We Leash The Hounds LLC

08/28/2024

Here's a bit of owner-reported data on dog escapes from certain types of containment in the yard. If you saw our recent post on why we don't recommend electric fences, these numbers probably won't surprise you!

How secure are electric fences?

A survey of 974 dog owners asked how their dogs were confined to the yard, whether they had escaped. The results showed that an electronic fence was the LEAST effective method of containing a dog: 44% of dogs contained by one had escaped. Dogs were less likely to have escaped from a tether (27%) or from a see-through fence (e.g. chain link or slatted wood) (23%) or a privacy fence that is not see-through (also 23%). Escape rates were not associated with how dogs were trained on them.


Ref: Starinsky, et al (2017). Escape rates and biting histories of dogs confined to their owner's property through the use of various containment methods. JAVMA, 250(3), 297-302.

08/20/2024

It's Turtle 🐢 Tuesday over here! Jethro is the only non-dog member of the Hounds family but she holds a very special place in our hearts. Over the years we've formed a special bond and now she'll come climb into my lap (with assistance) for a cuddle. It's pretty cute!

08/19/2024

Bodhi looks like he's got a case of the Mondays, doesn't he? 😂 It's ok, buddy. Your only job is to lay there and look cute!

08/17/2024

Little miss Juliet had to get scooped up today because she was trying to run around on her bum leg, against the doctor's orders 🩺 Some cuddles and kisses on the couch will hopefully get her back on the road to recovery 🤞🐾💗

08/16/2024

We're shining the Silly Boy Spotlight on Rory! He's been with us the longest of any of our clients and that makes him the original goofball of the Hounds family 😁 It's rare we get photos of him because he's always bouncing around and making us laugh!

08/15/2024

Dogs are processing a lot of information at any one time when we're outside. It's perfectly normal for them to slow down or stop in order to take it all in. If your dog seems suddenly concerned, take an inventory of what you notice that might be giving them pause. Sometimes they just need a second to adjust, or they might decide that whatever it is is too scary and they'd prefer to go in another direction or cross the street. That's ok too!

08/13/2024

Molly is so beautiful 😍 Who could resist those soulful eyes and that sweet smile?!

08/08/2024

Here's a little sunshine 🌞 to brighten up this rainy Thursday 🌧 Drea has a face you can't help but smile at!

08/06/2024

Clients sometimes ask us if they should consider invisible fences and our answer is always a resounding NO. We don't have enough fingers to count how many times we've been charged, lunged at, barked at, snapped at, etc by dogs on invisible fences. Once we know where they live we keep an eye out and try to avoid them, but that first exposure is always both frightening and incredibly frustrating. Electric fences are simply not worth the cost to your dog's well-being and your neighbor's peace of mind.

07/24/2024

There's so much information out there about harnesses (and we'll be making some posts about harness myths soon 😉) and so many models to choose from that shopping for one can be pretty overwhelming. Which brand and model you choose will be dictated mostly by your dog's anatomy and what fits their body best. These basic pointers will steer you toward a harness that will keep your dog safe and comfortable without creating or exacerbating pain and alignment issues.

07/15/2024

Juliet has totally transformed since her family first brought her home! She went from a timid, cowering, underfed little thing who didn't really know how to run or play to a confident cuddlebug who loves to bark when we come in and sunbathe in the grass. We love getting to be a part of her story!

07/09/2024

Talk about the dog days of summer! It's too hot to do much, so we're keeping our outings short and sweet. For Groot that means hunkering down in the grass to the watch the world go by for a while!

07/02/2024

We don't call her Lazy Daisy for nothing 😂 Once the temperature starts warming up, she starts slowing down! And sometimes she needs a little shade break to stop altogether. That's ok, we don't mind!

07/01/2024

The 4th of July can be a challenging time for many dogs due to sound sensitivity🎆, heat intolerance🌡and the siren song of unsafe party foods🍖. By planning ahead we can help keep them safe and manage their stress 🐶 Swipe through to make sure you've got your holiday plan in place and share with anyone else who may need these tips!

