Celebrating a life lived well with dogs.
I’d like to introduce you to Argyle and Cohen — two furry friends who will be starring in an upcoming monthly Pawsh column beginning this May! If you think these simple headshots are cute, just wait until you see what amazing things these pupsters can do! Stay tuned!
{Photography by Pawsh Studio}
It’s been a long time since I’ve found a wholesome, hearty dog treat that has knocked my socks off, which is why I just had to share with you the LOL (Lick-out-loud) Dog Treats from Buddy’s Kitchen. I picked up a bag of the Yummy Chicken treats last week for Lucy’s training and both she and Rory are bonkers for them!
WHY WE LOVE LOL DOG TREATS
Reason #1
They are all natural, wheat free dog treats — two things that are extremely important for good canine health and diet. I feel good giving my fur monsters treats that are bursting with natural goodness — plus they are low-cal, which is ideal for training.
Reason #2
They are local! At least, they are local if you live in Toronto. The Buddy’s Kitchen headquarters are in Aurora, ON. Nothing makes me happier than being able to support small businesses, especially ones that are a hop, skip and a jump away from where I call home. Locally made — how refreshing! Plus, the name of these treats is absolutely adorable, don’t you think?
Reason #3
These treats are produced in small batches, which means there is a greater quality control ensuring that our pets are getting the best! How wonderful is that? In a world dominated by mass-production at every turn, having something artisanally made for our dogs is a welcome change.
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I would highly recommend these dog treats for any occasion, whether you want to further your dog’s training, reinforce what they already know or just spoil, knowing that each tasty bite is packed with nutrients.
Visit Buddy’s Kitchen today for their great selection and free shipping on orders over $50. And for behind-the-scenes fun, take a peek at their Instagram feed. So fun!
How much do you love your dog? Enough to wish they were with you all the time, day or night? Enough to wear a cologne specifically crafted to smell like your furry friend?
Well, thanks to the fine folks at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine you can now have that option! Available through Domestic Beast in Lil Whiff, Standard Whiff and Big Stank sizes, Du Chien Cologne is a custom made fragrance crafted from — you guessed it — your dog’s scent!
While wearing such a fragrance may seem extreme, the theory behind Du Chien is that people who breathe in the scent of their pets have reduced stress levels and an overall happier demeanor.
So what do you say? Would you ever wear your dog’s scent as your own?
If you’re not sure, take a gander at this product video to learn more about this product.
Taking your dog for a walk seems like a no-brainer — it’s a good thing to do. But did you know that teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash benefits them physically, mentally and emotionally? Here’s the scoop…
Physical benefits of dog leash manners
The physical benefits of indulging in a lovely leashed walk are pretty straight forward; your dog gets to go out and about in the world in a safe manner, they burn some calories, they sniff a few intriguing smells and their little bodies get a workout.
Walking politely on a leash, however, also keeps your dog safe. If a dog is pulling wildly on leash, he runs the risk of injuring his neck or spine, eating things he shouldn’t off the street before you can get to him, tangling up other pedestrians and potentially getting stepped on. Not to mention as well that dogs who bolt like crazy to the end of their leashes and pull forcefully can run a higher risk of darting off a sidewalk and into a busy street.
All of these, of course, are very dangerous behaviours. Thus, teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash is overall better for their well-being.
Mental benefits of dog leash manners
Walking nicely on a leash takes a lot of training for a dog to master, which means this exercise requires a great deal of focus. Essentially, it is a regular workout for their doggy brains! Learning how to sit at crosswalks before proceeding, keeping to their walkers’ side and not straining on the leash requires that your dog pay close attention and practice their command recalls. In other words, leash manners provide a mental workout!
Being out for a leashed walk also offers regular socializing opportunities for your pupster, which is another important aspect of mental well being for them.
Emotional benefits of dog leash manners
Walking with your dog is a wonderful bonding activity for you and your canine sidekick. Dogs crave leadership and teaching your dog how to walk politely on their leash with you helps to establish a loving hierarchy between dog and person that your dog will look up to. This activity teaches respect and good manners.
Walking your dog regularly on leash also creates more time that you can spend together, thus naturally improving your relationship. 
While you are bound to get a little tangled from time to time while teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash, the physical, mental and emotional benefits of good leash manners are more than worth the training time.
{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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