The Wanderer

You're minding your own business, when suddenly your dog makes a disturbing snorting noise. Where did it come from? Are they ill? Are they possessed? Relax. It's probably just a reverse sneeze. Here's how to recognize them in your dog, along with some facts about what causes them, and what to do about the condition. 

Your dog depends on you to feed him healthy, fresh meals each day. This means that you must learn to store your dog food properly, because if it’s exposed to air or light, it can oxidize and degrade quickly. Meaning your dog’s food can become rancid and could cause your dog to become ill. This guide offers basic tips for storing dog food as well as ideas for storing each type of food. 

#1- Spinning Around in Circles 

Most pet parents are familiar with their dog spinning around in circles. Whether it’s during playtime when they give a little twirl, before they lie down on a soft blanket, or even when you come home from work, dogs seem to love spinning around.  

It will come as no surprise to pet lovers everywhere that, just like people, the amount of time a dog needs to spend with humans varies depending on each individual pet. Most dogs enjoy more time than not with their humans but leaving them home alone doesn’t mean you’re a bad person!  

There are few things better than curling up on the couch with your dog and watching a good movie. And what better movie to watch than one about dogs? Here are 10 of our favorites: 

Most pet parents have seen it before – your dog looking all cute and sweet when suddenly he gets that look in his eye and starts scooting his bottom across the floor. It’s awkward, and also a little cute and a little gross, but is it a sign of a problem? Let’s take a look at dog scooting behavior and find out what’s really behind it (pun intended).  

Everyone knows a dog is human’s best friend. But who is a dog's best friend? Well, almost anyone, really. Dogs have been known to run in all sorts of different crowds, that can be both unusual and adorable. Here are a few unlikely friendships that dogs have formed with other animals:

Does your dog become passive-aggressive around strangers? Do they seem fearful in new environments or situations? If so, your dog might benefit from learning some confidence-building tricks. You can use game play and interactive exercises to give your dog something else to focus on and something new to learn. Here are some good confidence tricks and games to start with:

**** Update 9/11/19 ****

On September 3rd the FDA announced an expanded voluntary recall for potentially contaminated pigs ears.

The expanded recall now includes "Berkley & Jensen" brand pigs ears sold at BJ's Wholesale Club stores, the treats were sold between September 2018 through August 2019 and were distributed to stores nation wide.

Labor Day is coming up, and many people get a long weekend off to spend time with their family, including their pets. It’s summer’s last big weekend, so take the time to include your dog in your special plans. Here are 7 fun ideas of activities to do with your dog over the Labor Day weekend.

This Labor Day, we celebrate those who work, and the jobs they do. That doesn't just include humans, either. There are all sorts of dogs who perform important jobs, either full-time or part-time. Here are a few examples of jobs that dogs can do:

Few things in this world are as pure and satisfying as kisses from your dog. When they lick your legs, your arms, and your face, it's their way of telling you they love you. However, you might have heard reports of people contracting terrible illnesses from dog kisses as well. Some have even needed their limbs amputated. So, what is this disease, and what are your chances of contracting it from your dog? Here's everything you need to know.

You might have heard a lot in the news lately about dogs getting sick and dying from what’s known as toxic blue-green algae. Many people think it’s the same as the bacteria leptospirosis but though it’s just as dangerous, the two conditions are hugely different.

If you read our recent article on the potential link between certain brands of grain-free dog food and canine heart failure, it hopefully gave you a better understanding of dog nutrition and the role it plays in your pet’s overall health.

You do your part to help others. You even donate blood regularly to help save the lives of those who might need a transfusion. But what about your dog? Can your dog be a blood donor to help other dogs in need? Yes, they can! Here's what you need to know about canine blood donors.

In just about 5 minutes you can find your perfect canine match. That’s the promise behind PawsLikeMe’s pet matching service that hooks up owners with rescue pups in local shelters. The online “dating experience for dog adoptions” has received plenty of positive press with people calling the quiz “bizarrely accurate” and the “eHarmony” for pets.

You might have heard the word probiotic tossed around a yogurt or supplement commercial, but should you give your dog probiotics? In this article, we’re going to look at what probiotics are, their effect on dogs, and if you should give your dog a probiotic supplement.

