Blog For Dog Lovers

Grooming your pet can seem relatively straightforward, but there are still considerations you should make to care for your dog’s specific needs. Like people, dogs have different skin, hair, and health conditions. 

Additionally, if you’re a pet lover, you’ve probably seen some kind of stories of “dog grooming gone wrong” on social media. Dogs shaved down to their skin, uneven, lopsided haircuts, or worse. Your vet or a professional groomer is the best person to ask for advice when it comes to grooming, but here are some things to avoid at home to make grooming an easier process for both you and your dog.

1) Not Clipping Your Dog’s Nails

Your dog's nails should be clipped carefully and regularly, about every three to four weeks. Another way to tell if your dog’s nails need to be clipped is by holding your dog’s paw flat on the palm of your hand. If the nails touch your hand, they might be on the long side. Also, they might need a clipping if you can hear them clicking on hard surfaces as your dog walks.

You should use sharp clippers and replace them as needed. Dull clippers crush the nail instead of cutting it, which can hurt your dog. You also need to learn how to find the quick of your dog’s nails. For dogs with light nails, you’ll see the pink through the nail, but if your dog has dark nails, you have to be extra careful to make sure you don’t clip it. Cutting the quick of the nail will cause your dog to bleed and can cause pain and infections.

2) Not Brushing Your Dog’s Coat Before & After Bathtime

This is especially important if you have a long-haired dog—brush your dog’s coat before you give them a bath. Water makes mats worse and tangles and sets knots. So brush your dog to get rid of dead hair that is tangled in their coat before getting them wet.

More dead hair will fall out after the bathing process. You should brush your dog again to get rid of the hair and avoid tangles.

If you’re wondering how to groom a short-haired dog, you should follow the same steps—the process will just be quicker.

3) Trimming Your Dog in the Summer

Although you might think trimming your dog’s hair in the summer will help keep them cool, it doesn’t actually work like that. A dog’s coat helps them regulate their body temperature, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If you shave them or trim them down too close to the skin, it puts them at risk of sunburn and heatstroke. If your dog swims or runs in sand or dirt a lot in the warmer months, it’s okay to keep their hair short but not shaved down, because it still needs to protect them from the sun and the elements.

If your dog’s face frequently gets dirty, you may be tempted to remove as much hair from the area as possible. But, since we now know that a dog’s coat protects them, shaving your dog’s head isn’t a good idea. Similarly, if your dog’s ears get dirty easily, you should probably leave trimming your dog’s ear hair to a professional groomer.

4) Washing Your Dog’s Inner Ears

You should take care not to get water or soap in your dog’s ears. If water gets in the inner ear canal, it can create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow and lead to ear infections. Placing cotton balls in the ears before bath time is an easy way to keep water out.

If your dog has long ears and/or is prone to ear infections, consult your vet for a safe ear-cleaning solution for dogs and how often you should clean them.

5) Bathing Too Often

A dog’s coat and skin contain natural oils and proteins that protect them. Washing too often can remove these natural oils and cause skin irritation and dryness. If your dog has sensitive skin or a medical condition, follow the washing schedule given by your vet.

6) Letting Your Dog Run Free After a Bath

Dogs often get the zoomies after a bath, so you should keep them somewhere they can’t get dirty. If your dog has access to go outside, you should block it until they are as dry as possible, because all kinds of dirt and debris from outside will stick to their paws and coat

Simplify the Grooming Process With CleanTools

If your dog has just come inside after rolling in the mud, you’ll probably want to give him a bath before he runs all over your carpets and couches. But what shampoo should you use to wash him? There are a lot of options out there, and it can be overwhelming to decide what shampoo is right for your pet. There are a few things you should take into consideration: the breed of your pet, the texture and density of their fur, their specific skin needs, and what ingredients are safe for pets. 

Why Do I Need to Shampoo My Pet?

