Tip of the Day from 12/09/11: Indoor Fetch

Looking for a safe indoor toy for your fetch fiend? 45 min w Chuckit!'s Indoor Launcher = 1 tired & happy Pug & no damage to the Xmas tree or other breakables :) We got the roller and it doubles as a tug toy.

Tip of the Day from 12/06/11: Sidewalk Salt & Your Dog

Sidewalk salt can burn your dog's paws & cause digestive distress. Carefully wipe paws after walking on heavily salted areas or use dog boots. On your own property, purchase a salt-free ice melting product, such as Safe Paw.

Tip of the Day from 12/05/11: Alternative to Walking in Inclement Weather

If you dislike walking your dog when the weather is less than perfect, teach your dog to use a treadmill instead. Watch Mickey and notice that his tail doesn't stop wagging :)

Tip of the Day from 12/04/11: Decorating Your Holiday Tree

When decorating your holiday tree, skip the garland & tinsel. Both are tempting to your dog & can wreak havoc on his digestive system.

Tip of the Day from 12/03/11: Alternatives to Holiday Puppies

Instead of purchasing a puppy as a holiday gift, consider giving a donation of your money, time, or dog supplies to a dog shelter, such as Best Friends Animal Society in Kenab, UT, Villalobos Rescue Center in Agua Dulce, CA, or my personal favorite Citizens for Humane Action in Columbus, OH.

Tip of the Day from 11/28/11: Try Treibball

Looking for a fun sport to keep your herding breed happy? Check out The American Treibball Association! They also have a YouTube channel where you can watch videos of dogs learning this alternative to herding animals.

Tip of the Day from 11/27/11: Choosing a New Dog

Getting a new dog? Dog trainers usually have experience with a wide variety of breeds, making them a great resource for information on choosing the right breed for your family. Some trainers (like me) are also experienced with temperament testing, which will help you decide which puppy or adult dog to bring home.

Tip of the Day from 11/26/11: Healthy Diet

For a happy, healthy dog feed him the best quality food you can afford. How does your dog's diet stack up? Check out the reviews on http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/

Tip of the Day from 11/25/11: Holiday Decorations

When decorating for the holidays, please remember that common holiday plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, amaryllis, narcissus & fir trees are all be toxic to your dog. The degree of toxicity depends on the plant and the amount ingested.

Tip of the Day from 11/24/11: Sharing Holiday Goodies

Can't resist sharing today's feast with your dog? Stick to small amounts of skinless turkey & plain, steamed veggies (no butter, salt or other seasonings) to avoid tummy upsets.

Tip of the Day from 11/22/11:High-value Treats

Is your dog less than thrilled with commercial dog treats? When training, try cheese cubes, hot dogs, or chicken breast to motivate him.

Tip of the Day from 11/21/11: Carsickness

Does your dog get carsick? Give him a ginger capsule or a gingersnap cookie about an hour before car trips. Withholding food and water for a couple of hours may also decrease the possibility of an upset tummy in the car.

Tip of the Day from 11/19/11: Traveling with Your Dog

Since so many people travel over Thanksgiving & take their dogs along, I thought I'd share an article on safe travel with dogs.

Tip of the Day from 11/18/11: Dry Coat

As winter approaches, your dog's coat may dry out and you might notice that he has a bit of dandruff when you pet him. Try supplementing his meals with salmon oil to keep his furry soft and glossy. The bonus? It's also good for his heart and his joints :)

Tip of the Day from 11/17/11: More on Fearful Dogs

Patricia McConnell has written a great booklet called The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears for people whose dogs are shy or fearful.

Tip of the Day from 11/16/11: Resource for Fearful Dogs

If you are living with a dog who is fearful, please visit Fearful Dogs for a world of amazing tips on helping him to become happier and more confident. My incredible Service Dog, Mickey, is proof that fears CAN be overcome.

Tip of the Day from 11/15/11: Doggy Play Dates (Part III)

If your dog is possessive over balls, Frisbees or other toys, remove them when he meets a new playmate to encourage interaction and to prevent the possibility of scuffles over a treasured toy.

Tip of the Day from 11/14/11: Doggy Play Dates (Part II)

When choosing a playmate for your dog, look for one of a similar age, size, and energy level. This will give the pairing a better chance of getting along well.

Tip of the Day from 11/13/11: Doggy Play Dates

Play dates are a wonderful way to socialize dogs. For the best chance of success, introduce new dogs to each other on neutral ground. This will cut down on territorial squabbles.

Tip of the Day from 11/12/11: Excitement at the Dog Park

Does your dog get overexcited at the dog park? Exercise him for 20-30 minutes beforehand. He'll still have plenty of energy left to play with his buddies and he will be less likely to cause a ruckus when he enters the dog park.