Posts Tagged ‘dog’

• On the Road Again: How to Easily Road Trip with your Dog

  

  Keep It Cool

  Keep the cabin around 65-73 F inside the car, and when in doubt opt for the cooler range.

  Places, People!

  Like any well-executed plan, there is a practicing element involved. A 12-hour marathon road trip, ideally, should not be the first time your dog has ever ridden in the car. If you know your pup gets nervous being in the car, that is something you can totally work on and it shouldn’t put you off of taking a road trip all together – like anything else, it can require some training and time but doable.

  See the Sights!

  Lots of establishments, parks, and destinations allow (and encourage) pets! Always feel free to call ahead and check for any size or breed restrictions but part of the fun of road tripping is that people do this because they get to take their furry family members along. People along the way will be excited to meet your pup so get out there and make some friends!

  Things to Pack:

  • A water bottle of cold, fresh drinking water

  • A collapsible dog bowl(s)

  • Dog or baby wipes – either will work (for dogs – not the other way around)

  • Paper towels in a pocket of the carrier in case of an accident

  • Any medications (it’s also best to give anti-anxiety meds before even getting to the car)

  • A folder for all required paperwork

  • Leash/harness/bags

  • Some dry kibble in case of tummy upset

  • A pillowcase or old t-shirt, unwashed, in their carrier so they are comforted while in the backseat

  • Food and Treats for the duration of the trip of course

  • High value treats are essential here to keep your pup’s attention. There will be many factors and new sights and smells competition for it so bring out the big guns (like chopped up steak or hot dog) to make sure they keep their eyes on you.

  • A dog bed with soft edges – easy to take into and out of the car and hotel rooms

  • A towel, sometimes it rains and a wet-dog smell while on the road is unpleasant for everyone

  Sometimes, We Can’t Make Fetch Happen

  If you know your dog gets nauseous in the car or is an anxious traveler – consider getting someone to house sit or find a reputable place to board them while you’re away.

  Don’t be a hero and take the dog on the road trip when it will stress both of you out. A stressed pet (and/or pet owner) isn’t enjoyable for anyone. It’s okay to take a vacation and leave your pet in good hands for a few days.

  There’s a First Time for Everything!

  New things can be scary, especially to our pups. So, try your best to be patient and reward them when they mind their manners as you stop in new places. Take comfort in knowing you will get to your final destination and build in some buffer time for extra stops. These things get easier the more you do them!

• Spring and Summer Dog Essentials

  

  Household Items

  1. Peppermint Essential Oil
     Great for preventing and/or removing ticks easily after walks through wooded areas. Dab a little bit on the back of their neck as a preventative for these pests. (Be sure to thoroughly comb your dog after hikes in the woods to ensure they haven’t picked up unwanted guests)

  2. Paper Rolls
     Stuff these with treats and bits of torn paper for shredding and scent work. This is a simple and low-cost game for your dog that will keep them engaging and mentally stimulated indoors on a hot day.

  3. An Old T-shirt
     If you’re taking your dog on a car trip, putting an old unwashed t-shirt of yours with them in the backseat or crate can be extremely helpful in easing their anxiety – road trips especially are a lot of noise and mental stimulation for younger dogs.

  4. A Scooby Smoothie
     Blend up whatever dog-safe produce you have on hand (blueberries, banana, mint, green beans, etc.) and put it in a freezer-safe container or lined muffin tin and stick in the freezer for at least three hours. Voila, now you have healthy dog popsicles to entertain your pet and cool them down. Or use this mix to slather on a lick mat and pop in the fridge. These freezer-safe pads with ridges make for an excellent treat for them and easy clean-up for you!

  Must-Haves

  Collapsible Water/Food Bowls

  We know you’ve seen the little plastic dog bowls that clip onto your backpack and those have their time and place but this set of dog bowls is like an item’s cooler, older cousin. It boasts two bowls, both stainless steel, and a non-slip mat for easy clean-up that folds in on itself so the whole contraption can fit in a backpack or car.