06/26/2024

"A walk? In this heat? Very funny!" After some negotiations on the stoop we did manage to get Aoki out for a quick potty before returning her to the AC. The high temperatures can be especially taxing for old gals like Aoki as well as puppies and dogs on certain medications, so monitor your pups closely and err on the side of caution with shorter outings.

06/24/2024

Rooney may look tough but he's a total marshmallow 🩷 He's a sensitive guy who just wants love and butt scratches. Who could resist smooching that face?! Not us, that's for sure.

06/23/2024

Little Scarlett had the right idea to beat the heat! On Friday she dipped her toes in the stream to help her cool those little paws off before we headed back inside for drinks and snacks. Short walks in the cool shade or grass are ideal on these super hot days 🌡☀️

06/21/2024

Nobody gets in or out without paying the cuddle tax 🤭 Bodhi knows exactly how to position himself for maximum snuggle potential!

06/21/2024

Our hearts have been so heavy these last few days as we grieve the passing of Bella, one of our clients who has been with us since the very beginning. She was such a big, bold personality and never hesitated to tell us what she was thinking. We are grateful for nearly 9 years of memories we were lucky enough to make with her. To Bella, Bells, Belly Boo, (the original) Bossy Boots and Queen of the Castle: we love you so much and will never forget you 💔🐕🌈

06/08/2024

After a long work week we were ready to enjoy a relaxed evening walk in the park with our own pups. Imagine our surprise when we were charged by an off leash dog whose owner was talking on the phone. Seamus is dog selective and Nox is almost 14 with arthritis- she gets very defensive when strange dogs invade her space. A strange dog running straight at someone is considered very rude in dog terms!
Despite the fact that he was breaking the law and creating an unsafe situation for us, our dogs, and the children playing soccer nearby, he refused to apologize. We wish we could say this is a rare occurrence, but it isn't. Please remember that everyone has the right to enjoy these public spaces, including people who are afraid of dogs and people with dogs who just want to walk in peace. Leash laws exist for a reason, and they keep everyone safe!

06/05/2024

It's a hot one today so Finn and I took advantage of the shade and breeze in the park. He's such a happy, sweet boy!

05/31/2024

When you look up Golden Retriever in the dictionary, we're pretty sure you'll find a picture of Charlie right underneath 🐕 He is everything we love about the breed: exuberant, affectionate, good natured and gregarious. Oh, and handsome! This gentleman and his brother Gus are the total package.

05/29/2024

Rory is another one who is hard to capture on camera. He is literally ALWAYS moving, usually towards us in order to smother us in kisses! 💋🐶 For an older guy he still has plenty of pep in his step and a puppyish enthusiasm for making new friends.

05/28/2024

We love all the members of the Hounds family but our OGs like Bella hold a special place in our hearts. She and her brother Rory have been with WLTH since the beginning! Despite her senior status, she's normally too busy for photos 🐾 Luckily we snapped this one the other day. Isn't she cute?

05/20/2024

It's 🐾National Rescue Dog Day🐾 and while we have so many awesome adopted pups in the Hounds Family, we have to shout out our two most favorite mutts. We love you, Nox & Seamus!

05/10/2024

Zoey's face when we tell her the weekend is finally here!

05/08/2024

Gus brings the sunshine wherever he goes with his bright, warm personality 🌞 He and his brother Charlie are goofy Goldens to a T, always ready to snuggle!

05/07/2024

Daisy is a big believer in stopping to smell the flowers🌷...and the grass, and bushes, and trees! She's a laid back girl who's just happy to be doing what she loves.

04/29/2024

Rooney says "hey, it's hot out here!" In light of the toasty temperature today, we opted to walk in the shady grass whenever we could since it feels a little cooler there. As a reminder, heat and humidity are especially challenging for our brachycephalic breed friends! Be careful not to overdo it 😎

04/12/2024

When we hear a growl from our dog, our first reflex might be to scold them. The truth is that growling is an important and valuable communication that we need to pay attention to!