Dogs exhibit all kinds of adorable, quirky behavior. It's one of the many reasons we love them. Some of this behavior is harmless. But sometimes, it can be damaging or a sign of a larger issue. One example is paw licking. Although it can be cute, a dog licking his paws could point to an underlying issue. So why do dogs lick their paws, and what should you be doing about it?

An extra treat here and a table scrap there won’t do much harm, right? Actually, those daily “little” rewards you give your dog can cause serious weight gain which, in turn, can cause lasting damage to her or his bones, joints, and internal organs.

Recently, the FDA released a report on the effects of certain brands of grain-free dog food and their potential link to a heightened risk of heart failure. This can be really scary for pet parents, so we want to do our part to help.

Brutus and Lexi

Hailing all the way from Texas Dana More shows off her adorable her all American beauties Brutus and Lexie.

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD oil, is a cannabis compound used to treat a variety of medical conditions in humans. Dog owners are increasingly exploring the oil’s effectiveness for their pets. There are a lot of CBD oil products to choose from, so it’s important for you talk with your vet about any questions or concerns you have.

If your pet is showing signs of distress, it’s natural to be concerned. Licking is one of those signs, and it shouldn’t be discounted as a “dog being a dog.” Pet owners often say, “I wish he could simply tell me the problem.”

We get asked all the time what the differences between a microchip and a GPS collar are. Though they are both used to help pet parents reunite with a lost pup, the features and uses are vastly different, so we put together this handy (or should we say pawsy…) infographic to help you see the differences.

June 22nd is Dog Party Day! What better way to show your canine companion how much you appreciate them, than with a celebration? You can throw a party for your dog's birthday, to celebrate a milestone, like their graduation from obedience school, or have one just because. But regardless of the theme, any good party takes planning. How do you throw a party that will be fun for both dogs and humans alike? Start by following this checklist:

Summertime and we're feeling fine! Share the good vibes with your best friend with these deliciously decadent treats that are 100% safe for the dog (or dogs!) in your life.

Friends at work make for a happy day. Having your best friend at work makes for a crazy happy day! Wouldn't it be awesome to have a reason to take your pup to work?

Father's day is almost here. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what to get for the Dog Dad in your life, we can help! We put together 13 of the best gifts for the best puppy papa you know!

Father's Day. Depending on how much effort you put into holidays, you either have a big day ahead of you or your only plan is to pick up a card and send it to your pops. But there's one more thing. You're a pet parent, so don't forget that your dog is your baby too. You probably won't get any presents (and no, Fido, dead squirrels don't count), but you can still have fun! Here are a few ways to celebrate Father's Day with your dog.

Summer’s here and you know what that means—road trip! And no four-wheel drive would be complete without your four-legged member of the family. Before you pack up the car and head out to parts known or unknown, use these simple tips to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time.

When it comes to summer fun, a day at the beach definitely tops the list. And who better to spend a fun summer day with than your pup? But when you’re gathering together your sunscreen, towels, snacks, and beachwear, what should you include for your dog? And when you’re at the beach, what measures do you need to take to make sure your dog stays safe? We’ve got you covered here in our list of the top safety tips for a day at the beach with your dog.

June 8th is National Best Friend’s Day, and it’s the perfect day to take some time to celebrate the best friendship in the world. Who is always there for you, no matter the circumstance? Who can you rely on to always give you a smile? Who is seriously the best when it comes to hanging out at the park or just chilling at home? It’s none other than that furry little pup of yours. So, here are some ways to show your best best friend how much you care.

Natural disasters like hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes are an unfortunate reality of summer. Most of these disasters give little to no warning, and they can leave you needing to evacuate your home or without electricity and safe drinking water.

There’s not much cuter than a puppy excitedly splashing around in the water, cooling off from the hot, summer heat. But before you take your dog swimming or boating, there’s a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Your dog’s eyes can build up gunk and produce tears for many reasons, and though it might be unsightly, it’s usually perfectly benign. But sometimes, it calls for a quick visit to the vet. Either way, here’s what that gross stuff is all about and how you should handle it.