  Dog Luggage

  If you’ve ever experienced the pain of portioning your pup’s meals into what feels like a million little plastic baggies for each night of your jaunt to the beach – you need a dedicated bag for your dogs’ things. Use the compartments for food, treats, toys, a set of bowls and mat, medication or extra doggie bags, and even add a clip to hold a blanket. Taking your dog with you on vacation shouldn’t add stress – pack proactively.

  Elevated Dog Beds

  This cooling mesh bed allows for air to travel all around your pet and is bouncy and breathable! Simple and sturdy and plus a dog can never have too many beds, right?

  SPF! In Lotion or Spray Form

  Being out in the sun can cause dry skin, noses, or cracked paw pads; and more hours of sunlight means more time for chasing tennis balls (which means even more wear on paw pads). Make sure you’re checking your dog’s paws and applying soothing balm in the summer months!

  Snuffle Mats

  This snuffle mat is extra cool because it has smaller puzzles inside that are removable and you can take on-the-go. Have you ever seen such a space-saving durable toy as the snuffle wallet?

  Whether working from home or taking trips this season we hope you try out some of these refreshing ideas for your dog!

• Keys to Working Through Doggy Anxiety

  

  Emotional support animals are truly amazing. More and more people are finding that their pets have anxiety, too. This is not exactly a new phenomenon as rescued pups often exhibit some skittish behavior as they acclimate to new environments; this can sometimes be the result of abuse or it could be any kind of trauma experienced earlier in its life.

  So, you picked out the cutest pup in the world but aren’t sure how to make them comfortable and well-adjusted? We have some tips, just keep reading.

  Patience is King

  It’s hard to watch your pet be uncomfortable or scared, but you being able to keep your cool is a HUGE help to them and will ultimately be a stepping stone for their confidence.

  Stay Consistent

  We know – this one is obvious, but it can’t be overstated. Understanding that every day, or every training session may not go well is arguably the most important component to desensitization because it yields real improvement.

  Reward Like Crazy

  Training and desensitization can be fun! When I train my dogs, I’m throwing out snacks like I’m Oprah.

  Break out the high-value snacks like pieces of hot dog, chicken, or even steak. Not only are these attention-grabbing for your dog but they’re likely to overpower their interest in anything else (assuming they are food motivated). If they prefer praise or toys, go with whatever works for them! Unlocking their motivator is crucial to get them to want to train and focus.

  Near is Good Enough

  If you are dealing with a reactive or aggressive dog, you are walking a stressful line of caring for your pet while protecting those around you – we get it. This job is not for the faint of heart but is so incredibly worth it. For the first few training sessions, until you both are comfortable, just seeing their triggers from inside the car or sitting at a park is good enough. You get to perfect behavior by taking one teeny tiny step in front of the other and slowly introducing them to things in order to build confidence takes time.

  Pick Your Battles

  We once had a dog trainer that told us this advice and it seemed crazy at the time. Pick my battles? I’m here actively trying to build up my dog into the best he can be, you want me to just let him be scared of things? She said yeah. You have to know when to push your dog – and yourself. If your dog is scared of something benign like birthday balloons – maybe opt for streamers for birthdays instead; or, work with him to go in another room when you break those decorations out. They don’t have to be perfect. They do have to be able to listen to you and keep themselves and others safe – that is the most important thing.

  We know training can be tough, but you got this! With love, treats, and patience, you really can’t be set up any better for success.

• Dog Breeds as Sweet Treats – What Kind Do You Have?

  

  Find out what your breed of dog would be as a dessert and see a breakdown of all things delicious for your doggy!

