holiday. Local businesses are encouraged to join forces with professional pet care providers, animal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups on this unique day to celebrate the human-pet bond.   This annual event has become increasingly popular over the …

Summer is here and dogs, like humans, are looking for a few good ways to cool off. While a previous column mentioned great ways to keep your dog active and safe during the summer, cool treats can help beat the heat for both man and his best friend. Frozen treats aren't only for humans, so try some of these great options to reward your pup after a long, warm summer day. 1. Doggy Ice Cream Frosty Paws may be the most well-known doggy ice cream, but it’s actually pretty easy to make your own version at home. Here are the ingredients you need: 1 32-oz. container of fat-free plain yogurt  3 …

Don’t let your canine friend be a hot dog! Running into a store for even "just a minute" can be deadly for a dog who is left in the car. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do — they pant to cool themselves down because their sweat glands are on the bottoms of their paws. Even the healthiest dogs can suffer from heat stroke and even die from it. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep their dogs from over-heating and learn to recognize signs of heat stroke. Dogs should never ever be left in a parked car, not even in the shade or with cracked windows. The temperature inside a car can reach over 150 …

This month Bethesda is going to the dogs! The 6th annual Strut Your Mutt Dog Parade will be held on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Bethesda. Proceeds from this annual event benefit the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. In past years, more than 5,000 people and hundreds of dogs have flocked to downtown Bethesda for a fun-filled day of dog-related activities and vendors. Activities will include an adoption show, doggie contests, food, music and lots of four-legged fun. This event is always a howlin' good time for dog owners, dog lovers and families alike! Don’t have a dog? Don’t …

Teaching your dog new commands can be fun for your dog and can make your life just a little bit easier. Dogs love being mentally stimulated, and learning new tricks is just another way for them to use their brains and please their owners. It is important to remember that training requires a great deal of patience and consistency. In most cases, a dog will not learn the trick all at once so you will find it helpful to breakdown the command into individual steps. By doing so, you can then shape your dog's behavior using praise and treats to reward him for completing each step that brings him …

Owning a dog can translate to springtime fun for both you and your dog in the Washington, D.C., metro area. The Capital Crescent Trail, Great Falls Park and local dog parks are just a few great options for enjoying the season with your pup. Here are some other fun places nearby to enjoy the warmer weather and meet other dog lovers. 1. Downs Park Dog Beach: Located in Pasadena, Md., the park includes a small beach for dogs and is an ideal place for water-loving canines to frolic in the Chesapeake Bay. On any given weekend you can find multiple dogs chasing tennis balls in the waves and wading …

Spring is in the air and plants and flowers are in bloom, but you may want to think twice before letting your dog get too close. Many pet owners don’t realize that some of the most common plants and flowers can be toxic or even fatal to dogs. Even ingesting a small amount of certain toxic plants can cause severe damage to pets. We must remember that our pets do not know what is, and is not, good for them. I always tell people to think of their dogs as toddlers — they don’t know any better so you must be their eyes and ears. The safest bet is to keep all plants and hazardous materials out of …

I think we can all agree that walking your dog in the rain can often be a real nuisance. Getting soaking wet and cleaning up muddy paws is always a chore, plus many dogs won’t do their “business” with the same regularity when it is pouring outside. If you do not enjoy going on long walks or heading to the dog park on rainy days try these indoor activities as fun ways to spend quality time with your dog while keeping her busy, active and happy! 1. Reinforce training- You can never have too many refresher courses in basic training. Lots of praise and plenty of treats will help your dog enjoy …