Decoding Your Dog: How DNA Testing Can Change The Way You Care for Them

From the wag of their tail to the shape of their ears, our beloved dogs have unique traits that go back thousands of years. So, if you adopted a dog or looked at your mixed-breed pup and found yourself guessing their ancestry, you are not alone. Many owners get stumped when confronted with these questions: What is your dog’s breed? What kind of dog is that?

That is where DNA tests for dogs can help! DNA testing for dogs not only provides answers to those common questions that arise during your daily walks or café runs but also offers valuable information about potential health risks, behavior, training techniques, and more. Whether you already know your pup’s breed or not, it’s like unlocking the blueprint to their well-being.

Whether your pup inherited its curly tail from a Pug or its high energy from a Border Collie, knowing its breed allows you to tailor their care and training to suit its needs.

So, What Exactly Is A Dog DNA Test?

First, before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of what DNA tests are and how they work. A dog DNA test could reveal your four-legged friend’s ancestry and genetic makeup. It involves collecting a sample, such as a cheek swab or saliva from your dog, and sending it to a specialized laboratory for analysis. Then, the DNA test analyzes the genetic material to identify specific markers that reveal the percentage breakdown of a dog’s breed.

It’s important to note some veterinarians have raised questions regarding the accuracy of these tests for your pet, as they are not regulated like human DNA tests. It’s hard to guarantee the exact reliability of the information you receive. But DNA tests for dogs are still beneficial (especially to us as dog trainers), and we recommend looking for well-reputed companies with positive reviews. If you’re curious about what others have to say, here is “The Best Dog DNA Tests of 2023,” according to USA Today.

Here are five ways dog DNA testing can help you care for your pet.

1.   Ensuring a Healthy Future

We all want our furry friends to lead long, healthy lives. Dog DNA tests lend a helping paw and give more insight into your dog’s ancestry. Many tests include health screenings that can help detect genetic mutations and potential predispositions to specific diseases. By uncovering these potential risks, you can work with your veterinarian, who can address concerns and offer guidance with regular check-ups.

2.   Decoding Your Dog’s Behavior and Temperament

As mentioned, dogs have been selectively bred for generations to exhibit specific behaviors and fulfill tasks. For example, Dobermans were bred to protect a hated tax collector, while Australian Shepherds were made to be skilled sheep and cattle herders. Fun fact, right?!

Although many people now own these dogs as lovable companions rather than for their original purposes, it’s important to recognize they still retain their instincts. DNA tests for dogs can provide insight into the breeds that make up your pup and give you the answers to why they behave the way they do. For instance, you may discover the reason for your dog’s independent nature could be that they are a mix of stubborn breeds.

3.   Better Nutrition and Exercise

Different dog breeds have varying exercise requirements and nutritional needs. By identifying the lineage in a mixed-breed dog’s DNA, owners can better determine appropriate exercise routines and suitable diets that cater to their dog.

4.   Personalized Training

As professional dog trainers, understanding your dog’s breed allows us to create a more customized training regimen for them. Different breeds have unique characteristics and traits that may influence their learning. Just like humans, dogs have all kinds of different personalities. The Myers-Briggs Company created its own personality Dog Type Table that reveals your dog’s personality type, making it easier to determine their training styles.

5.   Building a Stronger Bond

At the heart of Dog Gone Amazing, our mission is to help dogs and their people build a bond based on love, freedom, and adventure. So, we saved the best takeaway for last. Dog DNA testing can create a more meaningful connection between dogs and their owners. Just as understanding someone’s background helps us relate to them better, the same applies to our furry friends. By uncovering their genetic origins, we can learn how certain breeds and mixed breeds would like to be cared for, treated, and trained.

DNA tests for dogs provide valuable information that truly helps us take better care of our cherished pets. And we know one thing for certain – all dogs, no matter the breed, can benefit from dog training!

Click here to learn more about Dog Gone Amazing’s training services and packages.

Three Tips to Make the Most Out of Summer With Your Pup With a Bonus Dog Activities List!