  • Rottweiler – Sea Salt Caramel
    • Can look tough on the outside but are soft and so sweet inside.
  • Labrador Retriever – Reeses Cup
    • A cult classic.
  • Yorkshire Terrier – Twizzlers
    • The people that opt for them, really, really love them (and they fit in most handbags).
  • Corgi – Taffy
    • Bright and cheerful – an overall delight.
  • Dachshund – Twix
    • The cookie burrows beneath rows of caramel just like these pups do under heaps of blankets. A unique choice but never fails to deliver and put a smile on your face.
  • German Shepherd – Snickers
    • A solid and sturdy choice.
  • Belgian Malinois – Sour Patch Kids
    • They can be sour but they’re ultimately the sweetest thing around (as long as they work that big brain of theirs!).
  • Goldendoodle – Caramel Popcorn
    • They couldn’t be sweeter and they’re a blend of two things people love separately or together.
  • Doberman – Dark Chocolate
    • Reliable and intense, this dog breed resembles one of the best treats around.
  • Greyhound – Cheese board
    • This traditionally European after-dinner dessert resembles this quiet and regal breed. Somehow in a class all their own, and yet the most sophisticated of the bunch.
  • Bulldog – Milk Duds
    • There’s just a clear correlation here.

  If you’re thinking “can dogs eat candy?” the answer is absolutely not. It can include artificial sweeteners that are toxic (like xanthan gum) or simply not be fit for their tummies. However, all jokes aside – food is a huge part of your dogs’ life. Whether you feed kibble, freeze-dried, raw, or otherwise, there are a variety of options to spice up their lives!

  Dried or fresh fruits, vegetables, kiefer, yogurt, applesauce, and even things like eggshells can benefit your pooch’s diet and make dinnertime more interesting. Supplements for bone and joint health and oils for healthy skin, coats, and nails are handy, too.

  Here are some handy toppers you can add to your furry best friend’s next dinner:

  • Sweet Potato (cooked)
  • Broccoli (cooked or raw)
  • Carrots (cooked or raw)
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Green Beans
  • Peas
  • Salmon Skin
  • Smelt
  • Sardines
  • Applesauce
  • An egg or egg shell (if you opt for adding in a shell, be sure to rinse and bake it for 2 hours at 250 degrees F, this breaks down the calcium making it easier to digest and kills any harmful bacteria that may coat the outside)
  • Baby food (be sure to check the ingredient list for foods they can’t consume)

  Many of these items do double-duty as things you can squish into lick matts for their enjoyment as well! New food and experiences that involve smell and taste really light up your pup’s world. It’s a huge way they get to interact with items around them as well as the outside world. You can use what you have already on-hand and if ever in doubt if it’s dog-safe just give it a Google or check out one of our other recipes! Happy snacking.

• Spring Essentials for your Dog

   

  Okay, so essentials might be stretched on the list below (we think food, water, shelter, etc. are give-ins since you’re reading a pet store blog page). However, we’ll keep the bougie accessory list to a minimum. These are household items that do double-duty and come in handy when taking your dog on the hottest spring trails!

  In Your Home (Basics)

  Give these things a surprising second life by repurposing them for your pup!

  1. Lint-Roller

  Great for removing ticks easily after walks through wooded areas if you plan on doing any hiking this season. Make sure to consider flea and tick preventatives year-round, too! There are tons of options from chewables to collars – all to ensure your pup is a lot less likely to encounter lyme disease.

  2. Egg Cartons

  Cardboard egg cartons stuffed with treats and shredded paper are wonderful for shredding and scent work. This is a low-cost game for your dog that will keep them engaging and mentally stimulated indoors on a cold or rainy day.

  3. An Old T-shirt

  If you’re taking your dog on a car trip, putting an old unwashed t-shirt of yours with them in the backseat or crate can be extremely helpful in easing their anxiety – road trips especially are a lot of noise and mental stimulation for younger dogs.

  4. Plastic Bottle

  A plastic bottle with an old blanket wrapped around it and tied on each end is the perfect crunchy-sounding toy for a dog bored with his normal routine – bonus points if you put tennis balls on each end for extra bounce and entertainment!

  Slightly Bougie Must-Haves

  1. Ceramic Dog Bowls

  Did you know you’re supposed to wash your dog’s food and water bowls daily? This helps rid them of harmful bacteria. While most people may not do this every day, there is no doubt steel and plastic are great alternatives but ceramic is likely to hold the least bacteria between washes.

