Dog Behaviors

It’s that time of year most kids dread − Back to School. The end of summer means less time to play outside with friends, and more time devoted to classes and homework. That’s enough to put most kids in a bit a funk, but did you know the family dog might also share their pain?

That’s right, dogs can suffer from the Back to School blues, too. This week, Dog Tails gives families tips to help their dog manage the transition from summer vacation to a new school year.  By following this prescribed “homework,” you can help banish these blues soon and restore your dog to a happy state.

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What’s better than a walk in the woods with your dog? It awakens all your senses. The gentle wind blows against your back. The brilliant blue sky is breathtaking to behold. You hear the steady sniffing sound of your pup’s nose as she investigates everything around her. It is all wonderful…that is, until she stops, drops and rolls. All of sudden, your sense of smell takes over, and it’s not a pleasant whiff. “Oh no, Lucy! Don’t roll in that! It stinks!”

It is a truth universally acknowledged by dog owners everywhere: dogs love smelly stuff. Discarded food, swampy water, mud, feces or dead animals – we can’t stand the smell or sight of it, but many dogs seek it out. Some dogs like to sniff it, roll in it, paw at it and sometimes pick it up and eat it. It’s one of the less pleasant parts of being a dog parent.

Why do dogs display this behavior? We’ve done a little digging ourselves to come up with some theories. We’ve also pulled together some tips on how to manage this behavior, potential dangers to look out for, and how best to clean up after a particular malodorous episode.
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Happy National Mutt Day! Held twice a year on July 31st and December 2nd, this holiday is all about “embracing, saving and celebrating mixed breed dogs,” according to event founder Colleen Paige. In addition to celebrating the uniqueness of mutts, National Mutt Day also brings attention to the many mixed breed dogs currently searching for homes.

So in honor of this fun day and this worthy cause, we’ve put together a list of five reasons why we love mutts! We’ve included photos of some fabulous mixed breed dogs submitted by our Facebook fans. Thanks to all who contributed. Now let’s celebrate, and help more mutts find their forever homes!

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Spring is here at last! Gardeners, as you start tending to your perennials, planting new flowers and working in your vegetable garden, it is important to keep in mind the other member of your family who is itching to get back outside after the long winter – your dog. Here are four tips to help you create a safer garden for your dogs (and outdoor cats), as well as how to keep your beloved pets from stomping on, digging up, or otherwise destroying all that hard work!
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