At Dog Gone Amazing, we hear many questions about how to keep doggos happy, healthy, and well-behaved, and a common one is, “What should I feed my dog?”

We love to focus on training, but your dog’s overall health and wellness are a big deal, and nutrition plays a big role. What you feed your pup today can affect their health later in life.

Like most dog owners, you want to provide the best food for your pup. What’s the best way to do that? By understanding canine nutrition! This guide will discuss what dogs should and shouldn’t eat and give tips on choosing the right food for your dog. So whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been feeding your dog kibble for years, this guide is for you.

Why is nutrition essential to a dog’s quality of life?

Nutrition is vital to a dog’s quality of life for many reasons. First and foremost, good food is essential for keeping your dog healthy. A well-nourished dog is less likely to suffer from illnesses or diseases. Good nutrition also helps keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy and can even help improve their behavior. There is a direct connection between your dog’s gut health and overall health and their ability to learn. Studies have shown that nutritionally starved dogs are more reactive.

A poor diet can hurt a dog’s health and well-being. For example, dogs fed a diet of junk food are more likely to suffer from obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Poor nutrition can also lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can cause various health problems.

That’s why providing your dog with a nutritious diet is so important. You can help your dog stay healthy and happy for years to come by feeding your dog the right foods.

Getting to the bottom (of the bowl) when it comes to dog food quality

Many types of dog food are available on the market, and it can be challenging to know which one is right for your pup. There are three main types of dog food: kibble, canned, and raw.

• Kibble is the most common type of dog food. It is made up of dry pellets designed to be mixed with water before being fed to a dog. Kibble is affordable and easy to store, making it a popular choice for pet owners.
• Canned dog food comprises soft, wet pellets usually served as a complete meal. Canned food is more expensive than kibble but contains more nutrients and is easier to digest.
• Raw dog food is made from unprocessed meat, bones, and organs. It is the most nutrient-rich dog food but also the most expensive.

All three types of dog food have pros and cons, so it’s essential to do your research before deciding what to feed your pup.

Regarding grading dog food, there are two main factors: quality and ingredients. Food quality refers to how well the ingredients are processed and how much nutrition they contain. The ingredients refer to the specific proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables used in the recipe.

Foods that contain high-quality ingredients and are processed using minimal methods are of high quality. These foods typically cost more but are worth the investment, as they provide your dog with all the nutrients they need for optimum health.

Foods with low-quality ingredients or excessive fillers are of low quality. These foods are often less expensive but can damage a dog’s health over time.

So, what’s the best way to choose high-quality food for your pup? By reading the ingredient list. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Look for foods that list whole proteins as the first ingredient. Proteins are essential for dogs and should make up much of their diet.
• Avoid foods that list grains or fillers as the first ingredient. Grains can cause digestive problems in dogs and are less nutritious than proteins.
• Avoid foods that list sugar or artificial additives as ingredients. Sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs, while artificial additives can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.

By reading the ingredient list, you can be sure that you’re feeding your pup a high-quality food that will provide them with all the nutrients they need for optimum health.

So…What Should I Feed My Dog?

When it comes to dog nutrition, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But we recommend human-grade food for all the reasons above.

But we also know that providing raw food for your dog can be expensive and inconvenient. That’s why we use The Honest Kitchen, a human-grade pet food you can buy locally with our buddies Natural Paws.

Your veterinarian can also help you find a high-quality dog food that fits your budget. There are many affordable, high-quality foods on the market that will provide your pup with all the nutrients they need without breaking the bank,

Now that you know a little bit more about dog nutrition, you can decide what to feed your pup. By investing in high-quality food, you can help them stay healthy and happy for years to come.

Want to learn more about the best ways to care for your dog? Our dog trainers speak canine fluently! Click here to learn more about our dog training programs and more.

Why Is Walking My Dog Difficult?

The Top 5 Training Mistakes To Avoid When Training Your Dog To Walk. 

Strolling the neighborhood with your buddy walking calmly by your side as you breeze through the neighborhood is a dog owner’s dream. But, if your dog walking experience looks more like playing tug-of-war out the door, getting pulled around on the leash, and apologizing to your neighbors, it can feel more like a nightmare. 

