Jeff Butler

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 36 total)
  • Author
    Posts
  • in reply to: What is your favorite dog name inspired by a book character? #132777
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Some of my favorites include Marian from Robin Hood, Snowball from Animal Farm, and, of course, Bilbo Baggins from LOTR.

    in reply to: How do you know if your dog has food allergies? #132888
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    I would recommend looking into a dog allergy test to see about food allergies. My dog was having bad allergy issues (licking paws, scratching ears, and ear infections), and after getting an allergy test done, I discovered he had a strong intolerance to Salmon. I looked at the label of an allergy relief supplement I was giving him at the time and one of the main ingredients was Salmon! I immediately stopped that supplement and saw improvements in his allergies.

    in reply to: How Much Is A Purebred Chocolate Labrador? #132869
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    You can anticipate a purebred Labrador Retriever to cost between $800-$1,200. However, the chocolate coat is a little more rare than the traditional yellow or black coat, so you will likely be looking at a cost on the high end of that range.

    in reply to: High Value Treat Idea For Training #132641
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    There are some dog treats specifically designed for training. I recommend giving a few of them a try.

    in reply to: Is There A Dog Chew Repellent Spray? #132855
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Yes, they make dog chew-repellent sprays; you can read our reviews here.

    I personally would not depend on the spray as the be-all and end-all, though. Along with the spray, you must work on different training techniques to prevent chewing in the long run.

    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    I used to use Ziploc bags as well and felt bad about it. A few years ago, I picked up one of these Vittels Vault Travel-Tainers, and it worked out great. It is a three-in-one solution: it keeps your dry food fresh, and the top and bottom come apart, so you have separate food and water bowls to use once you get to your location.

    in reply to: Thoughts On Vegan Diet For Dogs? #132831
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    First and foremost, I highly recommend you do your own research on this topic. There are many passionate opinions on both sides of the debate. We have great resources on finding the right vegan dog food and one on vegan dog treats.

    My 9-year-old goldendoodle has been on a vegan diet his entire life. He’s a big doodle, consistently weighing between 82 and 87 pounds since he was full-grown, and he has never been overweight. All of this is anecdotal, of course, but he has been very happy and overall healthy throughout his life, and I have no regrets about my diet choice. I’ve been feeding him Wild Earth for the last three years or so, and he loves it.

    in reply to: How Can I Tell If My Kids Can Handle A Dog? #132587
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    This question also depends on the children’s age. Young kids are probably going to say that they will be happy to help, but in reality, unless they are really advanced for their age, I wouldn’t depend on much help unless you have teenagers or older. With that said, I think being raised in a house with a dog is one of the best experiences you can provide for your children. We’ve compiled an article with the best family dogs that should help you out.

    in reply to: Are Cheerios good training treats for dogs? #132790
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    While this might seem like a good idea, I would proceed with caution. A few Cheerios here and there shouldn’t have an adverse effect, but I wouldn’t recommend feeding your dog them over any long period of time. You are much better off with a training treat specifically designed for canines.

    in reply to: What Can I Give My Dog To Keep Him Entertained? #132683
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Those are all great tips; I will also add that there are now some pretty impressive interactive dog toys that do a great job of keeping dogs entertained.

    in reply to: As a dog walker, should I get liability insurance? #132768
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Yes, you should definitely consider dog-walking insurance. It safeguards you from costly risks like medical claims, legal fees, vet bills, and property damage. The pricing is pretty reasonable, too. Learn more in our dog-walking insurance guide.

    in reply to: Do Communications Buttons Really Work? #132710
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Some dogs really take to these communication buttons and can move past the basic “outside” and “play” buttons. The results are going to vary widely based on the amount of time you have to train, the age and breed of the dog, and simply how enthusiastic your dog is with the whole process. Learn more in our review of dog talking buttons.

    in reply to: Can a landlord require pet insurance? #132738
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Every state has different landlord/tenant laws, so I’m hesitant to speak in broad terms. With that in mind, in most cases, the landlord sets the rules of the property, and the lease provided will reflect those rules. The requirement for pet insurance is going to be similar to renters insurance; some landlords require it, while others do not. The most important aspect is that landlords treat all applicants the same, so the rules need to be equal for every applicant.

    If you are already in a property with a lease that does not mention a pet insurance requirement, a landlord cannot demand it mid-lease. But if you are looking at rentals and it is clear up front that pet insurance is a requirement, then that is going to be the rule for that property. For legal questions regarding leases, it is highly recommended to speak with an attorney.

    in reply to: Are Poodle mixes hard to groom? #132590
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    As a Goldendoodle owner myself, I can confidently agree with you that Poodle mixes are hard to groom! I try to stay on top of regular brushing, but for me there is not a great alternative to professional grooming. I have friends who avoid professional groomers by DIY’ing it, but that is a lot of time and energy. My groomer asks to see Goldendoodles every month, but that would be too expensive, so I try to draw out the visits to every 3 months or so by brushing as much as I can at home.

    in reply to: Anti-biting spray for puppies? #132653
    Jeff Butler
    Keymaster

    Our team has tested the leading anti-chew sprays on the market and yes, we found that they do in fact work. All puppies have biting and chewing needs and nothing is going to replace proper training, but these sprays can make an excellent tool to combat the habit.

Viewing 15 posts - 16 through 30 (of 36 total)