Koda is the wise mentor and hiking companion of Gail Lynne Goodwin, the founder of InspireMeToday.com. He’s also a 2-yr old Samoyed pup.

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I’d want to pass along to others…

From watching Koda for the last two years, these are things that he would share with you if he could write….

You’ll get much more from tail wags and licks than you ever will from barks and bites.

Be persistent and you’ll usually get what you want.

If we weren’t supposed to play in mud puddles they wouldn’t exist.

Happiness and love are the only things that matter.

Few things in life are as good as a long cool drink of water or a back rub.

When someone tells you “You’re beautiful”, just smile, knowing they’re really seeing a part of themselves in you.

Knowing that all of the answers to all life’s questions are already inside us all, sometimes silence really is the best answer.

Honor our differences. Just because I run after a stick doesn’t mean I’m going to bring it back anymore than you could expect a retriever to pull a sled. Recognize and appreciate our individual talents.

Enthusiasm can overcome fear in almost any situation.

Don’t worry about what you look like, ever. Just be you.

Play until you’re too tired to play anymore. It’s what life’s all about.

It’s great to lead but don’t forget to wait and help those behind you too.

Toys don’t have to be expensive. The right stick can be the greatest find of the day.

Give back the love that’s given to you.

Exercise is an important part of life if you don’t want to feel old and achey.

When another dog barks at you, you have a choice whether to bark back or not.

Throw away the leash! Think without boundaries. Dream without limitations. Life is lived more fully when you play without fences.

The tone of your voice is much more important than any words you could possibly say.

All people, no matter who they are or what they look like, should be greeted with an enthusiastic tail wag.

Everyone is just looking for love and someone to scratch them behind the ears.

When someone who loves you calls your name, run to them with the greatest enthusiasm, knowing that just by showing up, you’ll make them smile.

Don’t cry today over yesterday’s lost bones.

Keep it simple. Eat, sleep, play, chew bones and love.

Worry is something I just don’t understand. It steals the moment and playing is just more fun.

You can tell a lot about someone from just one sniff.

Forgive in the moment so you don’t have to remember stuff that doesn’t matter anyway.

Mud on your feet just means you had a good day.

No hill is too high to climb if the adventure is exciting enough.

Nothing beats a good tummy rub.

Share tail wags with everyone. You may be the only one to give love to a stranger today.

Chasing deer is more fun than chasing cats. Make your own trail and do what you want to do.

Eat when you’re hungry, don’t eat when you’re not and you’ll be healthy and maintain the perfect weight.

The best place to be is walking along side of someone you love.

Nap when you’re sleepy and play when you’re not. Spend your energy doing things that you love.

Love and protect those around you.

Kisses and affection are always appropriate.

It’s always good to have a friend who can scratch the places you can’t reach and pull the burrs from your fur when you need a little help.

“NO!” isn’t a fun word.

Poking your nose in places where it doesn’t belong (like bee’s nests) can result in painful consequences.

Today could be your last day, so don’t waste time burying your bones- enjoy them now.

When you show gratitude for the treats in your life you get more of them.

No matter the season, no matter the reason, love is always the answer.

And, love isn’t really love unless it’s unconditional.

See original article at inspiremetoday.com.

Where do dogs learn their manners? From their owners! Dogs are pack animals and it is important for a dog owner to be the pack leader.

Having a happy and properly socialized pet requires teaching and guidance from the pet’s owner. Whether you have a puppy or adopt a dog, a relationship of trust should start as early as possible.

Training requires a disciplined and patient dog owner. It is easy to cave in when your dog just wants your attention and doesn’t want to listen to your commands. Reward your dog for good behavior. Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment. Physical punishment will make your dog afraid of you and break down the trust you are trying to establish.

Housebreaking is one of the first aspects involved in dog training. With a 95% success rate Poochie-Bells are recommended by professional trainers. No more whining, barking or waiting by the door, your pooch can be trained to ring the bells when they need to go outside. The bells are strategically placed on a heavy duty designer durable grosgrain ribbon to accommodate small and large breeds. Poochie Bells are portable, there are no batteries or wires so dog owners can remain consistent with housebreaking wherever you and your pooch happen to be.

