BTB’s Favorite Things

Just like Oprah we also have a list of our favorite things. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of gifts for you and your pups for the holidays.

Photo Credit: Dog Quality

Dog quality dogger stroller

The Cadillac of all dog strollers the Dogger is hands down the best stroller out there. This stroller is great, the basket sits high up so your pup has a great view of everything going on (and closer to whatever food their humans are eating). Equipped with rear suspension the Dogger can be taken off road or even on the bumpiest of city sidewalks. Not just for senior or disabled dogs you can use your Dogger for puppy socialization, or you can use it for times when you want to bring your pup for an outing but also want to make sure they have somewhere safe to retire to. We own this stroller and it’s seriously the best thing ever. It has more than paid for itself with the amount of use it’s gotten. We take it everywhere and it’s so nice to know that my senior dog has somewhere safe to stay when out and about.

natural dog company snout soother

Does your pup’s nose get dry and cracked in the winter? Then this Snout Soother is for you. Natural Dog Company makes it easy for you to help your pup’s dry cracked snout. The snout soother helps alleviate any pain and discomfort pups may feel from the effects of winter. It’s no secret that a dry nose is no fun.

A new Strap harness from frenchie

Photo Credit: Frenchie

If you’re anything like us one harness is never enough. We love the Frenchie brand harnesses because they always have super cute prints. Just in time for the holidays Frenchie has released this super cute strap harness. Your dog will be the talk of the town in this harness. These strap harnesses are great for bigger pups too because they’re completely adjustable. They can fit even the chonkiest of boys.

Photo Credit: 2 Dogs Treats

A subscription to 2 dogs Treats Just beef

What pup doesn’t love treats? We love 2 Dogs Treats because they’re locally made in Dorchester and they have a variety of treats for any pup. Whether your pup has an allergy to chicken or beef 2 Dogs Treats has something for you. They’re all natural, made with human grade meats and fish. The best part is you can find these treats at many local dog stores like Pawsh. So treat your pup to something yummy and healthy for them at the same time. Your pup won’t be disappointed.

Westpaw toppl

Do enrichment right with the Westpaw Toppl. These are great for short nosed dogs because they can stick their entire face in the the top to get every last bit of food out. Designed for moderate chewers the Toppl is a fun way to get your dog working for their food. Made in the USA, dishwasher safe, the Toppl even floats so your pup can bring it in the water with them.

Photo Credit: Sniffingtons

sniffingtons dipper tripper for your westpaw toppl

Looking for a fun addition to your Toppl while also being functional? Look no further than the Sniffingtons Dipper Tripper. These Dipper Trippers are so cute and a great way to make sure that the food you stuff in your Toppl doesn’t fall out. Get one for every occasion to up your enrichment game. While you’re at it grab some flavored bubbles too for even more fun.

my boston says hi to your boston hoodie

Cozy up to winter in this awesome hoodie from our shop. Whether you’re at home lounging or running errands about town you’ll be warm and stylish in this hoodie. What better what to rep BTB than with our own merchandise. This hoodie comes in sizes S to 2XL. Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling and a double-lined hood with matching drawcord this hoodie is a MUST for any Boston pawrent.

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11 Tips to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard, Straight From the Pros

Your dog is a member of the family. And just like any family member, your dog deserves a space of its own to run around, relax in the shade, or dig a hole. If you own a home with a backyard, renovating the space is the perfect solution to provide a space your dog won’t want to leave.

To help you get started, we reached out to dog experts from across North America, from Baltimore, MD to Penticton, BC to give us their best tips on how to create a dog-friendly backyard. From installing a porthole bubble in your fence to building a portable ramp to your porch, read on to see 11 backyard renovation tips you may not have thought of. 

