POOP 911 POOP 911

There’s an undeniable bond between humans and dogs, which is why they have long been considered “man’s best friend.” Unsurprisingly, numerous studies have suggested that dog owners tend to be happier and more content than their non-dog-owning counterparts. So, how can adopting a dog lead to increased happiness and overall well-being? Here are a few reasons below.

Unconditional Love: One of the best things about being a pet parent is the unconditional love and companionship they provide. Dogs are loyal and affectionate creatures, forming deep bonds with their owners. This unwavering devotion can be a source of comfort and security, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. The companionship of a dog can be particularly meaningful for individuals who live alone or struggle with forming connections with others, providing a constant presence and a sense of belonging.

Physical Health: Dog owners enjoy better physical health due to the exercise and outdoor activities of caring for their canine companions. Regular walks and play sessions are essential for a dog’s well-being and provide ample opportunities for its owners to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Engaging in physical activities with a dog can lead to improved cardiovascular health, increased stamina, and better weight management, all of which enhance overall happiness.

Mental Health: Petting a dog has been proven to lower stress levels and induce relaxation. Research has shown that interacting with dogs can decrease cortisol and increase oxytocin, hormones associated with stress and relaxation. Additionally, dogs’ innate ability to sense human emotions provides comfort and support during anxiety or distress. This emotional connection can help dog owners navigate stressful situations with greater ease and resilience, resulting in a happier and more balanced life.

Social Connections: Dog owners often experience increased social interactions, as caring for a dog can create numerous opportunities to meet and connect with others. Whether at the dog park, a pet-friendly cafe, or a neighborhood stroll, dog owners are likelier to converse with fellow pet owners and forge new friendships. This sense of community and social connection can improve mental health and overall well-being.



Purpose: Caring for a dog gives owners a sense of purpose and responsibility. Their canine companions rely on them for their basic needs, such as food, shelter, exercise, and companionship. This responsibility can positively impact an individual’s mental health and self-esteem, giving them a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Additionally, the routine and structure that come with dog ownership can benefit individuals struggling with depression or anxiety, providing stability and predictability in their daily lives.

Enhanced Happiness and Wellbeing: Dog owners tend to be happier for various reasons, including their pets’ unconditional love and companionship, the physical and mental health benefits associated with dog ownership, and the enhanced social connections from being part of a pet-loving community.

Moreover, the sense of purpose and responsibility of caring for a canine companion can contribute to an overall sense of fulfillment and contentment. While owning a dog is not a guarantee for happiness, it is clear that the unique bond between humans and dogs can play a significant role in enhancing one’s well-being and overall quality of life.

Uh oh, you’ve found dog poop in fall leaves!

Fall is the best time of year for many, including dogs, who don’t care if they poop on the leaves, hide their presents under the leaves, or if you can find the poop piles or not. If you’re not looking for poop under the leaves, your yard could become a stinky mess.

Dog Poop is Dangerous

Much to the surprise of many, dog doo is not a fertilizer but a pollutant that can get washed away and enter the surrounding environment, including watercourses such as streams and rivers, and can impact wildlife, plant growth, and human health. While pet owners responsibly scoop the poop they can spot on the lawn, the dog poop in fall leaves is often disguised, not found, and un-scooped. Dog Poop Hide and SeekIn the fall, the maple trees, oaks, crabapples, and other deciduous trees drop their leaves, seemingly plotting to cover the ground with shades of brown. The result: you can easily lose sight of the poop piles so cleverly camouflaged in and under the leaves. It’s not fun to walk through a leaf-covered yard only to step into a pile of mush or have your kids come back indoors after playing in the leaves and finding Fido’s hidden treasures! Dog poop hide and seek is not a fun game. The best way to alleviate mishaps when the leaves fall is to pick up the poop regularly, rake the leaves often, and keep the yard poop-free!Poop-Free for Everyone

If you have a furry friend, you know how quickly your lawn can become littered with dog waste landmines. It’s good practice to clear the yard of poop piles regularly so your outdoor space is pleasant and usable. Your dogs will appreciate the clean and poop-free stomping grounds they love to play fetch, roll around, and lay in the warm autumn sun. Some dogs instinctively hide their poop under the leaves to cover their tracks so other animals won’t know they’ve been there. Sometimes life gets busy and cleaning up after your doggo is easier said than done.

If you need assistance keeping up with the poop piles and the leaves in your yard, POOP 911 is the dog poop pollution solution every pet owner can use. Contact your local professionals today for a first free cleanup!

Yes, you can teach a senior dog new tricks! You can train your senior dog with patience, consistency, love, and treats. Whether you’ve adopted or rescued an older pup who might not have been taught much as a youngster, or you’ve had your furry friend since puppyhood and want to reinforce some training that got put by the wayside, you can teach any aged dog to respond to your commands.How to train your senior dog depends on a few scenarios. Are there other dogs in the home from which the old girl or boy can pick up clues? Having other pups in the house that already know the basic commands, like sit, stay, down, leave it, etc., greatly assists the new family member in learning what is acceptable. If no other pets are present, there are still ways to train your senior dog.