  2. Suntan lotion spray – yes dogs can get sunburnt!

  Their hair and fur protect their skin in most places but on the tip of their snout where their hair is less dense, and the underside of their belly, they have exposed skin; remember to reapply if out and about for hours.

  The Material Gworl Extra Bougie Packing List

  1. Paw balm – gotta stay moisturized.

  We like ones that use beeswax because they help out our bee friends! But any pet-grade snout or paw balm will do (they also come in lotions).

  2. Dog Luggage

  If you’ve ever experienced the pain of portioning your pup’s meals into what feels like a million little plastic baggies consider the more sustainable option of dog luggage. Some even have compartments for food, treats, toys, and can slide onto your own bag.

  3. Backpack carrier – this one is only recommended for our small and small-medium sized furry friends.

  A backpack can help the fun keep going when the puppies are pooped! If you are very active and know your pup can’t keep up, don’t leave them at home, just pop them into a chest or back harness and keep on hiking!

  We hope you enjoyed this list of “must-haves” – keep checking back for more lists like this one!

• Dog Owner Etiquette for Apartment Living

  

  If you have ever lived in a pet-friendly apartment, you have likely seen plenty of pooches around. These precious, furry beings can run the gamut in terms of behavior. How do you secure a spot on the “best behaved” side? We’ll break it down for you.

  Adjustment Period

  If you’ve recently moved into an apartment complex, it is important to acknowledge this transition can be hard for your pets too. This could mean exhibitions of undesirable behaviors (barking, whining, chewing) even if they are typically very well behaved. A good rule of thumb is three months to become totally comfortable in your new digs. It is a nice gesture to give your neighbors your contact info and let them know your pet may be a little barky at first but you are aware of the situation and working to ease them into this transition.

  Dog Runs versus Dog Parks

  Many buildings provide one (or many) areas of greenery for your adorable pup. Knowing the difference between a dog run and a dog park is important. The typical use of a dog run is a “business-only” kind of potty break. This means that owners will take their pup there for a quick bathroom or exercise break, normally not to exceed 20 minutes. While not a formal rule, it is common for one dog to use this space at a time and respectful of other dog owners to follow suit.

  Elevator Manners

  This one can pose a challenge if you have a reactive dog or simply a nosey one! If you have a reactive dog, you don’t necessarily need to subjugate yourself to the stairs but it is your responsibility to clearly communicate that your dog is reactive and needs the whole elevator space. An easy way to do this is by purchasing a bandana that says they are either in training or not friendly.

  If your dog is friendly but nosey, there are things you can do too. Training your pet to sit and stay is important and can serve as a building block for “place” or “park” in the elevator. If your dog knows the ‘sit’ command, you can lead them with a treat to either side of your body and have them sit – mark this behavior by saying ‘yes!’ and providing lots of praise and a treat – then work to replace this ‘sit’ command with “park” as they start to understand that sitting on one side of your body and staying = “park”. With time and effort, (you can even practice this in the apartment) they will be able to follow this command in an elevator!

  Honorable Mentions

  If you live in a space like an apartment, you likely live an active and urban lifestyle. As such, there may be lots of new, loud noises for your dog to adjust to. While it is by no means required, a white noise machine can help drown out some of the background chatter that might be putting your pup on edge = and if you put the sound on while you are chilling at home and when you go out, it can also potentially ease their separation anxiety.

  From cities to farms and every space in between, our furry friends can easily call anywhere home as long as their family is there. 

• Festive Recipes for Delicious Doggie Treats

  

  Ever wanted to make your dog a tin of treats all their own?

  The Grinch

  Baked Treat

  We heard this batch of canine cookies is approved by Max himself. It’s easy and right on theme, so we can see why!

  Ingredients:

  • 2 cups washed spinach
  • ½ cup mashed banana
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 cups oat flour
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • (optional) 3-4 drops green food coloring

  Instructions:

  Combine all ingredients in a blender. Using a holiday cookie tin, make some cute shaped cookies by pouring into a tin or silicone mold and making at 350 for 30 minutes (cookies will be crisp, not soft-baked).

