How to Talk Dog™ Birmingham

1555 Cooper Hill Road • Birmingham, AL 35210 • (205) 588-4709

1555 Cooper Hill Road • Birmingham, AL 35210 • (205) 588-4709

Talk Dog Blog

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

What's That Smell?


As we all know, our pups have a much better "nose" for smells than we do. But just what are they smelling when they roam around with their noses pressed to the ground or raised in the air? Is it another furry friend? or perhaps some other creature? Don't you wish you knew a little more about what they are investigating when they come across some new scent that is completely undetectable by their human friends? Here is a very interesting article on what all goes on in their heads (and their noses) during a sniffing-spree!

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/7_11/features/Canine-Sense-of-Smell_15668-1.html

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Crazy for Coconut!



We all love our dogs and want nothing more than to keep their happy, healthy tails wagging!  This not only means keeping them bathed and brushed, but keeping their bodies healthy as well.  Now you can use one product to help keep them in looking and feeling great!  Coconut oil has been shown to help with dogs' coats and skin when mixed with their food (it's quite tasty for our furry friends), but also can help with disinfecting cuts and rashes when used topically.  And, it's actually great for Fido's two-legged friends as well! 
Check out the article to find out more about the benefits of coconut oil!

http://www.petside.com/article/coconut-oil-miracle-jar-dogs?obref=obinsite

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Workout with a Tail-Wag!




Many people enjoy a good work out after work, but feel guilty leaving Fido in his crate for an extra hour or so while they hit the gym.  Wish you had a way to bond with your furry-friend and get your workout in?  Jogging is a great way to do just that!  Getting a jog in a few times a week can be beneficial in more ways than just physical conditioning for both of you; it can also reduce stress and anxiety as well as improve Fido’s behavior.  Just remember, your puppy will need to build up to a full jog the same way you would.  If you aren’t much of a runner yet, here are a few helpful sites to get you and Fido started! 

http://running.about.com/od/safetyissuesandtips/tp/runningwithdogs.htm

Monday, August 13, 2012

Finding a Forever-Home

Recently, we have seen an influx of new additions to the We Talk Dog Family that have been rescued or adopted.  We are always glad to hear such sweet stories of loving pet-owners opening their hearts to pets in need of a home!  So, today we thought we would invite all of you to check out some of the pets in our area that are still in search of their forever-home (including two of our own, Kasper and Carolina).  Here’s to wonderful, loving, responsible pet-owners everywhere!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Homemade Treats



Fido is learning some new tricks; better have those treats handy!  We all love to reward our pups when they do something new or good, and treats are a great way to do just that.  Of course we want them to have something healthy, too (although for myself I will still hit up the local Sonic for some ice cream!).  If you buy treats on a regular basis, you already know that they can really add up when it comes to the bank account.  For those of you who love to be in the kitchen cooking up something heavenly, this site is for you!  We found a great resource for home-made dog-treat recipes (for all skill-levels J).  The next time you want to spoil your puppy, head to the kitchen instead of the grocery store!

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

You Are What You Eat!



If your dog is anything like mine, he LOVES to eat!  However, he can be kind of picky sometimes…and truthfully, I want to be picky for him.  I know that WHAT he eats and its contents are important and can lengthen his lifespan if he’s fed properly.  So, how do you determine which food to choose?  There are so many good choices on the market, but there are just as many that are less-than-great.  And as we all know, just because he likes it doesn’t mean it’s good for him.  Want to know where your current dog food ranks?  Here is a rating sheet that works for all foods.  Keep in mind, the cost doesn’t always directly determine the score the food will get.  It’s quick and easy to rate your dog’s food (some are already rated and listed at the bottom), and well worth the few minutes it takes to make sure your playful pooch is getting the proper nutrition!

Monday, August 6, 2012

A Busy Puppy is a Well-Behaved Puppy!




Has Fido been acting up a little lately?  Trying to figure out why he’s been so stubborn the last few days?  Try to think back on his activity level during that time.  If dogs are not given enough mental or physical activity, they can easily become bored and distracted, leading to a disobedient pup.  Before being domesticated, these four-legged friends had a much more active lifestyle; hunting and scavenging just to get a meal.  This is quite a difference from the cuddle-buddies we have made them today.  According to the ASPCA, there are many reasons dogs need the mental and physical exercise.   Check out this article for some great tips on keeping Fido busy!  (In addition to bringing him for a day of fun at We Talk Dog!)


Friday, August 3, 2012

How to Avoid Dog Hair Matting



During the summer months, our furry friends spend a lot more time playing outside, rolling in whatever they can find, and getting into stuff!   Much to our regret, this typically results in a stinky and matted pup.  Matts can be particularly difficult to get out, especially if you are trying to keep their coat in-tact.  Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just avoid matting altogether?  We Talk Dog has found some information to help you and your pooch dodge that bullet!  Read this article for more information.  Just remember, our “wooftastic” groomers are always here to help you keep your puppy looking his best!