Tag: adoption

Should I Get a Second Dog?

Posted on September 30, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Two dogs sniffing each other at a park.

Do you ever worry that your dog might be lonely for some canine companionship? Maybe you can’t spend as much time at home as you did before. Or perhaps you’ve recently lost an older dog. But how do you know if your first dog would really love or really hate a second dog in the house?

Does My Dog Need a Friend?

First, dogs are social animals, so most dogs like the company of others. But finding the right match for your dog is a little like setting up a friend on a blind date. For some dogs, it’s love at first sight, others take a while to click, and some dogs will always just feel “meh” about other dogs. There’s no guarantee that two dogs will be best friends. If you’re looking to add multiple dogs to your family, here are some considerations to help you make the right choice.

Evaluate Your Current Dog

What’s your first dog’s temperament like? Do they play well with other dogs, or do they tend to be either submissive or aggressive in social situations? Do they have food aggression? An aggressive dog may not take well to sharing its space, food, toys or humans with another family member and may prefer to be alone. Likewise, a dog that was submissive to your previous pet may come out of their shell when allowed to be the only dog in the home.

Does your current dog have any medical or behavioral issues? You might think a second dog would be the answer for a dog with separation anxiety, but this isn’t always the case. And if your first dog is a digger or barker, consider getting those problems under control so they don’t teach your second dog the same behaviors.

“What I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Second Dog”

While it might help to take your dog to a shelter to meet other dogs, this can be a stressful and unfamiliar environment. Even if the dogs appear to interact nicely there, that doesn’t mean the same will be true when you get home. It’s better to work at finding a second dog that’s a good match for your first dog and make introductions later.

Some breeds, such as golden retrievers and labradors, tend to be more dog-friendly than other breeds and may blend in with other family members more easily.

When it comes to activity levels, opposites don’t always attract. If your current dog is a bulldog that prefers couch surfing, introducing a high-energy border collie as your second dog may not be the best companion dog for them. Although there can be dog-to-dog variations, selecting a second dog who’s the same breed as your first dog may help ensure similar energy levels — if not immediately in the case of an adult dog and a puppy, then eventually.

Also consider your current dog’s age. Don’t assume a new pup will revitalize an older dog. It could happen if your gray-muzzled old dog is in good health, but if they suffer from arthritis or other medical problems, adding a rambunctious new puppy may be frustrating for older dogs.

The sex of the new dog also matters. Fights are more likely to break out between two female dogs. It’s better to have two of the opposite sex (neutered and spayed, of course) or two neutered male dogs.

Current Dog Meet New Dog

Before any doggy introductions, make sure to take the second dog to your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam. Your vet will make sure the new dog is fully vaccinated and free of diseases and parasites.

Introductions are best done in a neutral space, such as in a public park. With the two dogs on leashes, allow them to sniff and explore each other. Praise them for calm interactions and provide treats. Watch their body language and intervene if there’s any sign of aggression. If possible, take them on a walk together, liberally doling out praise and goodies.

Before you bring the second dog home, make sure that each dog has its own bed as well as water and food bowls. Remove any toys, especially your current dog’s favorites, so there won’t be any competition for resources. Allow your current dog to enter the house first. You may want to leave the leashes on them initially or put the second dog in a crate so the current dog can feel free to sniff and become more familiar.

How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other

All interactions between the two dogs should be supervised. If you need to leave the house, put them in separate rooms or crates to make sure nothing happens while you’re gone.

Start by always giving the first dog their food or treats first. You may need to feed them in separate rooms initially. Once mealtime is over, remove any remaining kibble to eliminate food rivalry. Eventually, the two dogs will work out a hierarchy of their own. If your dogs still have trouble getting along, consult a trainer or veterinary behaviorist.

Is it Better to Have Two Dogs?

