The Big Paw Blog — Pet Parent Learning Center

Getting a Second Dog — What You Need to Know First

Quick Answer: A second dog is a significant commitment — double veterinary cost, double exercise need, doub...

The Best Treat to Use During Dog Training Sessions

Quick Answer: Real meat in pea-sized pieces is the gold standard — plain cooked chicken, turkey, or commerc...

What Is the Best Toy for a High Energy Dog?

Quick Answer: High-energy dogs need toys that require active engagement over sustained periods — passive to...

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Overweight?

Quick Answer: The rib test: run your flat hand along your dog's ribcage — you should feel each rib easily w...

How Do I Get My Dog Used to Being Groomed?

Quick Answer: Introduce grooming tools one at a time, with heavy treats throughout. A frozen lick mat used ...

Why Won't My Dog Stop Begging and How Do I Fix It?

Quick Answer: Begging was almost certainly trained — a dog who has received food from the table at least on...

How Do I Help My Dog During a Thunderstorm?

Quick Answer: Move the dog to their safe room before the storm intensifies — interior room, curtains closed...

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Cold?

Quick Answer: Signs your dog is cold: shivering or trembling, hunching their back and tucking their tail, r...

What To Do When Your Dog Barks Every Time You Leave

Quick Answer: Three immediate steps: (1) give a frozen lick mat calmly before you leave — occupies the firs...

What Does a Dog's Tail Position Mean?

Quick Answer: Tail height indicates arousal and confidence: high tail = confident or assertive, low or tuck...

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass and Is It Normal?

Quick Answer: Grass eating is completely normal — research finds over 80% of dogs eat grass occasionally, a...

The Complete Alone-Time Enrichment System for Dogs

Quick Answer: The five-part system: (1) snuffle mat breakfast before you leave — 10-15 minutes of nose work...

What Is the Difference Between Dog Anxiety and Dog Fear?

Quick Answer: Fear is a response to a specific, present trigger — the dog sees the vet, the thunder is happ...

How Do I Stop My Dog From Pulling Toward Every Smell?

Quick Answer: Rather than fighting the sniff instinct — which is deeply hardwired — designate sniff zones a...

What Are the Best Indoor Activities for Dogs?

Quick Answer: The best indoor activities combine mental and physical engagement: snuffle mat meals, frozen ...

Do Dogs Get Lonely When Left Alone?

Quick Answer: Yes — dogs are highly social animals who experience something neurologically similar to lonel...

How Do I Stop My Dog From Barking at the Doorbell?

Quick Answer: Play doorbell recordings at low volume while feeding treats — volume increases gradually unti...

My Dog Is Suddenly Scared of Everything — What's Wrong?

Quick Answer: Sudden generalized fearfulness needs a vet check first — pain and illness frequently cause in...

How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Stealing Food Off the Counter?

Quick Answer: Never leave food accessible — full stop. A dog who has never succeeded at counter surfing has...

Can Dogs Sense When You're Sad?

Quick Answer: Yes — research confirms dogs can detect human emotional states through multiple channels: the...

What Makes Big Paw Baby's Different From Other Pet Brands?

Quick Answer: Big Paw Baby's is built differently because every product is hand-selected for dogs who matte...

What Is the Best Dog Blanket for Winter?

Quick Answer: A double-sided sherpa fleece blanket is the best all-purpose winter blanket for dogs — soft f...

Cockapoo Owner Guide: Grooming, Temperament, and Life With the Original Doodle

Quick Answer: Cockapoos are among the most popular hybrid dogs — beloved for their joyful, affectionate per...

German Shorthaired Pointer Owner Guide: Energy, Drive, and Life With a Working Dog

Quick Answer: German Shorthaired Pointers are rising rapidly in popularity, securing a spot in the AKC top ...