1) Try pet-safe plants 

Pet-friendly landscaping goes beyond places to play and potty. Dogs’ brains thrive on smelling new things. So plant pet-safe plants like rosemary, thyme, and basil that you can also use in the kitchen. – Boston Terriers of Boston

Be responsible for the plants in your backyard. Some plants and fauna may be potentially harmful to animals, so ensure that your backyard is dog-safe before allowing your furkid to roam around. Remember to always keep an eye on what your dog interacts with when they are outside. – Pawjourr

2) Keep your landscaping dog friendly 

Certain plants and flowers, like daffodils and hydrangeas, can be toxic to dogs and should not be planted in a place where they may be accidentally ingested. Keep your minds at ease and your yard dog-friendly by saying no to plants that are harmful to your furry friends. – Dogs of Charm City

3) Ensure there is a fence, water, and shade for your dog

A fenced-in dog-friendly yard creates a safe space and gives your dog room to run, sniff, and explore. Just as important is making sure your dog has fresh water (a small fountain is a blast to drink from and even play in) and lots of shade to relax under after all that physical and mental enrichment. – The Inner Dog

4) Install a porthole bubble for your dog

While we love turf in an outside space, a grassy lawn is fun for your pets too – especially one with equal parts sun and shade. The one item that stands out in a yard that is one of our favorite features is a porthole bubble. We installed one in the fence in our yard at home at a dog’s-eye level so she could peek out at the neighborhood and see what’s going on. – Good Dog, Inc.

5) Create an enrichment area in your dog-friendly yard

Make room in your dog-friendly yard for an enrichment area for your dog to do some scatter feeding, digging, and ‘find it’ games. Every dog needs a job and designing an adventure area for your furry friend means they don’t have to create their own jobs. Tallgrass plus bark and wood chippings are ideal. – Wolfgangs Way Dog Training 

6) Build a secure fence to reduce barking

Fencing should not allow dogs to see through if you want to reduce barking. Securing under fences by using a couple of layers of pavers or by concreting under them should protect your yard from neighbors’ pets and should keep yours in. – Pets Training and Boarding

7) Install a dog door in the exterior wall of your backyard

Start by cutting a hole in the wall going through all layers and frame out the hole after installing the dog door so it looks nice from the inside. Then build or purchase a dog house large enough to cover the dog door with the back wall of the dog house, cut a hole in the back wall of the dog house, and slide the dog house against the dog door. No one can see the dog door from the outside. – Family Dog Club

8) Create a digging pit in your dog-friendly yard

Big holes and unseemly dirt piles are usually not what a homeowner thinks about as  “yard perfection.”The best way to handle this and create a dog-friendly yard is by creating a digging pit. Having an area of your yard set aside as a special place for your dog to dig, and encouraging them to dig there by hiding delicious treats, is the gold star treatment to avoid a yard excavation mess. – Kristi Benson

9) Create a dog-friendly ramp to the back porch

One of the best things I’ve done for my dogs is to create a dog-friendly ramp leading up to the back porch. Not only is it helpful for senior dogs, but dogs of all ages may have injuries that would make stairs difficult or impossible. It is important that the ramp is not too steep and that the ramp is wide enough to accommodate wheels for your dog if he ever needs them. – Beth Patterson, Daily Dog Tag

10) Add a water feature to your backyard

We know dogs love grass, but water is often a close second. Consider adding a water feature to your dog-friendly backyard. Big or small, it will add, soothing sounds, and variety to your yard that your dog will enjoy for years to come. – Adeo Pets

11) Build a DIY potty spot for your dog

If you want your pup to potty in a particular area of your yard, you can create a DIY potty spot, like a gravel pit. To get them in the habit of pottying in that area, make sure to take them out to that spot on leash at first, and consistently reward them for going to the bathroom in that spot. – Urban Pawsibilities

Originally published on Redfin.com

The Humpty Dance - All about humping

It’s embarrassing, one minute your dog is playing the next they’re humping their friends. But why do our dogs hump? Is it because of dominance? Is it because of stress? Well we’re here to tell you all the reasons why your dog humps.

Oh My God Becky Look at her butt….

Humping is a natural behavior in all dogs of all ages. Whether spayed/neutered or not any dog can have the propensity to hump. While people usually think of it as “dominance” that’s just not the truth. Believe it or not your dog is not out to show you “who’s boss” or trying to dominate you. Despite what people may say humping has nothing to do with dominance. The term “dominance” when speaking about dogs refers to access to a resource such as bones, toys, food, or any other thing that can be viewed as a resource.

i mean, her butt, it’s just so big

Dogs hump for a variety of reasons and over-stimulation is one of the most common ones. When a dog gets over-stimulated some may do zoomies, some may bark and others will hump. It just means that they have reached a level of excitement and this is how they handle those types of situations. If your dog is humping in a social situation like our meetup it may just mean that they need a break. It’s okay to exit the meetup to give your dog a second to cool down.

