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Top 10 Comfort Food-Inspired Names for Dogs – November 1st, 2016

bacon-pet-costume-Does your dog have the ability to calm your nerves and chase your fears away? If your dog is your main source of comfort and protection, why not name him after your favorite comfort food? You will find a list of the top ten comfort food-inspired dog names below.

  1. Macaroni – Macaroni is a small noodle that goes great in pasta salad and a variety of other dishes. If you have a small dog that is adaptable to a variety of situations, it just might be the ideal puppy name!
  2. Chai Latte – A chai latte is best served hot and it has a uniquely delicious flavor. If your puppy is completely unique and full of life, Chai could be a cute name – you don’t necessarily have to use the “latte” part – unless you like it!
  3. Meatloaf – Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food because it brings to mind home cooking. If you have a dog that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but you want a name that is cute and a little bit funny, consider naming her meatloaf!
  4. Cocoa – Nothing is more delicious than a mug of hot cocoa. If you have a dog that is sweet and loving with a warm personality, Cocoa could be the perfect name. It is even more fitting if your dog is dark brown in color.
  5. Fudge – Full of sweetness and chocolatey flavor, fudge is also fairly dense. Fudge could be the perfect name for a dog that has a sturdy build but a sweet and sugary personality.
  6. Muffin – Muffins come in all sizes and they can be filled with a wide variety of different things. If you feel like your puppy is sweet but a little bit unpredictable, Muffin could be a good name because you never know what you are going to get!
  7. Porkchop – Not only are pork chops a delicious comfort food, but Porkchop is also the name of the dog on the animated television show, Doug Funny. If you want a name that is inspired by your favorite food and your favorite TV show, go with Porkchop!
  8. Cookie – If your puppy has a sweet and sugary personality, there couldn’t be a more fitting name than Cookie. Cookies come in all shapes and sizes, too, so you don’t have to worry about fitting a stereotype!
  9. Sausage – When you hear the word sausage you probably picture a long, fat breakfast meat. Sausage would be the perfect name for a Dachshund or another dog with a long body and short legs.
  10. Bacon – Everybody loves bacon, so why not name your dog after this beloved food? Bacon can be served crispy or soft but no matter how you serve it, it is always delicious.

The name you choose for your dog is going to stick with him for the rest of his life, so choose wisely! If you are looking for a cute name that will help your dog stand out in a crowd, consider one of the comfort food-inspired names listed above.


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The Top 10 Fruit & Veggie Names for Dogs – September 21st, 2016

Dog With AppleWhen it comes to picking a name for your dog, there are an endless array of options to choose from – so many options, in fact, that it can be hard to make a choice at all! If you are looking for a cute and witty name for your dog, think about some of your favorite fruits and veggies for inspiration!

  1. Kale – Often described as a superfood, kale is absolutely loaded with nutrients – it is sometimes described as one of the healthiest foods on the planet! Giving your dog the name “Kale” is pretty much the same as naming him after a superhero.
  2. Pumpkin – This name is perfect for a cute and cuddly puppy, especially if he has a golden or yellow color. Pumpkin is often used as a term of endearment, so it is the perfect name for a cute puppy.
  3. Peaches – These fruits are known for being sweet and succulent – that makes it the perfect name for a sweet little puppy. If you want to take this name to the next level, throw the word “Princess” in front of it and it becomes a Super Mario reference!
  4. Spinach – Another leafy green that is packed with nutrients, Spinach is the power behind Popeye’s strength. If you feel like your dog is your source of strength, why not name him after this super food?
  5. Berry – Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – there are so many different types of berries! The one thing all berries have in common, however, is that they are sweet. If your puppy has a sweet and sugary nature, Berry just might be the perfect name.
  6. Clementine – A clementine is a small, sweet orange. Not only is this fruit a cute name for a puppy as it stands, but the word “clementine” actually translates from the Latin to mean “mild” or “gentle”. This makes it the perfect name for a sweet, mild-mannered puppy.
  7. Lemon – The lemon is a fruit known for its bright yellow color and its tart flavor. If you have a puppy with a golden coat and a tendency to get into trouble, Lemon just might be the perfect name. She looks sweet but she is always full of surprises!
  8. Pepper – This name might remind you of black pepper, a spice, but it could also be inspired by bell peppers. Peppers come in a wide range of colors and they can be either spicy or sweet – it is a great name for a puppy with a bit of a tempestuous personality.
  9. Pea – Peas are small and round and they have a delightful crispness to them until they are cooked. There are a variety of different types of peas but sweet peas are one of the most popular. Just think of it – Sweet Pea is the perfect name for a little female puppy!
  10. Rosemary– Though technically an herb and not a fruit or vegetable, Rosemary is an adorable name for a female dog. You can call her Rosie for short!

