Good question!  The answer: Nope. 

When it comes to swimming, dogs fall into three categories:

1. Dogs that can doggie paddle.
2. Dogs that can be taught to doggie paddle.
3. Dogs that will sink like an anvil.

While dogs such as water spaniels, golden retrievers, Labs, Irish setters, standard poodles and Newfies are natural swimmers, some breeds are better off staying back onshore. It all comes down to anatomy…

For dogs with short muzzles, such as pugs, boxers and bulldogs, swimming is virtually impossible. When they get in the water, they have to lift their nose and mouth up in the air to breathe, which causes their backside to go down, putting them into a vertical position and causing them to sink.

Dogs with big heads and chests have a similar problem: Their upper body weight literally causes them to tip forward in the water and sink.

You’ll also want to watch out for dogs with super thick, heavy coats (imagine trying to swim with a gorilla suit on) and dogs with small legs, such as dachshunds or corgis (hello, exhaustion).

Here’s a list of dogs that are generally unable to swim:

• Bulldog
• Pug
• Pekingese
• Boxer
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• American bull terrier
• Basset hound
• Dachshund
• Corgi

Of course, if your dog isn’t on this list but has any of the physical characteristics mentioned above, use caution around the water. And if your dog is afraid of the water, don’t force them to get in. Some dogs may physically be able to swim but are so scared of the water that all they’ll do is panic when they’re submerged. As with humans, panic causes fatigue, which makes drowning much more likely.

If you’re planning to be around any body of water with your dog (including pools!), it’s a good idea to use a doggy life jacket, especially if your dog is skittish or unable to swim.

For you. For them.

Is it me you’re looking for?

Does your dog need a crash course in outdoor etiquette now that spring is here? Help your dog get into tip-top shape with these easy tips from Just Paws dog trainer Molly Feeney.

Some dogs may have hibernated over the long winter months and their basic walking manners may have fallen to the wayside. Get back in stride by reestablishing some basic leash rules.

Before you hit the pavement, start indoors with threshold training. As you come to each doorway with your dog, use the Wait command before moving through.

Once you get out on the road, start out slowly with an easy walk, making more frequent stops.  An all-time favorite game is the Stop and Go routine, a simple exercise you can do anywhere.

If your dog pulls on the leash, stop walking. When they stop pulling and look up at you, go forward. To make the game even more fun, give your dog the incentive of a tasty treat each time they stop and look at you. You can also keep working on your Heel command by making numerous U-turns, which will help your dog stay focused on you. 

Bear in mind that as you walk you may encounter hazardous objects left behind from winter, so stay alert, keep your leash short and redirect your dog away from potentially dangerous stuff.

Is your dog more drawn to the yard than the sidewalk? New grass and gardening + pooches = a recipe for disaster, so avoid leaving your dog unattended in a freshly planted yard. If your dog loves frolicking around the yard but you worry they will begin re-landscaping, create a special digging pit area they can call their own. Fill the pit with scented chews to show your dog this special designated area is where they’re allowed to tunnel and burrow to their heart’s content.

Truth: When you find the perfect fuzzy dog toy, you don’t let it go. (Well, except maybe for a game of fetch.)

A Cheerful Pet dog toys come in all shapes and sizes…and they are so. darn. cute. Dinosaurs? Carrots? Yes, please.

Did we mention that they’re handmade by artisans in Nepal from100% all-natural boiled wool? Oh yeah, they’re a keeper. 

Check out the entire collection!

Recently we were excited to welcome a new addition to our office: One-year-old rescue dog Penelope, AKA Penny. Half boxer, half whippet, she has the uncanny ability to fist pump as well as run like a bat out of hell. 

Likes: Playing tug. As in, “drag the opponent across the room” tug.

Dislikes: Watching other dogs get all the attention.

Hangs out with: Her owner, Marcie (our fave Domestic Beast buyer). Penny is still testing the office waters, but we can tell she reallllly wants to play 

Known for: The socks.

As a puppy, Penny had mange (she’s fully cured now) and as a result she’s been passed from foster home to foster home since she was born. She tends to be stubborn, because, as Marcie puts it, “She doesn’t believe she’s staying with us, so why should she bother to listen?”  Still, she sticks close to Marcie and is starting to listen more as the days go by.

When this sweet girl ventures away from Marcie’s desk, she is known for her gentle nudges and a tail so full of wags that it makes her whole body dance.

Penny uses the following Domestic Beast products:

• Northmate Emerald City Slow Feed Bowl
• Boomerang CollarTags™
• Adventure Lights Guardian Hunting Series Dog Light
• Stunt Puppy Croakies Collar in Balsa Rider
• Stunt Puppy Everyday Leash

For you. For them.

That’s the life…

Naturally shed antlers from Minnesota elk

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100% all-natural boiled wool from New Zealand

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