Know Your Senior Dog

Dogs are lifelong learners; generally, they love to please their owners and receive attention. Training your senior dog takes time and patience on your part. It helps to know their background and their past living arrangements, too. Focus on learning and understanding your dog’s characteristics, how they respond to you, and how they accept treats, and watch for subtle signs that your senior pup is trying to tell you something or let you know they need something. It’s much the same as getting a new puppy. Everything is new to both of you, and training a senior dog is no different.Benefits of Training a Senior DogFirst, find out what they already know. Training is super important for an adult dog with no training or manners, like jumping, barking excessively, peeing in the house, and chewing on items other than toys. Be consistent, too. The more you work with your new friend, the better for their mental well-being, keeping them stimulated and interested in what you’re doing and expecting from them. You’ll get a great response from a senior dog who is engaged.

Stay on a Schedule

Whether you are home all day or not, pick a time to spend 30 minutes or longer to train your senior dog. Routine is key to getting results; soon enough, your new adult fur kid will look forward to and expect the interaction. Remember always to have your treats ready to reward good behavior!Keep Things PositiveYou’ll get far when positivity is part of how you train your senior dog. Food is gold to a dog, so grab some treats and start with the basics. If your newly adopted senior dog responds appropriately, good for you and them! Pay attention to your pup’s bathroom habits and for any cues they might use to let you know they need to go outside. Never reprimand your dog for making a mistake, but instead, reward and praise them each time they use the outdoors for their potty business, stay on command, and sit when asked to, even if it’s only once a day in the beginning. Positive equals results in the end.

Already Knows Basic Commands

Training your senior dog can be even more fun if your newly adopted older dog already knows the basics. Start with reinforcing those basic commands, and then up the ante. It will be fun for your senior dog to learn something new and please you. Find some brain challenge games like hide and seek with toys and treats, or teach them to bring you various items. You can teach an older dog new tricks. Patience, time, and understanding are needed, and your senior dog will live out their last years happy and healthy.

Knowing how to introduce your new cat to your dog is important. Dogs have gotten a bad rap as being enemies of cats. This doesn’t have to be true if proper preparations, precautions, steps, and dog training are taken before and during the first meet and greet between the cat and your pup.



Preparations and Precautions

When you first bring your new cat home, ensure the dog is secured in a room where the new cat won’t see them. There will be enough going on with the trip home, new smells, and sounds, so you want the new cat to be as comfortable as possible with its new surroundings from the start. You should have already chosen a room where the cat can remain separated from the new dog for a few days, maybe longer, depending on the receptiveness of both pets. Make sure to spend lots of time with the cat, allowing both pets to explore the new pet scents on you and your clothing.Start with a closed-door room so the pets can still smell each other without being face to face. When you feel it’s the right time, open the door; however, secure a gate in the doorway. This step is important and a great way to introduce your new cat to your dog without possibly being frightened by this new creature in its new home. Supervise the interactions, and when the over-curiosity subsides, and the two pets seem comfortable with each other’s presence, it’s time for a tour of the home for the new cat.

Next Steps

Being aware of how and when to introduce your new cat to your dog is important. When your dog is outside doing doggie things or being taken for a walk, take your cat into the home’s living area. You can carry them around or let them explore without the dog in the house. They will instinctively locate some good hiding places when they might feel scared about loud noises, the dog barking, etc. Be sure to hold the cat when the dog returns to the house. Keep your dog on a leash for this first face-to-face interaction. Remember that kittens are more receptive to other animals or pets than an older cat or one that’s never shared a home with a dog. Give this introduction a little time, then return the cat to its safe place. Do this a few times every day for a few more days when introducing your new cat to your dog.Once you are certain both pets are used to each other, let the dog off the leash and allow the cat to explore. You must supervise closely, as dogs tend to chase and want to play with cats instinctively, and cats usually become afraid and defensive. If more time is needed for uneventful interactions and sharing space peacefully, continue to put the cat behind the gate and allow face-to-face meetings periodically and daily until you feel they are safe to roam without your presence.

Training Your Dog Before Getting a New Cat

Another important step to consider is proper puppy training before you introduce your new cat to your dog. Once they have been introduced, your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with a cat is inappropriate behavior and be guided toward what is appropriate. Reward good behaviors in return for a treat. If your dog is always punished when your cat is around and never has “good things” happen in the cat’s presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat. Most cats and dogs learn to live together, play with each other, share food, and even sleep side by side. Some learn to tolerate each other and keep their distance. However, how your new cat and dog choose to live with each other is up to them. Your job is to know how to introduce your new cat to your dog in a way that fosters a comfortable and harmonious household!