Dogs are notorious for getting into messes and needing to be washed, but other pets may need baths sometimes too. Cats usually don’t because they clean themselves, but if your kitten falls into her food dish, she’ll probably need a bath. However, the needs of dogs and cats are different, and shampoo formulated for dogs is not ideal for cats and may even be toxic to them.

Since dogs don’t groom themselves, they need regular cleaning to remove dead hair and skin cells, reduce shedding, and keep their skin and hair free from dirt and allergens that can cause itching and infections. Since you want to make baths a pleasant experience for your dog, you should select a non-irritating shampoo and only bathe him as often as necessary.

Single-coated dogs like Greyhounds, Dalmatians, and Boxers may not require baths as frequently as other breeds, about every one to three months.

Double-coated dogs like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and German Shepherds, have a shorter undercoat and a dense, longer outer coat. They need a shampoo that penetrates to the undercoat and skin, and they should be bathed about every four to six weeks.

3 Tips for Choosing Dog Shampoo

1. Pay Attention to pH Level

Everyone’s skin has a pH level that must be balanced to avoid over-drying and irritation. The lower the pH, the more acidic a substance is, and the higher the pH, the more alkaline the substance is. Humans have an average skin pH of 5.5-6.5, while dogs have a skin pH between 6.2 and 7.4. 

This is why you shouldn’t use human shampoo on dogs. A shampoo with the wrong pH level can disrupt your dog’s acid mantel, which strips natural oils from their skin and leaves it dry, itchy, and flaky. Dogs also have thinner skin than humans, so using a human shampoo that is too acidic for them can cause irritation, itching, sores, and potentially dermatitis and fungal infections. You should use PH-balanced dog shampoo for your pooch.

2. Consider Coat Density

The right shampoo for your dog’s coat will clean their skin and fur properly and make rinsing easier. A quality drying towel like The Dog Lover’s Towel will make drying easier, especially if your dog likes to shake vigorously and gets the zoomies when his fur is wet.

There are three main coat types:

• Low-Density
• Fine or thin
• Single, with no inner layer
• Easy to see the skin through the coat
• No thick undercoat or double coat
• Medium Density
• A “normal” or medium coat
• Need to move the coat slightly to see the skin
• May be some undercoat or double coat
• High-Density
• Dense coats
• Difficult to see the skin through the coat
• Noticeable undercoat or double coat

If you’re looking for the best shampoo for golden retrievers, for example, you should select a shampoo for dogs with double coats. If your dog has silky, fine hair that gets knotty, you may want to opt for shampoo for furry dogs with detangling properties. Special shampoo for white dogs can help keep their fur from turning yellow.

3. Look for Natural Ingredients

While you’re looking for a pH-balanced dog shampoo, you’ll want to consider the ingredients in the shampoo as well.

Many people are beginning to avoid ingredients that can irritate or have harmful effects in their personal care products, and you should do the same for your dog’s bath products.

The main ingredients you should steer clear of include parabens, sulfates, dyes, artificial fragrances, and strong soaps that can strip natural oils and cause irritation.

You should try to find shampoos with mostly plant-based or natural ingredients. For example, oatmeal and jojoba oil are good for dogs with dry skin. Hypoallergenic shampoos are also a good option.

Make Bath Time Fun for Your Dog With CleanTools

Taking your puppy to his or her first grooming appointment is exciting—and a little bittersweet. They’re growing up so fast. While many puppies have no problem with their first grooming appointment, yours might not be so keen. In this blog, we’ll show you how to prepare for your puppy’s first trip to the groomer. Know all about how to prepare your puppy for grooming.

​​When Can a Puppy Get Groomed for the First Time?

A puppy can be groomed as early as 12 weeks old. Once they’ve had their first grooming appointment, you should schedule them to come in every four weeks. This helps your puppy get comfortable and familiar with an unfamiliar environment.

How To Prep Your Puppy’s First Grooming?

1) Daily Brushing

Your dog is only a puppy, which means everything he or she experiences is going to be new—and a tad scary. Brush your dog daily and reward them for their good behavior every time you finish up. This will help them stay comfortable during their grooming session at the groomer. The puppy’s first grooming will then definitely be a smooth one.