  Green Bean Casserole

  Meal Topper/Treat

  The unsung hero of the dinner table is back – in your dog’s bowl. Give them something to dig into (get it?) with loads of fiber and vitamins A, C, K, B-12, B-9 and Folate.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen green beans, chopped (if frozen, thaw by covering in water and microwaving for ~2 minutes)
  • ½ cup chicken bone broth
  • 1 tablespoon diced mushrooms
  • 1 freeze-dried chicken tender

  Instructions:

  Reserve chicken tender, combine all other ingredients in a bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Pour atop kibble or directly into dog bowl and top with chicken tender treat.

  Mini Piggy Pies

  Baked Treat

  Special utensils: mini muffin tin

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked and diced ham
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 small cooked sweet potato (peeled and chopped  – alternatively, you can use cooked carrots)
  • 1 handful of spinach
  • Nonstick spray or mini muffin tin liners

  Instructions:

  Crack the eggs into a bowl and discard the shells (or you can rinse and pat them dry if you’d like to add them to your dog’s dinner), add the other ingredients and mix thoroughly. Spray or line muffin tin. Pour batter into muffin tin and place in preheated oven at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Give to your dog with dinner or as a treat after they are completely cooled. Store in the refrigerator for 1 week. (Also, we know this isn’t really a pie and it’s more of a quiche but puff pastry doesn’t always sit well with pups so best to leave it out!)

  The Kitchen Sink

  Meal Topper/Treat

  The one place everyone avoids around this joyous time of year – the sink. How is it even possible that the load of dishes never gets any smaller?! This hearty mixture takes a little bit of all your pup’s favorite festive flavors and rolls them into a mouth-watering scoop of goodness.

   Ingredients:

  • 1 cup steel-cut oats
  • ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ½ a banana, smashed
  • 1 cup turkey, shredded
  • ¼ cup chopped green beans

  Instructions:

  Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. When ready to serve, take a tablespoon and scoop 2 tablespoons of the mixture into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Then, place on top of hydrated kibble as a meal topper or alone in the dog bowl as a treat (can also be served cold for picky eaters – and stores in the fridge for a week).

  Reindeer Food

  Frozen Treat

  Cold, just like the north pole, this frozen popsicle is guaranteed to make tails wag. It comes out as a light pink base with flecks of blue and green, you can decorate with edible glitter if desired.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup strawberries
  • ½ cup blueberries
  • ½ cup raspberries
  • 5 Mint leaves
  • 1 cup Coconut milk

  Instructions:

  Combine all ingredients in a blender and pour into freezer-safe mold. Place in freezer. Serve as a frosty treat for your pup after about 4 hours!

   

  Happy Howlidays everyone!

• Traveling Light with Your Dog(s): Tips for Road Trips

  

  General Travel Considerations

  A stressed pet (and/or pet owner) isn’t enjoyable for anyone. If you have never traveled with your pup before – no worries, there is a first time for everything and this list will help weed out any nonessentials. If you know your dog gets nauseous in the car or is an anxious traveler – consider getting someone to house sit or find a reputable place to board them while you’re away.

  Keep Cool

  Did you know dogs can’t sweat? Weird, right? So, it can sometimes be difficult for them to regulate their body temperature when they get too warm. Temperatures between 65-73F inside the car/mode of transport are ideal.

  Planning Ahead Can Make Your Life Easier

  Nothing is worse than stopping at a hotel late and tired just to find out they don’t allow dogs (we’ve all been there – not judging). However, you can call a few weeks ahead or even when you’re a few hours away to see if the hotel you have in mind does indeed allow pets.