Teaching your dog to walk nicely on the leash can be surprisingly simple but if you are making any of these top 5 training mistakes, it can get really complicated, really fast. Here are 5 of the top dog walking mistakes we see with tips on changes you can make to stop unwanted walking behavior and actually enjoy walking your dog.

 

The 5 Training Mistakes To Avoid On Walks

 

MISTAKE #1: GETTING YOUR DOG TOO AMPED UP 

Dogs LOVE going on walks, so when you pull out the leash and put on your walking shoes, it’s their signal to go bananas. They start panting, whining, running around, jumping on and off furniture and getting their pre-game on with all kinds of spastic energy. Most owners love seeing their dogs happy and want to join in on the celebration or even surprise their dogs by announcing “you wanna go on a WALK??” 

It’s all in good spirits but, unfortunately, when it comes to walking – energy is everything. If your dog is overly excited and bouncing off the walls (literally), then they are in no state to be able to participate in a calm walking experience. That level of energy makes it hard for them to hear your voice and focus on what you want them to do. It can not only make for an annoying experience having to repeat yourself a dozen times, but can actually be dangerous if they are too amped up to hear your warnings. 

A calm walk starts with a calm dog. If you want to set your dog up for success, resist the urge to get them all amped up, even if it is fun to watch them bounce around in joy. Keep things peaceful and make sure they are calm before you set out on your journey.

 

MISTAKE #2: BOLTING OUT THE DOOR 

We talked about the importance of a calm dog for having a calm walk. Once your dog has calmed down and has the right energy level for the walk, the next important step is paying attention to how you leave the house. One of our #1 rules when we train dogs is NO BOLTING. That means they are not allowed to dart over the threshold as soon as the door opens. 

If your dog is pulling you out of the door or jutting out the gate, it can amp up their energy again and undo all the work you did to help them get calm. One thing we practice repeatedly before ever even leaving the doorway is just standing at the threshold with the door open and asking the dog to sit. We will even practice walking outside the door and going back in the house/training center several times to remove the excitement around leaving for a walk. We want them to be able to access a calm state-of-mind and not be triggered by the act of leaving.

 

MISTAKE #3: ALLOWING PULLING, TUGGING, OR DARTING

When dogs are left on their own to scavenge and sniff around, they naturally follow their nose…wherever it goes. Naturally, this looks like darting around, getting lost, and pulling and tugging toward whatever interesting smell, sight, or sound crosses their path.. 

When your dog is on a walk, it is a SHARED experience and it is not time for them to act independently and run wild. When you are training your dog to walk nicely on a leash, you are training them to travel with you in a structured walk. That means that you are in motion and moving together as a pack in a certain direction. 

Teach your dog to stay focused by being structured and not allowing them to dart around, pulling, tugging and walking whichever direction their nose leads. Part of learning to walk is learning to stay in-tune with you and connected to your direction. If they get too focused on their own journey and what they are smelling, they will naturally start to pull and tug in the direction THEY want to go.  

Correct them by keeping them at by your side and redirecting them when they dart across your path or pull/lunge towards objects of interest. When we train dogs to walk on a leash, we don’t allow frequent stopping and we especially don’t allow visits with strangers. A walk is for just that – walking.

MISTAKE #4: BEING INCONSISTENT 

 One of the most important aspects of training is consistency. When you are training your dog to walk nicely on a leash, it’s important to provide a consistent pattern to the way you structure your walk. This is everything from the way you leave the house (as we mentioned above) to the way you hold the leash, and the commands you use. If you sometimes allow your dog to dart around sniffing everything, or allow them to tug and pull around certain areas in the park but not others, it confuses them. They will have a much harder time understanding how to behave if it’s a moving target. 

This is also true when it comes to your positioning during the walk. We recommend training your dog consistently with a heel at the same side every time. A “heel” command means that your dog is sitting or standing next to you at your side. You can use the heel command when you are stopped to have your dog sit calmly next to you or to stay at your side while you walk. Either way, teaching them a consistent position at your side gives them sort of a “home base” that helps them refocus and stay sensitive to your voice, gestures, or touches.  