2) Let Them Get Used To Being Handled

It goes without saying, but your dog will be handled by the groomer as part of the first grooming for puppy. Most dogs don’t want their face and feet touched by a stranger, but groomers need to navigate sharp scissors around these areas. 

If your dog isn’t used to being handled, there are a few ways you can calm their nerves. Start with small daily exercises like holding their face and paws. Remember to reward their good behavior with a treat (or two).

3) Bathing

Your dog will either love baths or hate them—and there’s no in-between. If you can bathe your puppy at home, you should. This will help them get used to baths and reduce the risk of them dreading that four-letter word. Dry them off with a comforting, absorbent towel that dogs just can’t get enough of.

4) Dryers

The sound of a blow dryer can be alarming for a puppy, especially when they’re in a new place. Get them used to the sound by running your hair dryer or vacuum at home. Reward them for not running away by dropping treats on the ground.

5) Separation Anxiety

You are your puppy’s entire world. That being said, many puppies experience separation anxiety. This behavior needs to be nixed early on to avoid future anxiety issues. Try leaving boredom buster toys around your home to keep them occupied, or let them chew on a long-lasting treat while you’re out. 

Puppies should only be left alone for a few hours at a time. This means that if your puppy is three months old, he or she should only be left alone for three hours.

6) Exercise Before Appointment

Finally, a romp in the yard can do wonders for your puppy’s first grooming appointment. Tiring your puppy out with some healthy exercise can help your puppy relax while the groomer works their magic.

Take the Dread Out of Drying With Dog Lover’s Towel

Whether your puppy loves baths or not, you can ensure your pooch feels comforted and happy after every wash. The Absorber® is our world-class towel designed to dry your dog in half the amount of time. Plus, your dog can feel safe and sound as you wrap them up in the Absorber®’s ultra-soft material. 

Keep our best-selling towel in your bathroom, car, or backpack—so you can be prepared for any mess at home or on the go.

Not all dog coats are the same. Some dogs only have a top coat, while others have both a top coat and an undercoat. These types of coats are known as double coats. 

Not sure what type of coat your dog has? Ever wonder why your dog sheds so much ? This blog will help shed light on all these questions you have about your furry friend and double-coat dog breeds.

What Is a Double Coat?

If your dog has a double coat, that means they have an undercoat and a top coat. Each coat serves as a different type of layer for different types of protection. The individual coats grow independently from each other; they’re different lengths, textures, and colors. 

What Is an Undercoat?

An undercoat is a denser, fluffier coat that is closest to your dog’s skin. This coat consists of shorter hairs and is to protect your dog from hot and cold temperatures. Think of an undercoat as insulation. 

What Is a Top Coat?

A dog’s topcoat repels moisture and dirt thanks to the wiry nature of the hair. This coat lays atop the fluffy undercoat and acts like a shield. This double-coated fur offers extra protection to your flurry companion.

How To Tell If Your Dog Has a Double Coat

If your dog is super fluffy, chances are he has a double coat. Also, smaller, terrier-type breeds may have a double coat. However, their top coat is probably wirier than those fluffier dogs. Simply considering how much your dog sheds does not alone indicate if he has a double coat. Here are a couple of methods that can help you see your pooch’s coat type:

1. Feel the Coat. With your hands, stroke your dog upwards against the direction of hair growth. Notice a coarse coat, but a softer, poofy-looking coat below? Your furry friend has a double coat. 
2. Look at What Your Dog Sheds . While cleaning up after your pooch (all that hair!), look closely at the fur you’re picking up. If you notice two different types of hair, that’s thanks to your dog’s double coat.
3. Determine Breed Type. If you know your dog’s breed, you’ll know the coat type. Typically, breeds that do well in cold weather (like Huskies) have double coats. 

Types of Double-Coated Dog Breeds

If your dog is one of the following—or is a mix that contains one of these breeds—he probably has a double coat.

