As a responsible dog owner, you want to ensure that your furry companion is well-behaved and obedient. This is where dog training comes in. However, not all training methods are created equal. At Dog Jogs, we firmly believe in force-free dog training, and for good reason. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of this approach and why you should consider using our dog trainers for your pet. First, let’s define force-free dog training. This method is exactly what it sounds like – it involves teaching and training dogs without the use of physical punishment or harsh corrections. Instead,...
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As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is happy, healthy, and well-behaved. One way to achieve this is through force-free dog training. This training method is based on positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding your dog’s good behavior rather than punishing them for their mistakes. However, some pet owners wonder if force-free dog training is suitable for all breeds. Let’s explore this topic in detail. Force-free dog training is suitable for all breeds Force-free dog training is a positive reinforcement-based training method that can be used on all breeds of dogs. Whether you have a small...
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As summer winds down and the back-to-school season looms, it’s important to consider how changing routines can affect our cherished pets. Just like children, our furry friends thrive on structure and consistency. In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth guide to help you establish seamless back-to-school routines for your beloved pets, ensuring their well-being and contentment during this transitional period. Gradual Schedule Adjustments: Pets are creatures of habit, and abrupt changes can be overwhelming for them. To ease the transition, gradually adjust their schedules a week or two before the school routine begins. This includes meal times, walks, playtime,...
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As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be happy and well-behaved. However, achieving this can be a challenge, especially if we don’t understand the right training methods. That’s where force-free dog training comes in. In this blog, we will discuss what it is, its benefits, and why you should hire a Dog Jogs trainer for your dog. What is force-free dog training? Force-free dog training is a positive reinforcement-based approach to training dogs. It emphasizes the use of rewards and praise to reinforce good behavior rather than using punishment or physical force to discourage undesirable behavior. It...
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Dog training has evolved over the years, and with that evolution has come a variety of different methods and techniques. One method that has become increasingly popular is force-free dog training, which emphasizes positive reinforcement and avoids punishment or aversive techniques. But is this approach truly effective? The short answer is yes, force-free dog training can be very effective. This method is based on the idea that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and playtime, rather than punishment or fear. By rewarding good behavior, the dog is more likely to repeat that behavior in the future,...
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As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend. This includes ensuring that your dog is well-behaved and socialized, which is where force-free dog training comes in. At Dog Jogs, we believe in using positive reinforcement techniques to train dogs, which we have found to be both effective and humane. So, how does force-free dog training work? Essentially, this approach focuses on setting your pup up for success,and then rewarding/ reinforcing desirable behaviors rather than punishing undesirable ones. For example, if your dog is jumping up on people when they enter your home, instead of scolding them...
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As a pet parent, you want to give your furry friend the best care possible. Part of this involves finding a qualified force-free dog trainer. But with so many trainers out there, how do you know who to trust? In this blog post, we’ll share some tips to help you find a qualified force-free dog trainer for your beloved pet. Look for certifications and credentials: One way to ensure that a dog trainer is qualified is to look for certifications and credentials. There are several organizations that offer certifications and accreditation to dog trainers who have met specific criteria, such...
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Training a dog to stop pulling on the leash can be a frustrating experience, but it’s an essential part of owning a dog. When a dog pulls on the leash, it can be uncomfortable for both the dog and the owner, and it can also be dangerous if the dog gets loose. The good news is that there are several force-free tips you can use to train your dog to stop pulling on the leash. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is an effective training technique that involves rewarding your dog for good behavior. When your dog walks calmly beside you,...
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As a pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. That’s why it’s important to choose the right tools and techniques for training your dog. Force-free dog training is a popular method that’s gaining traction in the pet care industry. It’s a positive reinforcement-based approach that emphasizes rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the tools used in force-free dog training. Clicker: A clicker is a small handheld device that produces a distinct clicking sound. It’s used to mark the exact moment when a dog exhibits a desirable behavior....
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As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to be happy and well-behaved. However, when a dog shows signs of aggression, it can be a source of concern and stress for both the owner and the dog itself. In these cases, many pet owners may feel hopeless, thinking that traditional, punishment-based dog training is their only option. However, there is another, more humane approach: force-free dog training. Force-free dog training, also known as positive reinforcement training, is a training method that focuses on rewarding desired behavior and ignoring, redirecting and preventing undesired behavior(s) before your pup is able to...