The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and you and your furry friend are probably itching to get outside to enjoy some dog activities this summer. But, as much as you want to hit the trails and head to the beach, you can’t help but worry if your dog is ready for all the summer activities you have planned.

Perhaps they haven’t been out much due to the drastic winter snowfall, or maybe they are timid when it comes to trying new things. Whatever the case may be, we are sharing some helpful tips and training advice to prepare your pup for an enjoyable summer filled with exciting dog activities that you can do together.

After reading our three main tips, you can feel confident that your companion will be as cool as a cucumber this year. 

Preparing Your Dog for Summer Fun

Before em-barking on any summer adventures, it’s important to prepare for the activities ahead. This includes ensuring your floof is up to date on vaccinations, brushed up on their skills and training, and ready for the summer heat. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a fun-filled season:

Schedule A Veterinary Checkup

Before the dog activities begin, schedule a checkup with your vet to make sure your pup is in good health and up to date with their vaccinations. This is especially important if you plan on taking your dog to a dog park or other public areas where they may meet other dogs.

Additionally, warmer weather means more annoying pests. Fleas and ticks thrive during this time. They can cause havoc and even some diseases for unvaccinated pets. To protect your pup, check that they have the Borrelia Burgdorferi (canine Lyme disease) vaccine with your veterinarian. If you have any more questions about vaccines and which ones your dog needs to stay healthy, we have a complete Dog Vaccine Guide on what you need to know.  

 

Polishing Your Dog’s Skills

You might be scrolling through social media and seeing dogs with their owners on hikes, paddle boards, boats, and having fun in the sun, which makes you think: My dog could never. Well, we are here to tell you that they CAN.

Spend some time practicing basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash training. If you’re planning on hitting up a crowded public place like a festival or a dog park, don’t worry. With a little socialization and desensitization training, your dog will handle all the noises and distractions like a pro! Gradually exposing your dog to different environments and situations can help them feel more comfortable and confident in these settings.

Still nervous? Don’t be afraid to enroll your dog in training classes, especially if they need extra help with socializing in different environments, with other dogs, as well as with people. It can be a fun and rewarding experience that can build a stronger bond between you two.

 

Keep You & Your Dog Cool This Summer

Summer should be a fun and safe time for both you and your dog. Keep in mind that heat and humidity can really affect dogs. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of overheating and heat exhaustion which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.

To help your dog beat the heat, bring plenty of water to drink and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. You can even consider grabbing a cooling vest and dog booties for hot pavement from the nearest Petco or online store. And just like you, your dog can also get sunburned. While fur provides some protection from the sun, applying a pet sunblock every three hours on the belly and other less furry areas helps prevent damage.

Finally, PLEASE always remember to never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. If you want to check out some more summer safety dog tips for Reno/Tahoe, check out Adventure Seekers Q&A.

Dog-Friendly Summer Activities

Now that your dog has prepped for summer, we can explore dog-friendly activities you can enjoy together. Here are some ideas for the Reno/Tahoe:

• Hiking: Take Fido on a hiking adventure! Choose a dog-friendly trail and bring lots of water, food, and poop bags. Some of our favorites are the Tahoe Rim Trail, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, or Monkey Rock Hike for gorgeous panoramic views.
• Go to the Beach: A beach day is perfect for water-loving dogs and is well worth the sandy bath afterward. Be sure to do your research before taking your pup to the lake in Tahoe. There are dog-friendly beaches such as Kiva Beach and North Zephyr Cove Beach. However, locations like Kings Beach do not allow dogs on the sand or water. You can do some digging on the Tahoe Beaches website for more dog-friendly places.
• Have a Staycation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and pampered experience, consider booking a staycation at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa. This luxurious hotel welcomes dogs with open paws and offers a variety of dog-friendly amenities like pet bowls, doggie treats, and a chewy welcome gift. You can also create a personal engraved dog tag for your pooch to wear home or add it to their creative dog tag wall.
• Attend a Dog-Friendly Event: Keep an eye out for dog-friendly events like outdoor concerts or Food Truck Fridays! It’s a great opportunity to get your dog out and about, but just make sure they stick to dog food.