MISTAKE #5: USING THE WRONG TOOLS 

We talk all the time with folks about the walking tools they choose for their dogs. One of the most common problems we see are people using tools that are not just ineffective but can actually work against your training efforts. For example, harnesses and especially harnesses with a clip in the middle of the back are actually similar to harnesses designed to HELP animals pull things like carts, wagons, sleds, etc. So using them while also trying to train your dog NOT to pull can pose a real problem as it gives them the urge to pull. Harnesses also provide significant leverage making it easier for your dog to pull you around the neighborhood. 

There are a variety of different tools we recommend for on-leash walking. The top two are prong collars and e-collars. The reason we recommend these over all other walking tools, including flat collars is because they are the best way to be able to communicate with your dog quickly and in a way that they are more sensitive to. When used with proper safety and training these tools are actually more humane and require a lot less repetition and force. Please learn more about those tools here. 

Another mistake is using a retractable leash. Many people like the function of retractable leashes but aren’t aware of their risks and drawbacks. Retractable leashes not only delay the time your dog can feel your tug and respond but can also malfunction and make it difficult for you to gain control when necessary.

Can you TEACH MY DOG TO WALK ON A  LEASH? 

We hope this guide has been helpful in diagnosing what might be getting in the way of you, your dog, and a peaceful walk. If you feel overwhelmed by this list and just aren’t sure where to start, we recommend looking into our training programs. We can help you sort out the issues and train your dog in the key skills it takes to perform a calm, structured walk you can both enjoy. 

BONUS – Watch lead trainer, Malaika Heinbaugh share and demonstrate her top dog walking tips in this free dog training video. 

Find the perfect place to spend a summer day with Fido on one of the many dog friendly beaches in Tahoe. You and the pup can be surrounded by tall mountains and blue skies, cool off in the clear water and breathe in the fresh alpine air.

If you know where to go, Lake Tahoe is a great place to take your dog to the beach. Even though there are many beaches in the area, it’s important to know which ones are dog-friendly and have enough space for your furry friend to run around and play.

One great thing about the dog-friendly beaches in Tahoe is that they are all over the lake. So, wherever you stay, you’re never too far from a great beach where you can take your dog.

21 Dog Friendly Tahoe Beaches All Around The Lake

Lake Tahoe East Shore Dog Friendly Beaches

1. Chimney Beach: Located on National Forest land and about two miles south of Sand Harbor State Park, this beach is named after the stone chimney that remains on the lakeshore. You’ll need to hike a little more than a mile downhill to get there. While this Lake Tahoe beach is dog friendly, your furry friend needs to be leashed up and under control. Remember to bring poop bags and leave the area as pristine as you found it!
2. Secret Harbor Beach: Like Chimney Beach, Secret Harbor Beach is at the end of a hiking trail on land owned by the National Forest. It’s very popular for hikers and boaters alike, so make plans accordingly. As with most beaches in National Forests, Fido will have to be on a leash and behave himself.
3. Skunk Harbor: Another dog friendly Lake Tahoe beach, Skunk Harbor is located on National Forest land. Of all the hike-down beaches on the East Shore, this one has the most challenging trail at 2.8 miles out and back and an almost 600-foot elevation gain. Leashed dogs are welcome—and don’t forget the poop bags!
4. Whale Beach: From the parking area at Secret Harbor, it’s a relatively short hike to this popular and beautiful 100-yard beach. Because of the color of the sand, it is also called Black Sand Beach. Dogs on leashes are welcome—and of course, make sure to keep this area dog-friendly by being a responsible pet owner.