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Bringing your furry friend along for a meal on a restaurant patio can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. However, not all dogs are well-suited for this type of outing. It’s important to assess whether your dog can handle being on a restaurant patio before taking them out in public. Here are some tips on how to determine if your dog can handle being on a restaurant patio. Evaluate Your Dog’s Temperament The first step in determining whether your dog can handle being on a restaurant patio is to evaluate their temperament. Dogs that...
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As a pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry companion. You want to ensure that your dog is well-behaved, happy, and healthy. One way to achieve this is through force-free dog training. Force-free training is a method that uses positive reinforcement and avoids physical punishment to modify your dog’s behavior. The good news is that you can do force-free dog training at home. Here are three things to consider when implementing this training technique. Start With Basic Obedience Training Basic obedience training is an excellent place to start with force-free training. Begin by teaching your dog...
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As a dog owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend is well-behaved and well-trained. One of the best ways to achieve this is by hiring a professional dog trainer. However, you may be wondering at what age you should hire a trainer for your dog. In this blog post, we will explore the factors you should consider when deciding when to hire a dog trainer. Puppyhood The best time to start training your dog is during puppyhood. Puppies are like sponges, soaking up all the information they can get. As a result, they are highly receptive to training...
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As a dog owner, taking your furry friend out to a pet-friendly patio can be an enjoyable experience for both of you. However, it’s important to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and trained before bringing them along to such places. In this blog, we’ll discuss what things your dog needs to know to be allowed on a pet-friendly patio. Basic obedience cues: Your dog should know basic obedience cues such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “heel.” These commands will help you control your dog and prevent them from jumping on people or furniture, barking excessively, or running around uncontrollably....
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Bringing your furry friend to a patio can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are some things you can do to set your dog up for success and ensure that the outing goes smoothly. Here are some tips (or a video of the tips) to keep in mind when bringing your dog to a patio: Check the patio’s pet policy: Before heading to the patio, it’s important to check if pets are allowed and what the patio’s specific pet policy is. Some patios may have...
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As the weather starts to warm up, you are probably looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. One popular destination for dog owners is the patio of the Canadian Brewhouse, a chain of restaurants and bars across Canada that offers a wide selection of food and drinks. In this blog post, we’ll explore what you need to know about taking your dog to the Canadian Brewhouse patio in Edmonton and surrounding areas Check the rules Before heading to the Canadian Brewhouse patio with your dog, it’s important to check the rules. While many Canadian Brewhouse...
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As a loving pet owner, you want to keep our furry friends happy and healthy. However, accidents and injuries can happen at any time, even to the most careful pet owners. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared and have the knowledge to provide first aid to your pet in an emergency situation. Here are four reasons why you should consider taking a Walks ‘N’ Wags Pet First Aid Course: 1. Protecting Your Pet The first and most crucial reason to take a Walks ‘N’ Wags Pet First Aid Course is to protect your pet. In an emergency, knowing how...
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Training your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging, especially if you’re not sure where to start. For those looking to give their dog the best training experience, private sessions with a force-free dog trainer are an excellent option. In this blog post, we will outline three reasons why private dog training sessions with a Dog Jogs force-free trainer are beneficial for both you and your furry friend. Personalized Training Experience One of the biggest benefits of private dog training sessions is that they offer a personalized training experience. Our force-free trainers will...
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Force-free training is a method of dog training that emphasizes positive reinforcement and discourages the use of physical or psychological intimidation. This approach is based on the principles of animal learning theory, which state that animals are more likely to repeat behaviours that are associated with positive outcomes. Increases Bonding and Trust between Owner and Dog Force-free training encourages a positive and supportive relationship between the owner and the dog. This type of training relies on treats, toys, and praise as reinforcement/ rewards, which strengthens the bond between owner and dog. As a result, dogs become more confident and willing...
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Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation, but for many dogs in St. Albert, Alberta it can also mean the onset of seasonal allergies. As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of allergies in dogs and take steps to help your furry friend feel more comfortable. In this blog post, we’ll discuss three talking points to help you understand and treat your dog’s spring allergies. Common Symptoms of Spring Allergies in Dogs Dogs can experience a range of allergy symptoms, just like humans. Some common signs of spring allergies in dogs include: Itchy, red,...
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Despite force-free training becoming more prevalent with the backing of dog training, behaviourist and scientific communities in Edmonton, Alberta there are still many trainers that follow Dominance Theory and other aversive training methods. In these methods, the emphasis is put on punishing undesirable behaviours so that your dog suppresses these behaviours. Here are 3 Red Flags to watch out for in these trainers and why they cause more harm to your dog and your relationship with him or her. Setting your dog up for failure Aversive training methods include punishing undesirable behaviours, so unlike force-free trainers who will set you...
