Don’t have a date for Valentine’s Day this year? No need to fear, your pup is here to save the day! Sound silly? Well, there are actually quite a few reasons why dogs can make better Valentines than people do. Here we have just a few of the reasons your pup should be your date this year!
1. Dogs aren’t picky.
They truly can have a blast doing just about anything. You won’t have to worry about a fussy date, as they will be more than happy just spending the day with you!
2. You’ll have the cutest date.
Without a doubt, all your friends will be jealous you’ve got the cutest date in town! What’s cuter than a furry face and a sweet set of puppy dog eyes?! Definitely not that boy you’ve been chasing after.
3. You won’t have to get all fancied up.
You know that pair of heels that are just so cute, but you can’t help but dread wearing them? No worries! Your dog would love nothing more than for you to throw on your comfiest sweatpants and stay in for the night.
4. You don’t have to worry about buying extravagant gifts.
Instead of buying a diamond necklace or an expensive pair of shoes, you can just pick up some treats or a cute little toy! The best part is they will love it- no matter how big or small the gift is.
5. No chance of a sweet Valentine’s Day turning sour.
You won’t have to worry about any cancelled plans or anyone picking a fight. Dogs are notorious for being happy-go-lucky critters, so you’re in luck! You’ll be sure to have a great day with no complaints.
6. Dogs make the best cuddle buddies.
Because they are covered in fluff, and are just naturally warmer than people, they make the best snuggle buddies! So, when your Valentine’s Day comes to an end, you should end the night cuddled up to your best friend.
No matter how you choose to spend your day, be sure to have fun and stay safe! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Did you know that January is ‘walk your dog’ month? During the winter, it’s easy to get in a rut and not spend as much time outside. If you and your dog have the right gear, taking a winter stroll can be something to look forward to, rather than a chore. Here are five essentials to make winter dog-walking a breeze!
1. Waterproof boots/ shoes
A nice, durable pair of boots isn’t only a good thing for us as people, but for our pets too! Although many dogs get through fine without them, others can really benefit from them. For example, older dogs not only tend to get cold easier, but they don’t always have the best traction on the ice. Having that rubber layer on the bottom of their foot can really lend a helping hand when walking across a slippery surface. Not to mention, boots will keep the snow and ice from getting packed into their paw pads!
2. Winter coat
Now, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know we need coats in the winter. But what about our dogs? Of course a big Great White Pyrenees wouldn’t need a coat, as they are made for the snow! On the other hand though, a short-haired chihuahua would be shaking like a leaf in freezing temps. There are many different kinds of coats that you can choose from, that way you can find what fits best for your pup! Pictured above is an insulated, water resistant dog parka. Although this kind of coat is a bit more on the expensive end, they are well worth it as they can last a lifetime!
3. Reflective Gear
Wearing reflective gear ensures that you and your dog will be seen when traveling in the dark. This is especially prominent in the winter because there are less daylight hours. There are many different things you can choose from including reflective vests, flashing pet blinkers, reflective leads, etc. Whether you’re taking a hike through the woods or just a walk around your neighborhood, it’s never a bad idea to have one extra safety precaution!
4. Pet Friendly Ice Melt
Because of all of the snow, many people start putting salt down in the winter. Something a lot of people don’t realize is how harsh most chemical ice-melts really are. They can damage lawns, sidewalks, etc. If it can damage the sidewalk, it wouldn’t have any trouble irritating your pets paws. Choosing a non-toxic, pet-friendly ice melt is definitely the way to go to protect your furry friend!
5. Travel-size First Aid Kit
Last but not least, a travel size first aid kit. Although this is good to have year round, there is more risk for your dog to slip or fall in the winter time. Ice can also become very sharp and could cut or split paw pads. In moments like this, when you could be pretty far from home, it’s a huge relief to be prepared with supplies on hand. You know what they always say, better safe than sorry!
As you can see, this list is compiled based off of pet safety, and anything that can help you and your pet get through this winter. Dog safety as pet owners is of course our top priority, and it is our duty to make sure we are prepared for what is to come. Now get out there and have a snow-filled adventure with your mind at ease!
