Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Best Pets | Dogs are, undoubtedly, some of the most lovable animals, acting as our pets, companions, protectors, and friends. Their cuteness and adorable gimmicks make it impossible not to pet a dog when you see one. It’s their inviting and friendly nature that makes them stand out among all other pets. Not only this, there are so many dog breeds to choose from that it may become confusing which one we really like.

However, if you’re someone who is struggling to convince a parent or a partner to get pet dogs, then this article is meant for you.

Dogs can truly be just the right addition one needs in a family or even if one is alone. So, if you’re looking for compelling reasons, here are some of them:

Here Are Some Reasons Why Dogs Make The Best Pest

Playful

One of the reasons dogs are the first choice of pet for most people is that they are very playful. This means they can keep everyone engaged, so there is no chance of anyone feeling lonely. Not only this, think of dogs as free entertainment. Their curiosity and cute activities are heartwarming, making a dull day colorful.

Supportive

Dogs are known for their supportive behavior. They are intelligent creatures who can sense when their owner needs a little nudge. This is especially true for people who may be suffering due to mental health issues. Dogs can sense a change in behavior and may push you out of bed or force you to get up. This quality makes them one of the best pets to have, especially for those looking for service animals.

Emotional

Unlike other pets, dogs are emotional beings. This means they’ll be sad or happy when you are. More than that, some dogs will even try to make you smile if they see you’re feeling down or depressed. They’re emotional companions through and through.

Protective

The best pet is one who loves unconditionally but is also fiercely protective of you. Even here, dogs take the lead as protectors.

While all dogs offer some protection, there are dog breeds known specifically for their protective quality. Be it a German shepherd or Bullmastiff, you can easily depend on them to protect your property, family, and even other animals. Along with this, some dogs are highly protective of children, making them a great addition to a family with kids.

Intelligent

Dogs are extremely intelligent creatures, and therefore, have an excellent memory. This makes them easy to train and learn commands without too much effort – unless you’re doing it wrong. Dogs can also decipher human body language and gestures, making them a great service and therapy animals. Moreover, dogs can detect a change in our health too. They can sniff signs of disease such as diabetes, cancer, and even the ongoing Covid-19.

Beneficial

While dogs offer us many benefits, one of the life-changing reasons to have a pet dog is because of their usefulness. This is especially true for people who have vision loss and may have trouble navigating. Seeing-eye dogs are trained to guide them. People with vision loss can cross a road, go to school, and do chores with the help of such dogs while also enjoying their companionship.

Friendly

Dogs are friendly by nature, unless something irks them. This is why it is easy for them to make friends where ever they go. If they are in the mood, they’ll allow others to pet them, which gives you time to strike up a conversation with another dog owner. You can count on your pet dogs or dog to make friends for you, so you don’t have to be lonely again.

Therapeutic

One of the lesser-known reasons why dogs make the best pet is because of their therapeutic nature. You can keep a therapy dog if you’re going through mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are professional institutes that train dogs to offer support to their owners through tactile help.

Empathetic

Studies have shown that people who share a deep bond with their pets, including dogs, tend to be more empathetic. They might even share a close bond with their family and community. This is a wonderful upside to having a dog as it ensures connections and sensitivity towards others. While this is a great trait to have, you can thank your pet dog for it.

Healthy

Being a dog parent can actually be great for your health. When your pet dogs or dog forces you to take it out on a walk in the park or play fetch, you can rest assured it involves a lot of running. This is great for your heart health as it may help minimize the chances of a heart attack and reduce cholesterol. Apart from physical benefits, interaction with a dog can also be good for mental health as it regulates hormones and produces feelings of relaxation.

Loyal

The best pet is that who loves you unconditionally. While there are other animals that are known for their loyalty, pet dogs tend to be the most loyal creatures. This is because they will love you unconditionally, expecting nothing but love in return. Moreover, they will stick by you through your hardest times and be a source of comfort for you through it all. Their unwavering loyalty makes them truly the best.

The Bottom Line

With this list, there is no reason why anyone would doubt why dogs make the best pets. They are wonderful companions who can make us forget our worries by offering us entertainment, love, and loyalty. Not only this, they are a great addition for any family who is looking for a furry friend.

by Maria A Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
Collect your pet’s waste.
Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.