We’ve talked a lot about getting a second dog and what that means from the dogs’ point of view but there are few things to consider for you, too. Do you have the resources for double the food, double the vet bills and double the care? Are you ready for the extra responsibilities of owning a second pet? There are certainly a lot of shelter dogs who need a good home and can provide wellness benefits for their pet parents. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether you feel comfortable with bringing home a new dog and how you think your current dog will react to a new pet in the home.

A Legacy of Healthy Pups Requires Nutrition They Can Trust

Posted on July 9, 2020 - 3:00 pm by
An interior infographic detailing various facts about breeding dog nutrition.

The Matthews family knows a thing or two about pet nutrition.

When your family motto is “Work hard, play hard,” and part of that work and a lot of that play involves multiple litters of goldendoodles at a time, you need to make sure that everyone — especially those on four legs — is happy and healthy. You need nutrition you can rely on and trust.

The Matthews have been breeding goldendoodles for several years, and they’ve relied upon Taste of the Wild since day one. McKinley Mantell and her sister, Tori Matthews, got a pet goldendoodle, Dixie, 12 years ago — way before goldendoodles were a wildly popular breed. Dixie gave McKinley and Tori a passion for the breed, and that passion became a dream to give other families the opportunity to love a doodle just as much as they loved theirs.

The sisters spent hours researching the best way to breed and raise goldendoodles. “We wanted to raise happy healthy puppies to be service dogs, emotional support dogs, and life-long companions.” Tori says. “We started with two female golden retrievers, Sadie and Rue, and fell in love with their happy personalities and even temperaments,” McKinley says. “We knew they’d be perfect mothers.” And so the Matthews Legacy Farm breeding program began.

When the sisters started the program, McKinley and her husband, Matt, had been feeding Taste of the Wild to their own goldendoodle, Bear. “We’d been looking for a brand with a clean nutrition panel,” Matt remembers. “So we tried Taste of the Wild, and we quickly noticed Bear’s thick, shiny coat. And she just seemed healthier.”

“If we were noticing how great it was working first hand for our own dog, then we knew it would be great for our program,” McKinley says.

A Caring Environment

Matthews Legacy Farm is an animal haven. The 15-acre plot where the farm sits is home to cows, horses, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, and cats. “We have a little bit of everything,” McKinley says. “But they’re all pets. Every one of them.”

But let’s not forget the dogs. While Bear, Sadie and Rue are the constant canine companions, there have been up to 20 goldendoodle puppies goofing around the farm at one time. “Both dogs had litters, and one was huge. 11 puppies! That was fun,” McKinley remembers.

In addition to their own personal dogs, the Matthews created a “guardian program,” meaning that they place potential mothers in pre-screened homes. “This way, the mother has an amazing quality of life and a great family to create many lasting memories,” Matt says. Part of the screening process for a potential home is that the mother and any subsequent puppies be fed high-quality food. “We recommend Taste of the Wild.”

Wild at Home, Wherever Home Might Be

The Matthews have placed doodle puppies all over the United States (with their first international placements to Canada and Mexico coming this fall). No matter where the puppies make their new homes — from New York to Oregon to California to Washington, D.C.— one thing stays consistent: Every new pet family is sent home with a “Matthews Legacy Farm Puppy Package” that includes a toy, teething bone, shampoo, training treats, a bandana, poop bags and pee pads, puppy folder with records, birth certificate and training guide, all in a sturdy Matthews Legacy Farm canvas bag. And they also get two sample bags of Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe with Smoke-Flavored Salmon.

“There are a few reasons for this,” McKinley says. “With puppies going to a new home and leaving mom and siblings for the first time, having the same food helps them adapt to new family and strange living space more easily.” But it’s not just the puppies who are adapting to change; the new puppy parents are as well. “So taking the guesswork out of the puppies’ nutrition for the owners brings them comfort and helps them get started on the right foot.”