We can all agree that there’s nothing better than spending time with your pup exploring the great outdoors. Whether it’s finding new trails to hike, staying on a campsite looking up at the stars or just enjoying regular romps around your neighborhood, those memories are priceless.

As pet parents, we will do almost anything to make sure our dogs are relaxed, comfortable and have no anxiety. We go out of our way to make sure they have a cozy bed, plenty of toys and get belly rubs and head scratches whenever they please. However, there are some things that we may be doing that are actually causing our dogs stress.

Your furry friend is down for leash time at any moment. Dog walking experts Heather Curatolo and Sarah Schmidt weigh in with four things to consider before walking your dog, whether you're hitting the trails or sashaying down 5th Avenue.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Smart Tracking Technologies, LLC, a newly founded company in the tracking technology industry has acquired LINK, a GPS enabled dog collar, winner of the CES 2017 “Best of Innovation” award in the Wearable Technologies category.

At some point in time, you've probably heard someone say that dogs can predict the weather. You would be forgiven for laughing it off as another one of the many myths associated with these four-legged companions. But wait. Not so fast! There's more truth to it than you might think. So, can dogs really predict the weather? And if so, how do they do it? Let's find out.

The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” so it’s time to pull out those umbrellas and rain boots. Preparing for inclement weather is something that we as humans are used to. While some dogs may jump at the idea of romping through puddles, others are less than enthusiastic to head outside in the rain.

Dog Mom’s Day is almost here! This special holiday is celebrated each year on the second Saturday of May. Our friends Casey and Leigh Isaacson of Dig Dates actually submitted Dog Mom’s Day to The National Day Calendar last year and were approved, so you know it’s legit!

Here at LINK AKC we love Dog Mom's Day! It's day where we get to celebrate the amazing dog moms and furbabies all over the country. Since its inception last year (approved with The National Day Calendar), National Dog Mom's Day is "a time celebrate and thank the dog moms who dedicate their love and support every day to their dogs. It’s a different, special and visceral love that deserves its own day to be recognized and appreciated."

Have you ever asked yourself the question, "does my dog really love me?" To help celebrate Dog Mom's Day we're going to help you figure out all of the ways your pup can express their love and admiration for you. Are we missing anything?

Lights, Camera, Action

Earlier this month Link AKC showcased the LINK Smart Collar in partnership with Amazon Live-stream. During this live video segment, our Product Manager Ashley along with her Labrador Retriever Ella explained everything that you need to know about our innovative smart dog collar. Ashley introduced our new LINK Sport Collar, explained the technology behind the smart collar and showed how to use it. Throughout the live broadcast Ashley answered questions submitted by viewers about how the LINK Smart Collar works.

Noise phobias are common in dogs. They can be triggered by pretty much anything loud - fireworks, thunderstorms, traffic, gunshots, and even bird noises. Yes, you heard that right. Some dogs are scared of birds. Usually, it's the other way around. Whatever the trigger for your dog's phobia, the result is the same: fear and anxiety.

Dogs can have a heightened amount of anxiety in the Summer. With fireworks, thunderstorms, people coming in and out of the house and more motorcycles driving by, many dogs experience fear that they might not normally have.

It's a gut-wrenching moment in life when you discover you have lost your dog.

Tips to keep in mind when creating posters and fliers for a missing dog. 

Easter activities are fun for the entire family, even our four-legged members can participate. Believe it or not, dog-friendly Easter egg hunts are growing in popularity around the country. We treat our dogs like our children, and have found plenty of ways to make this holiday inclusive for everyone (so our furry friends don’t feel left out).

The weather is warming up and you don't want to let pests take down your pup! These tips will help you prevent fleas and ticks from slowing down your springtime fun and help you understand what to do if your dog ends up picking up one (or more) along the way.

Have you heard? April 11th is National Pet Day. It's a holiday that even some of the most engaged dog owners are unaware of — much to the disappointment of dogs worldwide. But we know you love any excuse to celebrate and have a little fun with your pooch, so let's talk about a few ways you can do just that.

When it comes to training your pup, the right treats can make all the difference. We asked our friend John Woods, founder of All Things Dogs, if he could share with us some healthy dog snacks that you can make right in your own home. According to John, while looking through your local pet store you may be surprised at all the additives that some dog treat companies use in their products. When you make your treats at home you can rest easy knowing exactly what is in them.