Lake Tahoe North Shore Dog Friendly Beaches

1. Carnelian West: Carnelian West is on the west side of the Sierra Boat Company in Carnelian Bay. It has 530 feet of public beach, a lakefront promenade, benches, picnic tables, barbecues, restrooms, and a boat launch. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and there are poop bags available.
2. Coon Street Dog Beach: Next to the Kings Beach Boat Launch Facility and Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Kings Beach Picnic Area—called “Coon Street Dog Beach” by locals—is a one-acre shaded picnic area and beach where you’ll see off-leash dogs. Remember that this area is very rocky, especially in high lake water years.
3. Hidden Beach: With the opening of the Tahoe East Shore Trail, Hidden Beach isn’t quite as hidden anymore—but it is still pet friendly. The trail is also dog-friendly, but in the summer, the paved paths can get very hot, and there are parts of the trail that don’t have much shade. Leashed dogs are welcome on this rocky beach with alcoves and adjacent boulder shoreline. 
4. Patton Beach/Waterman’s Landing: This beach in Lake Tahoe is located near Carnelian Bay and allows dogs to enjoy the lake’s waters. Keep an eye out for the bustle on this three-acre pebbly beach, which is gradually becoming Lake Tahoe’s stand-up paddling headquarters.
5. Secret Cove: A popular area that’s not quite so secret, Secret Cove’s dog friendly beach offers scenic views of Lake Tahoe. Dogs on leashes are welcome. Remember to pick up any mess before leaving and stay on the trails to keep the area clean.

Lake Tahoe South Shore Dog Friendly Beaches

1. Connelly Beach: The City of South Lake Tahoe owns Connelly Beach and runs it with help from Tahoe Beach Retreat and Kayak Tahoe. This lovely beach has shallow water where you can wade. Dogs can only go in if they are on a leash. This beach is only open to the public from sunrise to sunset from June 1 to September 30 each year.
2. Kiva Beach: Kiva Beach, also known as Kiva Shoreline, Tallac/Kiva Point, or Visitor Center beach, is located on National Forest land and boasts almost 200 yards of narrow, sandy shoreline next to a fragile marsh zone. Pets are welcome if they are on a leash, but please keep them away from the federally protected wetlands west of Tallac Point.
3. Nevada Beach: Located on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe, about two miles north of Stateline, Nevada Beach is another popular spot for you and your pup to enjoy Lake Tahoe. The half-mile of beautiful sandy beach has panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada 
4. North Zephyr Cove Beach: This dog-friendly area is north of Zephyr Cove Resort in Lake Tahoe. There is a $10 fee to park at the resort, but you can park for free along Highway 50. The park is a popular place on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, so it gets busy on the weekends. Since the beach is rocky, you should wear shoes if you want to walk in the water.
5. Regan Beach: South Lake Tahoe’s only water dog park is located on the East end of Regan Beach. Dogs are only allowed off-leash in the dog water park part of the beach near the park’s entrance. The beach faces north and features beautiful views, shallow swimming water, and a playground.
6. Ski Beach (North Baldwin Beach): From Baldwin Beach, you can get to Ski Beach by boat or foot by going across Tallac Creek. There is no bridge across the creek, so the walk can be a little harrowing when the water is high. This dog-friendly beach in Tahoe is on land owned by the National Forest. It has 500 feet of lakeshore, a beautiful area next to Baldwin Beach, and easy boat access. You can bring leashed pets to the beach by boat, but not by car.
7. Tallac Shoreline: Tallac Shoreline beach starts at the Camp Richardson fence and goes for about a quarter-mile along the shoreline next to the Tallac Historic Site. It is on National Forest land. You and your dog can hang out at the beach or picnic area. At the park, dogs on leashes are welcome.

Lake Tahoe West Shore Dog Friendly Beaches 

1. 64 Acres Beach: Near Tahoe City’s downtown, 64 Acres Beach is a popular and picturesque beach in Lake Tahoe that allows dogs on leashes. Highway 89 is crossed by the 64 Acres recreation area, providing access to the Truckee River. 
2. Chambers Landing: With your leashed dog, you can have a wonderful opportunity to go up close to Lake Tahoe at this little public beach situated on National Forest property. A well-liked eatery and bar are close to the beach.
3. Kaspian Picnic Area: Bring your leashed pooch along to enjoy lunch with a view across Lake Tahoe at this picnic area. Along the Tahoe City bike path are many picnic tables, a 100-foot public pier, and a public restroom at this dog-friendly Tahoe beach.
4. Hurricane Bay: Hurricane Bay Beach (also known as Pebble Beach) is located on Lake Tahoe’s west shore and extends across a half-mile shoreline. You and the pup can peep gorgeous North Lake Tahoe views and enjoy the crystal-clear water from the 50-foot designated dog friendly section. The bay is known for its deep water, so be careful when swimming and watch out for divers!
5. Lake Forest Beach Park (Bristlecone): Located at the end of Bristlecone in Tahoe City, Lake Forest Beach Park, offers incredible views of the lake and is a popular spot for swimming, sightseeing, bird watching, horseshoes, picnicking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. The gravel beach is excellent for those dogs that like to soak up the sun and swim in the water.