Some dog breeds are more difficult to train than others. There are breed specific behaviors that need to be adapted to their environment. Herding and excessive barking are natural instincts that dog trainers and owners need to modify for a dog to adapt in their environment and home.

Barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs. When a dog hears an unfamiliar noise, sees a stranger, or hears a knock or doorbell they tend to begin barking. It is their way of communicating what they hear. Some hunting breeds like a Beagle or Terrier tend to bark more than other docile dogs.

Excessive barking is an unwanted behavior that requires attention. Dogs usually bark in a standing or sitting position. Command your dog to lie down and the barking should subside. Dogs don’t tend to bark when they are lying down. The command “ENOUGH” spoken in a firm tone also informs the dog to stop barking.

Training a dog can seem overwhelming. The dog owner’s role as the pack leader is based on mutual trust. When the trust is established a dog will look to their owner for behavior cues. A dog wants to please their owner and responds to positive reinforcement when they behave appropriately.

Do you like to sleep? Then a dog’s life is for you! Dogs sleep about 12 hours a day, every day. They sleep almost half their life.

Dogs sleep out of boredom. Some dog’s sleeping habits influence its behavior. Stimulation during the day is necessary for some dogs that need to be awake during the day so they can sleep at night; at the same time as their owners.

Even though a dog sleeps for 12 hours or more a day, they are still aware of their surroundings. If it is not time for a walk, pet, play or food, dogs tend to sleep. Sometimes they are tired, especially after an afternoon at the dog park and other times its just boredom.

Talking to a sleeping dog, saying their name or saying, do you want to go for walk, is a safe way to wake a sleeping dog. Touching them, can startle them and cause an unwanted behavior.

Did you ever have a hard time keeping your eyes open? Dogs are smart and just give in to the fatigue. One moment they are sitting next to you and the next their eyes are rolling in their lids and they are dreaming.

Usually a dog starts falling asleep on their side or belly with their legs stretched out. When they start falling into a deeper sleep they roll over on their back. In this position a dog is completely stretched out and relaxed. Their legs are straight up in the air and their belly is nice and cool.

Have a clean and comfortable place in your home where your dog can rest feeling safe and secure. It is their natural instinct to be in a sheltered place, under a table or in a corner. Before a dog lies down, they circle the spot they intend to lay down to sleep. Snoozer® Camel Microsuede/Sherpa Cozy Cave Dog Bed is a comfortable soft berber dog bed that caters to the sheltered instinct.

Dog owners may not get 12 hours of sleep each day, but we can learn from our pet’s nature to slow down and more often. Stretch out, release your tension and SNORE!

1. 

   New Years Dog Treats

   Healthy Food Choices: This means eating foods without a lot of preservatives, fillers and artificial colors and flavor. Dog owners would not feel well if they ate an overly processed diet. Dog food differs, read the labels to be sure you are feeding your dog well balanced and nutritious meals. For example, Merrick and Solid Gold dog treats contain all natural and holistic ingredients and do not contain any chemical preservatives.

2. Help Others: Dog s can brighten a human’s day. Visiting the elderly, walking your apprehensive child to the bus stop & waiting anxiously for the bus to arrive … dogs have many comforting attributes that can aid the community.
3. Learn a New Trick: If your dog has mastered sit & stay, how about a new trick, like run upstairs and get my slippers. Even adult dogs can learn new tricks. A dog training class or a dog owner with a bag of dog treats might accomplish a new dog trick. Dog Brick Interactive Game Dog Toy is a great way to stimulate your dogs learning skills. The Dog Brick game requires a dog to first dislodge the removable bones, then to push the sliding covers and access hidden treats. The level of difficulty for the Brick can be varied, depending upon the dog’s experience and his enthusiasm for the game … and you thought Sudoku strengthened the mind!
4. Exercise: Some dogs love to run and chase balls, but don’t always have the opportunity, especially during the winter months. Dog parks are open year round. Bundle up, grab a ball and get some dog socialization at the dog park. Smaller dogs can benefit from a daily walk. This is also a great way for a dog owner to stay fit!
5. Quality Time: Most dogs are known for their Love and Loyalty. Hugs, a good belly rub and endearing words validate your adoring relationship.
6. Role Model: Clean up after your dog. This includes picking up dog poop at the dog park, on walks and in your backyard too. A responsible dog owner respects our environment.
7. Read: Knowledge is power! Sometimes reading aloud to someone who loves the sound of your voice encourages the reader to do better in school.
8. Be Happier: Engage in activities that make you smile. Spend time doing something that makes you feel good about yourself. Does watching your dog’s tail wag or listening to your dog squeal with delight when you call their name make you feel awesome?
9. Sleep: Who knows more about sleep than your dog? Dogs recognize the need for resting your weary bones. A nap does wonders to catch a second wind before settling down for a good 8 hours each night.
10. Play: Play is essential to well being. Don’t take everything so seriously and remember what your priorities are and what is trivial!