I like big butts and I cannot lie

Some dogs hump because they’re anxious. Anxiety in dogs can often create displacement behaviors. Which means when they get anxious they feel the need to hump something. It’s a way for dogs to relieve that anxious feeling. If you have an anxious dog who humps it’s okay to let them have this time for themself. If you are really uncomfortable with your dog humping then try to find another outlet for stress relief like enrichment. If you’re not sure what enrichment is you can check out our posts on all things enrichment here and here.

Baby got back

Sometimes humping is just a form of play. Dogs play in many different ways. Stalking, chasing, biteyface, wrestling and humping are all forms of playing in dogs. When dogs play they often mimic behaviors that they would do in real life situations. Stalking and chasing are hunting behaviors, biteyface and wrestling are fighting behaviors while humping is a sexual behavior. It is thought that dog play is just practice for when they’re in the real world.

has your girlfriend got the butt?

Sometimes it just feels so darn good. While it definitely isn’t “dominance” sometimes there isn’t always a reason for humping other than it feels good. If you have a dog that humps then there is no reason not to let your pup have a little time alone. So long as it doesn’t create a problem. However, if they’re humping humans then you might want to redirect them to a toy or a chew.

April is Heartworm Awareness Month

We’ve all been there, we’re hanging outside in the summer having a relaxing time when bam a mosquito comes a bites you. They’re a pain in the butt for us humans but did you know that they can be deadly for dogs? The American Heartworm Society reports that more than a million pets in the US currently have heartworms.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious (preventable) and sometimes fatal disease in dogs (and other pets) in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. If left untreated, the number of worms increases. Dogs can harbor up to several hundred worms in their bodies. Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone.

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, and while some areas may have more infections, it is equally important to have your dog on a preventative.

How can I tell my pup has heartworms?

In the early stages of infection dogs often will show little to no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses dogs will present with a mild yet persistent cough, be less active, fatigued after moderate activity, have a decreased appetite and weight loss.

How is Heartworm detected?

A simple blood test taken yearly for adult dogs who have already been on prevention. For puppies starting prevention at 7 months is appropriate. Puppies and adult dogs who have not been on prevention will need to be tested again at 6 months and 12 months later. It can take up to 6 months for a dog to test positive after being infected. It is recommended to have your dogs on heartworm preventative all year round.

What happens if my dog tests positive?

If your dog tests positive it is imperative you go to your veterinarian and start treatment. Treatment for heartworms is a series of injections called Immiticide®. During treatment it is imperattive that dogs are kept on crate rest and not be able to exercise after the injections. As the worms start to die and start to decompse they break up and are carried to the lungs. Here they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body.

How is Heartworm Prevented?

Heartworm is prevented by giving your dog a monthly chewable that has different flavors like beef. You can get these meds from your vet. My dog Shyla takes hers willingly with no issues at all.

btb’s favorite things

Just like Oprah we also have a list of our favorite things. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of gifts for you and your pups for the holidays.

K&H Pet Products Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper Bolster Cat & Dog Bed.

BTB Members Trudy and Benson enjoying their bed.

This bed is a huge hit in our household. With just a 15v heating pad in the bed it keeps your pups warm even on when the temps dip below zero. If your pup is anything like mine they’ll sleep in this bed all year round. Because you can never be too cozy. Check out BTB members Trudy and Benson in their heated bed. It’s perfect for those long winter days. Be forewarned though, your pup may never want to leave this bed.

New furbo dog camera to spy on your dog

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

For when you’re at work and you want to throw a treat to your good boy/girl this camera is awesome. You can live stream video of your pup from your phone. The Furbo Camera also lets you know when your dog is barking. It gives you the peace of mind knowing your pup is safe and secure while you’re away from home. With Furbo Dog Nanny you also get activity alerts and selfie alerts. I mean who wouldn’t want to be alerted when their dog is taking a selfie?

