People are often attracted to retractable leashes due to the sense of freedom and flexibility they afford their pets. With the ability to adjust the leash length, they can allow their dogs to explore their surroundings more independently, sniff, and roam in a larger radius than a standard leash permits. While retractable leashes may seem appealing due to the freedom they offer dogs, they also pose several significant dangers that people should consider.

Float trips are a popular summer activity in Missouri, and bringing your furry friend along can make the experience even more enjoyable. However, it's crucial to take the necessary precautions and have a well-trained dog to ensure a safe and fun-filled adventure. In this blog post, we'll discuss essential tips for safely taking your dog on a float trip, highlighting the importance of proper training and having an emergency plan in place in case of injuries.

Missouri’s wine and craft beer scene continues to thrive, offering unforgettable experiences for every palate. For pet owners, the perfect day out includes great drinks, beautiful views, and, of course, the company of their furry friends. Whether you’re sipping a glass of wine overlooking scenic vineyards or enjoying a refreshing brew in a cozy beer garden, we’ve rounded up Missouri’s best pet-friendly wineries and breweries to visit in 2025.

With almost 170,000 people living in Springfield, there’s no shortage of new restaurants popping up frequently. Many people find themselves longing for a quick bite to eat after a long day of outdoor fun with their pets, especially as the weather gets warmer. With the large amount of restaurants that Springfield boasts, many are pet-friendly. Between coffee, ice cream, steak, tacos, and everything in between, you’re sure to find a favorite that allows your furry family member to tag along!

Collars are, arguably, the most important tool in dog ownership. Not only do they provide a way to quickly leash your dog, they can also include important information, such as the owner's contact information in case of an emergency and up-to-date vaccination records. Finding the perfect collar can be challenging, but not impossible.

It is a commonly known fact that dogs love to mark their territory. Male dogs in particular have a reputation for urinating in places they shouldn’t, but any dog can mark when given the chance. Marking is a natural behavior, but can become problematic if done too frequently or if done indoors. Luckily, there are ways to reduce indoor marking to prevent any damage to your home. 

Most dogs LOVE food. They’ll finish their bowls as soon as they’re set down, sometimes still acting hungry afterward. Some dogs, however, aren’t quite as food motivated. They may sniff their bowl only to turn their nose up at it, or they may eat a few bites but leave the rest. Fortunately, there are ways to encourage healthier eating habits to ensure that your pet feels their best every day.

Destructive chewing is a common problem that many dog owners face. Maybe you’ve come home to find that your favorite pair of shoes, a brand new pillow, or even an entire couch cushion suddenly have teeth marks in them. Whether we like it or not, chewing is a natural behavior for all dogs. These instincts span back to their wild ancestors and are a fact of life for all canines. Dogs use their mouths to investigate the world around them, much like human babies do when they begin to get curious. 

Many dog owners feel as though a collar alone isn’t enough protection for their dog when walking. Collars can loosen easily, slip over a dog’s head, or cause an excess amount of pressure on their neck, which can lead to breathing issues or neck pain. While collars are an important tool in everyday dog care, having a quality harness on hand is never a bad idea.

Now that 2023 Spring is officially in full swing, many people find themselves searching for fun activities to enjoy with their dogs. The warmer weather can be a great time for walks, car rides, and splashing around in creeks. In addition to those activities, Springfield hosts a large variety of dog-friendly events every spring that you and your pet are sure to enjoy!

Coffee is one of America’s favorite pastimes. In Springfield, it’s not hard to find a coffee shop on nearly every corner of town. Whether you’re looking for a latte, a Frappuccino, or just a plain black coffee, you’re sure to find a favorite with all the different cafes. For pet owners, finding a favorite coffee shop that also allows furry friends can be tricky. This list is composed of dog-friendly places, so your dog will be able to join you on the adventure!

No one likes feeling itchy and uncomfortable all the time, and the same goes for dogs. Dogs can experience dry skin, rashes, and other skin conditions the same way that humans can. While dry skin isn’t necessarily hazardous to your pet’s health, it can cause discomfort. Luckily, dry skin is easy to spot and treat, so your pet will be feeling like themself again in no time!

Springfield is home to quite a few locally owned restaurants and bakeries, and not all of them cater to humans! The bakeries listed make fresh treats and goodies for your furry family members. Most are made for dogs, but some have a few cat-friendly options as well. In addition to making your pets happy, you’ll be supporting local businesses that love your animals almost as much as you do. 

As the weather gets warmer, many people find themselves searching for fun activities to keep their dogs entertained and out of the heat. Swimming can be a great option for summer fun, but it does come with risks. Thankfully, there’s several precautions that can be taken to keep your pet safe around water. 

Resource guarding is a common behavior in pets where they become possessive over objects or spaces such as toys, food, treats, or even their sleeping area. Resource guarding can lead to aggressive behavior, which can be dangerous for both the pet and the people around them. This could be presented in many ways, but is commonly known as lunging or snapping at those around them when they are holding something valuable. This is a natural behavior for all animals, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t solutions. 

Dog training is hard. Sometimes it can feel like you’re doing the best that you can, and still not seeing the results that you’ve been hoping for. Being able to recognize that is a good thing, and can lead you to realize where you might be going wrong. There’s a plethora of easy mistakes to make when it comes to dog ownership, and listed are some of the most common.

Litter box training comes naturally to most cats. Adult cats tend to seek out grainy places to go to the bathroom, even if they’re strays. However, older cats and young kittens that have never been exposed to a litter box may need a bit more help to learn where it’s appropriate to go while inside the house. 

Changes in pet behavior can occur for many reasons. If your dog or cat is suddenly acting unlike their usual self, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a vet first and foremost. Many illnesses, such as chronic pain, can show symptoms that are very similar to depression. Ruling out physical causes helps to determine how your pet is truly feeling and why. If your vet determines that your pet is physically healthy, it can be time to consider depression as a possibility. While depression in pets isn’t clinical in the way that it is for humans, it can still affect their quality of life.

As professional dog walkers, we have had the opportunity to work with many different types of dogs, including those that need to be walked in groups. Walking multiple dogs at the same time can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and equipment, it can also be a rewarding experience for both the dogs and the owner.

One of the most common reasons that people hire house sitters is because they have pets that need to be cared for. However, there are plenty of benefits to having a house sitter, even if you don’t have any furry friends at home.  It would seem easy to lock up and walk away hoping the dead bolts and codes will ward off any potential ill-willed visitors but unfortunately, that just isn’t always the case. Your home is probably by far your biggest asset and should be treated as such. Protect it and everything inside, living or not.