Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and while here at Pawsh we personally aren’t big spenders on this holiday, we do enjoy surprising the dog lovers in our life with oh-so cute and affordable prezzies. To help you shop affordably this year, here’s our 2020 Dog Valentine’s Day Gift Guide — a short and sweet roundup of beautiful gift ideas all under $50! Take a peek! (more…)
dog Valentine’s day
PET WELLNESS: HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG
We humans are very lucky, because dogs love us unconditionally. It’s in their DNA to give affection, which is a truly incredible quality. Of course, however, as with any relationship, there are two sides to the dog and human bond and there are a few things we can do to continually strengthen the bonds we have with our dogs.
While it is sometimes easy to get caught up with our hectic work schedules and social lives, here are some simple ways to improve your bond with your dog.
HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG #1: THE FIVE MINUTE SNUGGLE
Mornings are sometimes the most chaotic part of the day. The whole family is up and groggy, people are trying to make breakfast and shower (not at the same time!), do their hair, pack the kiddos off to school and shovel the driveway before work.
Don’t let your dog get lost in the hustle and bustle — take time for a quiet five minute snuggle. Snuggle in bed, on the couch with coffee or even in the backyard after their morning outing. This serene ritual will soon become something your dog looks forward to, especially if they are left home alone during the 9-5 hours. Plus it will help to calm your morning craziness.
(TIP: Employ the five minute snuggle at the end of the day as well, when you walk through the door. Before you check the mail, change into comfy clothes, make a snack or throw the tv on, take five and snuggle with your dog. After all, they’ve been waiting all day for you!)
HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG #2: PLAY OUTSIDE WITH YOUR DOG
While dogs are very content indoors with their toys, beds and blankets, almost all pooches get extremely excited by the prospect of going outside! But don’t let your dog have all the fun running around — join in! Not only will joining in on their great outdoor antics be a lot of fun for you, but it will further associate you as a highly joyful presence in their lives and further bond you together through a happy state.
(Suggested outdoor dog activities: fetch, chase, rough house, throwing snowballs, playing with the garden hose spray.)
HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG #3: COOK WITH YOUR DOG
We all have to make something for dinner, but did you know this daily chore can be a great way to spend extra time with your pupster? As you slice and dice away, being the culinary genius that you are, have a few dog-friendly fresh goodies on hand, such as tomatoes, carrots or other dog-friendly human foods.
Between stirring and sauteing, ask your dog to do tricks in return for pieces of chopped green pepper, carrots etc. Suddenly cooking supper is an extra hour your dog can look forward to spending with you!
HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG #4: ENROLL IN AN OBEDIENCE CLASS
Obedience classes aren’t just for puppies! Dogs of all ages can enroll at various dog training schools, providing a wonderful and educational opportunity to spend more time together.
Training a puppy is a classic way to create a bond, so why not repeat it once in a while as your dog matures? A brush up on basic obedience skills is never a bad thing — or, if you’re feeling ambitious, progress to advanced obedience classes!
HOW TO BOND WITH YOUR DOG #5: CREATE YOUR OWN DOG GAMES
Every dog has a different personality and as you know their sweet disposition the best, take some time to create a dog-friendly game that they will love! Make your own DIY dog toys, invent a game for when tv commercials are on, combine training with play — in other words use your imagination to invent a new stimulating activity that your dog will go bananas for!
PAWSH PERK: Been extra busy lately? Here are 5 more ways to reconnect with your dog!
{Huge thanks to my incredible friend and talented artist Tonya Pet Photography for photographing this vibrant installment of the “Pet Wellness” column. Be sure to visit her fantastic website for all sorts of other fun pet shoots!}
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This article was made possible by DogTrot Fitness — Canada’s exclusive distributor of the PetRun line of dog treadmills — the ideal solution if your dog doesn’t love dog parks.
Adequate exercise is equally important to your dog’s wellness as a healthy diet. Even if you can’t run WITH your dog, we can help you meet his exercise needs, regardless of weather. With running decks scaled to suit any stride, there’s a PetRun treadmill for every size of dog! WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
DOG-FRIENDLY DATE IDEAS: LAST MINUTE PLANS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY
Alright all you lovebirds — Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you have lovely plans for this evening and weekend! But in case you’re scrambling for a last minute, romantic idea to surprise your sweetie with, here are a few tried-and-true dog-friendly date ideas that will keep you out of the dog house this evening!
Dog-Friendly Date Ideas
An intimate movie night laden with sparkle and comfort
A cosy, casual evening for the snugglers!
Three easy gourmet dinner recipes that the dog can eat too!
These date ideas can easily translate to a fun friend event too for all of you lovely singletons out there. Just pack up the furkids and head to your bestie’s abode for an evening of laughter and memories!
Have a lovely weekend everyone! Celebrate the love in your life, no matter what it’s form may be! Love of an kind is worth noting! xo
{Photography via}
TORONTO PET PHOTOGRAPHER | PAWSH STUDIO: SOULMATE SESSIONS
Let’s celebrate the love shall we? The love we have for our pets and our furry little families in a chic and memorable manner. On February 9th, Pawsh Studio will be hosting ‘Soulmate Sessions’ in Toronto for Valentine’s Day, celebrating the love and bond between you and your beloved pet in a vibrant light.
Each session includes:
- one dog and one person on set
- 45 min in our professional studio
- 24 proofs | 12 final low-res images | one 5×7 fine art matte print
- only $225! (regular price $360 – save!)
- canvases & prints available a la carte
- your choice of white, soft grey or hot pink backdrops!
- professional and personalized styling
- your bond with your dog captured in an editorialized fashion*an extra $50 per pet and an extra $25 per person is required for Soulmate Sessions.
EMAIL TO BOOK YOUR SOULMATE SESSION TODAY!
This is a limited space, discounted event and would make a wonderful gift for Valentine’s Day! Imagine surprising your better half with a lovely, editorialized photo of yourself and their favourite furry pal!
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OUTDOOR SOULMATE SESSIONS — $150
(valid until February 14th, 2014 — gift certificates available for outdoor sessions)
….and because some people prefer being in the great outdoors for photos, I am also opening a few Outdoor Soulmate Sessions too. These are ideal for the dog who loves being outdoors and digging in the snow and can be purchased until February 14th.
Each session includes…
- one dog and one person
- 30 min shoot time
- 15 proofs | 8 final low-res images | one 5×7 fine art matte print
- canvases & prints available a la carte
- a beautiful, winter wonderland outdoor setting
- your bond with your dog captured in an editorialized fashion
*an extra $50 per pet and an extra $25 per person is required for Soulmate Sessions.
EMAIL TO BOOK YOUR SOULMATE SESSION TODAY!
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For a sentimental gift that keeps on giving, consider booking your own Soulmate Session today! I believe everyone should have some photos like this with their dog. They are sure to become a family treasure and will add some lovely character and lots of smiles to the home.
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