Another reason the Matthews prefer to send the puppies home with Taste of the Wild is a little more practical. “We love the distribution,” Matt says. “Whether they’re going to Vegas or New York, we’re confident that if the new owners want to stick with Taste of the Wild, it will be available to them. Whether it’s at the local store or online, we like knowing that it’s there.”

But another reason is because the puppies love the Pacific Stream Puppy recipe. “We start feeding puppies at 5 weeks,” Tori says. “We soak the food with warm water and they just jump right in, like it’s a natural-born instinct. We’ve never had to force-feed a puppy. They love the flavors. They just crave it.”

The new owners seem to recognize how much the pups love Taste of the Wild. The Matthews stay in touch with every family who has adopted their puppies, and whenever nutrition comes up, it usually turns out that they stuck with Taste of the Wild. “Every time we hear from owners and they say they’re still on Taste of the Wild, we consider it a success,” Matt says. “It tells me that we’re doing it right.”

As for the Matthews’ adult dogs, there isn’t a Taste of the Wild recipe that they don’t like. The pregnant mothers get switched to puppy recipes to get extra nutrients into mom and her milk while the other dogs have yet to turn down an adult recipe. “We try to mix it up for them from time to time,” Matt says. “And they just down it no matter what.”

More Puppies, More Fun on the Horizon

There is a lot of puppy action happening at Matthews Legacy Farm. With two litters due in July and two more by October, it’ll be worth your while to follow the family and all the puppies on Instagram and Facebook. And if you haven’t already, look us up on Instagram, Facebook and X.

An interior infographic detailing various facts about breeding dog nutrition.

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.

Dogs at Work: The Path to Getting a Guide Dog

Posted on April 23, 2020 - 3:00 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Last year, Thomas Panek made history at the New York City Marathon — not because he broke time records, but because he was the first blind person to run the half marathon with the aid of a relay of guide dogs: Waffle, Westley and Gus.

As president and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit school that trains guide dogs, it was Panek’s way of encouraging other people with vision loss to do what makes them happy.

But what, exactly, do guide dogs do? And how does someone with vision loss get a dog of their own? In recognition of International Guide Dog Day on April 29, we’ll share the scoop on these dedicated canines.

Guide dog job description

The term “seeing-eye dog” is a bit of a misnomer because it implies that these dogs act as the handlers’ eyes, leading the way for them. That’s not really true. Before being matched with a dog, most handlers, who may be blind or retain some low vision, must demonstrate that they have orientation and mobility skills. It’s the handler’s responsibility to direct the dog to the post office, for example, and know how many blocks and turns it will take to get there.

The dog typically doesn’t know where the post office is located, unless it has been trained precisely to that location. It’s the dog’s job to guide the handler around garbage cans and other obstacles and alert the handler to the location of steps and curbs. Same goes for traffic lights: the dog doesn’t know when the light turns green. It’s the handler’s job to listen to traffic and determine when it’s safe to cross. Some dogs, if they sense the crossing isn’t safe, may decide not to cross, in an action known as “intelligent disobedience.”

Obtaining a guide dog

People interested in having a guide dog of their own must apply to one of the guide dog schools throughout the country. The schools, which are typically nonprofit and tax-exempt, are often able to provide the dogs at no cost to the handler, thanks to generous private donations and charitable giving.

Most schools require the handler to have basic orientation and mobility skills and be able to care for and work with a dog. Applicants are often interviewed and typically put on a waiting list ranging from a few months to a year or more.

Training the dogs

Guide dog schools generally breed their own dogs, usually Labrador or golden retrievers, Lab/golden crosses and, in some cases, German shepherds, to ensure dogs don’t suffer from genetic disorders. They also want dogs with a suitable temperament, going with those who are friendly, eager to please and not easily distracted.

Volunteer puppy-raisers usually take the dogs into their homes at about 8 weeks of age and provide socialization and obedience training until the dogs are about a year-and-a-half old. The dogs are then returned to the schools, where they undergo four to six months of intensive guide dog training.