For most dog owners, Spring is better known as canine mud season. For whatever reason, tons of dogs love the muck! And unless you plan on keeping them indoors this time of year, you're going to need some clever strategies for managing the dirty paws that come with warmer months.

If that perfect day calls you outside, hiking is a great way for you and your pup to exercise together and enjoy the outdoors. But before you go, be prepared with the necessary hiking gear for dogs. We talked to Dr. Kelly Grisham, DVM, to get her take on the equipment you need for a safe day hike with Fido. 

A Beagle Named Bagel?

It's been said, never take a dog named Shark to the beach. There are a lot of factors that can go into deciding what to name your dog and a lot of implications that you might not have considered. The name you give them is what you're going to be calling them for years to come, so the decision deserves some serious consideration.

Trying to keep your dog as healthy as possible is something all dog owners can agree is an important, but tough responsibility. While keeping our dog happy is a straightforward task, ensuring that they are at their optimal health is sometimes not so simple. It certainly doesn’t help that we’re given an overwhelming amount of advice about how to maintain our dog’s health. With this person advising one thing, and that person advising another, it can be confusing to know which tips to follow. That's why, with the help of Monica Mizzi from Pet Life Today, we’ve narrowed down 3 simple things that we can all agree will effectively boost a dog’s health. Follow them, and your dog will be on their way to living a long and prosperous life.

See Spot run. See Spot fetch. See Spot grill the perfect steak and shake up a vodka martini. Okay, maybe that's not in Champ's repertoire, but these fantastic feats prove there's always something new, and really cool, your pooch can learn.

Teaching your dog to touch an object (targeting) is one way to help keep his mind active and to teach him new "tricks". International dog trainer Victoria Stilwell uses targeting to teach calming behaviors. Targeting is a foundational skill for service and working dogs as well. The bonus is this type of cognitive training benefits both of you. Here are three ways to start:

Oh, puppyhood! What could be better than those bright eyes, soft paws, and awkward gait? You would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t crack a smile at the sight of a puppy galloping towards them. At LINK AKC we get to see our fair share of puppies, but what’s even better is getting to watch them grow up into adorable adult dogs. We love puppies so much we even created a Size Guarantee for when you order a smart collar from us. If your pup outgrows the original size collar that you ordered, we will send you another size!

Your new puppy is finally home! It’s important to begin training your puppy immediately to prevent your new furry friend from chewing your favorite slippers or peeing in the middle of the rug.

Understanding the right level of activity your pet needs and what their healthy weight range is, according to experts, is the first hurdle to tackle in dealing with pet obesity. Long-term obesity can lead to a shortened lifespan for your furry companion and many healthy problems down the road.

Nearly half of all dog owners let their canine companions sleep in bed with them. But is it healthy? Here's a list of the potential problems and potential benefits that might come from sharing a bed with your dog.

Ah, St. Patrick's day. A chance to dress in green from head to toe — oh, and an excuse to drink green beer! Unfortunately, your furry friend can't enjoy a pint of Guinness. That doesn't mean you can't celebrate St. Patrick's day with your dog -- you'll just have to find some activities you can do together! Here are a few pet-friendly activities that you and your pup can enjoy together on St. Patrick's day. 

Are you introducing a new puppy into your life? This is such an exciting time for everyone, pup included. And it needn't be a difficult introduction if you follow our new puppy planning checklist before bringing your furry friend home.

Whether you're a weekend warrior attacking new trails or training for a charity 5k, your four-legged partner can be a source of inspiration. Here's a checklist of the right gear for safe biking and jogging with your dog.

We love our dogs so much that may ignore the stench that comes along with their big wet kisses. Unfortunately, bad breath from your dog could be the sign of an underlying issue.

Yes, we know you have found your soul-mate. He or she greets you every day when you come home, never complains (too much), and acknowledges you for being the absolute best person who has ever lived.

There’s no time like the present to prep your pup for the weather, temperature and other environmental changes that come with Spring. Regular maintenance like taking care of ears, nails, coat and paws need the right grooming supplies. We’ve put together a list of everything you need to keep up with your dog’s grooming needs as the season changes.

