Fiction

A Dog’s Way Home by W. Bruce Cameron

Best-selling author W. Bruce Cameron is back with another dog-themed novel, recently released in paperback in time for summer. His heartwarming 2010 novel, A Dog’s Purpose, was made into a movie in 2017, and this newest novel is also destined for the big screen. Like A Dog’s Purpose, A Dog’s Way Home is told from the perspective of a dog, this time a Pit Bull named Bella. Bella is a stray puppy who one day jumps into the life of a young man named Lucas. The two form a strong bond but are forced to separate due to the fact that Pit Bulls are banned in Lucas’ hometown of Denver, CO. Bella moves away to a foster home, but soon escapes and begins a long journey back home to find her best friend. Will she make it? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Tomorrow by Damian Dibben

Bella is not the only dog narrator on our list. Tomorrow, a new novel from historical fiction author Damian Dibben, is narrated by a 217 year-old dog named Tomorrow. The remarkably ageless dog is on a mission to find his lost master, a journey that takes him through the court of King Charles I in England and the golden age of Amsterdam in the 17th century, the Wars of Spanish Succession and France’s famed palace of Versailles in the 18th century, and to Venice in the early 19th century. Learn more about this time-traveling journey in the video below:

You Lucky Dog by Debra Finerman

A love story with one BIG twist, You Lucky Dog is a great pick for dog lovers looking for a hilarious, romantic and heartwarming beach read. Jake and Emma are in love, but when Jake dies in an accident, it seems like they have lost each other forever. Not so fast! Jake soon returns to life, stuck in the body of the couple’s dog. Will Jake escape his predicament? Pick up a copy of You Lucky Dog to find out!

Non-Fiction

Tuesday’s Promise: One Veteran, One Dog, and Their Bold Quest to Change Lives by Luis Carlos Montavlán and Ellis Henican

A beautiful tribute to a hero and his devoted service dog, Tuesday’s Promise is a book that you will never forget. In his first book Until Tuesday, Iraq War veteran Luis Carlos Montalván tells the story of a dog that changed his life – a Golden Retriever named Tuesday. Tuesday helped Montalván manage his post-traumatic stress disorder and other physical injuries, while Montalván taught Tuesday, who struggled with connecting to humans, how to trust him. Tuesday’s Promise continues their shared journey, showing how animals like Tuesday can assist soldiers, veterans, and many others with mental and physical disabilities. Montalván and Tuesday’s successes are told side by side with the ongoing story of Montalván’s continuing physical and emotional challenges. Their story is inspiring, difficult, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and will leave a lasting impact on all who read it.

Have Dog, Will Travel: A Poet’s Journey by Stephen Kuusisto

Have Dog, Will Travel is another remarkable service dog story that reveals the remarkable impact these highly trained dogs can have on the lives of the humans they assist. Poet Stephen Kuusisto was born legally blind, and began working with a guide dog for the first time at age 38 when his work situation changed and required him to travel beyond his familiar small town. Kuusisto was paired with a Labrador named Corky, a dog that would change his life and guide him throughout their many adventures. Kuusisto’s writing is beautiful, moving and informative. Fellow poet Billy Collins writes of Have Dog, Will Travel: “Never before has the subtle relationship of a blind person to a guide dog been clarified in such an entertaining way. That Stephen Kuusisto enables us to see the world through his blind eyes as well as through the ‘seeing eyes’ of his dog is this book’s amazing, paradoxical achievement.”

For Young Adults

Your Robot Dog Will Die by Arin Greenwood

There are a lot of cool new dystopian YA novels to choose from this summer, but only one tackles our favorite subject of all: dogs. Your Robot Dog Will Die is set in a world where robot dogs have replaced the real thing – or so it seems. When 17 year-old protagonist and animal lover Nano Miller stumbles upon a real-life puppy with a wagging tail, she knows she must protect it at all costs. Greenwood’s thoughtful, engaging and fun book is the perfect summer read for dog-obsessed teens (and maybe their parents, too)!

