A Better Dog 4U

01/04/2026

It's time for our very first "Sunday Funnies" of the year!

Happy New Year Everyone!
Here's Wishing You All the Best in '26

01/04/2026

Today is a very special day for us.

Please take a second to wish my "big buddy" Starsky a Happy 6th Birthday 🎂

01/03/2026

Thinking of getting a dog in Switzerland? In some places, your first step is not the pet shop, it is a classroom.

In the canton of Zurich, training is now required for people who get a dog from June 1, 2025. The idea is simple: better prepared owners means safer, happier dogs.

New owners (or anyone who has not owned a dog in more than 10 years) must take a theory course and pass a test. It covers basics like dog behavior, care, responsibility, and everyday safety.

Then comes the hands-on part. Owners must also complete a practical course with their dog, with at least six lessons.

Supporters say this helps prevent problems before they start. Things like stress, fear, pulling on the leash, and bad encounters with people or other dogs often come from confusion, not “bad dogs.”

A course can also teach small but life-saving skills. Reading body language, handling greetings, and knowing when to give space can stop many scary moments.

It can even help people decide if they are truly ready. Dogs need time, money, patience, and steady routines, not just love.

Rules can differ by canton, so it is smart to check where you live. But the message behind these laws is clear: owning a dog is a commitment, and learning matters.

Reference list
Dog Training Theory (Booklet) - Canton of Zurich, Department of Health, Veterinary Office
‘Hundegesetz’: Zurich to reinstate mandatory dog-training classes from June - The Local Switzerland
Swiss cantons struggle to regulate rise in dog biting cases - SWI swissinfo .ch
No more obligatory courses for dog owners - SWI swissinfo .ch
Note: The images used in this post have been created using AI for illustration purposes only.

01/02/2026

🐾 Help Shelter Dogs in Memory of Your Pup 🐾

We often get asked if we can accept leftover medications from dogs who have passed (or just extra meds from a living pup) and the answer is yes, absolutely.

Medical care is one of our biggest expenses at the shelter, and many of the dogs who come into our care need everything from dental procedures and arthritis management to treatments for infections, parasites, UTI's, and other health issues.
We always work with a veterinarian when a dog needs medical care. Often, the vet will tell us exactly what’s needed, and if we have a donated medication on hand, we can use it saving money that can go toward other dogs’ care. This is a huge help.

If you have unused medications from your sweet pup, donating them can make a big difference in helping another dog get the care they need. Every bit helps us provide full medical support so our dogs are healthy and ready for their forever homes.

This is a beautiful way to honor your dog’s memory while giving another dog a healthier, happier start. 💙

If you have medications to donate please reach out, we’d be so grateful.

01/02/2026

💙 Donation Bin Update & Huge THANK YOU! 💙

We’ve received a few messages letting us know that our The Clothes Bin Iowa is currently full and we truly love how supportive and generous our community has been! 🫶 With only having our bin in place since mid-July you've help us raise $360!!

Just a quick heads-up: the bin is equipped with a sensor, so Clothes Bin is automatically notified when it’s full and will send someone out to empty it. Unfortunately, once it reaches capacity, it’s a bit out of our hands. We just have to give their team the chance to get there.

With the holiday weeks we’ve just had, pickups may take a little longer than usual, so we’re asking for a bit of grace and patience. 💫 We promise they know it’s full, and it will be emptied soon! We know everyone is getting the New Year PURGE feelings!!

Thank you again for supporting our Clothes Bin and for showing up for us in such a big way. We are so grateful for this community. 💙🐾

*A reminder - our bin is NOT at our shelter - it's right up the road at the ImOn Ice Arena on ROCKFORD RD SW. If you're looking at the building (you know.. where the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders play!), it's in the back of the parking lot on the LEFT side of the building. Can't miss it!

01/01/2026

We can't emphasize this enough: responsible breeders don't sell to pet stores, because they want to meet the people who are taking home their puppies. More info: www.humaneworld.org/breeders.

01/01/2026

Did your family get bigger this Christmas?

Great Puppies don't just happen. Training is essential if you expect your new puppy to be a trusted part of your family,

We'll teach your new puppy everything it's going to need to be a GREAT family dog.

Call NOW ... and get your puppy started out right!

www.ABETTERDOG4U.com
Ph. 319-270-1433

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

Milo didn't make it to midnight. Neither did Starsky.

Happy New Year everyone!