We all want the perfect pet. How about a dog who is house broken and doesn’t have accidents in the house? Some adopted and rescued dogs are already house trained and just need to get acclimated to their new home and routine and some dogs, namely puppies, and a few small breeds need constant attention to teach them to let you know when they need to, “go out”.

Getting a puppy is very exciting! Playing and cuddling with your precious new addition is what puppy love is all about. Teaching your puppy the house rules is another story! The house rule is, No Peeing or Pooping in the House!

Sometimes this is easier said than done. A puppy needs to learn that the appropriate location to “go potty” is outside. Many pet owners use Nature’s Miracle Puppy Training Pads to assist in the training process. The training pads are treated with a fresh grass scent to train dogs to “go” outside faster! A dog attractant “Go Here” pheromones scent is detected only by dogs which attracts them to the pads. The training pads absorb up to 100 times its volume in liquid, making it one of the most absorbent pads and also eliminates the toughest pet odors. Placing these highly absorbent pads near the door makes housetraining your puppy quicker and easier.

Once your dog knows to go near the door when they have to go to the bathroom, eliminate the whining, barking or waiting by the door! Poochie-Bells have a 95% success rate and are easy to use to quickly train your pooch to ring the bells when he needs to go outside. The reinforced bells are extra smooth, snapped & looped safely into place so that they won’t be pulled or fall off the heavy duty designer durable grosgrain ribbon. The bells are strategically placed for training small and large breeds. Poochie Bells are recommended by professional trainers.

All good dogs deserve a reward. When your dog gets the hang of letting you know it is time to go out – a dog treat is necessary to reinforce the good behavior. One of Jake’s favorite dog training treats are 100% Pure Dehydrated Pork Liver Treats. Even the most fussy dogs love the bite sized, all natural dog snack. Jakes Teddy Training Dog Treats contain no fillers, additives or preservatives. An all around great reward!

During the housebreaking process, accidents will happen. Dog owners get frustrated when you just took your puppy outside and as soon as you get back inside he pees on the carpet. UGH! One of the best-known enzymatic stain and odor removers on the market is Advanced Formula Natures Miracle Pet Odor Stain Remover. It eliminates urine odors completely with no perfume cover-up odor. It is safe for use around children and pets and on colors because it’s non-toxic, non-flammable, non-caustic and non-acid.

Love and Patience are essential for house breaking your dog. The ideal puppy is sleeping in your lap and looking adorable and in a few weeks will communicate with you when they need to go out to do their business. House breaking is just the beginning to teaching a dog to respect you and your home.

Do you talk to your dog? Carry a picture of your dog in your wallet or have dog pictures in your cell phone? Do you tell tales of what your dogs have done or plan to do? Is the first thing you do when you walk into your home is pet and hug your dog? The passionate relationship between a dog person and their dog is similar to a parent/child/best friend relationship. Who are dog people?

They are not just dog owners; they are people who understand dogs and can’t imagine a world without a dog as part of it. Jeane Stein, President of Jake’s Dog House is a hard core dog person. Every dog she encounters throughout her day receives a genuine warm greeting. Dogs react to her voice with tail wagging excitement! Friends and Family member’s pets actually squeal with delight as their car pulls into Jeane’s driveway! Jeane often bathes the dogs in Jake’s Dog House Groom Room, so she can get to know Jake’s client’s pets.