A new fleece from equafleece

We just found this company not too long ago and had to share with you. Our motto is there’s always room for more clothing. This oh so soft fleece is so nice and toasty. It will keep your pup warm on even the coldest day in Boston. The Equafleece brand is also rainproof so your pup will stay dry in the cold winter rain and snow.

A new harness and leash set from frenchie

Photo Credit: Frenchie

If you’re anything like us one harness is never enough. We love the Frenchie brand harnesses because they always have super cute prints. Just in time for the holidays Frenchie has released this super cute reversible harness and leash set. Your dog will be the talk of the town in this harness. The best part about these harnesses is that you’re literally getting two for one. Because it’s reversible they have different prints on each side.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

For the very good Pup Santa s’mores Soft & Chewy Treats

We love all the Bocce’s Bakery treats and every year they put out new holiday flavors. This year we found Santa S’mores at Loyal Companion and had to pick them up. With limited ingredients these are great for pups with allergies. They come in all sorts of other yummy flavors too. If you have a naughty pup Bocce’s Bakery also makes Lumps of Coal. Equally delicious but oh so naughty.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl

For the pup who inhales their food in seconds this fun feeder is the perfect way to slow them down. This bowl combines mental stimulation while also slowing them down when eating. It’s a two for one.

ZippyPaws - Holiday Burrow, Interactive Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy

Photo Credit: Amazon.com

These burrow toys are so much fun. They’re great for playtime and great for enrichment. Your pup has to use their brain to dig the bones out from the stocking. It’s the perfect toy to keep your pup busy while you’re cleaning the kitchen.

Photo Credit: Club Huey

Broke + Spoiled Matching T-Shirt Set from Club Huey

Can you really say you’re a crazy dog mom/dad if you and your pup don’t match in these adorable t-shirts? I mean who are we kidding of course we’re broke because of our dogs. The best part about these shirts is that they’re completely reversible. Just flip the t-shirt around and the design can be worn on either the front or back.

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November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month

What age is considered senior?

For Boston Terriers senior age is often considered to start at 9-10 years old.

Why should I adopt a Senior Dog?

You should adopt a senior dog because they’re awesome. Okay we might be a little biased but senior dogs are great. They’re already house trained, they already know all their commands and you know exactly how big/small your dog is going to be. There’s no mystery.

They love to be with their people!

Senior dogs often just want to be with their people. They don’t need a ton of exercise and play time, they’re happy to just relax on the couch with their favorite human.

They’re often overlooked

Seniors are often overlooked at shelters and rescues. A lot of people just want young puppies but adopting a senior means you can give them the best rest of their lives.

They’re great napping partners

Senior dogs need more sleep than younger dogs making them the best napping partner. This is also beneficial for people who work too as senior dogs will often nap while you’re at work all day.

They’re calmer than puppies

While senior dogs often still have tons of energy to burn they’re often calmer than having a puppy. Seniors are more likely to have short bursts of energy while puppies are non-stop.

it’s Kennel Cough season

It’s kennel cough season and we’re here to help you recognize the signs and symptoms of kennel cough.

what is kennel cough?

Kennel cough (canine infections tracheobronchitis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Kennel cough is most commonly contracted at dog parks, shelter environments, doggie daycare and boarding facilities.  Much like the common cold in humans, kennel cough can be spread from one dog to another through airborne transmission, nose to nose contact, or sharing water/food bowls. Good news is that kennel cough is super treatable although it is harsher for young and immunocompromised dogs.

How to Tell if your pup has it?

You’ll know, trust me! My dog Shyla has had it twice and it’s a sound unlike anything else I’ve heard come out of her.  Other than that here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• cough (it will sound like a your pup has something stuck in their throat or like a honking sound)

• sneezing

• runny nose

• loss of appetite

• lethargy

• low fever

HOW IS IT TREATED?

There is a vaccine for it, but much like the flu vaccination there are different strains that the vaccination does not protect against, so a trip to the vet to confirm the diagnosis is needed. Depending on the severity of symptoms, your vet will either let the virus run its course or will prescribe antibiotics. There are also some natural ways to help your pup through this with honey and coconut oil. Whole Dog Journal has laid out some really great ways to help clear up kennel cough naturally.

ways to prevent kennel cough

It is so important to pay attention to our pups. While kennel cough is usually very treatable it can sometimes develop into more serious conditions like pneumonia. Kennel cough can be prevented by limiting exposure to infected dogs and staying away from areas like the dog park when an outbreak has occurred.

what if symptoms persist?