Matching the dog to the handler

The dogs not only work with the handler, they live with them 24/7, so the schools make every effort to find a suitable match. They evaluate everything about the owner, from lifestyle and energy level to walking pace, from the amount of travel required for their job to whether they live in a noisy, fast-paced city or in a rural area. Then they find the right dog for that particular person.

Handlers meet their dogs when they come to the school for a two- to four-week training session. Even then, dogs may be switched to fine-tune the match. Once at home, handlers are expected to keep training the dogs on a regular basis so they don’t lose their skills. Guide dog careers typically span about eight years, after which they may retire and live out the rest of their lives with their handlers or with another adoptive family, either of which will spoil them with affection for a job well done.

A Fitting Solution for “Unadoptable” Shelter Pets

Posted on August 22, 2019 - 3:00 pm by
A group of rescue dogs standing next to their handlers.

Most people visit the rescue shelter in search of their perfect canine or feline counterparts. A dog who shares your love of popcorn while you binge-watch the latest Netflix release. Or a cat who will rev its motor and purr you to sleep.

But others search the shelters for the pets that are typically passed over. The rambunctious dogs who pace back and forth in their kennels all day long. Or the high-energy pups that don’t have an “off” switch when it comes to playing fetch.

In an average household, these dogs can get frustrated. Without an owner willing to devote time to working off the excess energy and challenging their minds with training, the dogs can resort to destructive behaviors: freeing all the feathers from your couch pillows, chewing on woodwork or even leaping out windows in pursuit of a taunting squirrel. Through no fault of their own, they are often returned to the shelter.

But what makes these dogs less than ideal for the average home makes them perfect candidates for full-time jobs. With the right training, these dogs can put that energy to good use detecting explosives, contraband, wildlife scat and more.

Case in Point: Rescues 2the Rescue

A program created by Working Dogs for Conservation and the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Rescues 2the Rescue partners with shelters to identify those obsessive, packed-with-energy dogs that might make perfect conservation dogs. This program matches dogs with trainers so they can eventually work at protecting the environment, from locating rare animals to stopping ivory poachers in Africa or tracking down invasive species.

That’s just one example of the organizations that rescue high-energy shelter dogs for jobs doing nose work. Other dogs may be trained to work as search dogs after disasters, bomb-detection dogs at airports and even avalanche dogs. It’s a win-win situation: Dogs get to work off their drive and energy for praise and rewards, and the world benefits from the work they do.

Shelter Cats Are Rescued, Too

Some cats may have a hard time finding a home, especially if they don’t use the litter box regularly or don’t appreciate being handled by people. But the Animal Humane Society has developed a program to help them find jobs controlling rats and mice.

The organization adopts out healthy cats (who seem to work better in groups of two or three) for work in barns, construction companies, police stations and other businesses that need rodent control. Those who adopt the cats must provide shelter from the elements, food and fresh water and veterinary care.

These programs give “unadoptable” pets a second chance at life, and remind us there’s a suitable environment for them all.

Considering Greyhound Adoption? Here’s What You Should Know

Posted on April 13, 2017 - 5:40 am by
Taste of the Wild

From their long, lanky legs and lean chest to their tucked-up waist and powerful thighs, the greyhound is built for speed. As the fastest breed of dog, the greyhound can be seen tearing up race tracks across the country. But what happens when their athletic career is over?

You’ll find that retired greyhounds can make surprisingly docile and affectionate pets. So if you’ve ever contemplated dog rescue, there’s no better time to consider this breed: April is National Greyhound Adoption Month.

Because most of the available dogs come from a racing background, greyhound rescue presents some different considerations than typical dog adoption. But it’s not as daunting as you might think! Here’s what you need to know.

They Require Less Exercise Than You Think

Although greyhounds have been clocked at up to 43 miles per hour — faster than Usain Bolt — they typically only race for about 30 seconds every few days. The rest of the time, they can be found power napping, which is why the breed earned the nickname of “the 40-mile-per-hour couch potato.” Most greyhounds are content with a short leash walk once or twice a day.