Puppies are just the best, aren’t they? Who doesn’t love a cute, happy, little puppy face?! Although they are undeniably adorable, they can be a real handful. There are many things one should consider before rushing to adopt a puppy. You want to make sure you are prepared to take on another full-time job. Here are a few things you should think about if you’re going to adopt a puppy!
What kind of dog you get is one, if not the most, important thing for you to think about before adopting. In fact, it is crucial that you do your research on different breeds to help you determine what will best fit into your life. For example, a 10-pound Chihuahua would be fine living in a small apartment. However, a 180-pound English Mastiff would need much more space. You also want to look at the breed’s coat-type, because some dog’s coats will require regular maintenance. Dogs with tight-curly coats must be brushed out regularly, or they can end up with some painful matting that will eventually have to be shaved off. On the other hand, short/straight-haired dogs require little to no grooming maintenance, aside from the usual bathing and nail trimming.
The next thing you should definitely consider is your lifestyle. Do you have a demanding job that calls for you to work long hours? Because to train a new puppy, you are going to need lots of time and patience. You also will have to make time to keep up with their vet appointments for annual vaccines and check-ups. Not to mention, most puppies can’t just be left home alone with no supervision. If you choose not to crate train, you will need someone there to watch them or find a doggie daycare/hotel that can watch them for you while you’re gone. It will make things much easier for you if you set these things up before you bring home your new pup!
Lastly, you will just want to make sure your home is ready to welcome a puppy. Puppies are curious, and they will more than likely be ready to get into stuff. You will want to puppy-proof your home to ensure his or her safety. This means keeping the trash put away, covering electrical cords, getting rid of any poisonous plants, etc. Also, if you have children or other pets, you will want to make sure they are ready to welcome a new pet into the home. It’s never a bad idea to educate yourself on the proper ways to introduce a new pup to your family, that way you can have peace of mind when leaving them alone together. Other than that, you will just need the basic dog supplies such as water/food bowls, toys, bedding, etc. Now you’re on your way to bringing home your new furry friend!
By no means is this written to deter you from adopting a puppy, puppies are great and they truly become part of your family. It is more so to simply educate on the fact the puppies aren’t just all fun and games. There is a lot of responsibility and work that comes with bringing home a new fur baby. As long as you are prepared, things will be great. To bring things to an end, we’d like to feature a few of the new puppies we’ve recently met here at Good Dog!
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1. Stay inside and bake yummy treats!
This one you can never go wrong with. Our furry friends are always up for a tasty treat! Instead of going out in the cold, hang out with your pup inside and get to baking. There are tons of cool recipes on the internet for easy, affordable, home-made dog treats. For example, you could whip up some savory bacon-peanut butter bones, or some sweet pupcakes!
2. Make some DIY Christmas Ornaments! 
For a fun way to do something festive with your pup, create some cool Christmas tree decorations together! Like in the picture above, you could make a salt-dough puppy paw print ornament. It’s super easy, all you need is some dough, and a furry puppy paw! These are even more special, because you will have something to remind you of your best friend, forever.
3. Take a snow-filled hike! 
Although we may not always be super excited to embrace the cold, our dogs love it! Dogs love to investigate and sniff out new environments. With snow, comes new smells, textures, and temperatures. Hence why they enjoy rolling in it/ running through it so much. Snow is just one big toy for them to play with!
4. Take pictures with Santa! 
During the holiday season, there are lots of places you can take your pups to get pictures made with Santa! How cute is that? Some pictures turn out totally adorable, and others will make you laugh for days. Either way, it makes for a great picture, and it would also create some awesome memories too!
5. Cuddles and a movie marathon! 
Although this may be the most simple on the list, it still is a great way to spend the day with your pup. Believe it or not, some dogs really enjoy watching T.V. Netflix even offers a variety of dog movies such as ‘Bolt’, ‘Hotel for Dogs’, ‘Benji’, and many more! So turn on a good movie, get the snacks, and cuddle up with your dog for the day.