  Depending on the hotel chain, these are also common:

  • A fee may be required (anywhere from $50-$150)
  • They may request to see vet records
  • Some breeds could be excluded at the discretion of the establishment

  Minimize the Drive-Thru Diet

  It’s at your discretion where you stop and what you eat on the road – for your dog however, they should ideally stick to their normal meals and meal schedule as much as possible. Don’t be alarmed if they seem to brush off food during that first travel day, they are likely getting used to the sights and sounds of being in the car. A nugget or two every once in a while is totally fine and we’d be lying if we said we didn’t give in too. Just know it can be hard for their little systems to deal with the grease in fast food and it can also make them less likely to eat their dinner if they assume the next time you stop they’re getting a #3 with fries.

  Places, People!

  Like any well-executed plan, there is a practicing element involved. A 12-hour marathon road trip should not be the first time your dog has ever ridden in the car. To minimize their anxiety and create positive associations with vehicular travel, bring them along next time you do errands and reward them with tasty treats for good behavior. Bonus points if you have a bed in the car already so they get used to the layout of the seat with that addition.

  If you know your pup gets nervous being in the car, that is something you can totally work on and it shouldn’t put you off of taking a road trip all together – like anything else, it can require some training and time but doable.

  Things to Pack

  • A water bottle of cold, fresh drinking water
  • A collapsible dog bowl(s)
  • Dog or baby wipes – either will work (for dogs – not the other way around)
  • Paper towels in a pocket of the carrier in case of an accident
  • Any medications (it’s also best to give anti-anxiety meds before even getting to the car)
  • A folder for all required paperwork
  • Leash/harness/bags
  • Some dry kibble in case of tummy upset
  • A pillowcase or old t-shirt, unwashed, in their carrier so they are comforted while on the plane. It’s a lot of mental stimulation to walk through the airport and all the sights and sounds can be overwhelming
  • Food and Treats for the duration of the trip of course
    • High value treats are essential here to keep your pup’s attention. There will be many factors and new sights and smells competing for it so bring out the big guns (like chopped up steak or hot dog) to make sure they keep their eyes on you.
  • A dog bed with soft edges – easy to take into and out of the car and hotel rooms
  • A towel, sometimes it rains and a wet-dog smell while on the road is unpleasant for everyone

  Some Final Thoughts

  Know you will get to your final destination, build in some buffer time for extra stops, and know that these things get easier the more you do them! New things can be scary, especially to our pups. So try your best to be patient and reward them when they mind their manners as you stop in new places.

  The holidays can be a trying time in terms of travel but the togetherness is always worth it.

• What’s the Deal with Doodles?

  

  It seemed like in 2015 everyone and their mother were considering getting goldendoodle puppies. Now, all over Google there are searches like “Why are Goldendoodles the worst?” and “What’s wrong with Goldendoodles?”.

  Two things are curious: how this trope got started, and what are the answers to these questions. Just keep reading to see the verdict!

  First, let’s unpack what a Goldendoodle is – a mix of a Golden Retriever and Poodle; which are both respectively considered to be “pure” breeds.

  What’s a Purebred Dog Again?

  A puppy in a litter from two dogs of the same breed, excluding any mixes in its entire lineage, is considered a purebred. Dogs of this nature are considered to look and act like all other dogs in that breed – which is why people tend to pay a pretty penny for them.

  Dogs were originally bred for specific purposes. While there are still many lines of unbroken lineage, there are more dogs that are considered to be “mixes”. Any doodle is considered a mixed breed because its parents are one Poodle and one other breed (often a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever but can be others as well).

  Best of Both Worlds?

  One reason people are baffled by the behavior of a Doodle is because of their lack of knowledge about the parent breeds and/or lack of how the mix is inherently different from them. There are similarities of course, but a Goldendoodle is a completely separate kind of dog than either Goldens or Poodles and combines some of the best and worst traits of both.

  I Think I’m Up to the Challenge – Is a Goldendoodle Right for Me?

  The Standard size can be quite large (65-80lbs), incredibly smart, and can be stubborn. Depending if they are raised around kids or not, getting them to be friendly with little ones could pose an issue. They have boundless energy and are very goofy. They are also not immune to some of the health issues that impact both parent breeds.