Names like “Rover” and “Fido” are pretty cliché for a dog so don’t be afraid to get a little creative. If you need some ideas for dog names, consider some of the top ten fruit and veggie-inspired names that are listed above!

Photo credit: lexan/Bigstock


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Top 12 Cute Female Puppy Names from Movies and TV – August 17th, 2016

Cute-Female-Puppy-namesEveryone has a favorite movie or television show and there is no better way to express your love than to name your dog after a favorite character! Below you will find a list of the top ten movie- and television-inspired dog names to consider for your female puppy.

  1. Bella – This name is inspired by the main female character from the Twilight movies, Bella Swan. It is also a name that means “beautiful” in several languages so it could be the perfect fit for your puppy.
  2. Khaleesi – This is the Dothraki word for “queen” and it is the title given to Daenerys Targaryen in the Game of Thrones television series. Khaleesi is a name befitting a queen and it could be the perfect name for your female puppy.
  3. Scarlett – This name comes from the book Gone with the Wind which was also made into a movie. Scarlett is the tempestuous female lead of the book who is known for being fiercely independent and for always getting what she wants.
  4. Arwen – Inspired by the Elfin maiden from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Arwen would be the perfect name for a gentle dog with a long, flowing coat. Arwen’s hair was dark but this name could be given to a light-haired dog as well because many elves are blonde.
  5. Baby – This name comes from the movie “Dirty Dancing” and the most famous line is, “No one puts Baby in the corner”. Baby would be the perfect name for a small-breed dog because it would fit her size as well as her personality.
  6. Hermione – The name of the smart female lead in the Harry Potter novels and movies, Hermione would be the perfect name for an intelligent female puppy. Hermione is known for her book smarts and for her incredible loyalty to her friends.
  7. Mystique – One of the main characters from various X-men movies, Mystique is the mutant name for Raven Darkholme. This name would be a great choice for a dog that has a bit of an unpredictable nature and a bit of a mischievous side.
  8. Lorelai – This name comes from the popular television series, Gilmore Girls, which follows the story of an inseparable mother and daughter pair. If Lorelai is a little too formal for you, you can always nickname your dog Rory.
  9. Bambi – Inspired by the Disney film, Bambi would be a great name for a long-limbed female puppy with a gentle nature. Despite the tragic past, Bambi grew up to be a great and loyal friend.
  10. Xena – If you have a puppy that is destined to grow up strong and independent, why not name her after Xena, the warrior princess? There couldn’t be a more fitting name.

If you are having a hard time thinking up the perfect name for your dog, why not draw inspiration from some of your favorite characters? For a unique dog name, consider one of the top ten female puppy names inspired by television and movies as listed above.

Photo credit: Leslie Swarty/Bigstock


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The Top Ten Couple Names for Dogs – July 13th, 2016

Top Ten Couple Names for DogsThe only thing better than bringing home a new dog is bringing home two new dogs! Of course, then you are faced with the dilemma of what to name not just one but two new family companions. If you are looking for the perfect name for your furry friends, consider these top ten couple names which might be the perfect fit!

