Convincing Your Family to Get a Dog

Do you really, really want a dog? Does your family object to your dream of bringing a furry friend into the house? You don’t need to fret – there are ways to butter up your loved ones and pave the way for a tomorrow filled with slobbery tennis balls and bacon flavored treats.

Photo Copyright by Maja Dumat, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

The first thing you can do is avoid bringing up the subject. Don’t tell people fifty times a week that you strongly desire a dog. This may annoy the individuals you talk to, and they may sour on the whole thing. Give everybody time to sit and think about the idea of having a dog. Show understanding and patience – never pout or press the issue. This doesn’t mean you can’t think about dogs at all, you simply have to keep it to yourself as much as possible until the right time comes.

Let your family know that you don’t have to spend a fortune on the well-being of the dog. There are many affordable alternatives to the care and feeding of a pet. For example, it’s possible to purchase toys on clearance at local pet stores. You can take Fido to doggie day care or hire a dog walker without the worry that your wallet will suffer. Put in the research and show your family not everything costs an arm and a leg – in this case, paw.

A dog is a wonderful addition to any household. Dogs provide companionship and affection, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to owning one. Despite this, some people may not immediately warm to the idea of having an animal in the house. You have to present them with the right information. Find the best breed and plan for your family and you can’t go wrong.

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a brand new KIND of pet sitting company, unique in the entire nation! Bringing a new level of professionalism, training, and security to the pet sitting industry, we offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, background checked, professionally trained and supervised. And each sitter is backed up by a team of each qualified professionals. All our sitters are trained in Pet First Aid, Pet CPR, Professional Standards, Emergency Response and much more. 
Be wise... Bewaggle!

Taking Your Dog on a Picnic

Who can resist the siren call of summer? The tropical breeze and distinctive smell of barbecued treats are something many people crave as the seasons change. If you want to step out into the sun with your dog and savor a meal at the park, take the time to plan and prep.

Photo Copyright by Paul Stainthorp, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

First, choose a location that works for you and your dog. For example, a place with a lot of shade helps to keep everyone cool and happy. You can hardly enjoy your snack with the sun blaring in your face, and your pooch will be better off in a place where you can keep an eye on them.  If you think there might be an emergency, stay close to your car.

Second, pack supplies to make your waste removal duties easy. A number of pet owners bring small bags to use to pick up after their dogs, and you can follow their lead. You don’t need to spend money on bags. You can use plastic grocery bags if you so please. Don’t leave animal waste behind – it’s unsanitary and rude to people who visit the park or other public places.

Finally, food is paramount to any picnic. Remember to pack something appropriate for your dog. Bring a few of your dog’s favorite treats, or create something unique and tasty in the kitchen. Don’t forget to bring water. Dogs should never eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or avocados. Consult a recipe book catered to pets or look online to learn more. If your dog has a habit of stealing people food, look into puppy training to nip the problem in the bud.

When the time comes to take your pet out to partake in revelry, don’t forget to be smart with your picnic haul. With the right plan, you can help your dog live a long and happy life.

Be wise… Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

To shave or not to shave

It's starting to feel like summer and we want to keep our pets comfortable. Many dog owners assume that a dog with long hair will naturally be more comfortable in these hot months if they clip their coats short.  It makes sense - or it certainly seems to - but for many breeds, you'd actually be doing him more harm than good.  

We take one look at a long haired dog and wonder how they manage in the summer heat.  We think that when we shave our pets we are helping them to stay cool. But, shaving your pet may cause more harm than good.  Most of those breeds with thick fluffy coats actually need that fur because it provides insulation that helps to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When you shave your dog you are robbing him of that insulation and exposing his skin to the sun.  Unlike us, dogs don't sweat (except for the bottoms of their feet), so exposing their skin to the air doesn't affect them the way it does us.  Dogs with thick, fluffy coats will be cooler if you keep their insulation in tact, than they will if you clip their hair short.  

It's counter-intuitive, and you might not believe me.  But ask your veterinarian.  Your dog's temperature control system is reliant on that insulation.  If you clip it off, you're dog will be more exposed to the heat and the sun.


Speaking of sun...