For the Kids

Stubby the War Dog: The True Story of World War I’s Bravest Dog by Ann Bausum

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the unforgettable story of Sgt. Stubby, a bull terrier mix whose bravery made him the most famous canine hero of WWI. Stubby served in 17 battles in France alongside his best friend Private J. Robert Conroy and the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. He alerted troops to incoming gas attacks, caught German spies, located missing soldiers in between the trenches and boosted morale among the troops. Bausum’s book is perfect for kids 10 and up who like their history with a bit a canine flair.

MVP: Most Valuable Puppy by Mike Greenberg and Stacey Steponate Greenberg

For younger readers, consider this sweet tale of a pink-tailed pup named Phoebe from ESPN host Mike Greenberg and Stacey Steponate Greenberg. Phoebe and her human sister have a special bond, and the spunky pup helps her “big sister” tackle new challenges with gusto. Be prepared to fall in love with Phoebe!

Rescue and Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes

Rescue and Jessica is a story of friendship, determination, hope and love. The book, for kids aged 5-9, tells the story of a black Lab service dog named Rescue and Jessica, the young woman he is paired with. Rescue worries he won’t be able to do his job, but soon discovers the impact he has on Jessica and the bond that develops between them. Authors Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes are survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and Rescue is based on Kensky’s real-life service dog. Beautifully written and illustrated, Rescue and Jessica shows young readers the purpose and power of service dogs, and all the important work they do to help others.

And One for Cat Lovers, Too

They All Saw A Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Don’t worry, cat fans, we didn’t forget you! The best-seller They All Saw a Cat is perfect for preschoolers who can’t get enough of all things feline. Author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel’s delightful book asks the question “what do you see when you see a cat?” What follows are fantastic illustrations of one cat from the perspective of the people and animals it encounters, from a little boy to a scared puppy to a buzzing bee. Your little one will love to see what’s next in this journey of curiosity and imagination.

Before the Move

1) Pack Up Your Home Gradually

When it comes to boxing up all your things, take your time…your pet will appreciate it. Too much change can be overwhelming for dogs and cats. Keep up all of your regular routines (walking, feeding, play time) as well as you can to help ease the stress. And pack up your pets’s things last, and make sure they will be easy to find when you’re ready to start unpacking in your new home.

2) Local Distance Move? Do Your Research.

If you’re moving across the country or internationally, plan ahead when it comes to traveling with your pets. If you’ll be flying with your cat or small dog, check with your airline regarding appropriate carriers, size restrictions and other policies. If your pet will be flying cargo, check with your airline about certain breed restrictions and extreme temperature-related travel restrictions.

If you are planning a long drive with your animals, be sure to add plenty of extra time in your itinerary for bathroom breaks and opportunities for people and animals to stretch their legs. If travel makes your pet especially anxious, talk to your veterinarian about medication options.

Lastly, take time before the move to familiarize yourself with the pet laws, registration requirements and other local regulations. Check to see if your new town, city, state, etc. will require health certifications, vaccinations and registrations for your pets. If any or all of these are required, talk to your vet ahead of time to make sure all the paperwork is in order come move day.

3) Schedule a Pet Sitter or Doggie Day Care

Moving Day is a busy, often chaotic experience. Open doors, heavy furniture, moving trucks – all these things and more can be risky for pets. Bringing your dog to a local doggie day care for the day can help keep him safe and away from move-day stress. Another option for dog and cat parents would be to arrange for friends or family to look after your pets, or to hire a pet sitter who can take care of your pets in their home. They’ll get to enjoy some extra attention, and you’ll appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that they’re safe.

On Moving Day

4) Pet Staying With You? Keep Them Out of Way.

If your pets must stay with you on move day, keep them in their crate or in a separate room with the door closed. Place a sign on the door alerting movers that your pets are inside. Make sure your pets have plenty of food and water, and surround them a few favorite toys and a trusty blanket or bed. Trust us, they won’t mind missing out on all the action on this particular day!

 5) Unpack Your Pets’ Things First

It is important to keep track of your pets’ belongings during your move, as you will want to unpack them as soon as get to your new house or apartment. Have your cat’s litter box ready for their new room, and make sure you’ve set aside some food for the first few days so you won’t have to hunt for that bag of dog food among your many boxes and suitcases.