  1. Sonny and Cher – An American pop duo, Sonny and Cher won the hearts of America during the 1960s and 1970s. The pair is known for their famous songs “Baby Don’t Go” and “I Got You Babe”.
  2. Homer and Marge – The husband-wife pair from the animated sitcom, The Simpsons, Homer and Marge were always at each other’s throats but they still loved one another. This show is set in a fictional Springfield and it is in its 27th season.
  3. Captain and Tenille – American recording artists, Captain and Tenille were a husband-wife duo who topped the charts during the 1970s. “Captain” Daryl Dragon and Cathryn Antoinette “Toni” Tenille had five albums that made gold or platinum and their most enduring hit was Love Will Keep Us Together.
  4. Gomez and Morticia – The famous couple from The Addams Family, Gomez and Morticia were deeply in love – as strange as that love might be. The cartoon was created by Charles Addams and was eventually made into a television series and several films.
  5. Elvis and Priscilla – For the music lover in you, Elvis and Priscilla are the perfect couple’s dog names. Elvis Presley is still known as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century and his wife Priscilla turned Presley’s home, Graceland, into one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S.
  6. Bonnie and Clyde – The perfect names for a pair of mischievous mutts, Bonnie and Clyde were the infamous American criminal pair who robbed banks during the Great Depression. The pair was depicted in a 1967 film where they were played by actors Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.
  7. Romeo and Juliet – If you are a fan of classic literature or theater, the names Romeo and Juliet should be very familiar to you. The main characters from one of Shakespeare’s best-known works, this couple may have been doomed from the start but their names will always be remembered.
  8. Bianca and Jagger – Mick Jagger, the lead singer for The Rolling Stones, was married to Bianca Jagger, a human rights activist. If you are a fan of classic rock, there is no better set of names for your dogs than Jagger (or Mick) and Bianca!
  9. Rocky and Adrienne – If you are looking for a pair of names that represent strength and resilience, there is no better name than Rocky and Adrienne. Rocky is the rags-to-riches story of an American boxer (played by Sylvester Stalone) who worked his way up to the world heavyweight championship with his love interest, Adrienne, by his side.
  10. Fred and Ethel – Named after the neighbor couple on the I Love Lucy show, these names are perfect for a goofy pair of dogs. If these names don’t suit your new dogs, consider the names of the stars of the show, Lucy and Ricky!

The task of naming your dog is certainly not the easy one and you double the challenge when you have two dogs to name! If you are looking for a fun name for your new dogs, why not consider these famous couple names!

Photo credit: Lisa L Wiedmeier/Flickr


Posted in Dog Names Duos
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Tips For Naming More Than One Dog – June 14th, 2016

Tips For Naming More Than One DogDo you have a litter of puppies to name? Or, do you have several pet dogs that you need names for? Naming a group of dogs can be a challenging task for many dog owners. The good news is there are plenty of names to go around and you just have to choose the name that suits each specific dog the best. There are also other interesting ways to name a group of dogs that is listed below.

  • Movie Ideas – One of the most popular ways to name a litter of puppies or pack of dogs is by using names from movies. 101 Dalmatians is a popular movie to use. Whether the litter has spots or not it is a fun and easy way to choose names for each individual pup.
  • Cartoon Ideas – Dog owners that are cartoon enthusiasts or who have children that enjoy watching cartoons can use the names of their favorite characters. Disney cartoons are a popular choice. The usual Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto are great options. If you have a specific cartoon movie you can use the character names as well.
  • Royal Names – There are many dog owners who are royal enthusiasts and enjoy learning every detail about the monarchy. You can choose royal names in history for your litter of pups. There are a variety of royal families located throughout the world, so if you have a few litter of puppies to name, this is a great option.
  • Candy Names – Almost everyone has a sweet tooth. If you are a candy lover you may want to consider naming your pack or litter of puppies after a variety of delicious sweet candy. The names Almond Joy, Snickers, Hershey’s, Smarties, Mints, Butterfinger and other candy are a great way to name a sweet bunch of puppies.
  • Car Names – You may have a hobby or interest in a variety of car styles. You can name your litter of puppies after cars such as Mercedes, Porche, Ford, Chevy, Fiat, Ferrari and much more! You can even include names such as Harley, Davidson if you prefer motorcycles.
  • Fish Names – While the world of fish and dogs don’t usually mix well together, it is an option to name your litter of puppies if you enjoy fishing. There are plenty of names such as grouper, catfish, cod, salmon and many more that you can choose from.

