Dog Behaviors

It happens quicker than you think. One day you reach down to pet your pup, and you realize that they’re greying. One day you throw their favorite toy across the yard, and they don’t run after it as quickly as they used to. One day you notice they are having a little trouble getting up from their bed. Just like us, our four-legged family members slow down when they get older.

Dogs are considered seniors when they reach the last 25% of their life expectancy. This of course depends directly on their breed and size. As their body goes through changes as they age, your dog relies on you to change the way you care for them. That could mean new strategies to keep them active, a new diet, introducing new supplements, a new grooming schedule, and general changes to your behavior around them.

Getting old doesn’t mean your pup can’t enjoy many of the same things they used to, it might just take a little adjusting. Here’s how you can help your four-legged family member age gracefully!

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You’ve crunched the numbers, got the blessing of your dog (or reached a tentative agreement with your cat), found the perfect candidate at your local shelter, or decided on a reputable breeder, and now it’s official. You’re ready to introduce a new four-legged family member into your home.

Bringing a new dog into your home is a big deal! But, before you get too excited imagining the prospect of your new pup becoming best friends with the dog you already have at home or cuddling up and sharing naps with your cat, you’ll have to consider the best way to introduce them to your home.

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Adopting a dog not only saves a life, but it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do! Whether they were surrendered, rescued off the street, or were born in a shelter, your new four-legged family member will be grateful for their new home and will be eager to please their new humans.

They will also need time to adjust to their new surroundings, get used to a structured day-to-day routine, bond with each member of their new family, and may also require some training.

No matter how excited or welcoming your family is, entering a new home can be a stressful time for a rescue dog. Here’s how you can help alleviate their anxiety!
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Visiting a dog park can benefit your pup in many ways. It allows them to burn off energy, learn proper socialization skills, and work on their off-leash training commands. The dog park also allows you to learn from other owners and maybe meet a few new friends in the process!

There are, however, a few key things you need to do to prepare your pup for the dog park and some proper etiquette you need to follow.

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