Paws Up Blog

Summer vacation is quickly approaching, and you have a great trip planned... but what to do with your precious dogs? Finding a quality petsitter can be an arduous task.  When I first started looking, i was overwhelmed and dubious about using a service like Rover because I have heard so many horror stories, like a friend of a friend who had their dog held for ransom by a Rover sitter.  Ask Your Friends and Use Social Networks like NextDoor and Facebook Word of mouth is absolutely the best way to find a good petsitter. Social proof, in the form of...

The magical "little lion dog" dates back over 1000 years to Tibet, but their earliest known predecessors began around 10,000  years ago in the Gobi Desert

I get asked a lot how to know if someone's dog needs more space- they often are worried they aren't giving the dog enough attention, or fear the dog is getting overwhelmed with the contact or attention. Often times, dogs communicate to us that they need space by growling, snarling, or even biting. Understand, that while these are undesireable behaviors, they stem (at their core) from a dog who feels their boundaries are being violated. It may not be appropriate (in your mind) for the dog to feel their boundaries are being violated, but the dog is trying to assert...

It seems to be all the rage- small dogs in bags, in dog strollers- even in dog backpacks! Or, of course, being hand carried in the arms of their beloved owner. There are some seriously practical reasons behind many of them loving to be carried instead of walking. Sometimes, it helps at the end of the walk- their tiny legs wear out and they need to be carried to safely get home. Other times, it's a way of having your older or mobility impaired dog get more exposure to the outside world. Dog Strollers  Dog strollers offer both support and...

Chihuahuas, the world's smallest dog breed, by definition, is beloved by many and oddly hated by some. The tiny chihuahua breed is loyal and usually "one person" dogs, faithfully following their owners everywhere. Velcro dog, anyone? I was first introduced to chihuahuas by a dear friend of mine who rescued them by the dozen, it seemed- and found all of them amazing homes. I fell in love with chihuahuas when I realized how immensely loyal and courageous they are. History of the Chihuahua Breed The history of the chihuahua breed originates in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, but did you...

If you're looking to get started with enrichment toys for your small dogs, here are a few quick tips to get you started and help your dog to gain confidence in this process.