Dogs can sense a dog person. Security, boundaries, and the basic needs of food and shelter are the responsibilities of a dog owner. A dog person adds loyalty and a friendship and unconditional love to the package. Affection in the form of petting, talking to your dog, taking them along in the car and including them in your day to day activities creates a strong bond.

The dog person’s dog does not reside in a backyard doghouse. They sleep in the master bedroom. Some sleep in the king sized bed or have a bed of their own. Lazy Paws builds Canopy Dog Beds with soft bumper pads to protect the pet and even provide a soft resting place for their heads at the front door. It is a dog bed made for pampered pet!

A dog person’s home depicts their love of canines. Family pictures and handprints tell the story of the generations of family members. A mahogany pawprint frame allows loving pet owners to create an impression of their pets paw, and then elegantly display it alongside a picture of your dog for years to come.

Dog owners: take the next step and go beyond the essentials of caring for your pet. Experience the rewarding relationship that is created when you reach out to a dog and really get to know them. The end result is not only gratifying for you, but studies have shown it can have health advantages. Let those canine companions enrich your life to the fullest! Be a DOG PERSON!

It happens to all of us.  As we get older things don’t work as well as they used to.  A ache, a pain, the fine print looks blurry-our bodies are giving us signals to make changes in our lifestyle.   An aging pet experiences a lot of the same symptoms as pet owners.  If your dog is not acting “normal”, then it is time for a checkup with the veterinarian.

What is considered old?  Humans say 40 is the new 30, and so on.  Dogs have a calculated age as well.  Generally, a large dog who is 7 years or older is considered middle to senior aged and smaller breed dogs, are not typically considered in their geriatric years until they are around 12 plus years.  Medium sized dogs are therefore between 8 and 11 years old before they typically start to slow down.

As the golden years approach dogs tend to have some graying around the face, especially on the muzzle.   You may notice that your dog is being more cautious and is slower getting up, lying down, and struggling going up the stairs. Arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly larger breeds.

As dogs age you might notice a bluish transparent cloudy film in the pupil area. This is a normal consequence of aging.  The medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis. This condition is different than cataracts and a pet’s vision is not compromised, even though it looks like there is something obstructing their sight.  Larger breed dogs tend to suffer from muscle atrophy.  The hind and hips begin to lose their strength.    A pet with dementia barks for no reason has accidents and sometimes roams to a remote part of the house and is not themselves around loved ones.   It is upsetting to see our pets go through this aging process, but dog owners can do a lot to make life easier of your older dog.

Dog food for geriatric dogs includes special ingredients for a healthy diet.  Arthritic Relief Dog Cookies is a great way of supplementing your dog’s diet with cookies containing herbs, vitamins, minerals and essential elements known to build strong joints and relieve inflammation, your dog should be playful again. Alfalfa and cod liver oil is used to reduce the discomforts of arthritis. Proper amounts of Vitamin C are necessary for good adrenal function, to make enough cortisone, resulting in arthritic symptoms. That’s why pure applesauce is in the cookies. These dog treats formulated for aging dogs but are so reward your dog is so many ways

If your dog is accustomed to sleeping with you or sitting with you on the sofa, Pet Studio sells a Wicker Ramp and 3 Steps for Pets.  The Ramp/Steps easily convert from steps to a ramp to make it easy for aging or arthritic pets to reach sofas, beds, and more.  The pet steps even add a nice accent to any room.
A geriatric dog needs a lot of rest.  Comfortable bedding like a Fleece Top Rectangular Dog Bed
with premium spring wound spun poly filling for maximum loft after continued use with cedar bits for added for freshness and removable cover for washing is a great option for an aging pet.

As dog owners you know your dog better than anyone else.  Noticing changes in your dog’s appetite, physical appearance as well as the way your dog interacts with you and their dog toys can alert you that they are approaching their golden years.  Consult your veterinarian on ways to help your dog remain happy and comfortable.  With a little extra love and attention, our senior dog companions will be with us for many more dog days.

Beautiful summer weather is a perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors. Some of us are “water people” and just like some dogs are “water dogs”. Sometimes a dog breed that doesn’t typically make a splash will enjoy the water if they are encouraged or just want to join in the fun!