Your dog's skin is sensitive to the sun just like yours is, and they can get sunburns too. If you plan to have your dog outdoors in the sun, protect his skin.  Your vet or groomer can recommend a sun screen that's developed specifically for your dog's sensitive skin, and one that won't harm him of he licks it. Apply it on all the places where your dog's skin is exposed, like on the bridge of his nose or on his belly to protect his skin. 

Be wise... Bewaggle! 

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Overweight Pets: The Gourmet Dog

One of the most common excuses we hear for not putting a dog on a diet is that the dog just won't eat anything except people food.

I want to give my dog better food.
As humans we can't imagine eating dog food, so some dog owners feel that it is not good enough for their dog. Then they feel justified in providing people food when their dog enjoys it so much more than common dog food. Of course they do. It is just like how we love junk food more than salads.  But that doesn't make it healthy. Our dogs will have happier, healthier, and have longer lives if you put them on a healthy dog diet.

My dog won't eat dog food.
If your dog is used to eating steak you may have a little problem with getting your dog to eat dog food, but he will eat it when he gets hungry enough, and if you are consistent, he will eventually come to enjoy it. The important part is not to cave in and feed him people food when he turns his nose up at dog food. Of course he wants the extra yummy people food, but that is not good for him. You may have to take up his bowl and try again at the next meal. It won't hurt your dog to skip a couple meals. Once he realizes that he can't trick you into giving him people food he will eat his dog food without any problems.

You've seen other dogs that go crazy with excitement every time they get their dog food.  Your dog will do that too, if it's the only food he is given.  It's not cruel or inhumane.  It's the appropriate and responsible way to feed a dog.  And he's counting on you to feed him properly so he's able to live a long and healthy life.

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Overweight Pets: The Good Dog

Many pet owners think they are restricting their dog's diet, but forget to include those treats they give them for being a good dog!   He is so good and he deserves a treat.  However those "good dog" treats add up quickly. Treats have more calories than regular dog food. Obviously we want to reward good behavior, but food is not the only reward that you can provide. You can reward your dog with toys, play, and love in place of treats. You should save food rewards for training time.

Just like humans, dogs gain or lose weight based on the number of calories they consume versus the number they burn.  Keep in mind that if you are using food as a reward, then your pup's regular meals need to be smaller. Your good dog deserves the very best - a long happy and healthy life.

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Overweight Pets: The Begger

When the vet tells a pet owner that their dog is overweight and needs to go on a diet, it can be tough to get them to comply. A lot of pet owners think that they can't put their dog on a diet because he is always begging for food. They tell the vet, "He is begging for food - he must be hungry. Besides, how can I say no when he gives me that soulful look?"

Well let's get a few things straight.  First, he is not actually hungry. If he eats on a regular schedule, his dietary needs will be met - I promise.Your dog is begging for food because he knows that you will give him a treat when he begs. It is more about the attention that your dog gets from you than the food.

You can curb the begging by replacing the treat with a toy or play time. If the begging continues, you must ignore it. Do not cave in and reward the begging with food.  That only encourages more begging.

Dogs are smart - they know what works to get what they want. If you set reasonable rules, and you are consistent with the new rules, your dog will figure it out pretty quickly.  And if your dog is overweight, his health and well being are at risk.  If he begs for food, and it's not time for a meal, distract him with a favorite toy, some personal attention, or a walk around the block.  He's not begging because he's hungry, so don't reward him with food.  Your dog's health is too important.

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Overweight Dogs Need More Exercise!

If your dog is overweight, he’s either getting too much food or too little exercise… or both.  This blog series will focus on both sides of the weight equation, but today, let’s begin with this axiom:  If your dog is overweight, YOU aren't getting enough exercise!  

Dogs especially, need more exercise than most can get on their own, in the house. Like humans, they need both strength and cardio workouts every day. If your dog is overweight, he's consuming more calories than he's burning, and the very best way to correct that imbalance is to add regular, appropriate exercise to his daily routine.  

Generally speaking, a leashed walk around the block isn't going to be enough to keep him healthy, let alone to reduce his weight.  Most healthy dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, including a hard aerobic workout.

Older dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with other health issues will need exercise that is specifically designed for their own circumstances, so check with your veterinarian to understand exactly what your dog needs.

And if your own health, schedule or lifestyle doesn’t permit you to provide your dog with the exercise he needs, you should hire someone to exercise him every day.  Your dog relies on you to keep him healthy.  You must take that responsibility seriously.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!