3 Tips for a Healthy Dog   Play with your dog- Play is not something dogs outgrow but rather an activity they keenly pursue throughout their lives. Unhealthy unhappy dogs do not play, so play serves as a barometer of well being, indicating that a dog is well fed, in good health and content. Like us, dogs are different and enjoy different play activities. If you would like a copy of “Boredom Busters” or “Indoor Fun with Your Dog” please just email us with a request.   Yearly examinations by your vet- Annual physical exams are an important part of providing optimal health care and the best longevity for your beloved companion. Dogs age quickly and they are unable to tell us if they are feeling a little "off". (In fact, they are very good at hiding illness.) Remember, a year for you is comparable to about 5-7 years of life for your dog - and a lot can change in that much time. Get a check up every year.   Healthy Diet- A healthy well balanced diet is critical. There have been a lot of advances in canine nutrition. By feeding a high quality food that best supports your dog's unique needs, you're giving him the support he needs for a happy healthy life. Watch that you limit treats or offer healthy treats, such as frozen vegetables. If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s diet, consult your Veterinarian for advice.     ...read more

Do you want to get in shape with your dog? Here are some ideas...1. Walk – Walking can be a great cardiovascular workout, and it is a good starting point for out-of-shape dogs and / or owners. Walk at the park, around town, or a dog-friendly mall.2. Run – Dogs LOVE to run! It provides a very effective full body workout for both pooch and person. Your dog's breed, age, and health should be considered when determining your running routine. Don't forget that short-legged dogs will have to work extra hard to keep up with your normal stride.3. Hike – Enjoy the scenery and challenge your bodies as you and your dog share a trip through the heart of Mother Nature. Check out your local parks for dog-friendly trails. Don't forget to have your dog current on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention before trekking through those buggy areas!4. Bike – This takes some coordination from both you and your dog, especially if the dog will be leashed. This workout is great for dogs who are too speedy for their owners to keep up with while running. Biking allows the dog to run at a fast pace beside the cycling owner. Be very careful when biking with your dog, and practice it slowly in a safe area before reaching high speeds.5. Swim – If you have your own backyard pool or you have access to a lake or pond, swimming is another excellent full-body workout that you can enjoy with your dog. Not all breeds are designed for this activity, and not every dog is a talented swimmer. Allow beginner canine swimmers to practice supervised in a safe area.6. Agility – Agility is a canine sport, which can demand a lot of activity from the owner as well. This fun sport allows your dog to run an obstacle course, while the owner often runs along side him giving commands and directions.7. Retrieve – Frisbee, ball, stick....whatever drives your dog will do for a fun game of fetch. This activity is a great low-intensity workout for you, but will surely wear out your active dog. ...read more

Tame Halloween Fright with Bark Busters' Safety Tips for Families with Dogs   "Halloween is intended to scare and startle us—making it a spooky holiday for dogs, too. By being more sensitive to dogs' fear-driven ‘fight or flight' instincts, we can help keep our furry friends safe this Halloween." Halloween brings a fun time for most of us, but for some of our much-loved four-legged family members, Halloween can be a nightmare. Dog owners may not be able to control external surroundings, but they can care for their dog's safety and well being by observing the following tips: Bring your dog indoors. Even if you have a fenced yard, bring your dog inside where he cannot be harmed or overwhelmed by little ghouls and goblins. If he is an outside-dog, bring him in a few times before the big night to get him comfortable with being indoors. Remember, it is a natural instinct for dogs to protect the family from strangers, and on Halloween there will be plenty of strangers.  Keep your dog restrained. If your dog is timid or scared, or if he tends to love people a little too much, put him in a separate room away from the front door. This will limit his excitement, aggression or chance of running outside and getting lost or injured. Reassure your dog. If your dog seems to feel unsettled by Halloween activities, just act as normally as possible. By over-reassuring your dog or giving him extra attention, you inadvertently can communicate to him that there must be something to worry about. Get your dog focused on something good, like a toy or a game. Have your dog get used to costumes. Your dog may regard his family members as strangers once they don their Halloween costumes. Before the kids put them on, allow your dog to scent the costumes. Keep masks off while your dog is around. Check your dog's ID Tag. Be sure identification tags are secure on your dog's collar—just in case. Keep candy away from your dog. Many candies—especially those containing chocolate or xylitol, an artificial sweetener—are toxic to dogs. Problems can range from a mild upset tummy to vomiting and diarrhea, or even death. For your dog's safety, be sure to keep all sweets and their wrappers well away from him. Protect your dog from candles and pumpkins. Agitated or excited dogs (and their swinging tails) can easily knock over a lit candle or pumpkin. Keep such items out of your dog's reach, or consider using a battery-powered candle that does not burn. Think twice about dressing your dog in a costume. While some dogs do enjoy being dressed up, many don't. Experiment first to see if your dog likes being in a costume. If he shows any resistance, don't do it. Tie a fun bandana around his neck and he'll be happier and safer. Consider carefully and be prepared. Think carefully about taking your dog with you on trick-or-treating rounds. You may unintentionally instill a new fear of strangers in him, creating a wariness that could last long past the holiday. If you do take your dog, keep a firm grip on his leash. Dogs do not understand that the person jumping out at you will not hurt you; they often think they can only help you by acting aggressively. Neither children nor adults in costumes should approach a dog without the owner's consent. About Bark Busters:Bark Busters started in in 1989 in Australia and came to the United States in 2000. Since inception, over 500,000 dogs have been trained worldwide using its dog-friendly, natural methods developed by Sylvia Wilson.  With approximately 240 franchised offices in 40 states and more than 400 offices in 10 countries, Bark Busters is continuing its mission to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce the possibility of maltreatment, abandonment and euthanasia of companion dogs. Bark Busters is the only international dog training company that offers guaranteed lifetime support. SPCA International selected Bark Busters dog behavioral training services as the "Best of the Best" in its category. No other training company or dog trainer has received such a distinction. To fetch a trainer in your area, call 1-877-500-BARK (2275) or visitwww.BarkBusters.com, where dog owners can complete a Dog Behavioral Quiz to rate their dogs' behavior. ...read more