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As a dog owner, it’s important to understand the various methods available for training your furry friend. Two popular approaches are force-free training and adverse training methods. While both may appear to achieve the desired results on the surface, there are significant differences between the two that can affect the overall well-being and behaviour of your dog. Force-free training is a modern, scientifically-based approach to dog training that is centred around positive (added) reinforcement. It emphasizes using added reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and affection, to encourage and therefore make more likely to happen in the future, the behaviours that...
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Dog Jogs is a dog training service based in South Edmonton, Alberta that aims to enhance the lives of our furry friends through expert training and personalized care. Our experienced dog trainer has a passion for dogs and has been working with them for many years. They understand the unique needs and personalities of each breed and use added (positive) reinforcement techniques to bring out the best in your four-legged companion. At Dog Jogs, we offer a range of services to meet the needs of our clients and their dogs. Whether you are looking for basic obedience training, help with...
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Dog training is an essential aspect of owning a pet and ensuring that they are well-behaved, well-adjusted and prepared to handle any situation life may throw at them with confidence and ease. There are two main approaches to dog training: one-on-one training and group classes. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between the two and help you determine which option is best for you and your furry friend. One-on-One Training: One-on-one training is exactly what it sounds like: a private training session between you and your dog and a professional trainer. This type of training is ideal for...
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Training your dog regularly is important for their overall health and well-being. Depending on factors such as age, breed, and health, it’s recommended to train your dog a few times a week for around 15 to 20 minutes per session. To make the training sessions both productive and enjoyable for your furry friend, it’s important to keep them short and fun. If you’re struggling to find the time to train your dog, Dog Jogs is here to help! As a dog walking service, Dog Jogs offers professional dog training as part of their services. With their help, you can ensure...
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As March is pet poison prevention month and human error is the number one reason that leads to pets eating something they shouldn’t, here are three tips to keep your pets safe from harmful toxins: Keep all hazardous substances out of reach: Make sure to store any hazardous substances such as cleaning agents, pesticides, insecticides, and medications in secure cabinets or high shelves that are inaccessible to your pets. This will help prevent accidental ingestion, which can lead to serious illness or even death. Be mindful of common household plants: Some common household plants such as lilies, daffodils, and azaleas...
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If you’re looking to hire a dog trainer in Edmonton, Alberta, you’re likely wondering how much it will cost. The cost of a dog trainer can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including experience, training style, and location. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect to pay for a dog trainer in Edmonton. The average cost of a dog trainer in Edmonton ranges from $50 to $200 per hour. However, some trainers may charge more or less depending on their experience, credentials, and reputation. For example, a highly experienced and reputable trainer...
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Why It’s Important to Start Training Your Puppy As Soon as You Bring Them Home in Edmonton, Alberta!
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time, but it is also a time when training should begin. In Edmonton, Alberta, starting your puppy’s training early is crucial for a number of reasons, including socialization, obedience, and overall behaviour. Here, we’ll discuss why it’s important to start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home, and how an in-home trainer can help you get started. Socialization Socialization is an important aspect of a puppy’s life and it is best to start as soon as possible. A well-socialized puppy is more likely to be confident, friendly, and well-behaved...
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If you are a pet owner in Sherwood Park, Alberta, it is important to understand the importance of licensing your pet. Pet licensing is not only a requirement by law, but it also provides numerous benefits for both pet owners and the community. In this blog post, we will discuss why pet licensing is so important and what it entails. Why License Your Pet? Legal Requirements: In Sherwood Park, all pets must be licensed according to the Animal Licensing Bylaw. This bylaw requires all pet owners to obtain a license for each pet they own and to renew it annually....
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Are you planning a trip but hesitant to leave your beloved feline companion behind? Whether you are leaving Edmonton for the weekend or a longer duration, Don’t worry, hiring a cat sitter can provide both you and your furry friend with peace of mind while you’re away. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider hiring a cat sitter: Familiarity and Consistency: Going away can be stressful for both you and your cat, but a cat sitter can provide your furry companion with the familiarity and consistency of their normal routine to keep them feeling happy and secure. Mental and...
