Helpful Information:

Choosing a breed:

Dogs are not one-size-fits-all pets. The kind of dog you choose is crucial as every breed has their own unique quirks, flaws, and endearing qualities! Working breeds, such as Border Collies, make for quite different pets than laid-back breeds like English Springer Spaniels. Families should take into account the amount of time they will have to spend walking, training, and playing with their dog before deciding on a breed. It is important to do research on dog breeds, as well as the financial responsibility involved in owning a dog before purchasing or adopting a puppy. The breed of dog you choose actually can determine how much you will need to spend yearly on your pet! If you choose a long haired breed, such as an Irish setter, you will need to regularly bathe and brush your dog to keep their hair clean and tangle free! Some breeds have hair that grows continually and will need to be cut to a reasonable length often to maintain their cleanliness and overall health. If you choose a large breed, you will naturally have to spend more on food than you would for a small breed. All of these factors will need to be considered to ensure you and your family can enjoy your new canine companion!

Here are a few breeds that are well suited for families with small children or first time dog owners. These breeds are generally known to have good temperaments and are relatively easy to train!

  • Labrador Retriever
  • French Bulldog
  • Boston Bull Terrier 
  • Golden Retriever
  • Great Dane
  • English Springer Spaniel
  • Dachshund
  • English Setter

 

Some breeds, while they may be highly intelligent animals and have the capacity to be excellent family pets, aren't suited for first time dog-owners or inexperienced trainers! This list is compiled of dogs with personalities that require a strong alpha leader and a lots of training and discipline to be confident, loyal, & well-adjusted pets.

  • German Shepherd
  • Siberian Husky
  • Border Collie
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Beagle
  • Rottweiler
  • Chow Chow
  • Pit Bull
  • English Bulldog

 

Slip-Lead Leashes* :

*See merchandise page for pricing

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No matter what problem you are struggling with while walking your dog, there is most likely one culprit...

Your Leash!!

Slip Leads are the best option because of their easy design and incredible change in your dog's walking habits. These leashes will help your dog to understand exactly what you want when you take them for a walk! Because it takes practice and the correct technique to properly use these leashes, leash-training is one of the many services we offer!

What NOT to use and why:

REGULAR LEASHES: This is a perfectly fine option for a well leash-trained dog. If your dog has a problem on a leash, or is new to leash-training they can easily slip out of a collar attached to a regular leash. This is because collars should not be tight around a dog's neck! A collar that is too tight can be dangerous for your dog especially if they are a young pup with more growing to do!

GENTLE LEADER: I honestly cannot justify this glorified muzzle in any situation. Though you may be able to better control the direction your dog travels in by steering their face and head, the design increases your dog's anxiety and may actually prove to make your dog more impulsive and nervous on their leash than before.

PRONG COLLAR (METAL or PLASTIC): The amount of anxiety these leashes cause for your dog makes them a complete waste of your time. Your dog may respond to the discomfort of a prong collar and be better on a leash, yes. But, why use a contraption that only modifies behavior through pain and still requires you to continually pull on your leash and confuse your pup at something they can learn to do all on their own!?

HARNESS: Just No. Harnesses are by far the WORST invention for our canine companion's leash-walking journey. Harnesses actually give your dog more momentum against you! They allow the dog to use their low center of gravity and pull with all of their weight. This makes walking your dog more like a tug-of-war match than a stroll around the block. Not to mention, harnesses are often difficult to put on your dog and can be a hassle for everyone involved!