You may want to get a fresh start and clean all of Fido and Fluffy’s bedding and toys, but don’t do so right away. The reassuring smell of a familiar bed or favorite squeaky toy can go a long way in easing your pets’ anxiety in those first few days.

After the Move

6) Introduce Pets to New Home Gradually

When you arrive at your new home, you may be tempted to let your pets out of their crates right away to explore their new space. Instead, keep your pets contained in a single room, one that you have already determined to be safe for them and free of potential hazards like loose wires or open windows.

As the days go by and the unpacking moves along, you can let your pet explore new areas. You can do the same when introducing your dog to his new neighborhood. Slow walks around the block, building up to longer treks and even a visit to the local dog park or dog-friendly hiking trail. He’s got a lot of new things to sniff, so he’ll have plenty of things to keep him busy.

7) Stick to the Old Routines

As much as you can, stick to your old routines with your pets. Set up your pets bowls in a similar way to your old place, and if your cat loved to sit by the window, make sure she can do it in her new home. Don’t be surprised if your pets have a few accidents in the early days – they may need a quick refresher on housebreaking or a reminder where you placed the litter box.

No doubt you’ll be busy with unpacking clothes, arranging furniture and many other important tasks, but don’t forget to set aside time for your pets, too. Take a few minutes to groom your cat, and plan for an evening walk or game of fetch with your dog. They’ll love it, and we bet you will too!

And don’t forget, if you are a DogWatch Hidden Fence customer, you can bring your hidden fence system with you! You may need to have new wire installed at your new house, but your local DogWatch Dealer can use your existing equipment to create your new hidden fence. If you’ve moved out of town, visit dogwatch.com to find your new local DogWatch Dealer or call Customer Service at (800) 793-3436. We’d be happy to help your pets enjoy their freedom in their new yard!

10 Colorful Plant Options for Your Pet-Friendly Garden

1. Petunia
2. Sunflower
3. Orchid
4. Snapdragon
5. African Violet
6. Marigold
7. Pansy
8. Thyme
9. Sweet Potato Vine
10. Rose (non-toxic, but watch out for thorns!)

Looking for pet-safe indoor plants, too? Try a Spider Plant, Blue Echeveria or one of these other plants featured in this blog post.

Keep Pets Away from These Potentially Poisonous Plants

• Aloe
• Azalea
• Begonia
• Chrysanthemum
• Daffodil
• Geranium
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Lily (very toxic for cats)
• Rhododendron
• Tulip
• Wisteria

For a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants, check out this guide from the ASPCA.  

If you love these plants too much to part with them, consider fencing them off to keep them safely out of reach of your pets. Talk to your local DogWatch Dealer about installing a hidden fence or adding a garden loop to your existing fence to keep the area off-limits. Click on the button below to find your local DogWatch Dealer.

The big news this year is the rise of the Australian Shepherd, which cracked the top 10 for the first time. This smart, energetic herding dog continues to grow in popularity up North, and is particularly popular in Toronto and Calgary. Check out the entire top 10 below.

1. Labrador Retriever

2. German Shepherd Dog

3. Golden Retriever

4. Poodle

5. Shetland Sheepdog

6. French Bulldog

7. Havanese

8. Bernese Mountain Dog

9. Australian Shepherd

10. English Bulldog

Want your DogWatch Dog to be featured on our blog? We’re always looking for great dog photos and stories to share with our readers. Share your favourite dog photo on our Facebook page and tell us why your pup is the best!

Rather than just tell you the rest of the breeds, we thought we’d show you. Here are 2017’s top 10 most popular dog breeds, starring 14 gorgeous DogWatch Dogs from across the country! 