Fellow dog owners are among the best at stepping up to lend a hand when a pooch gets loose. When you're at home, you can contact neighbors directly, post on a community-based app like NextDoor or call your local shelter. But what should you do if you're visiting a new area and you spot a lost dog?

The love of dogs knows no boundaries, and the rich and famous definitely aren’t immune. You used to have to comb through gossip magazines to get your fill of celebrities and their pets, but now it’s easy to melt over pictures of your favorite star’s pup. Many celebrities even have an Instagram account just to show off their cute puppy pics. Take a look at a few of our favorite celebrity dogs!

2019 is the year of the diva dog! The dog fashion industry was once a topic that most would scoff at, however, over the years it has become apparent that fashion accessories for our furry friends are not going anywhere. In fact, the industry is booming as more and more companies are creating everything from customized collars and tags to sweaters and even sunglasses for dogs.

You probably know how many calories are in one of those chocolate cupcakes brought in by your coworker, but do you know your dog's ideal caloric intake each day? Follow these four tips to determine what to feed a puppy or adult dog to keep them healthy. 

When it's time to venture forth on an evening stroll with your canine bestie, don't go gentle into that good night. Go prepared. Follow these four tips for staying safe while walking your dog after the sun goes down.

Valentine's Day may be over, but the sweet reminders of this holiday still linger on. Whether you received a delicately wrapped box of chocolates from your significant other or took full advantage of the 70% off sale at your local grocery store on February 15th, you may be in truffle heaven for the foreseeable future. But what happens if that delight turns into truffle trouble when your dog gets into your stash? Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs, so if your dog happens to get their paws on any of it, you should be prepared to take action.

Whether you're adding a new dog to your family, or considering switching up your current dog's food regiment, it can be challenging to decide what type of food to try feeding them with the numerous options available. One of these options is a raw diet, which has been growing popularity and adoption over the past few years. A quick Google Search will yield results touting the success of raw food diets for working dogs and household pets alike. There is no one consensus on whether or not a raw food diet is the way to go but some veterinarians believe it is the key to a healthier, and longer, life for your pup. How do you know if you should start your dog down that road? There are of course some things to consider before going all in on a completely raw diet.

It's no secret that the pet technology market is growing rapidly. Companies are finding more and more ways to keep our canine companions entertained in the most unique ways. Here are 9 favorite choices for pet tech toys and entertainment.

From George Washington's parrot to Calvin Coolidge’s Rebecca the raccoon, there is a long and curious history of animals in the White House. Unsurprisingly, dogs have made the most popular presidential companions. Here are just a few of the interesting and memorable pups who have held a place of honor with the commander in chief.

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show some extra love to your four-legged best friend. Spoil them rotten with our top picks of treats, toys, and more!

Who doesn't melt over a good love story? And one that involves a slobbery, furry dog...forget about it! From inspiring service dogs, to marriage proposals and weddings, check out some of our favorite heartwarming love stories featuring some pretty special pups. 

What's better than a date night in with your pup? Skip dinner at an overcrowded restaurant and have a fun date night with your partner in crime ...your dog! Here are our top picks for the best pup-centric movies of all time. 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month so now is the perfect time to make sure you're keeping up on your K9's canine health! Keeping your dog healthy is a full-time job! Exercise, vet check-ups, flea and tick medication, and at-home maintenance are all part of being a responsible dog owner. We get it and know you wouldn't have it any other way. Brushing your pup's teeth is an example of something we know should be done but don't always include the task in their weekly or monthly maintenance routine. Most groomers will do a light teeth cleaning and, as your dog ages, your veterinarian handles the deeper cleanings. It's important however to do a little upkeep on your own between sessions and we've got four easy-to-follow steps to help you get it done.

Just like humans can be either left-handed, right-handed or ambidextrous, dogs have similar attributes. Well, left-pawed, right-pawed or ambi-pawed, that is! Humans measure their dexterity by which hand they use most for normal tasks like writing, holding their utensils to eat, or throwing a ball. Dogs are measured by which paw they use for motor tasks, meaning tasks that involved them using their muscles.

Are you a dog owner that uses baby talk with your pup? The good news is that you’re not alone, and even better news is that there’s a scientific reason for doing it!