If symptoms persist for more than two weeks it could be a sign of something more serious like pneumonia or congestive heart failure. Another trip to the vet will be needed to rule out anything more serious.

So you’re looking for a boston terrier?

Deciding to bring a dog into your family is a big decision, and one that will impact the dog’s life as well as your own. The choice between buying from a reputable breeder versus adopting from a shelter/rescue organization can often be a difficult one to make. On the one hand a new squishy puppy is hard to resist, on the other hand saving a life by adopting a rescue dog can also be an amazing experience. We’ve already shared how to find a responsible breeder here and covered how to adopt a Boston Terrier here, but we want to help you in your decision on whether to adopt or not.

Benefits of Adopting

One of the main benefits of adopting a Boston Terrier is that you’re literally saving two lives at once. You’re saving the life of the Boston Terrier you’re adopting and you’re also saving the life of another dog who needs rescue by opening up space in the shelters. 

But that's not all:

• Adopted dogs are often already potty trained and have already been vetted for any health or behavioral issues. 

• If adopting from a rescue organization they can tell you more about the dog’s personality. Due to the popularity of fostering, the dog has likely spent weeks--or even months—in a home environment. My own dog Shyla famously spent seven months in her foster home. The best rescues will prioritize quality over quantity therefore dogs sometimes spend longer in foster.

• Rescues sometimes have puppies too, you just need to ask.

• The best rescue organizations will use the dog's time in the organization as an opportunity to diagnose medical and behavioral issues and begin to fix them.

• And last but not least, rescues will often take the dog back if it doesn’t work out. If for whatever reason the new dog doesn't adjust to your home or has unexpected issues you're unequipped to handle (medical, behavioral), returning the dog to the rescue to find more suitable placement is an option.

Risks of Adopting

If you’re adopting straight from a shelter you don’t always know the dog’s background. Sometimes a dog’s personality can change after being in your home for a while, as dogs tend to either be extremely-reserved or over-excited when placed in a new home. The behavior you see in the shelter (or as the shelter workers describe it) can be dramatically different from how your new pup acts once fully-adjusted. 

It’s possible that the dog you’re adopting hasn’t been properly socialized and you will need to work on that with a positive reinforcement trainer and/or with a behaviorist. This is always a big risk with rescue dogs, as some owners would rather give up a dog than to work on the behavioral issues themselves.

Benefits to Buying from a Breeder

Buying from a responsible breeder is also a great option, but you need to be ready to commit to the care needed for the pup for the rest of its life, which could be anywhere from 12-20 years.

Here are some other considerations:

• You can meet the pup’s parents and get a glimpse into what your pup will look like fully grown. You will also get a tour of the pup’s living conditions.

• You know that your pup is truly purebred.

• You’ll get to shape your pup into the adult you want with the proper socialization and training.

• A lot of breeders also do heath and genetic testing to ensure that your pup will not have any hereditary conditions. Responsible breeders breed for the betterment of the breed and temperament.

THE CHALLENGES OF BUYING FROM A BREEDEr:

Of course, buying from a breeder is not without its drawbacks.

• Every year millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters.

• Puppies require a lot of time and attention, often as much as a newborn baby. (Except they pee on your shag rug instead of in a diaper.)

• You’ll need to be prepared to clean up any accidents and deal with any chewing.

• Purebred dogs tend to have more health problems.

• Buying from a breeder can be extremely expensive, and you will be responsible for all its vetting.

Beyond these reasons, not every breeder practices best practices. There are many "backyard breeders" out there that look at this as a side hustle for quick money. These breeders will often cut corners in breeding, care, and early-life medical needs. Sometimes, they may even push pups with known medical issues on to new families without informing them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you choose to adopt a Boston Terrier or buy from a responsible breeder, it is important to be honest with yourself about what your commitment level is and how much time and attention you’re willing to give to your pup. Always seek out the right positive reinforcement trainer for your dogs. A dog is a lifelong commitment and you will have to deal with all of the challenges that come with owning a dog.