The clocks have been changed … spring ahead! Just the sound of SPRING AHEAD sounds energizing! Come out of hibernation and get outside and enjoy the daylight.

Enjoy those outdoor walks again. As we shed layers of heavy clothing, remember that some short hair breeds still need a dog sweater on chilly mornings and during evening walks.

Responsible dog owners clean up after their pets. A great Spring Ahead resolution is to use eco-friendly biodegradable poop bags. Clean Go Pet Biodegradable Dog Waste Bags are biodegradable dog waste bags made from a corn-based plastic that will naturally decompose after use. Unscented leak proof bags have quick-tie handles to seal in odors.

Cleaning up the dog poop in your backyard on a regular schedule can prevent attracting maggots and parasites. Dog poop can present a health risk, especially if you have a dog who likes to eat poop. Rakes and shovels or poop scoops get the job quickly.

Poop Scooping has also emerged as a profitable business. Does it get any easier to have someone come to your home and pick up all the dog poop on your property? Voila! A dog friendly yard!

Being outdoors replenishes our energy level. Dogs enjoy being outside in the yard while their owner is cleaning up the winter debris and planting gardens. A little sunshine and exercise does wonders for humans and canines alike!

Some pet owners train their dogs to stay in a certain section of their yard. This helps prevent brown spots on the grass and trampled gardens. It also assures dog owners with small children that there is a clean area of the yard for their children to play.

Happy Spring! Enjoy the crocus and daffodils and additional hours of daylight. Best of all, get out there and CHASE A SQUIRREL!

Roll over Clover. It’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Irish Dog Breeds are popular not only on the Emerald Isle, but all over the world.

Back in the day of St. Patrick the dogs of Ireland were hunting and sporting dogs. The popular Irish breeds that have evolved through generations include the Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Irish Red & White Setter and Kerry Beagle.

Mixed breed dogs, also known today as Hybrid dogs, are a combination of two or more purebred dogs. The hybrid dogs, such as the Golden Irish, have the traits and personality of both the Irish Setter and a Golden Retriever. Another common hybrid is the Irish Doodle, which is a mix of a Standard Poodle and an Irish Setter.

Many Irish dogs have Irish names. The Galelic name, Madigan, (pronounced MAD i gan) and Madden, (pronounced MAD din) translates as little dog. Anlan, (pronounced ON lin) translates as great hound. Mac is the Gaelic term for son, and some Irish owners use this as a prefix in their dog’s name, such as Mac Cutie.

If you happen to be the proud dog owner of an Irish breed, part of loving and caring for your Irish dog is celebrating their heritage with them. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17th by the Irish and non Irish all around the world. Parades, Irish food and wearing green are some of the festivities of the day.

Potato dog treats and lamb stew are tasty ways to taste the roots of Ireland. Potatoes are about as Irish as you can get and are one of the staples of the Irish diet. Avoderm Potato all natural dog treats are crunchy oven-baked treats your dog will love. During the festivities dogs can also sink their teeth into a lamb filled rawhide.

At the crack o’ dawn when your Irish pup is ready to play, remember their rolling green hills of their native land and play with eco-friendly toys. GO GREEN on St. Patrick’s Day and every day. Paw Planet Bone with Rope Eco-Friendly Dog Toy Natural chew toy is made with pure natural materials and unbleached linen, cotton rope and sisal filling. Eco-friendly, durable and interactive fun!

Irish dogs have emerged from a hard working breed residing in Ireland to a wonderful family dog to many dog owners around the world. With their natural affection and loyalty, Irish Breeds are wonderful human companions.