1. Labrador Retriever

Maggie the Yellow Labrador Retriever puppy from Sheridan, MT, customer of DogWatch of Montana

2. German Shepherd

German Shepherds Caesar and Brutus of Big Rapids, MI, customer of DogWatch by Great Lakes Pet Fencing

3. Golden Retriever

DogWatch of Upstate NY customers and Golden Retrievers girls Savannah, Dakota and Jersey with owners Nelson and John of Cooperstown, NY

4. French Bulldog

Bruce the French Bulldog from Spring Lake, MI, customer of DogWatch by K9 Keeper Fencing LLC

5. English Bulldog

Biggie the English Bulldog, customer of DogWatch of Santa Barbara

6. Beagle

Tigger the Beagle, Spokesdog of DogWatch of St. Louis

7. Poodle

Sky the Standard Poodle, customer of DogWatch of Cape Cod

8. Rottweiler

Jaz the Rottweiler of Guymon, OK, customer of DogWatch of the Texas Panhandle

9. Yorkshire Terrier

A sassy Yorkie from Aledo, TX, customer of LoneStar DogWatch

10. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers Ranger and Ruger from Mount Claire, WV, customers of DogWatch of North Central WV

To see the full list, visit AKC.org.

Want your DogWatch Dog to be featured on our blog? We’re always looking for great dog photos and stories to share with our readers. Share your favorite dog photo on our Facebook wall and tell us why your pup is the best!

American League

• Chicago White Sox: The White Sox will host Dog Day on Monday, April 23 at 7:10PM vs the Seattle Mariners. Call 312-674-5244 to purchase tickets.
• Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are hosting two “Bark at the Park” nights at Comerica Park in 2018. The first game is Monday, May 14 at 7:10PM vs the Cleveland Indians, and the second is Monday, September 17 at 7:10PM vs the Minnesota Twins. A portion of the proceeds from these events will go to the Michigan Humane Society. Click here for tickets and more information.
• Houston Astros: Last year’s World Series champs will host their annual Dog Day at Minute Maid Park on Sunday September 2 at 1:10PM vs the Los Angeles Angels. Activities include a costume contest, pregame parade around the field, and more! Click here for more info.
• Kansas City Royals: The Royals hosted three “Bark at The Park” events at Kauffman Stadium last season, but in 2018 they’re adding one more! Dogs are invited to the Tuesday, April 24 game vs the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:15PM, the Wednesday, May 30 game vs the Minnesota Twins at 7:15PM, the Wednesday, August 15 game vs the Wednesday, Toronto Blue Jays at 7:15PM and the Wednesday, September 12 game vs the Chicago White Sox at 7:15PM. Registration is currently available for both the April 19 event and the May 30 event.
• Oakland Athletics: The A’s annual Bark at the Park event will be held on June 29 at 7:05PM, when the A’s take on the Cleveland Indians. All dogs and owners are invited to a pregame party, as well as a Pup Parade on the field. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dogs4Diabetics and the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). More information is coming soon.
• Seattle Mariners: Like the Royals, the Seattle Mariners are also hosting four “Bark at the Park” nights this season. Safeco Field will welcome pups on Tuesday, April 17 (vs. the Houston Astros), Tuesday, May 29 (vs. the Texas Rangers), Thursday, July 5 (vs. the Los Angeles Angels) and Wednesday, September 5 (vs. the Baltimore Orioles), and all will be evening games, starting at 7:10PM. Click here for tickets and more information.
• Tampa Bay Rays: Rays fans won’t have to wait long to take their pups to Tropicana Field! The park will host a “Dog Day at the Rays” on Sunday, April 15 at 1:10PM vs the Philadelphia Phillies. Hurry up, Rays fans, because the deadline to order tickets is Thursday, April 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET!
• Texas Rangers: The Rangers “Bark in the Park” is coming up even sooner then the Rays’ event – Saturday, April 7 at 7:05PM vs the Toronto Blue Jays! Be sure to get to the park early for the pre-game dog parade around the warning track. Click here for ticket information.

The following teams have no dog-friendly games or events listed on their 2018 home schedule:

• Boston Red Sox
• Baltimore Orioles
• Cleveland Indians
• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
• Minnesota Twins
• New York Yankees
• Toronto Blue Jays