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Where To Get Your Pet’s Holiday Photo In Edmonton and Area? The Holidays are an exciting time of year! For those of you who celebrate Christmas, it’s a great time to get a fun photo of your pets with Santa! Many photo shoots take place in November, but there are still opportunities coming up and intp December to get your pet to sit up on Santa’s lap for an adorable picture! Some Holiday photoshoots are to raise funds for local rescues, charities while others are for profit. Make sure you pick which is better for your family. Either way, it’s...
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It’s that time of the year again! You can’t deny that fall in Edmonton is stunning, but we all know it doesn’t last very long around here. That’s why you and your fur-baby have got to go for a fall adventure as soon as you can! From beautiful walks through gardens and trails, to short trips out of the city, to exploring markets, there is something for literally everyone and their dog to do this season. Here are our favourite pup-friendly fall activities in the Edmonton area! The Edmonton Corn Maze What an iconic fall outing! Located just southwest of...
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It seems that we only really talk about black cats around Halloween, but did you know that August 17th is actually National Black Cat Appreciation Day? It’s a day to cherish the black cats in our community a little extra and to dismantle the stereotypes that they are put up against. Since there is a good deal of superstition and folklore surrounding not just black cats, but our dogs too, we thought we would take a minute to learn more about the origins of these stories! Who Ever Said Cats Were Unlucky? It is not fully known where the bad...
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Did you know that July is National Pet Hydration Month? Don’t get us wrong, hydration is important all year round. Water is the basis for the biological processes and reactions that keep our pets alive, and also aids in the transport of essential nutrients and substances around their bodies! However, during the warm Edmonton summer months, our pets are at a greater risk for heat-related illness and dehydration. This is why we take July as the month to raise awareness about the importance of hydration. What Happens When Your Pet Is Dehydrated? On hot days, our pups lose more water...
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Cats are known to boast about their independence, which has awarded them the reputation of being pretty low-maintenance pets, at least compared to dogs. But is that really the case? Definitely not! Our feline friends require a great deal of mental and physical stimulation, and social interaction. When these needs aren’t fulfilled, our cats become bored and can start to exhibit anxiety, aggression, excessive grooming, and undesirable behaviours like bathroom accidents and furniture scratching. There’s nothing low maintenance about that! Enrichment To The Rescue! Enriching your cat’s environment boosts their mental and physical health by keeping them stimulated, engaged, and active....
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With June being National Pet Preparedness Month, and July 15 being National Pet Fire Safety Day, now is the time to talk about being all things prepared with your pets! Of course, it’s no fun planning for things to go wrong, but as we like to say: we prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Originally, National Pet Preparedness Month was set for June to mark the start of hurricane season as a reminder to families to include their pets in their emergency plans. Lucky for us in Edmonton, we don’t have to particularly worry about hurricanes, but...
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In your pursuit of the greatest job ever, you might have not considered being a Dog Walker or Jogger. If you are an animal lover who enjoys being outside, it would be a mistake not to add Dog Jogger to your job search roster. We may be biased, but we think it’s truly a great position, and here are a few reasons why! The Health Benefits Being a Dog Walker in Edmonton undoubtedly helps promote your mental and physical health. Our Dog Joggers spend multiple hours walking and running each shift, so they have no problem getting ten thousand steps...
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May is Lyme disease awareness month in Canada. Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that affects both humans and pets. It is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected tick, which like to occupy wooded and grassy areas like Edmonton’s River Valley. If the disease spreads through the body it can have devastating effects. The unfortunate thing about Lyme disease in dogs is that it is fairly common and can easily go unnoticed. What does Lyme disease look like in dogs? Lyme disease bacteria tends to localize in a dog’s kidneys and joints. This causes symptoms such as:...
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Edmonton is home to many great things. Most notably the River Valley, Dog Jogs, and a fantastic collection of pet-friendly patios! We don’t know about you but we are so excited for patio season and even more excited that so many of our favourite local spots welcome our pups. Our goal is to visit as many pet-friendly places on this list as we can. We hope to add our personal reviews and pictures as we do so! We hope that you can find a patio on this list that you love and can enjoy with the whole family. Wherever you...
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At Dog Jogs, we know dog poop. The various shapes, sizes, and colours… we have seen it all. It’s inevitable when you are a Dog Walker in Edmonton! They say dogs are a human’s best friend, but for dog walkers, their best friends are poop bags. Okay, enough with the crappy jokes! Here are 5 things you may not know about dog poop. 1. Dog poop is not a good fertilizer Some people may think that since cow manure is great for vegetation, dog poop is too. This is not the case! Dogs have a very different diet than cows,...