• Chow chows
• Border collies
• Great Pyrenees
• Newfoundlands
• German shepherds
• Australian shepherds
• Golden retrievers
• Labradors
• Siberian Huskies
• Alaskan huskies
• Pomeranians
• Shiba Inus
• Bernese mountain dogs
• Mini schnauzers
• Shetland sheepdogs

The Absorber®: a Man’s Best Friend for Grooming Double-Coated Dogs

Petting a dog is a win-win for both you and your pooch. In fact, studies show that petting and interacting with an animal decreases your stress levels and boosts your mood. The shedding, on the other hand? Not so stress-relieving. If your furniture gets covered in dog fur on a daily basis, then this blog is for you.

What Is Seasonal Shedding?

First of all, let's comb through one of the most typical reasons why your dog is shedding so much: seasonal changes. Many dog breeds will shed their fur in response to the changes in seasons. This mainly occurs in the spring when the weather starts to warm up and the days get longer. Warmer weather and longer days provoke a dog’s fur follicles to shed. Think of it as your dog shedding their winter coat in response to the warmer weather and longer days of spring. 

Still, most dogs will shed all year long.

How to Manage Constant Shedding 

It is important to stop the dog constantly shedding. Grooming is an important key to reducing your dog’s shedding. For dogs with shorter coats, you should use a natural bristle brush or glove. 

For dogs with longer coats, you should use a slicker brush or shedding tool that can rake through those long, beautiful fur. Ensure that you are using a safe shedding shampoo during your dog’s bathtime—and don’t forget to give them a good dry with the Absorber®.

Causes of Excessive Fur Loss

How much shedding is too much? Let’s get one thing straight—excessive dog shedding and fur loss are not the same things. If your dog is experiencing fur loss, then there could be an underlying issue going on. Below are five common reasons why dogs go through fur loss.

1. Skin Conditions
   
   Fur loss can happen as a result of sunburn, contact with abrasive material, or because your dog is licking too much. If you notice that your dog is licking excessively, contact your veterinarian to get to the root of the cause.

2. Stress
   
   Like humans, dogs can lose fur as a result of stress. You might recognize fur loss after stressful changes or situations such as a big move or a trip to the veterinarian. If your dog is timid or easily gets stressed, consider wrapping them up in a soft, comfortable towel.

3. Diet
   
   The number one cause of fur loss in dogs is poor nutrition. That bag of cheap kibble at the grocery store isn’t going to benefit your dog’s diet. Instead, you should make sure that your dog is getting enough animal protein and minerals through various high-quality foods. Talk to your veterinarian about implementing a personalized diet for your pooch.

4. Hormones
   
   Hormonal imbalances in dogs can cause fur loss. These issues include an underactive thyroid and over or under-production of testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen. Dogs experiencing hormonal fur loss often display signs of dry, brittle hair. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to resolve hormonal-related fur loss.

5. Allergies
   
   Finally, allergies can result in dog shedding hair in clumps. Yes, allergies can contribute to fur loss. Many different situations, such as changes in weather or exposure to new environments, can cause your dog to have an allergic reaction.

Get Less Shedding & More Tail Wagging With Dog Lover’s Towel

If dogs could talk, they’d say their favorite after-bath activity is a snuggle with the Absorber®. Bathing your dog regularly is an ideal way to combat excessive shedding. 

The Absorber® is an easy and absorbent towel that does a whole lot more than dry your dog after bath time. Use this towel to keep your dog comfortable, cool, and happy whether you’re at home or on the go. Give your dog what they want and shop the Absorber® now. 

Having a dog is a lot of work. Your pooch is silly, sweet, and lovable, sure. But in between keeping them active, feeding them right, and making sure they’re clean, having a dog can be kind of tiring. Luckily for dog owners everywhere, mobile dog grooming exists. 