They Make Great Apartment Dogs

You don’t need a big house to take in a greyhound. They have a cat-like ability to curl up in small spaces. And they’re not big barkers, so their quiet demeanor is conducive to good relationships with your neighbors.

They Tend to Be Pack Animals

Racing greyhounds have been around other greyhounds since birth, so they’re used to the constant companionship of other dogs. If your dog will be the only canine in the household, it’s understandable that it may take a little adjustment. Or it may be a good reason to adopt two dogs instead of one.

While most racing dogs have been well socialized around adults and sometimes children, they may not have been exposed to other dog breeds. So if you have another dog, it’s a good idea to make a gradual introduction in a neutral space, such as in the yard or on a walk outdoors.

They Get Cold Easily

There’s not much fat (or hair) on those lean, aerodynamic bodies. That makes it easy for greyhounds to become chilled. Help keep them warm with a thick foam bed lined with warm blankets and a dog jacket tailored to the deep-chested breed.

They Like the Thrill of the Chase

Many greyhounds have been trained to chase lures. So if they haven’t been raised around cats, their instincts may kick in when your cat darts through the room. In these cases, consider keeping the dog on a leash and using a basket muzzle while you gradually introduce them to your cat.

As sight hounds, it’s easy for greyhounds to spot a squirrel a few yards away and take off running. This instinct can be strong, so they should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when outdoors.

They’re Often Not Used to Living in a Home

Although track greyhounds are comfortable being around people, everything about living in a home can be a new experience for them. That includes vacuum cleaners, doorbells, slippery wooden floors, carpeting, stairs, playing fetch, loud children and possibly riding in a car. They may not understand the concept of picture windows, so taping an “X” across the window may help them understand there’s a barrier there, and help prevent them from leaping through it.

By introducing these sounds and experiences to your dog gradually, you’ll find that most greyhounds can adapt well over time.

Some greyhounds may also need to be housetrained. But they’re generally used to being crated and to being on a schedule. You can start with the dog in a crate and give them regular potty breaks until they get the idea.

They Can Probably Get By with Fewer Calories

Most ex-racers can be fed a high-quality diet, but they typically need fewer calories than when they were on the track. The greyhound rescue or your veterinarian can provide you with guidance on proper pet nutrition. That said, some greyhounds might bolt their food down quickly, so you may want to invest in special bowls created to help gulping dogs slow their eating.

Of course, every dog is an individual, so work with a greyhound rescue to find the one that’s perfect for your lifestyle. For more information and suggestions on how you can help promote greyhound adoption during April, check out the Greyhound Project.

Why Mutts? Why Not?

Posted on July 28, 2016 - 8:38 am by
Taste of the Wild

Purveyors of designer dogs recently discovered what mutt owners have known all along: Amazing things happen when you mix things up.

Although breeders can command large sums for crossbred dogs such as labradoodles, puggles, schnoodles (schnauzer and poodle) and chugs (Chihuahua and pug), mutts really aren’t that different — their genetic decks are just shuffled a bit more.

To help celebrate National Mutt Day on July 31, we’re honoring mixed-breed dogs with a list of things that make them so great.

Mutts are the most popular dogs in America

According to the American Humane Association, mixed breed dogs account for 53 percent of all dogs in the United States. Why are they so popular? Maybe it’s because you can get a dog that’s as one-of-a-kind as you are.

They’re anything but cookie cutter

If variety really is the spice of life, mutts can add more zest. After all, they come in every shape, size and color imaginable. Whether you prefer long or short curly coats, sweeping tails or little nubs, smooshed-in noses or elegant snouts — even freckles — there’s no doubt that there’s a mutt out there with the perfect combination of features you have in mind.

