paulpollock

Crafting a Balanced Diet for Your Canine Companion

As devoted dog owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends, and that includes providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet. A well-balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy and happy dog, promoting strong bones, a shiny coat, and a robust immune system. In this guide, we’ll explore the essentials…

Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make When Training Their Dog on Their Own

Training your dog can be a rewarding journey that strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. While many dog owners embark on this adventure themselves, it’s essential to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder progress. In this article, we’ll explore these pitfalls and provide insights on how to avoid them to…

A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog: The Importance of Physical and Mental Stimulation

As the age-old saying goes, “A tired dog is a happy dog.” This simple yet profound statement captures the essence of a dog’s well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a newcomer to the world of canine companionship, understanding the significance of keeping your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated is essential for their…

Upgrade Your Dog’s Training: Why Day Training is the Perfect Fit

Training our four-legged companions is essential for their development and well-being. When selecting a dog training program, it’s crucial to consider options that provide effective results and prioritize the comfort and involvement of both the dog and the owner. In this article, we will explore why a day train program is our primary recommendation for…

Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather: Essential Tips and Resources

As the temperatures rise, it’s crucial to ensure the well-being of our beloved companions, especially when it comes to hot weather. Dogs are susceptible to heatstroke, burned paws, and dehydration, making it essential for us as pet owners to take proactive measures. In this article, we’ll explore various aspects of protecting your dog during the…

Fur Facts: Dog Breeds that Shouldn’t be Shaved

As the summer heats up, many dog owners consider shaving their furry friends to help keep them cool. While it may seem like a logical solution, shaving isn’t always the best option for every dog breed. In fact, some breeds have coats that provide natural protection and insulation, making them better equipped to handle various…

Unleash Adventure: Hiking and Camping with Your Dog

Exploring the great outdoors with your furry friend by your side can create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between you. Hiking and camping with your dog opens up a world of exciting adventures and shared experiences. In this blog article, we’ll cover important considerations and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking and…

Pet Insurance: Understanding the Pros & Cons

Pet ownership is a joyful and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. When it comes to your furry friend’s health, pet insurance can offer peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected health emergencies. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s essential to weigh the pros…

Get active with your pup this spring!

Spring is a wonderful time of the year, especially for those who enjoy spending time outside with their furry friends. With the warmer weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time to get your dog outside and active. Exercising with your dog not only benefits them physically, but also helps to strengthen your bond and…

Make This Year Your Dog’s Best Year!

Happy 2023 from Sit Means Sit! The New Year’s goals we have for our dogs are usually pretty straightforward and often align with stereotypical human resolutions. Human goal: lose 10 pounds. Dog goal: eat healthier treats! Human goal: plan a vacation. Dog goal: play more! Human goal: get more exercise. Dog goal: take more walks! Great…

Pumpkins For Pooches

We think about bright and beautiful pumpkins in fall (Lattes! Breads! Pies!) but with its superfood status, it’s a vegetable to eat-up year round. But is it safe for you to feed your dog? Yes, pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat and contains lots of beneficial nutrients that can help with everything from a…

“Can I Pet Your Dog?” It’s Okay To Say NO

Sometimes, pet parents are all about strangers loving on their dog with lots of petting and praise. Other times, not so much. Just like dogs, two-legged strangers may lack impulse control and feel like every dog is entitled to their affection. That’s why it’s important to help give your dog the space they deserve to…

Ticks & Summer: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Dogs are happiest running and playing outside, but without proper tick prevention, doing what they love best could potentially expose them to harmful tick-borne diseases. Ticks are common parasites that can lurk in damp, grassy, bushy or wooded areas — even on sandy beaches. If a tick finds its way onto an animal — like your dog or…

Making Exercise Routine – How To Engage Your Pup With Fitness

Aside from quick potty breaks throughout the day, does your dog have a regular exercise routine? If not, warmer weather presents an excellent time to start one! Consistent activity helps your dog maintain a healthy weight along with strong bones and muscles. Exercise is also a great way to avoid obesity, which can lead to…

Pet First Aid At Home – Checking Vitals

We would drop everything to make our dogs happy. They’re family, right? Whether it’s an extra treat, more time playing fetch, or a cozy new bed, dog parents will pretty much do anything for a wagging tail! But, when it comes to keeping our pooches healthy, we can’t always keep them out of harm’s way….

Spring Allergies: Skip The Sneezing

What did Julius Caesar say when he experienced stabbing pain due to his allergies? Achoo, Brute! March means allergy season is on the way, and allergies to pets can be a big problem for pet lovers and pet parents. It’s also the time of year for pollen, mold, and dust, so allergy sufferers double up…

Frito Feet: The Science Surrounding the Smell

Playing at home on the sofa with her smallest dog Jonesy the corgi, Dawn had to giggle to herself when she caught a whiff of his toe beans and thought, “Wow that smelled like corn chips!” Corn chips. Tortillas. Popcorn. Some people even say they smell like baking bread. So why does it happen? The…

National Pet Dental Health Month

February 1 marks the beginning of National Pet Dental Health Month. More than just a cosmetic issue, yellow teeth and bad breath can be a sign of serious disease in our pets, which may affect their kidneys, livers, and hearts. Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets, with most dogs becoming…

A Dog Trainer’s Guide To Choosing A Dog Walker

What better way to kick off 2022 than to celebrate National Walk Your Dog Month! The coldest and shortest days of the year can make walking with your best friend less than ideal, and many of us struggle to find the time to prioritize pulling out the leash and cruising the neighborhood with our dogs….

Adopting A New Dog: What You Need To Know

“In a perfect world, every home would have a dog and every dog would have a home.” October is National Adopt-A-Dog month! Shelters and rescue groups all across the country are packed with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments that are in need of a loving home. Adoption fees typically include the cost of…

Comfort With Kota: Meet Geauga County’s Child Advocacy Superstar!

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, filling an emptiness we don’t even know we have. – Thorn Jones” Our journey with Kota Bear began long before he was even born. In late 2018, Scott Christopher, investigator with the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office, reached out to see how we could potentially help…

Disaster Preparation 101: Protecting Your Pets In Case Of Emergency

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. If there’s ever a situation requiring evacuation in the area where you live, you’ll want to be ready to keep not only yourself safe, but your pets, too. Leaving pets out of emergency plans can put their lives and the lives of first responders in danger. There are three…

National Lost Dog Prevention Month: 5 Tips That Help Keep Your Dog Home

One of a dog parent’s biggest fears will always be losing their pet. Losing a pet is like losing any loved one, and it’s an experience no one should ever have to go through. July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and serves as an important reminder to make sure our pets stay safe and…

Post-Pandemic Separation Anxiety In Dogs

As pet parents, we hate to see our furry companions sad or in any sort of pain. Separation anxiety is is a condition that can negatively impact our dog’s quality of life. It’s fear and anxiety that occur when a dog is separated from his caretaker, and it’s been one of the biggest challenges for…

Emotional Support Dogs – How To Plan Ahead

“One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you’re feeling blue is that he doesn’t try to find out why.” – Unknown Our trainers are frequently asked, “how do I train my dog to be an emotional support animal?” The fact remains, there are no hard and fast answers to that question. Emotional…