Beach Bear Newfoundlands

07/29/2025

10/31/2024

10/01/2024

DISTRACTED DOG WALKERS

The distracted dog walker is commonly seen chatting on their cell phone, wearing headphones or socializing with other people while oblivious to what their dog is doing, how their dog is feeling or what is going on in the environment.

This may not sound like a problem to some, but it is something that many people have a problem with, even more so if you have a reactive dog.

I compare walking a dog to driving a car. It’s not so much about our driving skills, but having to constantly be aware of the driving skills of others – trying to predict what they will do, which rules of the road they will ignore and how distracted they are. This is especially true in the country I live in, where driving can be a stressful experience.

I understand that we often need to multi task – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in our day to accomplish everything we need to, but walking our dogs should not be one of these times.

Some people might say – “but my dog is really friendly, well socialized, gets on well with everyone, is well trained, knows this environment well etc. and I hear that.

But another dog might not be – maybe they need space, are reactive, are not sociable, are recovering from an illness, might be terrified of another dog racing straight towards them chasing a ball thrown from a ball launcher etc.

If distracted dog walkers have no regard for other dogs or other people, they should at least have regard for their own dogs. Walking your dog should be a time of bonding, of relationship, of seeing the environment through the eyes of your dog, of reinforcing and teaching wanted behaviours, of keeping them safe and protected from the unknown.

Our dogs need us to be focused, to pay attention, to be aware and attentive.

Our dogs depend on us to advocate for them.

09/24/2024

Every animal born leaves a paw print in the heart of a .
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09/07/2024

Why Choosing a Breeder Who Shows Their Dogs Matters, Even for Pet Owners

When selecting a breeder, you might wonder why it’s recommended to choose one who shows their dogs, even if you have no intention of participating in dog shows yourself. Does this focus on show standards seem excessive or elitist? It’s not, and here’s why.

Dog shows are more than just competitions; they serve as a rigorous evaluation process where dogs are assessed against the breed standard. This standard includes several critical elements:

• Soundness: This refers to a dog’s overall physical and mental health, ensuring all organs and faculties are functioning harmoniously.
• Type: Breed type encompasses not just appearance but also character, bone structure, temperament, and movement, reflecting the essence of the breed.
• Gait: The quality of a dog’s movement is assessed to ensure ease and freedom from structural issues.
• Temperament: This measures a dog’s general attitude towards people and other animals, an essential trait for a well-rounded companion.

So why does this matter to you as a prospective pet owner? If you chose a Poodle, you likely did so because of their renowned qualities: their gentle nature, compatibility with children and other animals, and their ability to make exceptional therapy dogs. Good breeders strive to uphold these positive characteristics through their commitment to breed standards.

While not every puppy from a show-quality litter will be destined for the show ring, all will benefit from the breeder’s dedication to preserving the breed’s positive traits. Puppies that are not suited for the show ring but are well-bred still embody the breed’s essential qualities, making them excellent family pets.

Choosing a breeder who shows their dogs is not about snobbery or elitism; it’s about ensuring that you get a puppy who will grow into a well-rounded, healthy companion that exemplifies the breed you fell in love with. It’s about the breeder’s commitment to preserving the breed’s best traits and ensuring every puppy, regardless of its future in the show ring, starts life with the best possible foundation.

In essence, selecting a breeder who shows their dogs is a way to ensure that your future puppy will be a healthy, well-adjusted member of your family. It’s a reflection of love and respect for the breed, ensuring that all puppies have the opportunity to thrive and bring joy into their new homes.