These are just a few of the fun things you can do with your pup this winter! At the end of the day, your dog really just enjoys any time he/she gets to spend with you. It’s simple. We don’t always think about it, but our dog’s worlds revolve around us. Even if they don’t need too much to be happy, we should still take the time out of our day to spend a little quality time with them. Whether that’s inside or outside, your dog will love it either way! It’s the thought that counts, and they will be forever grateful for the time spent.
Approximately 6.5 million animals enter U.S shelters each year. More times than not, these animals aren’t young and lively anymore. Many of them are senior pets, who probably once had homes and families, and could have ended up homeless for various reasons. When we think about bringing home a new pet, we often think of a tiny, fuzzy kitten or a fluffy, energetic puppy. But, why don’t we ever think of bringing home an older pet? Sure, they may be going a little gray and they may not have all the energy in the world, but a lot of us can probably say the same. They still have so much love to give, and just like the rest of us, they simply just want to be loved. November is adopt a senior pet month! Here at Good Dog, we have many senior dogs who come in to visit us. We wanted to highlight a few reasons why adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding, great experience. Not to mention, we also wanted to give a few of our very own senior residents some shine.
1. Old dogs can still learn new tricks! It’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, a lot of times older dogs can be easier to train than puppies, due to their ability to focus for a longer period of time. Consistency is really the only thing that matters when teaching anyone something new! (Consistently giving treats that is.)
-Molly, the 14 year old Blue Heeler! She still loves to play fetch and she also enjoys bath time.
2. Senior dogs often already have basic training. Most senior dogs have already been potty trained, and many of them know basic commands like sit, stay, shake, etc. Teaching a new puppy these things can take a lot of time and energy that many people just don’t have.
-Buddy, the 14 year old chow-lab mix! He is one of our regulars in daycare! He still comes at least once a week.
3. Older dogs are more calm, and less energetic. Once dogs come out of their puppy stage, they tend to calm down quite a bit. This means fewer chewed up shoes, and less destroyed furniture. This also means they will be less needy in terms of wanting to play, or go on walks 24/7. If you have children, older dogs tend to be more calm which typically results in them doing better with kids as well!
-Bug and Sophie, the 14 year old pug sisters! They love to cuddle up together for naps.
4. Senior dogs already have set personalities and temperaments. Senior dogs are already who they are going to be. You won’t have to worry about any surprises. They already have their set personalities, whether that be shy, calm, outgoing, or friendly. What you see is what you get. With that being said, this will make it easier to assess how he/she may fit into your lifestyle.
-Bully, the almost 12 year old French Bulldog! He still comes to daycare all the time! (Even if his time here is mostly spent sleeping.)
5. Adopting an older dog is saving a life. Many times dogs over the age of five are overlooked. The odds for them aren’t always great. Some of these dogs will live in a shelter for the rest of their days. It’s important to remember that older dogs need a home just as badly as the young ones. It is a heroic thing to find beauty and love in what others wouldn’t even think twice about.
-Tipper, the almost 10 year old chihuahua-beagle mix! She is the best to snuggle with!
These are just a few of the many reasons why adopting an older dog can be the right choice for a lot of us. Everyone deserves a home and a family, no matter how young, old, big, or small. With all the cute puppies around, I think it can be easy for us to forget about the older dogs. That is why we wanted to bring awareness to adopt a senior pet month! Next time you are looking to bring home a new pet, consider taking home a senior pet. Take it from Tiki, who is a senior himself, that the old guys are just the best!
– Our very own Tiki, the 11 year old pug-poodle mix! Tiki loves his human and doggie friends and he likes to play with his toys.