When naming a litter of puppies it may be difficult to tell them apart at first. You may want to create small name plates on each pup’s collar until you are able to tell them apart by specific markings and personalities. Also using car, fish, cartoons, movies and candy names for your litter will help you remember their names easily, since all the names belong to a group. Most of all have fun naming your puppies and be creative. There are a variety of name options that will allow you to choose the best name that suits each individual pup as well as make it clear that they belong to a large group, litter or pack.

Photo credit: Chris Ballard/Flickr


Posted in Dog Names Duos
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How to Find a Trustworthy Breeder – May 9th, 2016

puppy-breederIt’s time to pick a new family member! This exciting moment in a dog owner’s life is an amazing feeling. The task of finding the perfect breed for you has guided you to this very moment. At this point in your journey you are ready to find a breeder that produces healthy, happy dogs. While there are a lot of unethical breeders, puppy mills and other people that are mostly only interested in earning money from selling puppies, there are plenty of honest, trustworthy and reliable breeders that are ready to make you a pet parent. Weeding out the unethical from the trustworthy is easier than you expect. The following details will lead you to a trustworthy dog breeder.

Seek Out Referrals

Speak to your family, friends and co-workers about your interested in welcoming a dog into your life. See if anyone is able to recommend a reliable breeder that has the type of dog breed that is of interest to you. Also contact breed clubs and veterinarians to see if they can recommend a trustworthy dog breeder. Keep in mind that a responsible breeder does not sell their puppies in a pet store.

Breeder Specializes in Specific Dog Breed

Reputable breeders specialize in one or two dog breeds at the most. Breeders that truly care about the dogs will educate themselves on the breed and provide helpful details and information to the potential pet owner on how to raise a healthy happy dog. Each breed requires specific needs that are essential to their well-being.

Visit the Breeder

Always visit the breeder and observe the surroundings and conditions where the puppies are kept. The area should be clean and spacious for them to sleep, eat and play. Seek out the parents of the litter and make sure they are well-kept, groomed and healthy looking. If you observe any dogs being kept in cages, this is a red flag and signifies that the breeder is not caring properly for the dogs.

Pass the Interview

Responsible breeders will interview you and ask you questions regarding your home, lifestyle and ability to provide a safe and healthy environment and life for the dog. Trustworthy breeders care where the puppies end up and spend their lifetime. It is wise to be honest with your answers. The breeder is looking for loving, caring and responsible dog owners.

Request References and Veterinarian Papers

Reputable breeders will be able to quickly provide a list of good references. They will also be capable of providing papers from the veterinarian proving a list of vaccinations or other health related information. Contact the references and call the veterinarian to assure that it is authentic paperwork.

Finally, ask as many questions regarding the puppies as you can. Make sure the breeder is providing detailed answers and seems compassionate towards the puppies. Once you have found a breeder that provides a healthy environment for the puppies, good references and authentic paperwork it is time for you to choose a puppy to bring home. Choose an energetic puppy that you feel you will be able to develop a close bond. The next step is to bring your new canine family member home.

Photo credit: PROana erb/Flickr


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Teach Your Dog His or Her Name – April 8th, 2016

Teach Your Dog His NameIf you are a new dog owner, you most-likely just chose the perfect name for your sweet little pup or adopted dog. Many dog owners take their time when finding a name for their dog. Chances are your pup or adopted dog probably had a name that the breeder or temporary caregiver gave him or her. Most pet parents prefer naming their dog with a new name once they arrive home. Now that you have the perfect name you will need to teach your dog to respond.

  • Use a Happy Voice – You will want to begin with saying your pup’s name with a happy tone in your voice. This signifies to your pup that the “name” they are hearing is something positive and energetic.
  • Use Treats – Most puppies enjoy eating delicious and tasty treats. When you say your pup’s name, get his or her attention with a treat. This will allow your pup to understand that his name requires a response such as him or her shifting his attention towards you.
  • Use the Name – Use his or her name frequently. Walk a few steps away from your pup then call his name, using hand gestures to come towards you. Also, when your pup casually looks at you throughout the day, once you make eye contact, gently pet his or her head and say their name.
  • Call from a Distance – Try calling your pup from another room in your home. This is a test to see if he or she comes running when their name is called. If your dog does not come running within a few calls, repeat the steps above and then conduct the test again.
  • Set Aside Time for Training – Some dogs will learn their name quickly, but others may take some time to adjust to their new name. As a dog owner you will want to have patience and always keep a positive attitude. Setting aside a few minutes a day to focus on training is beneficial during the process. Your goal is to spend about five minutes repeating the training steps. It is best to repeat this brief training about three to five times a day.