With these tips, you and your dog are sure to have a summer full of fun and adventure. By preparing for dog activities, polishing their skills, and keeping them cool, you’ll be able to enjoy all the exciting opportunities that Reno-Tahoe has to offer.

 

If you’re searching for “Gifts For Dog Lovers,” we’ve got you covered. Here are nine great picks at different price points that can be customized to feature a beloved pet.

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole”—Roger Caras.

If you, like Roger Caras, have a dog lover in your life, the holidays are the perfect time of year to honor their presence with presents.

Here Are The Top 9 Gifts For The Dog Lover In Your Life

1. FOR THE DOG MOM

Don’t be like the family in SNL’s “Christmas Morning” video where dad and the kids got rad gifts, and all mom got was a bathrobe (cue eye roll). Mom might have poor circulation, or it’s just cold because it’s wintertime, but you’ve got her covered with some cute, customizable socks from Etsy. This pair says “I just want to drink wine” on one foot “and pet my dog” on the other for $12. Or, order bespoke socks with Fido’s photo on them for $6.99, also on Etsy. Get them before they’re gone!

2. FOR THE ART COLLECTOR

Etsy artist VanWoof has created more than 9,000 pet portraits and has been featured on the BBC. Portraits can be oil-style portrait paintings, American football portraits, or two-pet portraits. Portrait prices run from a digital-only portrait for $33.17 to different-size posters ($48.37-$64.95) and canvas portraits for $53.90 for an 8×10 to $109.18 for an 18×24. They take a while to create and ship with customized pieces so they won’t arrive before Christmas, but a printout of the Etsy shop’s website should tide over the receiver until their portrait arrives.

3. FOR THE FUNNY DOG LOVER 

Living with the class clown? Looking for the ultimate white elephant gift? Check out the Dog Pooping in Beautiful Places 2022 Calendar from Etsy’s AmazaneShop. It costs $16.99 and is a best-seller, although we think we’ll skip this one for our wall, personally.

4. FOR THE PET CHEF

For that bougie friend or home cook extraordinaire, check out Williams Sonoma’s Dash Dog Treat Maker, ringing in at $29.95 (it comes with free shipping!). And in case you want a recipe to go with it, here’s one from Allrecipes.com for peanut butter and pumpkin dog treats.

5. FOR THE OUTDOORSY DOG DAD 

Dog dads who love hiking and spending time in the mountains will love this personalized dog mug from Unifury. It can be customized for five people and dogs and costs $23.95. Plus, if you sign up for the email newsletter before buying, you’ll receive 10% off your purchase.

6. FOR THOSE WHO WONDER…  

Uncommon Goods has the perfect gift for those who need help decoding their dog Dante’s nonverbal cues: How To Speak Dog Cards. The 100 cards are filled with illustrated tips for dog parents to communicate better with their furry friends by learning what their barks, facial expressions, and body language mean. Sign up to receive emails before your purchase and receive a $5 credit.

 

7. FOR THE ROAD TRIPPER  

Amazon’s Kurgo Tailgate Dumpster for dog garbage and poop bags is the perfect gift for those dog lovers who take their pooch(es) camping or on road trips. This handy magnetic trash bin attaches to a car’s tailgate or bumper and provides a smell-free receptacle for pet waste while you’re on the road. The current Amazon price is $19.95 and qualifies for Prime shipping.

8. FOR THOSE WHO CAMP IN COMFORT 

If you’re a dog grandparent, you might have the budget for the pricier Rumpl x Loki Dog Bed from REI. A portable, durable dog bed, the Rumpl x Loki has fleece on one side and recycled ripstop polyester on the reverse side. At $249, it’s the bougiest gift on our list.