Mobile dog grooming is a lifesaver when it comes to time, flexibility, and stress. It’s ultra-convenient, and there are practically no downsides. It’s well worth the money, and here’s why: 

1. It’s Convenient

Imagine not even leaving the house to get your furry friend groomed. With mobile dog grooming, that’s exactly how it goes down. You simply call and schedule the time for them to arrive, and that’s it. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the extra stress of getting your doggy in the car. 

2. There’s Less Stress

As we said, with mobile grooming, you don’t have to worry about a car ride, which is especially important for those dogs with car anxiety. Not only that, but as an owner, you can rest assured that your pooch is safe and sound and close to home. They will be right outside your house.

Also, mobile dog grooming businesses usually work on a one-dog-at-a-time schedule. Whether your dog is well-socialized or not, getting groomed in a facility with other dogs is at best a distraction for them and at worst a cause for stress. With mobile grooming, it’s just them and the groomer. 

3. Get Personalized Attention For Your Pooch

Because of the one-on-one scenario, your dog will also get more personalized attention. Your groomer will be able to dedicate all of their time and attention to your dog’s individual needs. They’ll be able to provide you with the best possible service. Get ready to say bye to those random clumps of matted hair and experience the best benefits of dog grooming. 

4. Flexible Scheduling

Mobile grooming is highly flexible. They work on your schedule—wherever you are. If you work from home, it can be as easy as taking your dog out to the front curb in between meetings. Say goodbye to leaving work early to pick up your dog from the groomer’s and planning your day around a grooming appointment. 

5. Quality Services

Just because a groomer will pull up in a van doesn’t negate the quality of their work. Mobile groomers are just as capable and experienced as those working at a brick and mortar. Rest assured, you’re getting the same quality grooming from mobile services. 

6. It’s Quicker

Once you take out the travel time, you’ll see the main reason people choose mobile dog grooming: it’s so much quicker. You won’t have to worry about factoring in the drop-off or pick-up times. And, because there are no other dogs, once your dog hops into the mobile grooming automobile, the groomer gets right to work.

Now, Hopefully, you have learned why mobile puppy grooming works best for your adorable tail-wagger.

Try Out The Absorber®

Mobile grooming for your four-legged companion truly is a win-win. In between those grooming appointments, though, things can get messy. That’s why it’s important to keep a cloth-like  The Absorber® on hand and enjoy the mobile dog grooming benefits to its fullest. This towel is better than any cotton or microfiber dog towel. It’s a dog owner’s best friend for keeping their pup squeaky clean. 

Humans look forward to seeing their hairdresser. Dogs? Not so much. Taking your dog to the groomer can be nerve wracking—for you and your dog. Learn how to comfort your dog in five simple steps for a seamless dog grooming experience. 

We love our pets. Pet hair? Not so much. Pet hair and odors can linger on furniture, floors, and every nook and cranny of your home. Whether you smell pet odors or not, your guests can—and if you have allergies, dander from a multi-dog household can enhance them.

If you’re living with multiple dogs and are constantly trying to clean up, then this is the blog for you. We’re going to cover cleaning tips for your multi-dog house, pet hair removal, and how to keep your dogs squeaky clean.

How To Keep Your Multi-Dog Household Clean?

Dogs live in their own carefree world. But as buoyant as your dog is, they don’t understand that they’re leaving behind fur and other debris. Take a look at our five tips for easy housecleaning and upkeep in multi-dog families.

1. Put a Towel Down
   
   If your dogs have designated lounge areas, laying a towel down is a quick and simple fix. The Absorber® Max provides maximum coverage to keep pet hair at bay. It’s super soft and comfortable—plus, your dog’s hair will shake right off. Pop the Absorber® in the washing machine for fast cleaning and watch it dry in no time.

2. Keep a Container of Water Near Your Door
   
   Many dogs love the great outdoors. The only problem is that your dog can track in mud and other debris from their afternoon romp in the yard. If this sounds like your pooch, try placing a shallow container of water in front of the door your dog uses to enter and exit. Dry your dog’s paws off with a highly-absorbent towel and enjoy mud-free floors for years to come.