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We get it, going away on trips or spending long days at work can be stressful knowing your dog is home alone! As pet parents we always want what is best for our pups, so here are a few reasons you should consider hiring a dog walker/jogger in Edmonton and area. Maintain Your Pet’s Routine Pets love routine. They know when it’s time for their daily walk and of course when it’s time for a meal. A solid routine can help reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your pets. Dog walkers can help ensure that your pups get...
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Now that March is coming to a close, we can say that (hopefully) spring is about to be sprung in Edmonton. We know that means lots of you will be getting back in the garden! Since we have a new season on the horizon, and March happens to be Pet Poison Awareness Month, we thought it would be the perfect time to share a list of common garden and houseplants that are dangerous to pets! What Makes Plants Poisonous to Pets? There are multiple groups of toxins in plants that pose health risks for our pets, but one common group...
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It’s Tough to Choose! Picking out the gear that works best for your pup is no easy task! There are so many options on the market and so many perspectives on which gear is better, and we know it’s difficult to navigate all those varying opinions and the stacked aisles at the pet store. Here is a short and comprehensive description of the pros and cons of harnesses and collars! Pros of Harnesses The main thing that harnesses do for your dog is distribute pressure away from their neck. Most of the pros of harnesses revolve around this fact. The...
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Just like in humans, dog anxiety comes in many forms. People can talk about their anxiety and what triggers it, and ask for what they need to help navigate their emotions, but we cannot communicate like this with our pups! With dogs, we have to rely on body language to tell us what makes our pup uncomfortable, which can be difficult to do if you don’t know what you are looking for. Here is a quick rundown of two types of dog anxiety, how they can manifest, and what you can do for prevention and treatment. Separation Anxiety This type...
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Ah, the trials and tribulations of trying to keep your pet’s teeth clean. It could be the hardest part of your pet’s daily routine and you might dread the task as much as your pup, but we are here to remind you that it is all worth it! February is Pet Dental Health Month, so it’s a good time to get our facts straight and to amp up your routine. Most cats and dogs develop signs of dental disease by the time they turn three, and the bacteria on their teeth plaque can enter their bloodstream and cause life-threatening damage....
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It’s hard to blame our pups for pulling on the leash sometimes! We know that in our Edmonton river valley there are so many stimuli like other pups, people, and smells that really lure our dogs in every direction. Mastering the art of the loose leash walk will ultimately make your walks more enjoyable and safe for you and your fur-baby, and also lays down a great foundation for learning other skills and behaviours. Doing this takes time and patience, but there are so many resources to help you on your pursuit to a loose leash walk! At Dog Jogs...
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In many dog shows and in pop culture, purebred dogs are revered as the most wonderful pups with exceptional traits and beauty. Not to say that this isn’t true, but mutts are most definitely overlooked in the media. Not in our hearts! We think that Mutts in Edmonton are truly paw-some, and here are four reasons why. 1. Mutts may be Healthier Mutts have increased genetic variation compared to purebred dogs because mutts are the result of mixing two dog breeds with different genetic makeup. Some think that this makes mutts healthier and less likely to have serious conditions like...
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Trust us, at Dog Jogs we know how tricky it can get to snap a cute picture of your pets. The constant zoomies and boundless energy can make the whole photoshoot ordeal a bit difficult, and with the holidays season in full swing there are so many festive photo-ops you do not want to miss out on. Here are a few of our favourite tips for ridiculously cute pet pics! Time of Day The time of day that you attempt to take some stellar photos is crucial. You want to consider at what points of the day your dog is...
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November is National Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a condition that can affect our pets, and ourselves too. When left untreated, diabetes can have some serious effects on your pet’s body, so active prevention and watching for early signs of diabetes are key. Here’s what you need to know! What is Diabetes? The cells in your pet’s body (and yours too) use the compound glucose for energy. Insulin is made by the pancreas and is the hormone that controls glucose levels in the bloodstream. Insulin directs your cells to uptake more glucose from the bloodstream when necessary. This occurs particularly after...
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We are nearing the end of 2021 and you know what that means, it’s just about time for the holidays!! Whether you have pets of your own or not, chances are, someone in your close circle definitely does. The holidays can be a busy and stressful time so figured we’d try to help out you figure out what to gift your loved ones who have pets! We have put together a list of local businesses, along with a couple fellow Canadian ‘out of province’ pet related companies. Let us know who your favourite companies are to support and who else...
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