National League

• Arizona Diamondbacks: The D’backs are hosting a “Bark at the Park” on Sunday, May 6 during their 1:10PM game versus the Houston Astros. Be sure to arrive early to participate in the pre-game Puppy Parade on the warning track at Chase Field! Click here for ticket information. And thanks to Phoenix-based pet retailer PetSmart, dogs will be welcome in at Chase Field for 17 “Dog Days of Summer” Sunday and Monday games! Dog owners and their pets will have their own dedicated seating and concessions area, PetSmart Patio, and their own indoor/outdoor dog park, PetSmart Park. These dog-friendly ticket packages are available here. How cool is that?
• Atlanta Braves: “Bark in the Park” is back at SunTrust Park for 2018! Take your pup to the park for the Sunday, May 20 game vs the Miami Marlins at 1:35PM. Every dog who attends will receive a Braves leash to wear proudly around town. Tickets are very limited, though, so click here to pick them up today.
• Cincinnati Reds: Cincinnatians will get FOUR chances to bring their dog to see their favorite team play at Great American Ball Park. The Reds are hosting “Bark in the Park” events at the following games: Tuesday, May 8 vs. the New York Mets at 7:10PM; Tuesday, June 5 vs. the Colorado Rockies at 7:10PM; Wednesday, August 29 vs. the Milwaukee Brewers at 7:10PM; and Tuesday, September 25 vs. the Kansas City Royals at 6:40PM. To participate in the pregame pet parade on the warning track, be sure to arrive at least 40 minutes prior to the first pitch. Click here for tickets and more information.
• Colorado Rockies: The Rockies are hosting a “Bark at the Park” event at Coors Field on Wednesday, August 22 at 6:40PM vs. the San Diego Padres. The special “Bark in the Park” tickets aren’t available yet, but check back here soon to get yours.
• Los Angeles Dodgers: Attention, LA dog parents! You and your pup are invited to Dodger Stadium for “Pups at the Park” on Saturday, April 14 for the 6:10pm game vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers will donate a portion of the proceeds to Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. This game’s coming up soon – get your tickets here!
• Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers are hosting their second annual “Bark at the Park” event at Miller Park on Thursday, May 24 at 7:10PM vs. the New York Mets. All dogs will receive a Brewers dog leash, and a portion of all Bark in Park ticket packages will go to the Wisconsin Humane Society and Animal Rescue Foundation. The pregame dog parade is already sold out, but tickets for the game are still available here!
• New York Mets: Mets fans will have THREE chances to take their dogs to Citi Field this season. The Mets’ first “Bark at the Park” is coming up VERY soon on Monday, April 2 vs the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:10PM. If you miss this game, you’ll have two more chances: Saturday, May 5 at 7:10PM vs. the Colorado Rockies and Monday, September 10 at 7:10PM vs. the Miami Marlins. A portion of the dog ticket and of the human ticket will benefit North Shore Animal League America (April 2 and September 10) and the Animal Rescue Foundation (May 5). Click here for tickets and more information.
• Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pittsburgh Pirates must be HUGE dogs fans, as they’re opening PNC Park to pups for EVERY Tuesday night home game in 2018. The “Pup Nights at PNC Park” dates are: April 17 vs. the Colorado Rockies (with a Pirates dog bowl giveaway); April 24 vs. the Detroit Tigers (with a Pirates dog toy giveaway); May 15 vs. the Chicago White Sox; May 29 vs. the Chicago Cubs; June 5 vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers; June 19 vs. the Milwaukee Brewers; July 10 vs. the Washington Nationals; July 31 vs. the Chicago Cubs; August 21 vs. the Atlanta Braves; September 4 vs. the Cincinnati Reds; and September 18 vs. the Kansas City Royals. All games start at 7:05PM. With so many options, you’d be silly NOT buy a ticket (or three)!
• San Diego Padres: The Padres play in Petco Park, so you bet they have a dog-friendly game on their schedule! The Padres are hosting “Dog Days of Summer” event on Tuesday, June 19 vs. the Oakland Athletics at 7:10PM. More registration information will be available in May on the Padres’ website.
• San Francisco Giants: AT&T Park is hosting a “Dog Days of Summer” event during the Giants game on Sunday, August 26 at 1:05PM vs. the Texas Rangers. Be sure to arrive before the game to participate in the pre-game parade and pet costume contest! Click here for tickets and more information.
• St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals are hosting the 14th Annual “Purina Pooches in the Ballpark” at Busch Stadium on Saturday, May 5 at 1:15PM vs. the Chicago Cubs. All participants will receive a Cardinals pet treat jar and a Purina goodie-bag, and before the game, there will be a pre-game costume parade around the warning track. So get those costumes ready, pups and get your tickets when they go on sale on Wednesday March 28th at 10AM CT!
• Washington Nationals: Back by “pup-ular” demand, the Nationals are excited to welcome dogs into Nationals Park for SIX games this season! “Pups in the Park” will be held during the follow games: Sunday, April 8 at 8:08PM vs. the New York Mets; Sunday, April 29 at 1:35PM vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks; Saturday, May 19 at 7:05PM vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers; Saturday, June 23 at 4:05PM vs. the Philadelphia Phillies; Friday, September 7 at 7:05PM vs. the Chicago Cubs; and Tuesday, September 25 at 7:05PM vs. the Miami Marlins. Proceeds from your pup’s ticket will benefit Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC. Click here for tickets and more information.