They bring out the best in you

If you’ve got a soft heart, look no further than your local animal shelter. According to a recent study, approximately 95 percent of the dogs in shelters are mutts.  Adopting a mutt is a win/win: You can feel good about giving a deserving dog a place to call home and you get a great companion in the bargain.

They’re conversation starters

At the dog park, people can’t resist guessing whether your dog is a papillon-Lhasa apso mix or a Bedlington terrier-cocker spaniel combination.  You can keep them guessing or you can submit a doggie DNA sample to help you identify the branches and leaves on your pup’s genealogical tree

They’re no less (or more) healthier than purebreds

For years, it was generally accepted that mixed-breed dogs were healthier than purebreds because they swam in a deeper genetic pool. A recent study examining 24 genetic disorders shows that may not necessarily be the case. While purebred dogs had a greater risk of developing 10 of the disorders than mutts, another 13 disorders seemed to affect both purebreds and their mixed counterparts, including hip dysplasia, cancers and patellar (knee) luxation.

Moral of the story: Mutts may be more likely to escape some genetic disorders but not all of them. With a DNA test, you might be able to determine breeds most likely in your pup’s mix, so your veterinarian may be able to monitor or screen for genetic diseases associated with those breeds.

They’re just like us

If the popularity of human DNA genealogy tests is any indication, aren’t we essentially mixes ourselves, just trying to determine our own personal ancestry? As such, it’s easy to understand why mixes of the canine kind are so deserving of our love.

What to Know Before Adopting a Former Police or Military Working Dog

Posted on January 14, 2016 - 2:49 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Over the years, adopting former police and military dogs has increased in popularity. However, many people are unaware of what the official adoption process is like. If you or someone you know are considering adopting a military working dog (MWD), read these tips to learn more about what adoption and ownership really entails.

What Is a Military Working Dog (MWD)?

MWD is the official name for retired police and military dogs. MWDs have been retired from duty — usually due to the inability to perform required tasks, and sometimes due to health or age. Many have worked as field or training dogs, and have a unique set of skills honed for a specific purpose. In some cases, this can make potential owners nervous, but worry not — all adoptable dogs have to pass behavioral tests to ensure they’re outgoing companions and a good fit for civilian adoption.

Dogs with specialized skill sets or who don’t pass the civilian adoptability criteria are made available to their former trainers and nonprofit organizations for special needs MWDs.

Is an MWD Right for Me?

Some MWDs are young pups that were not cut out for military or police lifestyles, and others are older dogs in declining health. Many were never trained for combat missions, and civilian-available dogs are not considered any more dangerous than the average dog. Considering a former MWD for your family is much like considering any other adoptable dog. A few questions worth asking yourself might be:

  • Do I have a fenced-in yard?
  • Do I have enough room in my home for an active dog?
  • How much care and attention can I provide a dog?
  • What is my ideal dog like?
  • Who else lives in my home that might not be compatible with a new dog?

Once adopted, the MWDs lose any military benefits, meaning the family that adopts him or her must cover any health issues financially, just like any other pet.

Next Steps in MWD Adoption

All retired MWDs available for adoption are located at the Military Working Dog School, which operates out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. There is no fee to adopt a retired MWD, but you must pay for all transportation costs.

If you are selected as a candidate for adoption, you will need to provide proof that you meet all expectations for potential families (these are the standard expectations for any rescue animal: you have the appropriate space for a pet, permission from your landlord, and the ability to care for his or her health needs). Any family that is chosen for adoption will be required to meet with military personnel for an official interview.

Once you are chosen to move forward in the adoption process, you will wait for a scheduled appointment to visit the base and meet with the dogs that match your lifestyle and interests. Your selected dog will complete a veterinary exam before being released to your family.

Remember – Patience Is Required

Since MWD adoptions are both limited and popular, you will need to remain patient throughout the entire adoption process. The Lackland Air Force Base works hard to ensure that all MWDs go home with families that are able to give these special dogs a healthy, happy home.

Adopting a former MWD? Check out this post on nutrition for working dogs!