The continuation of ‘Tiki’s Story’…
Although Tiki had spent so much time at the vet, he was only in the beginning stages of his recovery. For another month or so, Michelle, and some of the staff at that time, would take turns caring for Tiki. He still could not walk due to his injury, so they would carry him around on a large, sturdy platform in order to get him around for the time being. They would carry him inside and outside several times a day, and he would just hang out with Michelle in her office in his spare time. After almost two months of not being able to walk, they knew it was time. It was time to begin teaching him how to walk again. They could see it in his eyes just how much he wanted to walk, and he was determined to become mobile again. They would encourage him to walk by crouching down a small distance away from him, and they would call him to them. Although he would cry out at times due to the pain at first, he eventually began to drag himself using his front legs. He did this for some time to get around, but over time he finally began to use his back legs again. Of course, it wasn’t perfect at first. He would keep his back legs together and he would practically hop around. This was still so, so far from where he started. He was making so much progress then one day, in the blink of an eye, he began walking on all fours. It really goes to show you that with a little hope, you can truly do anything.
Originally, we thought Tiki would be adopted out, but we had grown far too close to him. He was apart of our family now, and everyone had so much love for him. He was simply the one, and he’s been with us ever-since. As you can see, this was not a story that could be summoned up in just a few sentences. Did you know that in the U.S alone, approximately 1.2 million dogs are hit on the roads each year? This is a staggering, heart-breaking number. This is just another reason why Tiki’s story was so important for us to tell. It is important for us to be reminded of how much power we have to help not only people, but animals too. We love you Tiki, and we thank you for bringing so much love and laughter to our lives each and every day. You inspire us, and our lives wouldn’t be the same without you!
Each and every dog has their own unique story. Here at Good Dog, we see hundreds of different dogs, from towering Great Danes to tiny chihuahuas. They all come from different backgrounds and homes, and their owners always have fun stories to tell. Unfortunately, not all dogs have a great start, but there is so much beauty in what we as people can do to better a dogs life. As many of you know, we have a furry little pug-poodle mix named Tiki, who has been our mascot for Good Dog for eight years! We always get so many questions about him, and we figured it would only be right to outline his inspiring journey for you all. Tiki’s story; who he is, his accident, and his recovery.
People are always so intrigued by Tiki, as he is a scruffy little old man, with a huge underbite, who just hangs out on our desk in the front lobby. He is always there to greet everyone as soon as they come in, and he is not the least bit shy. He is very much known for running around demanding attention. Many would say he lives the perfect doggie life, because all day long he gets numerous treats and all kinds of affection. If you know Tiki, you know that he is extremely vocal and makes the strangest noises when he gets excited. One thing for sure is that Good Dog would not be the same without our beloved Tiki. He is hilarious and truly one of a kind. In the eight years that he has been with us, he has changed so many of our lives for the better. I think I can speak for all of us when I say, Tiki makes coming to work so much more enjoyable. I mean, who wouldn’t want a cute little dog by their side all day while they work? Now, how did we get tiki you may be asking? It all started back in September of 2011. Michelle, who is one of the managers for Good Dog, was off for the day and she had an appointment scheduled at a beauty salon to have her hair styled. As she was waiting in the front lobby, one of the stylists rushed in exclaiming to her co-workers, “I am so sorry i’m late! I just saw a dog get hit by a car!”
After hearing this, Michelle, who has worked with dogs for years, and has many of her own, of course started to tune in at this point. The stylist goes on to say that she couldn’t keep him due to having two boxers at home, so she just took him to a nearby vet to see what they could do. Michelle at this point explains to her that she works for Good Dog, and she would love to help out, as we have had many rescues. So, she gives the stylist her number and waits to hear back. Not too long after, she ends up reaching out to Michelle. She tells her that Tiki had a broken hip and he was going to have to stay at the vet for quite some time. If you are a pet owner, you know how expensive things can get when you make trips to the vet. Although the stylist had no money to pay for him to essentially live at the vet for a while to recover, that’s when a miracle happened. A woman was standing at the front when Tiki was dropped off, and she had selflessly offered to pay. For it all! Thanks to her, Tiki was given a second chance, and was able to live there for a month. They called him ‘Neil’, before he was ever our Tiki. Before we knew it, it was time for him to come to what would become his forever home. He arrived for the first time at Good Dog, on October 10th, 2011.