  It is a good idea to assume they will need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily as well as brain games to use that big noggin of theirs. If you can handle a long period of training in the beginning, commit to their exercise needs, and know they have the spirit of a puppy their whole lives, then they might be the right fit for you. For their high-strung so-called “faults”, we personally think they’re pretty great.

  So, Are They the Worst?

  Of course not! They are simply not for everyone. Their adorable looks and happy personality are enormous draws. However, they need tons (and we mean tons) of exercise and mental stimulation to expel all their energy.

  Some official dog breeders were disheartened to see the rise of a mixed breed because intentionally creating a mix negates the original reason for the breed. Hence why “overpaying for a mutt” is sometimes thrown into conversation as a way of talking down to Doodle owners. 

  The idea of clinging to the old reasons for dog breeds is silly to other people. Although working breeds still do tons of work. Most family dogs have the enormously important task of denting the couch from hours of napping in one spot.

  Final Thoughts

  Consider your lifestyle. If you pair an avid hiker with a bulldog, we wouldn’t consider that a match made in heaven. Overall, they are a great fit for tons of homes but it is crucial to know what their traits are before embarking on a new life journey with a curly-haired cutie like this.

• How to Make a Career Centered Around Your Dog

  

  It’s no secret that in recent years young adults have gravitated towards getting a furry friend before starting a family. Last year, with the surge of pandemic pooches, that continued to be true. So, how do you rise to stardom by posting pics of your pup? After all, they are the cutest in the entire world, right?

  Here are some tips if you are considering launching a side-hustle or full-on career with help from your fur baby.

  Assess Your Interests

  Like any fulfilling career, it will likely stem from something you already enjoy. Do you cook every day? Maybe starting a food blog with drool-worthy recipes for dogs would be your niche. A lot of hustle may be required at the start so it’s important that you like what you do.

  Address a Need

  It definitely takes some out of the box thinking but if you think every dog product under the sun has been made, think again. Many entrepreneurs of big brands (like Farmer’s Dog or Stella & Chewy’s) started from a lack of what they wanted for their own dogs in the industry.  Owners of WestPaw couldn’t find toys that were eco-conscious and entertained their dogs long enough all while staying sturdy, so they designed their own.

  Start Small

  Getting “known” in your local community can go a lot farther than you might think. You probably already engage in dog-friendly activities on the daily and those are great opportunities to let people know your dog is on social media. From receiving report cards at doggy daycare to learning about their favorite and least favorite foods, you never know what people will find hilarious and endearing about your pup. Plus, lots of accounts have risen to fame while traveling with their pet – after first bopping around their hometowns!

  Harness Your Social Media Skills

  Global reach has never been easier but breaking into the social media world clearly isn’t always easy. Instagram has recently shifted to rebrand as an entertainment-focused app. This means that uploading short videos to “Reels” can be super helpful to prompt the algorithm to share your content on others’ discover pages.

  Don’t Count Yourself Out

  The amount of Instagram accounts that allow for a peek into the lives of some fabulous K-9s lives is amazing, but don’t think because there are a lot out there that there isn’t a need for more. Many YouTube stars cited they thought they were ‘too late’ to start producing content when they joined the platform and may have gone on to be wildly successful.

  Howdy Pawtner

  Partnering with dog-centric brands can also be a huge plus because it can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship: your pup promotes their products, and they post about your page to an audience that you know is already interested in what you are producing. Collaborating with other growing social media dog accounts can be helpful as well.

  Cuteness Goes a Long Way

  The dog-loving community is pretty accepting of new fuzzy faces. Chances are if you think your pup is the cutest ever, other people will too. Sometimes consistent content is what the people want to see and that just takes time and dedication.

  Closing Rebarks

  If spearheading your own business sounds too extreme, you can always look for flexible work spaces that allow dogs. Many co-op offices that have outdoor areas will allow you to bring your dog – just call and ask! It can be a happy medium where your dog may not run the show, but can pop into a daily Zoom call or two.