Japanese design company, Oppo, has created what I think is a brilliant dog muzzle. Aptly called ‘Quack‘ this muzzle resembles a duck bill and fits securely around the snout. Does it look rather ridiculous — perhaps worse than the cone of shame? Yes, yes it does, but that’s okay.

The genius of this product lies in the fact that ‘Quack’ physically shows that dogs who are wrestling with aggression issues — be it resource guarding, fear biting or intense separation anxiety — are still loveable, goofy creatures.

Most muzzles available on the pet market at the moment are in a word ‘ugly’ and make any dog, from a large Great Dane to the teeniest of chihuahuas, look mean, unfriendly and unapproachable. A muzzle can often convey the wrong message to those who see it, suggesting to someone on the outside that they should ‘stand back, this dog is mean, a hopeless case.’

Instead the optimistic reality is that a lot of dogs who are dealing with aggressive tendencies can be retrained if given a second chance. So I would like to say thank you to ‘Quack’ for helping to change the way muzzled dogs are perceived.

PAWSH PERKS: Did you know…?

How do you like to walk your dog? I spent ages training Rory how to walk nicely on just a collar, but no matter how long we spent working on that particular lesson she would always need a stern (yet gentle) reminder that puppies should not pull and tug when out for a stroll.

I became concerned that she might hurt her neck on just a collar if she continued to insist on pulling, so I switched her over to a trusty dog harness. The difference was night and day! Not only did she almost instantly walk far more politely on the harness — loose leash, by my side, no pulling — but I felt better that her little neck wasn’t being put under strain.

Although I do adore a stylish dog collar for my pup, when it comes to ‘walkies’ I always reach for a dog harness first.

Above is a lovely example of each: a mustache dog collar and a new freedom dog harness from Muttropolis. Which do you prefer to walk your dog on — collar or harness? Which would you choose?

Do you look to your dog for guidance, inspiration and joy? It’s amazing how much we can learn from them by simply following in their paw-steps. They can teach us about determination, they can teach us about love, they can teach us about giving thanks for the little things and so much more.

How does your dog lead by example? Have a wonderful weekend everyone! xo

{Photography by Posh Pets Photography}

PAWSH PERK: Every dog featured in the ‘As Dogs Would Say Column’ is available for adoption or has been successfully adopted through Toronto Animal Services North. This week’s quote-savvy canine is Andy, who is still looking for a home.

Every time a new Pawsh cover is finalized I can’t wait to share it with you. I’ve known for some time now that this image, photographed by my friend, Laura Jane Photography, would be the perfect visual to celebrate our anniversary edition “Dog-Gone Jubilee” and it has been no easy feat keeping it quiet until today.

The new edition will be available on March 16th (I’m sorry if I’ve been saying that a lot lately! I’m just too excited!) — the day that marks Pawsh’s third anniversary; although the magazine side has only been produced for two years. Whether you’ve been reading since day one or are brand new to our cozy corner of the Internet, thank you for everything.

Your wonderful support, your kind words, your honest feedback and your contagious enthusiasm for making our pets’ lives the best they can be is what fuels my determination to keep this site going and to introduce new features in our third year.

Much love to you all (and I mean that when I write it) and deep, deep thanks. xo

PAWSH PERKS: The very first cover that started it all and how to face a licky love.