The following teams have no dog-friendly games or events listed on their 2018 home schedule:

• Chicago Cubs
• Miami Marlins
• Philadelphia Phillies

Note: Check your team’s website for more information about these events and event requirements (size limit, vaccination records, etc.). 

We’ve chosen to focus on MLB teams in this post, but there are plenty of minor league teams that have similar pet-themed events. Check out your team’s website to see if they have a dog-friendly event coming up!

Know about any dog-friendly baseball events in your area that we missed? Tell us in the comments, or share them on our Facebook page!

Image Credits
Featured Image: “Pups in the Park” by Cathy T is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (Image is cropped.)

Dress the Part

On Sunday, February 4, many loyal fans will be sporting their best Eagles’ green or Patriots’ blue. Why not let your dog show his team spirit, too? It can’t hurt your team’s chances, and it will certainly bring a smile to the face of all your guests. Of course, before debuting the look, make sure your dog is comfortable in his jersey or her cheerleader outfit. If he or she prefers a subtler statement, stick with a colorful bandanna or collar. Be creative, have fun and be sure to capture it all on camera, like these adorable photos from our DogWatch office dogs from our corporate headquarters in Massachusetts and from our DogWatch of the Delaware Valley customers in greater Philadelphia!

Make Your Own Doggie Snacks

Super Bowl parties are notorious for delicious food, most of which is not suitable for dogs. Keep your dog away from the wings, guacamole and brownies by preparing treats just for her! We found this fun recipe on the blog Golden Daily Scoop for healthy Super Bowl-themed dog treats in the shape of mini footballs – why not try it out this weekend?

Maggie couldn’t wait to get her tongue wrapped around our #gameday treats! Visit today’s #newblogpost to get the #recipe!

A photo posted by Miley, Maggie & Bruin (@goldendailyscoop) on Jan 31, 2017 at 10:13am PST

Half Time is Play Time

Despite its many charms, the Super Bowl is still a very long TV event. Why not take a quick break from the couch during half time? If the weather is nice, take your dog for walk or practice your spiral in the backyard with a game of fetch. If the weather does not cooperate, bring out the dog toys or try some fun indoor games to get the whole party involved. Your dog will love the attention and activity, and you’ll have a chance to burn off some of those tasty Super Bowl treats.

Coors the German Shepherd, a DogWatch of Santa Barbara customer, plans to use the halftime to practice his impressive football skills!

Watch the Puppy Bowl

One of our favorite Super Bowl traditions actually takes place before the game. At 3PM EST on Sunday, Animal Planet airs Puppy Bowl XIV. Quite possibly the most adorable television program of the year, the Puppy Bowl places pups of different breeds into a mini football field and lets them play as only puppies can. It’s irresistible, and it’s for a good cause, too. And this year, for the first time, older adoptable dogs will be participating in their own, brand new “Dog Bowl.” Even Patriots and Eagles fans will agree that the Puppy Bowl is a great show!

Have fun this Sunday, and may the best team win!

Pet Preparedness Checklist: How to Protect Your Pet in an Emergency

Pet safety is an important part of DogWatch’s mission. In September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, we compiled some key steps that pet parents can take to keep their pets safe in the event of an emergency. Check it out, plan ahead, and share our Pet Preparedness Checklist infographic with your friends, family and fellow pet parents!

