Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

Dog Breeds | If you have decided to become a dog parent, then let us begin by congratulating you. You have made a great decision as your life is about to be filled with love, friendship, and companionship. However, you’re not just adding an adorable addition to your family, you’re also signing up for several more responsibilities. If you really think about it, dogs are just like babies. They need care and attention, trips to the vet and groomer, food and water, and exercise, which can be costly and may require budgeting.

But none of these responsibilities should overwhelm you. You should evaluate the reasons why you want a dog as a pet and whether you have the time and money to take care of one to the best of your abilities.

Once you’ve decided that getting a dog is the right choice at this time, there are plenty of dog breeds to choose from. Thus, if you’re confused about choosing your perfect dog, here are some things you should consider before making a final choice.

Choosing the Right Dog Breed

Your Free Time

Choosing your perfect dog is directly proportional to how much time you can spare from your busy routine. You’ll have to train them so they remember you and follow your command. This is only possible if you’re willing to spend time with it, especially in the first few weeks (if you’re getting a puppy). Some dog breeds are quick learners, such as Dobermans. However, some dog breeds need more time and effort to train.

Your Family Size

Some dog breeds can be a wonderful addition to a family. Take the example of a Golden Retriever or an American Leopard Hound. They love being around people and are great for a large family, especially one with children. However, these dogs may find it distressing to be alone, especially if you regularly leave for work or other commitments for extended periods. If you live alone, choose a dog breed that can be left unsupervised for a few hours. A Great Dane or a Husky can be left alone for quite some time compared to family dogs.

Your Energy Levels

Another consideration should be your energy levels when it comes to choosing the best dog breed. This is because some breeds are extremely energetic and may tire you out easily. Although all dogs need a walk in the park or playtime, some need more even more activity every day. If you cannot keep up with frequent walks and long hours of exercise, choose a calm dog breed such as a Basset Hound. But if you think you need a pet to push you for a run or a jog, then a Russell Terrier or a Border Collie are suitable choices.

Your Budget

This is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a dog breed. Even though all dogs require food, grooming, vet visits, toys, and other necessary items, it all comes down to how much you are willing to spend on your canine. Keep in mind you may have to visit a vet for an emergency, or you might have to hire a dog walker if you’re going away for some time. All of these require budgeting to ensure you can give the lifestyle and care they deserve.
Dog Size
When it comes to sizes, there are numerous options in dog breeds. However, you should choose a size that is suitable for you. If you’re overwhelmed by the size of a Great Dane, then it may be difficult to handle it.

Your canine’s size also depends on the size of your house. A Great Dane may not be suitable if you live in an apartment. However, a small or medium-sized dog such as a Basset Hound would be ideal. You may want to remember that dogs love running and playing around, so they need space to be free. Homes with plenty of backyard space work better for larger dog breeds and those that require more physical activity.

Dog’s Age

A dog’s age matters when it comes to choosing a perfect dog for you. This is because you may not match the energy level of a senior dog who may like to laze around more. Not only this, a senior dog requires frequent vet visits and dedicated care, which you might not be able to give. The same goes for very young puppies. They need a lot of time learning commands, potty training, etc.

Ultimately, a dog’s age is an important consideration as it decides the kind of relationship you will have with your furry friend.

Dog’s Nature

Some dogs are calm and composed, while others like to run around and cause a commotion. If you’re not looking for constant chaos, then a Dachshund is probably not a good idea. In fact, dog breeds that were originally hunters are not suitable for someone who prefers mellow-tempered dog breeds. Therefore, if you’re looking for a gentle and calm dog breed, a Bullmastiff is a good choice. However, almost all dogs are friendly and love people when they are treated with kindness.

Dog’s Maintenance

If you don’t have the time to groom your dog and brush its hair at home, then consider a low-maintenance dog breed. Choose a Greyhound or a Dachshund if you’re not looking forward to extensive grooming or maintenance. Their maintenance need is an important point to consider since it requires your time, energy, and money. However, you should take note that all dogs require immunization at a vet to keep them safe and healthy. This is one aspect of dog maintenance you should not compromise on, no matter which dog breed you choose.

The Bottom Line

Getting a dog can be life-changing. However, being a dog parent means fulfilling your responsibilities seriously while being emotionally present for your pet. If you’re contemplating how to and what dog breed to choose, make sure you consider all of the points listed above and even consult with a vet. It may just save you getting a pet that does not fit into your lifestyle.

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.