How to Train Your Dog To Walk Calmly on a Leash

Taking your dog for a walk around the block is one of the many joys of being a pet owner. It is a great opportunity for you to bond and spend time with your furry friend and is also a good way for you both to stay in shape. Unfortunately for many pet owners, taking their dog for a stroll around the block can prove to be a nightmare. Does your dog constantly pull and drag you? If your dog is walking you, instead of the other way around, then training your pup to walk on a leash properly and heel would prove to be very beneficial to both of you.

The easiest way to introduce a leash to your dog and promote good walking behavior is to start when he is a puppy. Get a lightweight leash and attach it to the puppy’s collar. Drop the leash on the floor and let your pup drag it around while talking to and petting him, to make him feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time for several times a day to help him get familiar with wearing the leash.

If your dog is used to wearing a leash, you can move forward with your training. The most important thing your must remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you. They must always walk beside you or behind you. If your dog walks in front of you, the message he is receiving is that he is the pack leader because in a dog pack, the leader always goes first. By letting your dog walk in front of you, you are telling him that he is in charge, which is a responsibility he will take very seriously. Being leader will make him anxious, and in turn, pull on the lead.

If you have a dog that pulls, training them to heel will curb their tendency to pull. “Heeling” means that your dog walks beside your knee, matching your pace and immediately sitting when you stop. By training your dog to heel, you will assume the pack leader position and your dog can relax and enjoy his walk.

To train your dog to heel, begin with the dog on your left side, the “heel position”. Say “heel” and begin to walk. If your dog pulls ahead, spin around suddenly and begin walking in the opposite direction. The dog will naturally follow you, and end up back at your side. Again, say “heel”, and walk forward. When he is back in his place, at your side, praise him and give him treats. Repeat this every time he tries to pull ahead. This may be frustrating for a while, and will make it difficult to get anywhere, but in the long run it will be very rewarding to both you and your pup!

Spring Dog Care

Spring is in the air! Harsh winter winds have left us and slowly, but surely, temperatures are rising! With warmer weather on its way, now is the time to protect your pup from the dangers the increased temperatures of spring can bestow upon us.


Tick and flea season is upon us! Though it is recommended that you treat your pet for these parasites all year round, spring and summer are the time of year when flea and tick medication is most necessary. There are many products on the market to choose from; your vet can recommend what is best for your pup and the area you live in. It is advisable to never buy flea and tick preventatives, as well as any other medication, online with out the approval of your vet. Many online pharmacies reel customers in with low prices, but sell counterfeit or expired medications. Saving a few dollars is not worth risking your pet’s health!


Heartworm disease is caused by mosquitoes and can be fatal to our canine companions! With the weather warming up, mosquitoes are more active and there is a major increase in risk for your pets to contract this disease. There are many different products on the market to prevent heartworm disease, but a vet must prescribe these preventatives. Check with your vet to see which of these life savers is right for your dog.


Some dogs aren’t capable of handling long periods of heat and sun. Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs are a few of the shorter snouted dogs who can overheat very easily in warmer weather. These Brachycephalic, or short nosed, dogs become overheated much more quickly and can suffer from dehydration and heat stroke. Always remember that dogs can get sunburned too! Be sure to monitor the amount of sun your dog gets, especially if you have a pale colored or short haired dog!


With the nicer temperatures, leaving your pet in the car while you run errands may seem acceptable, but temperatures inside your car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes – even if you are parked in the shade or have the windows cracked! This can be extremely harmful and even fatal to our furry friends. Dogs that are left in hot cars can suffer from brain damage, heat stroke, or can even die. Running in the store for “just a minute” is just not safe!


Spring is a great time for you and your pup to enjoy the outdoors and release all of the extra energy pent up from winter. By following these tips you can ensure a safe and fun spring season for you and your pooch!

Valentine's Day for You and Your Pup

Valentine’s Day is almost here! This day of love doesn’t have to be just for us humans…This is a great chance to show your canine companions just how much they mean to you! You could go for a walk, play outside, give your pup a good grooming… Whatever you think will make him feel loved. Dogs give us so much unconditional and unlimited love, this day is a great opportunity to give a little of that back!

One way to your dog’s heart is through his stomach… Try some of our dog treats for your pooch! A new toy is always appreciated. Our Heart String Tug Toys pair a rugged rubber heart and a strong cotton rope, equaling one tough, long lasting toy your dog is sure to love! Need a shirt so your pup can show his Valentine’s spirit? Our Love Pup Dog Tanks feature a candy heart patterned appliqué with an embroidered “Love Pup” logo. Our Be Mine Dog Tanks and Kiss me Dog Tanks are simple screen printed shirts perfect for the day of love. If you’re looking for something a little dressier, we have a wide variety of Valentine’s inspired dresses perfect for the occasion.

Our Love Me Dog Dress features a red and white polka dotted corduroy with a crystal heart bow and pink accents. The Starlet Dog Dress is an elegant pink velour dress adorned with tiers of pink ruffles and a cute crystal heart bow. Our Enamel Heart Dog Charm is a great way to say “I love you”! This cute heart shaped charm is adorned with crystals and a paw print. However you choose to spend the day, make sure that you reserve some time to spend with your furry friend, even if its just a little extra snuggle time- your pooch deserves it!