Beagles Have Their Year! Curious and Comedic Breed Overtakes Yorkies to Place Third on Most-popular List

Look out Lab, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) has announced that the Beagle has overtaken the beloved Yorkshire Terrier to become the third most popular dog breed in the U.S., according to AKC registration statistics released today. The Golden Retriever also made a strong push into the top ranks – advancing from the fifth to the fourth most popular dog breed – and the Rottweiler made news by unseating the Shih Tzu – which had been in the top 10 since 2000. But fans of the Labrador Retriever need not fear: the beloved Lab remains the champ – a spot it has now held for 21 consecutive years – thanks to its well-earned reputation for playfulness and loyalty and its use as a police and search-and-rescue dog.

“While the Labrador Retriever has proven once again to be a family favorite, this year clearly belongs to the Beagle,” said AKC Spokesperson (more…)

Separation Anxiety In Your Pets

by Mike Koehn

Just like youngsters, your pets can experience separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in pets is commoner than you may well think, taking place in roughly 10%-15% of pets. Both dogs and cats are at the beck and call of the condition.

What’s separation anxiety?

When a pet has separation anxiety, they demonstrate indicators of stress from a dread of being away from their owner. They may display it in any amount of methods. Whining and howling throughout the day, scratching at windows and destroying items in the home. Your may even notice that your (more…)

Dog Park Adventures: The Etiquette Edition

(ARA) – Dogs are man’s best friend, and dog parks are the ultimate playground. For those rough and tumble play sessions that aren’t appropriate at home, dog parks are the perfect escape for our canine friends to run free, jump and play with other dogs.

Countless dog owners across the country have discovered the benefits of off-leash areas – not only do they provide your dog some much-needed exercise, but they also reinforce the bond between people and pets. Whether you’re visiting a park for the first time or you’re a regular, it’s important all patrons help make the park a safe and fun place for everyone to visit. (more…)

Puppy Prep: How To Get Your Family’s New Addition Off To A Good Start

(ARA) – Bringing home a puppy is a heartwarming and fun experience whether you’re a kid or an adult. You might think of your puppy as a new best friend – but your role as a puppy parent is even more crucial. Puppies grow more in their first year than any other time in their life, and while they’ll depend on you for playtime and love, they also rely on you to give them a healthy, good start to life.

Before you go to the animal shelter or breeder, make sure you are able to take on all the challenges that raising a puppy presents and handle them with an even temper and a good sense of humor. The more positive you make his experiences, the stronger your bond will be – and it’ll be a bond that lasts a lifetime. (more…)