To be continued….
August 9, 2013
Dear Diary,
Today was a roller coaster of emotion, but as always, I handled it with my customary epic fortitude.
It started out like any other Friday. Work was as busy as ever – so many dogs were checking in, it made my head spin. Per usual, I held everything together with my shrewd management acumen. Had I not been there, I’m not sure how the Good Dog staff would’ve made it through the morning.
At 11:30, things started to slow down and Mandy came through the door. I didn’t expect Mandy and Jenny’s shift to start until 1:00, so I was a bit surprised, but she scooped me up and tossed me in the car. I’m always pumped for car rides, so things were looking up. I thrust my head out the window and let the breeze hit my face, and life was looking beautiful. Or so I thought.
Unfortunately, our destination was the vet’s office. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Dr. Dietz and everyone at Daisy Lane. In fact, Dr. Dietz is atop my “favorite humans” list. However, trips to the vet often involve needles, and I despise needles. I absolutely loathe them. Come at me with a simple nail clipper, and I’m definitely hard to handle. Come at me with a needle, and I’m a total nightmare. I tried running for the door, but to no avail. It was just an embarrassing display of scuffling and slipping around the lobby before I ended up back on the table.
But then something amazing happened … the needle didn’t hurt. The whole ordeal was easy-breezy and a total non-issue. Miss Linda gave me a quick hug, Dr. Dietz put something into the back of my neck, and I took it like a champ and didn’t make a peep. As it turns out, Dr. Dietz was simply micro-chipping me. I’m told this is a very important step in keeping me safe, because if I ever get lost, any vet can scan my chip and my owner’s information pops up.
Those who know me might scoff at the idea of me getting lost. First, I have 30-some people looking after me 24/7, so slipping away is unlikely. Second (and most importantly), I’m not known for my speed. My co-worker Lucas (who looks like a surfer but is quite the runner) could catch me in no time, even if I have a 20-minute head start. But Michelle and Mr. Matt insisted I be chipped, because life is uncertain. There are plenty of stories about dogs that get lost. With a chip, they go straight home to their families. Without a chip, the outlook is grim. Dr. Dietz also emphasized how important it is to actually register your dog’s chip online. If you don’t register your contact information, the chip is useless. Mandy said the registration was so easy, it took like 45.2 seconds.
So in summary, I encountered my first friendly needle today. It was pain-free for everyone involved, and after a little research, I discovered micro-chipping can take place at any vet, Humane Society, or the F.A.C.E. low-cost spay/neuter clinic. As a former stray, I have some experience feeling lost and alone, and I wouldn’t wish that kind of sadness on anyone. So now I’m on a mission to make sure every dog gets micro-chipped!
Until next time,
Tiki
For our third installment on popular dog breeds, we showcase Boxers. Boxers are consistently listed among the top 10 most popular breeds in the country — and they’re a hit here at Good Dog too. We have about 200 registered as clients, and that doesn’t include our boxer mixes!
Boxers originated in Germany, where they were working dogs bred for hunting. (Their incredibly strong jaws could hold prey until the hunter/master was able to retrieve it.) Some believe the breed got its name from the way they play — by standing on their back lacks and batting their paws, which looks like doggie boxing. They usually weigh between 55 and 70 pounds — and we’ve seen them all, from our petite Gemma (pictured below) who weighs in at 45, to big man Kramer who tops the scales at 130!
Boxers often come in fawn or brindle coloring, with white markings called flash. (This is why many people refer to white boxers as “ultra flashy.”) Black boxers don’t exist — if you happen to see one, it is either a very dark brindle or a mixed breed. Their short smooth coat makes for easy grooming, so they just require the usual nail trim and bath. Some owners do take advantage of our shed-x treatment, which reduces the heavy shedding that occurs during season changes.
Boxers are one of many brachycephalic breeds, which means they have a short muzzle and flat face. This trait adds serious cuteness points, but it also has a downside. With hot temperatures, the short muzzle makes it difficult to pant, which is a dog’s main cooling mechanism. For this reason, boxers shouldn’t be “outside” dogs. If they’re outdoors on a warm day, they should be given plenty of water and shade breaks.