Dog owners will want to avoid using their dog’s name in a moment of anger. This often happens when a dog owner looses their patience and yells at their dog for bad behavior. While it is never good to yell at your dog, it is even worse to use their name. Remember those days when your parents would say your entire first, middle and last name when you were in trouble? It would strike fear into you! This will be the same result for your pup. This is why it is important to use your dog’s name in positive situations only and always say it with a smile in your voice. Once your dog has learned his or her name you will want to stop using the treats to get his or her attention. The tasty reward should be replaced with verbal praise and a pat on the head.

Photo credit: nguyen hoangnam/Flickr


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How to Choose a Dog Name Based on Personality – March 14th, 2016

Dog Name Based on PersonalityYou just brought your pup home and it is time for you to give him or her, their name. Many dog owners already have a specific name in mind before they even find the right pup to bring home. But others prefer to name their dog based on their personality. This is a great way for you to show the world the unique personality that your dog has every time you call their name. Imagine being at the dog park and you hear a dog owner call out their dogs name “happy”. You are sure to see a happy-go-lucky dog come running. On the other hand imagine if you hear someone call out “killer”? Most-likely a ferocious dog will come running towards their owner. The following steps will help you find the perfect personality based dog name for your dog!

  • Get to Know Your Dog – Chances are you either just brought a pup home or adopted a dog from a shelter. Spend some time with your new family member and observe his or her behavior. Does he or she exhibit certain personality traits such as shyness, happiness, playfulness, stubbornness and other traits? Find the trait that best suits your dog’s personality.
  • Shyness Names – If your dog seems shy consider names such as bashful, sweetie, shilo and carrie (short for careful).
  • Intelligence Names – Is your dog smart and reacts to everything going on in their surroundings? These intelligent dogs could have names such as Einstein, keen, sassy and whiz.
  • Happy-Go-Lucky Names – If your dog exudes happiness and an easy-going personality, names such as happy, merry, blithe, chipper, jolly, peppy and sunny are excellent options.
  • Energetic Names – Did you bring your pup home and as soon as their paws hit the floor they are an energetic bundle of joy? Dog names that express energy include zipster, speedy, dash, moxie, zing and zest.
  • Playful Names – If you dog is extremely playful and expresses a personality of a joker or prankster, names to consider are frisky, spirit, joy, action, avalanche, josh, jokey and witty.
  • Loving and Kind Names – If your dog expresses a kind, sweet, compassionate nature you will want to consider names such as lovey, sugar, honey, romeo, candy and heart.
  • Strong Dog Names – If your dog has a strong personality name suggestions include rambo, stark, force, stealth, muscles, brute, brawn, power and rocky.

Getting to know your dog’s true nature and personality can take some time. However, you will want to name your dog as soon as possible because it helps during training sessions. Once you do name your dog use their name frequently so they get use to it. It is wise to name your dog as soon as possible, otherwise you will resort to using a variety of kind names such as honey and sweetie and your dog will begin to think that is his or her name. Use the helpful tips above today to help guide you on naming your dog based on his or her personality.

Photo credit: Colin Haycock/Flickr


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The Art of Naming a Dog – January 6th, 2016

The Art of Naming a DogYour dog’s name is the most important word they will ever learn. While many dog parents may choose to give their dog two to three names, similar to a first, middle and last name, others prefer just one name. Either way you will want to choose just one name when addressing your dog. Keep in mind that dogs are able to comprehend and retain a number of words and his or her name should be one of them. If you are calling for your dog using all two to three names you may be causing confusion. Choose just one name for your dog and stick to it.