The #1 Thing You Need At One Of Lake Tahoe’s Dog Friendly  Beaches

All the beaches around Lake Tahoe that allow dogs also ask that they be well-behaved and often on-leash. You and your pup will enjoy the lake more if Fido is adequately trained. Need help getting both of you Tahoe-ready? One of our dog training programs can help!

Learn more about our variety of programs that can get you and your dog ready to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s gorgeous beaches here.

As the weather starts to warm up, many people get excited to begin working on their yards. Flower beds are planted, trees are trimmed, and lawns are mowed. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s worth it when your yard looks beautiful.

But one thing that can ruin all your hard work is if your dog starts digging up the yard. Dogs love to dig, and they can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

But what if there was another way? What if you could train your pup to not dig up the yard without having to punish them? It may seem impossible, but it can be done. With patience and some training techniques, you can stop your dog from digging up your dog. 

Why Does My Dog Dig in The Yard?

Dogs often dig up yards while searching for something to play with or eat. They may be looking for a place to bury a toy, forage for food, or try to cool down by digging in the dirt. By ensuring your yard is free of potential hazards and providing plenty of toys and food to keep your dog occupied, you can stop them from digging up your yard.

5 Tips to Stop Your Dog from Digging Up Your Yard

1. Help Them Get Their Energy Out

Dogs sometimes dig up yards because they just have too much energy. If your dog seems to be always digging in the yard, try taking them on more walks and hikes. (There are plenty of amazing ones in our area!) Of course, when the weather gets hot, it can be too much for your pup. That’s when it’s an excellent time to play inside or practice those training exercises! Whether you’re exercising them outside or inside, exercise is crucial for helping your dog get their energy out. You can stop your dog from digging by making sure they’re nice and tired. 

2. Make Sure They Have a Way to Get Cool

Sometimes dogs dig because they are trying to cool down, and the dirt below the surface is the perfect temperature. If your dog is always digging in the yard, provide them with plenty of water and shade to keep them cool. Consider hanging a sunshade, installing a doghouse, or getting an elevated dog cot with a cover. 

You may also consider buying them a kiddie pool or some other way to cool off. It also goes without saying but make sure they have PLENTY of water! There is this neat little fountain/toy too. 

You can stop your dog from digging up your yard in the summer heat with ample water and shade.

3. Give Them Something to Do

Dogs often dig up yards because they are bored or looking for something to play with. You can stop your dog from digging by keeping them entertained with plenty of bones, chewy toys, or even treat puzzle toys like this. One of our favorite time-passing activities is a Kong with peanut butter or with frozen yogurt inside for a summer treat.

You can also create an area in your yard that IS digging-friendly! Make a dig pit designated for digging and filled with buried treats, bones, and other prizes. When you give your dog something to do, they are less likely to busy themselves with unwanted digging.

4. Add Digging Deterrents

One way to stop dogs from digging is to cover up any spots in your yard they are attracted to dig. You can use various materials to cover up these spots, such as large, flat stones or rocks or even metal netting and chicken wire.

You can also try covering the dig spots with natural deterrents like cayenne pepper, citrus peels, or vinegar. There are also products that some people have success with, like Nature’s Mace. Another option would be to plant thorny or spiky bushes and plants in dig areas to protect other plants or trees. 

By covering up these spots, you can stop your dog from being drawn to them and prevent them from digging up your yard.

5. Get In-Home Training

If you’re having trouble getting your dog to stop digging in specific areas of your home, it may be time to bring in a professional dog trainer. And we just happen to know a few!

Our in-home training program helps you manage behaviors where they happen most—at home! We’ll bring the same top-level instruction we offer at our education center directly to you. Our expert trainers can help correct your dog’s behavior and stop them from digging in the areas you don’t want them to. They will work with you and your dog to create a training plan tailored to your dog’s needs.

Stop Fido from ruining your flower beds and strengthen the bond between you two with our in-home training program. Questions? Let us know—we’re always happy to help!