3. Clean Any Stains Immediately
   
   Stains are increasingly hard to remove the longer they’re left alone. Make sure you’re cleaning up any stains as soon as you see them. You may also think about how to keep the house clean with dogs and remove their unwanted stains. The trick is to only use water and a touch of dish soap. Rinse, repeat, and dry with a porous towel to pull out as much water as possible. 

4. Use a Mat Under Their Food & Water Bowls
   
   If your dogs are like most dogs, then they’re probably pretty enthusiastic about their food and water bowls. Kibble and water starts flying all over the place and before you know it, your floor is wet and filthy. A simple mat will solve this issue. Simply place the mat under their feeding station and rinse it off for easy cleaning.

5. Trim Your Dog’s Nails Regularly
   
   Dogs will notoriously scratch the surfaces of your furniture, walls, and doors if you’re not keeping up on regular nail trims. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed down, and ensure you’re letting them out multiple times a day to avoid scratched walls and doors. 

The Absorber® Is Your Dog’s Best Friend—and Yours

It’s an age-old rivalry—the relationship between cats and dogs. While it may seem like your beloved felines and canines despise each other, the thing is that they actually…don’t. The aggression between cats and dogs can be narrowed down to several factors, which we’ll explore in this article.

Why Don’t Cats and Dogs Get Along?

The feud between cats and dogs can be traced back to their ancestral beginnings. Dogs are the descendants of wolves while cats descended from the Egyptian Wild Cat. Both wolves and ancient cats were on the hunt for one thing—food. And a little attention, of course. 

The thing is that cats and dogs have competed with each other for thousands of years. They also speak very different languages. 

The Language Barrier Between Cats and Dogs

It’s no question that dogs and cats have different languages and behaviors. This means that they have a hard time understanding each other, which can make co-inhabiting difficult.

Cat Behavior

Cats aren’t the most exuberant communicators. Instead of wagging their tails as a greeting, cats will greet one another by slowly blinking their eyes. Their tails are typically in a straight, upright position, and will only wag them if they are exhibiting aggression. 

Cats meow for a variety of reasons and purr when they are content.

Dog Behavior

Typical dog behavior is extremely forward. When they greet, dogs will wag their tails while avoiding eye contact. They will also wag their tails when they are excited and love to play. 

Dogs don’t know how to translate purring; to them, it can sound like a form of aggression or a threat. This can result in barking due to their misinterpretation of purring. These are some of the reasons why don’t cats like dogs behave or understand different things.

Can Cats and Dogs Live Together?

It’s not impossible for cats and dogs to live together. In fact, cats and dogs can live in complete harmony with one another. But for many cats and dogs, living in harmony is not all that harmonious.

Scenario One: Bringing a cat home is an exciting time for you and your family—including your dog. Your dog might be so excited that he or she will start barking, sniffing, and wagging their tail. Your new cat will probably experience major alarm bells and will interpret those happy wags as threatening behavior. 

Scenario Two: If the tables were turned and you brought home a new dog, your cat will most likely greet your new pooch with a slow, straight stare. Even though this is normal cat behavior, your dog might think your cat is trying to pick a fight.

These 2 scenarios clearly state why don’t cats and dogs get along or stay together in harmony.

How to Get Cats and Dogs to Get Along?

Encouraging your cat and pooch to get along can be a daunting task but it can be achieved by taking the right action. Let us take a look at these right steps one by one and learn how to get cats and dogs to get along;

• Whether you are bringing a cat into the home of a dog or bringing a dog where the cat resides, keep them separate at the initial stages,
• Slowly let them get used to each other.
• Teach them basic commands and let them know that both of them are part of the family.
• Get started with a face-to-face meeting, with supervision.
• Try repeating these sections regularly.
• Cautiously, let them loose with each other.
• Eventually, they’ll get along, still, make sure to supervise them in the initial days of their getting along.