Avoid Confusion

Your dog will learn a variety of command words throughout his or her lifetime. Sit, come, stay and many other verbal commands are essential to training your dog to be obedient. When naming your dog, make sure you so not choose a name that rhymes with any of the verbal command words you will be using for training purposes. Keep in mind what language you will be using when speaking to your dog. Some dog owners will use their native language or second language to speak to their dog. Some pet parents like to stay true to the dog’s breed. They will use the German language commands for their German shepherd even though the dog owner is not fluent in German. Whichever language you choose to use, be certain that they don’t sound similar to the name you choose for your dog. This will only cause your dog confusion and disturb their focus when trying to adhere to your commands.

Choose a Canine or Human Name?

Some dog owners may prefer to treat their dog like if it was their child, therefore, giving the dog a humanized name such as Suzanne or Jonathan. Naming the dog in this manner helps the pet parent feel more capable of treating the dog like a human child. While other dog owners prefer to treat their dogs like a canine and prefer names that are more suited for a dog. Before naming your dog you will want to take into consideration how you feel about the dog and if you plan to treat it more like a human or a canine. This will help guide you to specific names suited for either choice.

You most-likely thought carefully about your dog’s name. Many dog owners choose a creative name that they feel suits their dog. Once you have the perfect name chosen, try it out on your dog. Begin by calling your dog by the name and saying the name out loud about three to five names while looking at your dog. Surprisingly you may feel that the perfect name you have chosen doesn’t quite match the expressive, soulful eyes or compassionate personality of your dog. At this point it is back to the beginning stages of naming your dog. When choosing a name for your dog it is wise to consider a few names before finally deciding on the true name.

Photo credit: MythicSeabass/Flickr


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Common Mistakes New Dog Owners Make – December 2nd, 2015

Common Mistakes New Dog Owners MakeHas your cute little bundle of fur turned into a handful where his or her behavior is concerned? This happens more often than pet owners are willing to admit. There are a variety of common mistakes new dog owners make when raising their pup. These mistakes can result in your pup believing he or she is the pack leader, unusual behavior and much more!

  • You Thought They Were Cute – Often time’s dog owners choose their dog because they are the cutest little thing they have ever seen. What happens is pet owners end up with a dog that has lifestyle requirements such as exercise needs, that they struggle to meet. Choose your dog based on their breed, temperament, potential health issues common to the breed and daily lifestyle requirements. Make sure you are able to provide all that is needed for your dog to live a healthy, safe, productive and happy lifestyle.
  • Don’t Set House Rules – This mistake occurs because the dog owner is in love with their adorable new family member that they forget to set house rules. House rules should include obedience training and house training. This mistake also happens when dog owners believe their puppy is too young for training. It is never too early to train a puppy. Begin training as soon as you arrive home with your new furry family member.
  • Avoiding Crates – The argument whether for providing a crate for a dog has been going on for a long time. Dogs are den animals. This means they find and seek comfort in confined, dark places that make them feel protected, safe and happy. Crates are a perfect invention to providing this for your dog. It doesn’t mean lock your dog in the crate all day. However, you want to provide the option for him or her to enjoy.
  • Yelling at Your Dog – This happens to many new dog owners. You think punishing or yelling loudly at your dog will make him or her stop his wild behavior. This is not true. You are only encouraging them to continue the unwanted behavior. Dogs seek attention from their owner. They don’t care whether you are yelling in anger or giving them kisses, it is still attention. Anytime you show attention to your dog they become joyful because they got your attention. The next time your dog misbehaves try ignoring the negative behavior and focus only on praising him or her for the things she does right. This will encourage your dog to repeat the positive behavior in order to get your attention.

Becoming a dog owner confirms that you signed-on for years of daily responsibility that requires specific needs to be met. Do your homework on your dog’s breed and find out the details of their needs. Most dogs need a healthy diet, regular exercise, a comfortable bed, toys, access to fresh water and much more. Once you correct or avoid these common mistakes new dog owners make with their pups, you will be well on your way to providing a healthy, happy lifestyle for your dog.

Photo credit: aaron/Flickr


Posted in Dog Obedience