Greg Knows Dogs

06/23/2025

https://gregknowsdogs.com/the-heat-is-on/

No this isn’t a tribute to Glenn Frey or “Beverly Hills Cop.” Tis is a reflection of summer in Norfolk. So, here are some tips to help your dog in the heat. Water, water everywhere. Make sure you have FRESH water accessible to your dog. You might even have two bowls outside on hot days, […]

05/27/2025

Are you familiar with the Two Beers and a Puppy Test? Our niece, Erin O'Malley, has dubbed it the Greg Test. I don’t shy away from that!

It comes from the book “Works Well With Others,” by Ross McCammon. Here’s how it works……

Pick a person in your life – a friend, coworker, cousin – and ask yourself two questions:
Would I drink two beers with this person?
And……would you allow this person to look after your puppy for a weekend?
Some people are no and no. These people are to be avoided at all costs.
Some people are yes and no. Yes to having a couple beers – no to the puppy. These people are to be cautiously trusted.
Some people are no and yes. No to the beers – yes to the puppy. These people aren’t much fun but they make the world a better place – especially for puppies!
And some people are yes and yes. These are wonderful people and your life is better for knowing them. Seek them out. Collaborate with them. Enjoy their company.
And, strive to be that person yourself.
And that’s the ‘Two Beers and a Puppy’ test.

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04/22/2025

Happy National Beagle Day! Dewey encourages all of us with beagles to take a few minutes today for some exuberant play. Play until you're tired is his motto.

03/03/2025

March 23rd is National Pup Day! Check out these tips.
More tips at
www.gregknowsdogs.com

02/18/2025

February is Pet Dental Health Month
https://gregknowsdogs.com/february-is-pet-dental-health-month/

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02/04/2025

National Walk your Dog Day is 2/22. Here are some tips to improve your dog's walking

There are a number of things we should consider as we get back to our regular dog walking routine:

Do you have a 2025 dog tag on your dog’s collar?

Have you checked your walking equipment? Make sure the collar fits and the leash is not worn thin. If you use a retractable leash, check the entire length to make sure it’s not frayed.

Is it time for new walking equipment? Should you consider a harness, Gentle Leader or Halti?

Are there “mean” dogs on your walking route? You might want to get a can of PetSafe SprayShield. It’s a citronella spray that distracts an attacking dog.

Here are some other tips for walking your dog correctly :

Have your dog walk beside you, or slightly behind you, with a loose leash.
Here’s a short video to help your dog focus on you during walks https://www.facebook.com/reel/491156766821878
Use a 6’ leash to better control your dog. The leash should be 1″ wide if your dog weighs more than 20 pounds.
Let your dog explore and sniff around.
Always pick up your dog’s p**p.
Make sure to bring plenty of water for your dog.
Watch out for ice in the winter (and salt) and hot pavements in the summer.
Wear reflective gear if you are walking your dog at night.

I recommend walks to heel, not just a walk with minimal pulling. Call me at 757-215-4468 if you need help getting your pooch to walk nicely by your side. I also recommend you start with short, focused walks as you get back into your routine. Happy trails and tails!

12/20/2024

12 Tips for Dog-Friendly Holidays

‘Tis the season to be merry! With the holidays approaching, it should be a time
of merriment for everyone. Ensure your dog’s holiday joy by following these simple tips.

1. A tired dog is a good dog. Before guests arrive for festivities, walk your dog or play fetch to release excess energy.

2. Prevent holiday decoration disasters. Consider anchoring your Christmas tree to the ceiling or wall to prevent tipping. Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree.

3. Tinsel can land your pup in the emergency room. If dogs eat tinsel, it is likely to twist in their intestines and cause serious problems. Avoid using it, or use it sparingly.

4. Holiday sweets are not dog treats. Cookies, cakes, peppermints, and especially chocolates can trigger life-threatening illnesses. 5. Evergreens are not for everyone, especially a curious canine. Don’t let your dog drink the water from the base of the Christmas tree since this water often contains chemicals to help the tree last. If ingested, the water can cause severe indigestion. Pine sap and pine needles can also cause health problems.

6. Make no bones about it. Cooked turkey and chicken bones are not for dogs. They are thin and can easily break, causing choking. Stick with compressed rawhides or other bones specifically designed for dogs to chew.

7. Mistletoe is for kissing, not eating. Keep your pets away from mistletoe and amaryllis as these are toxic to dogs. Poinsettias are also considered poisonous, but they are not life threatening for dogs.

8. Keep the liquids flowing. When pets are stressed, they typically pant more, so keep fresh water readily available for them to drink.

9. ‘Tis the season to give, so add your pet to the list. To help your dog stay occupied and out of the holiday decorations, give him his own gift. The Buster Cube is indestructible and will distract your dog for long periods of time.

10. Do not give pets as surprise gifts. Some recipients are not thrilled with having a puppy that quickly grows into an adult dog. As a result, many of these holiday gifts end up at animal shelters. Consider adopting a rescue dog after the holidays. This will help ensure the lucky person receives the dog they wish to have. 11. How low can the weather go? Owners frequently put their dogs outside to get them out of the way when guests arrive. Responsible pet owners need to be aware of the temperature since it can quickly plummet in the winter. Additionally, keep your pets close to home and do not let them roam freely. Roads can be icy, making it hard for cars to stop when a dog wanders into the road.

12. Blowing snow is best left in the globe. Many snow globes contain anti-freeze which is extremely toxic to dogs. Keep snow globes out of the reach of tail-waggers. If a globe breaks, send your dog out of the room. Then clean up by absorbing the liquid. Dilute the spot with water and floor cleaner.

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12/20/2024

12/05/2024

Do you want some ideas on a Christmas gift for your dog?

Looking for dog presents for the holidays? Greg Knows Dogs has some great suggestions, including a dog training gift certificate.

12/03/2024

BRRRR, it's gotten cold here in Norfolk (and Columbus). Here's some tips to help our dogs in this winter weather.

Columbus has brutal winters. Greg Knows dogs provides some winter tips for Columbus dogs.

11/19/2024

There are plenty of traditional Thanksgiving foods dogs can eat, from apples to pumpkins. But pet parents need to take precautions when preparing their pup's holiday meal.