Keep Your Furry Friend Cool With Dog Lover’s Towel

Whether you’re planning on bringing home a new addition to the family or already have a cat and a dog, there’s one product that you should always keep close by. The Absorber® is an ultra-absorbent towel that’s soft, safe, and will keep your pets as comfortable as can be. Trying to get cats and dogs to get along is tough, so why not make it easier? 

Take the dread out of drying and shop The Absorber® now.

Watching your dog dart for the grass on your regular walks might be concerning. After all, it’s grass. And grass isn’t a normal part of a dog’s well-balanced diet. 

Whatever you do, don’t be alarmed. Many dogs eat grass, but the question remains: why?

Just like humans, there are introverted and extroverted dogs. Some enjoy socializing more than others—and that’s all good and fair.

But what if your dog is exhibiting behaviors that go beyond typical introversion? Anti-social behavior such as aggression, lunging on the leash, or avoiding people altogether can negatively affect you and your dog’s life.

In this article, we’ll talk about why your dog might display these anti-social antics and how you can help transform your pooch into a social butterfly.

Why Is My Dog Not Socializing?

Most anti-social behaviors start during your dog’s early puppyhood. This can either be a result of abuse or a lack of proper training. Dogs who have limited access to other people and pets can also develop shy, antisocial characteristics.

Abuse or Mistreatment

Unfortunately, the number one cause of an antisocial dog stems from abuse or mistreatment.

If you adopted your dog from a shelter, there’s a high chance that your new family member is extremely timid—especially if you chose to adopt an adult dog.

Lack of Early Training

Puppies can be raging balls of energy and excitement. They can also be shy and scared. After all, they’re just beginning their lives. And let’s face it—the world is big and scary.

The best way to instill good behavior is by training a puppy when they’re between seven and eight weeks old. Oftentimes, this early training period is missed and can lead to unwanted behaviors. It’s never too late to train a dog, but it gets harder once they reach adulthood.

Being Confined at Home

Many dog owners choose to shelter their canines from other people and animals. However, this is not the way to go about protecting your dog.

Confining your dog at home is a recipe for an anxious, frustrated, and anti-social dog. Your four-legged friend needs room to release his or her energy while learning how to navigate the world by your side.

How Can I Help My Dog Become More Sociable?

Do you recognize antisocial behavior in your dog?

From basic commands to in-depth training, here are a few methods you can harness to help your dog grow into a more sociable pooch.

1. Practice Basic Commands

Commands are confidence boosters for dogs—and who doesn’t love a good boost of confidence? Make sure you’re praising your dog every time he or she sits, stands, or shakes on command. But don’t just limit basic commands to your dog; make it clear to your friends and family that they cannot make any sudden movements toward your dog, as this may increase anxiety.

2. Practice Leash Etiquette

If your dog is walking you rather than you walking him or her, or if your dog is lunging at other pets and people, then it’s time to teach leash etiquette. You’re the leader of the pack, so it’s your job to remain assertive and in charge. Take the lead and invest in a quality harness that won’t jerk or injure your dog’s neck while teaching commands.

3. Introducing to New Dogs

Introductions can be nerve-wracking. A dog dealing with social issues might be scared or hesitant to meet new dogs, so it’s important to introduce them at your dog’s pace. The best way to start is by introducing your dog to dogs you already know and trust. Reward your dog each time they exhibit good behavior.

4. Contact a Professional

Sometimes, the best course of action is the help of a professional. Certified behaviorists will work closely with you and your dog to offer the support they need. Training sessions for remedial socialization usually start with a behavioral assessment followed by a personalized plan.

Our advice? Remain patient with your dog—and yourself.

Make Your Dog’s Tail Wag With The Absorber®

It’s important to remember that your dog has a unique personality, and their level of socialization may not be what you dreamed of. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged.

It’s your job to love your pup—and one of the best ways to show your love is with a soft and snuggly absorbent towel. The Absorber® is our flagship product that dogs and owners can’t get enough of. It’s quick to dry, handy to store, and takes the dread out of bath time. Grab the towel that keeps your dog happy and comfortable no matter where you go.