We're counting down the days until the BIG GAME this Sunday. Yes, we’re talking about none other than the Puppy Bowl. This is the 15th Annual Puppy Bowl, an event featuring adorable puppies from amazing animal rescue organizations all over the world. The puppy players are cuter than ever and are ready to take the field.

If you're like us, keeping your dog healthy is one of your main concerns. From feeding them the proper quality food, taking them for routine checkups, to exercise and grooming, you pride yourself on being a responsible pet owner. However, if your pup's dental health is sometimes overlooked, there can be both short and long-term consequences. The American Veterinary Dental College states that many dogs show signs of dental issues and periodontal disease by three years old.

Thinking of going on some adventures with your pup this year? Thankfully, these five products were designed to make doggy road trips safer and more enjoyable for both of you. Stumped on where to go? We've put together a list of incredible dog parks in the US that should be on your bucket list this year.

It’s no secret that being around dogs can help lift your mood and almost instantaneously bring a smile to our face. Some people, however, channel their love of dogs by choosing a career where they are able to be around dogs every single day. If the thought of going to work and being greeted by tailing wagging coworkers sounds exciting to you, take a look at this list of dog-focused jobs!

Everywhere we go, people are talking about Marie Kondo's new Netflix show, Tidying Up. After her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing became a huge success worldwide, Kondo's ideas of how to declutter your space and live a more stressfree, peaceful life have become the topic of much conversation.

Pets are part of the family and just like with our human family it’s important to know how to assist them in case of an emergency.

The job of a guide dog is a very important one. Guide dogs are true service animals who help visually impaired people navigate independently through their daily lives. Have you ever wondered how this partnership works and where these well-trained dogs come from? We are here to give you the complete low down on the life and training of guide dogs.

Welcoming a new furry friend into your home comes with its challenges, but one of the most fun to tackle is deciding what to call your pup.

We've seen cartoons of a frantic feline escaping from a salivating pooch so often that it surprises many to learn cats and dogs can live together harmoniously. It's true some cats may be naturally confrontational or skittish, and many dog breeds are born hunters who are quick to chase smaller, faster animals. But by taking the right precautionary steps, most dogs can adjust to life with a cat. 

As the temperatures continue to drop this winter, there are hazards that you need to protect your pup from. We’ve put together a short checklist to help prevent any disasters from happening to your dog.

We’ve all heard the hype around DNA testing for dogs, but what are the real benefits from purchasing one of these kits? Some people decide to test their dog out of pure curiosity. When adopting a dog, there is usually some level of guesswork that goes into identifying what breed mix they are. Unless the rescue group knows the mother and father of your dog, there is no way they can accurately tell what breeds she is made up of. Actually, even if the group does have an idea about the mother and father, the puppies in a litter can have different fathers from each other!

Most pawrents keep their canines under control, but taming their dog's vet bills can be a challenge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend, on average, $500 a year on vet bills for their dogs, and yours may be more. It's not easy to balance your responsibilities to your pet and your budget. With the help of retired Arcata, California veterinarian Jeri Lou Oliphant, we've put together five tips for ways to keep your vet bills reasonable.

There’s a new employee work benefit started recently by a company in Minneapolis designed specially to cater for new dog owners, they’re calling it ‘fur-ternity leave’. Nina Hale, a marketing company in the city introduced the benefit to allow employees with new pets to work from home.

As Winter continues to roll along and the temperature outside drops, it’s time to start bundling up your best friend for walks. Why not get creative with their wardrobe choices? Here’s a quick and easy tutorial on how to make unique sweaters for your pup, using nothing but your hand-me-downs. When you're finished with your masterpiece, here's how to take the best photo to show off your work.

Winter days are shorter, and the weather can be ruff. But don't let winter woes dampen the fun you can have with your dog. Here are 9 easy ways to cheer up a pup who may be missing his summertime scene.

Did you know 1 in 3 pets goes missing in their lifetime? Losing your four-legged family member is something we hope you never have to face. The best way to prevent your pup from getting lost is by taking preemptive steps and making certain your pup has a current ID tag wtih your contact info. From invisible fences to smart collars, these four options can help Rover mend his roving ways.