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Celebrate the Oscars with the Best Dog Movies

Before the Academy Awards ceremony last March, we rounded up this list of our favorite movies featuring our favorite subject – dogs! These 14 films cover a wide range, but all feature unforgettable dogs who have touched our hearts and tickled our funny bones.

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How to Identify, Get Rid Of and Prevent Ticks on Your Dog

If you’re a dog parent, chances are you had to deal with the unpleasant reality of ticks. The staff at DogWatch has a lot of experience with ticks, both from our customers and our own dogs. Back in May, we showed you how to safely identify and remove them, as well as some tips on how to avoid them in the future.

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Top 15 Breeds Most Likely to Be “Escape Artists”

At DogWatch, it’s our mission to keep dogs safe at home in their yards. So we were definitely intrigued last April when we saw Business Insider‘s list of the dog breeds most likely to run away from home. Check out the top 15, complete with photos of actual DogWatch customers who overcame their wandering ways and are now safe at home thanks to their DogWatch Hidden Fences!

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Announcing the Winners of the 2017 DogWatch Halloween Photo Contest!

In October, we held our 4th Annual DogWatch Halloween Photo Contest. We asked for the best Halloween photos of pets in costume, and our fans delivered! We received 400 entries, featuring some of the spookiest, funniest, cutest and most creative dog costumes we’ve ever seen! You don’t want to miss these winning photos.

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Now that we have looked back at 2017, let us know if there are any topics you’d like us to cover in 2018. We’d love your ideas and input in the comments and on our Facebook page! Thanks!

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

A small dog with a big name and a bigger personality, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje (pronounced Coy-ker-hund-tsje) is the newest member of AKC’s Sporting Group. The Kooikerhondje hails from the Netherlands, and was bred to hunt duck. Its name in Dutch means “little cage dog,” as it is trained by hunters to use its long white fluffy tail to lure ducks into a duck cage trap (or “Eendenkooi”). The Kooikerhondje has been popular in the Netherlands for centuries, and appears in paintings by 17th century Dutch masters Rembrandt and Jan Steen.

The Kooikerhondje has a lovely reddish brown, black and white coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing. The breed is small enough for apartment living, but does need regular exercise. The Kooikerhondje’s sensitivity to sound, while an asset in hunting, may make it ill-suited to a home with very small children. Happy, lively, intelligent and eager-to-please, the Kooikerhondje can make a wonderful companion for many people and families with older children.

Check out the Kooikerhondje in action in this clip from the Animal Planet TV series “Dogs 101”!

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) has now joined the ranks of their smaller relatives, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV), as a new member of the AKC’s Hound Group. The AKC provides a helpful breakdown of this breed’s long name: “‘Grand’ is a French word that means large, so it fits the bigger version of the two Basset Griffon Vendéen breeds. ‘Basset’ means low. ‘Griffon’ is a type of wire coat, and ‘Vendéen’ comes from Vendée, the region of France where the breed originated.”

The GBGV is a scent hound that was bred to hunt larger animals, including wolves and deer, as well as track smaller game like rabbits and hares. They typically hunt in packs, and enjoy being part of a group. The GBGV is a friendly, laidback hound that nevertheless needs lots of exercise to channel that working dog spirit. Don’t let those short legs and droopy ears fool you – these are energetic, athletic hounds that love to run, play and explore!

To learn more about the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen and other dog breeds, visit the American Kennel Club’s website.

Photo Credits
In Featured Image: “Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen” by Eelco Roes is licensed under CC BY 2.0. (Image is cropped.)
“Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen” by Eelco Roes is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
“A kooikerhondje” by Burner83 is licensed under CC BY 1.0.

Top 10 Dog Names of DogWatch Customers – Female

1. Bella
2. Lucy
3. Bailey
4. Daisy
5. Lily
6. Molly
7. Sadie
8. Stella
9. Gracie
10. Zoe

Top 10 Dog Names of DogWatch Customers – Male

1. Max
2. Charlie
3. Cooper
4. Buddy
5. Bear
6. Sammy
7. Tucker
8. Remy
9. Rocky
10. Scout

What’s your dog’s name, and the story behind it? We’d love to hear from you! Share your reactions to the list and your dog name stories in the comments below or on our Facebook page. We may include your story and photo in a future blog post!