There are canines that enjoy swimming with people, retrieving toys or simply just running around in the water. Certain dog breeds have been bred to be around water. Some of these breeds are: Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundland, Golden Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Some Poodles and Spaniel breeds also enjoy the water. Don’t rule out many mixed breeds that are always ready to dive in!

Pets need daily exercise. Your pet will not only be healthier, but calmer when indoors. Including your dog in your day at a nearby lake can be a fun adventure for all. Taking a swim with your dog and playing ball in the water is a lot of fun. A great dog toy for dogs who love the water and landlubbers, too, is Grriggles Floaty Tug Whale Dog Toy. This floating neoprene dog toy with attached rope handle makes it easy to play toss and tug games in or out of the water.

To prevent water fatigue, dog life preservers are available in many sizes and styles to keep your pet safe in the water. This will also help dog owners relax, knowing their dog is water safe. Your dog might not know when they are tired and need to take a break out of the water. Relaxing on shore for a bit will recharge both of you.

If you don’t want to travel outside of your own backyard, your dog can take a dip in your pool. This is really a personal preference since some pool filters can’t handle dog hair. Even if your dog doesn’t shed, pool owners have differing opinions about pets in the pool. Sometimes dogs can rip the liner or damage the pool equipment. A solution is a separate pool made especially for dogs. The Guardian Gear Dog Swimming Pool measures 12″H x 47″D and is made from 100% PVC. The durable dog pool is portable, easy to fill and empty, and made of extra tough PVC for lasting use. Perfect for your dog to have a refreshing dip in the backyard, or put the pool on a deck or patio. The Doggy swimming pool folds down completely, making it easy to pack for summer vacations and easy to store during the winter months.

The Dog Days of Summer are here. Give your dog cooling relief from the heat. Have a wonderful summer and share your love of the water with your pet.

Pet loyalty is unconditional.  We love our pets even when they do things pet owners are not too happy about.  This relationship is similar to the relationship between a parent and child.    A naughty child and a dog look at us those puppy eyes and manipulate us into instant forgiveness.

We share many expressions about our unconditional love for our pets and our children.  One form of expression that is currently very popular is car magnets.  My child is an Honor Student, or plays on a local soccer or football team magnets adorn cars.  Sharing your pet’s interests and personality via a car magnet is also quite creative.

Popular paw print pet car magnets include:  It’s All About My Dog; Back Seat Barker; My Grandchild is A Dog; GOT MUTT?; Cat Lover; Obedience School Dropout.  Some car magnets come in a Bone shape:  I Love My Rescue; I Love My Dogs; I Love My Crazy Dog; Princess On Board; King On Board.  Sometime a simple word magnet says it all:   woof; meow; cattitude.    Cute Car Magnets will always keep your pet in your thoughts! They are heavy duty magnets and are perfect for Cars, Trucks & Mailboxes.

Cute Paw Print Window Decals will always have your dog in your thoughts! These light weight Window Decals attach easily with the attached suction cup.  The window decals are dog breed specific.  There is a decal for almost every dog breed.  The decals say, I Love My Black Lab and Fear this Black Lab (or whichever dog breed you prefer).  Window decals are another fun way for dog lovers to show their pet pride.

As guests enter your home, let them know you love pets.  Wipe Your Paws doormat is funny yet functional.  Your friends will laugh out loud when they arrive at your door.  Doormats are 18″ x 27″ and made from 100% Olefin indoor/outdoor carpet with stitched edges and color fast ink. Cleaning is easy, simply wash with hose and dry flat.

Parents make hand prints of their children when they are little.  Some are done with paint, others are done in plaster.  Why not do the same with your pet’s paw print?  A Mahogany Wood Pawprints Wall Frame Pet Keepsake allows loving pet owners to create an impression of their pets paw, and then elegantly display it for years to come. With only the highest quality components, Pawprints can be displayed anywhere in your home. Whether for you, friends, or family, Pawprints makes the perfect gift that is sure to bring years of joy. Non-toxic and simple to use, creating your lasting impression is easier than imaginable.