Boxers have a strong desire for companionship, which is always on display in daycare. Many of our boxers love to play until they konk out, then they find a staffer’s comfy lap for napping (see our adorable evidence below). The breed requires plenty of attention and thrives in an environment where they have lots of play time and exercise.
Training is a must for boxers. Some can be a bit stubborn, and their energy, speed and size can make them a handful. Our trainer Adam Moos recommends training early and consistently. It may take a lot of patience, but boxers respond to lots of practice, repetition and consistency. Ada,usually focuses on basic training commands, keeping things simple and easy, and breaking things down step-by-step. The results are impressive and can make life much easier for the dog and owner.
This is the second installment in our ongoing series on popular dog breeds. This week we take an in-depth look at doodles … a.k.a. Labradoodles and Goldendoodles.
Doodle isn’t just a funny word to say – it’s a pretty fantastic kind of pooch, if you ask us at Good Dog. There are two types of doodles, and both share a very similar heritage. The Labradoodle (or poodle/lab hybrid) was originally bred as an allergy-friendly seeing-eye dog by the Australian Guide Dog Association in 1989, then grew in popularity in North America in the mid-90s thanks to the breed’s allergy-friendly, family-friendly reputation. Similarly, the Goldendoodle (golden retriever/poodle mix) got its start around the same time, as many families sought an allergy-friendly version of the popular Labrador retriever. Doodles fit their niches perfectly and have been popular ever since.
Poodle crosses usually inherit the fur qualities of the poodle, though not the texture, which means most doodles don’t shed or shed lightly, and don’t produce high levels of the dander that causes allergic reaction in humans. Their coats can be cream, gold, tan, brown, gray, black, or a combination, depending on parentage, of course. But their beautiful shed-free appearance isn’t the only reason doodles are popular. According to AKC statistics for 2011, labs are the most popular dog in America, goldens are fourth, and poodles rank eighth. The hybrid cross between these parent breeds make terrific family dogs – they are incredibly friendly, intelligent, affectionate and easy to train.
We have more than 200 doodles at Good Dog – 120 goldendoodles and 95 labradoodles – and they are all equally amazing in their own ways. Our daycare regular Lucy Neville (below) is a relatively small goldendoodle with a quiet, gentle, friendly personality. She has one of the most beautiful coats we’ve ever seen — silky and slightly wavy, with a reddish tint that obviously comes from her red golden parentage.
Darwin and Wally Houchin (below, exercising in the woods) are larger goldendoodles with a blondish-white coat more resembling a poodle’s. They are outgoing, talkative and energetic, and they make exceptional ‘big brothers’ to the many rescue dogs that their owner often fosters.
Millie Welch, a daycare favorite pictured below, is wonderfully congenial and sweet – so much so that she was voted Prom Queen of Daycare in Good Dog’s 2001 yearbook poll! Her coat is the perfect shade of grayish black (from her black lab side) and perfectly curly (from her poodle genes).
As you can see, doodles can be very similar yet vastly different – and not just when it comes to the color of their coat. Their size can vary significantly according to parentage, for instance. Typically there are three ranges for the breed: standard doodles weigh about 50 pounds or more — and some can reach 100 pounds if mom and dad are large specimens for their breed. Medium doodles range from 30 to 50 pounds, and small or miniature doodles between 15 and 30 pounds. (Miniatures come from a miniature or toy poodle parent).
Overall, doodles are people-oriented, friendly, smart and social — though like all dogs, they come with their own challenges. Labs and goldens are famously energetic and intelligent, as are their offspring, so doodles can require a lot of exercise and may need to be occupied often. As with any dog, if you’re considering a doodle, do plenty of research before you bring one home and chat with our dog trainer Adam Moos, who has trained many doodles and has plenty of knowledge and advice on the breed. Better yet, come visit us and observe our doodle regulars as they’re playing in daycare. We always love visitors, and so do our daycare dogs!