Pet owners are proud of their pets and like to brag and share their devotion to animals with the world.  Our dogs and cats are an important part of our lives, so why not share your pet’s personality with humanity.  Dog People and Cat People alike; treat their dogs and cats like their children.  Car Magnets and window decals on pet owner’s cars and paw print doormats and pawprint keepsakes in pet lover’s homes are some signs of affection for our canine and feline family members.

Walking your dog is great exercise for you and your pet.  Part of living a healthy lifestyle is getting out of your house or apartment and socializing with other people and animals.   However, some small dogs, older dogs and cats need a little assistance when venturing out for a lengthy walk.  Pet strollers are a great option for taking your pet shopping, strolling on the boardwalk at the shore, and additional dog friendly places you travel where dogs need to be enclosed.  Dog strollers fare well in a city to keep dogs from running into the street, or tangling their leashes around other pedestrians.
Small pets get tired walking a long distance.  I have a golden retriever who needs to run and a small dog, a bichon, who doesn’t enjoy exerting herself for much more than a mile.   A pet stroller works great for me.  My golden gets a good long walk without tiring out Betty the Bichon Frise, who can still enjoy getting fresh air even if she can’t walk very far. At the dog park, Betty gets tired and wants to rest in her stroller, while my golden retriever can run and play for hours!
Dog owners are starting to use pet strollers instead of carriers. They’re easier on your back, shoulders and neck, and many stores and outdoor cafes are pleased pet owners have dogs completely enclosed. We love to take our pets along wherever we go.  Picnics, festivals and other outdoor events can be fun to share with your dog. Dog strollers help prevent your dog from interacting with bugs, other dogs and litter at outdoor events.
There are many styles and sizes of pet strollers.
The Original Kittywalk Pet Stroller is a cool alternative to heavy, hot plastic carriers. Your pet can sit in an open mesh environment, or lie beneath the security of the cloth covered privacy parlor to shelter from the elements. With its sturdy safety brakes and easy to unfold design, it’s perfect for city dwellers who have always have had to say no to a walk in the park. Pet strollers offers pet lovers the option to say YES to sharing more outings with their fur-bearing family members.  As Seen on The Good Morning America show! The stroller will hold 25+ lbs, your cat and dog will love it  The Original Kittywalk also has a larger model for taking your dog and your dog’s friend or both of your dogs out together. The Pet Stroller SUV is robust with tough hard rubber 8 inch wheels and a larger cabin accommodating up to 50 lbs or holds multiple pets with a shoulder height of up to 14 inches.
Check this out … a car seat and pet stroller in one! The Guardian Gear™ Blue All-Purpose Traveler easily converts from a stroller, to a car seat, to a pet transport in minutes without tools!
The Pet Stroller features swivel front wheels and a rear wheel braking system. Lightweight tubular steel frame folds down in seconds for easy storage. Durable 600D polyester Traveler features removable, adjustable carrying straps, backstraps for seatbelt attachment, and Velcro® tabs to secure it to stroller frame.   Zippered mesh top opening allows easy access while providing ample ventilation. Roll-up flap provides privacy and a safety clip attaches to your pet’s collar or harness for added security.  The Pet Stroller measures 33″L x 18″W x 37″H and holds up to 30 lbs.

When your travel needs require both a pet carrier and a pet stroller, the Cruising Companion Uptown Pet Stroller & Removable Bronze Pet Carrier is a great solution.  It has a Chic style and provides comfortable transportation for pets.  A removable carrier has mesh sides and top for ventilation and an interior collar clip keeps pet secure.  The lightweight gold-tone frame folds easily for storage.  The Pet Stroller measures 35 1/2″ x 17 1/2″ x 37″, the Carrier measures 15 1/2″ x 17 1/2″ x 37″ and Weighs 13 lbs, accommodates pets up to 20 lbs.

I like the idea of a carrier and stroller in one, especially when visiting my extended family.  Betty the beautiful bichon likes sleeping in the carrier and it is also a great get away for her when she needs some downtime away from the relatives.

Dog strollers give dog owners many additional options to spend quality time with our pets.   When a leash and pet carrier are not sufficient to accommodate your pet; pet strollers have models that will suit a pet owner and pet’s needs.  What a convenient, fun, and easy way to transport pets!

For other pet stroller brands and styles, visit Jake’s Dog House.