9. FOR THE BIGGEST DOG LOVER     

Finally, for the ultimate gift, consider a gift card to DGA to use toward training, boarding, or doggy daycare—the perfect (and easiest) gift for your favorite dog lover.

Is there anything better than admiring the stunning fall foliage on one of the hiking trails in Reno with your doggo?

You know that feeling when that crisp autumn air hits your lungs, and you breathe deep, practically smelling the sunshine in the air? Then, after taking in the puffy white clouds floating in the bright blue sky, you look to see your favorite furry friend frolicking in and delighting in the outdoors.
Yep, it’s the best feeling in the world!

If you’re in Reno (or Sparks or Lake Tahoe—we’ve got you covered!), there are plenty of gorgeous trails that you can hike with your pup and snap some pics of the changing colors. Here are nine of our favorite hiking trails in Reno—and beyond—where you can take your dog and see the fall colors.

 

9 Scenic Fall Hiking Trails In Reno Where You Can Take Your Dog

Brown’s Creek Loop Trail

Brown’s Creek Loop Trail is a great place to go hiking in the fall in the Reno area. This easy-to-moderate 5-mile hike takes you through Mount Rose Wilderness, where you’ll experience the best of the area’s sights and sounds. There’s something for everyone here, from breathtaking vistas to bird gazing to forest bathing. So, don’t forget to bring your hiking boots and four-legged companions with you on this adventure.

Crystal Peak Park

Near Verdi, Nevada, Crystal Peak Park has a 0.6-mile loop route with a river that’s suitable for hikers of all abilities. From March through October, the trail is ideal for various activities, and the colors are gorgeous when the fall comes. Dogs are allowed on the route, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Galena Creek Trail

Galena Creek Trail, located at the base of Mount Rose, is great for a morning or afternoon stroll. The 4.7-mile trail features aspen, pine, manzanita, and a snow-fed creek. The road winds past communities and surrounds the Montreux Golf Course, giving you a glimpse of life in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Hunter Creek Trail

One of the most popular hiking trails in Reno, Hunter Creek Trail is well-maintained and suitable for the whole family. This 6.4-mile circuit exhibits Northern Nevada’s diverse vegetation and animals. This intermediate to advanced route climbs 1,240 feet across a canyon to a 30-foot waterfall. Bring plenty of sunblock and water because there isn’t much shade till the top.

Incline Flume Trail

Located in Incline Village, Nevada, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the 4.3-mile Incline Flume Walk is a regularly frequented out, and back trail with lovely wildflowers and is suitable for hikers of all abilities. Hiking, running, wildlife excursions, and snowshoeing are the most popular activities on the trail. Dogs are permitted to use this trail, but they must be restrained on a leash.

Jones Creek Loop

Washoe Valley’s Jones Creek Loop is a 1.5-mile loop route with a river and amenities for hikers of all abilities. The trail is most popular with hikers, walkers, horses, and mountain bikers from April through November. Dogs are allowed on the route, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Spooner Lake Trail

Spooner Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail with a lake near Glenbrook, Nevada, that is quite popular with hikers in Reno and Tahoe. It is appropriate for hikers of all levels of ability. The path is available all year and provides a variety of recreation opportunities. Dogs are welcome on this trail, but they must always be kept on a leash.

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a 1.3-mile moderately trafficked loop route near Washoe Valley, Nevada that features magnificent natural beauty and is suitable for hikers of all abilities. The trail is best used from May to October and is used primarily for hiking, walking, nature tours, and snowshoeing. This trail is also open to dogs, although they must be kept on a leash.

Upper Thomas Creek Trail

The 14.7-mile Upper Thomas Creek Trail is a visual treat in the fall. This southwest Reno path is excellent for an all-day adventure or a dog walk. Water and food breaks are plentiful along the route, which parallels Thomas Creek. River crossings and aspen tree lanes almost guarantee you’ll feel invigorated and at one with nature.

Training Your Dog To Behave On Hiking Trails In Reno

OK, so there is one feeling even better than enjoying one of these hiking trails in Reno with your pup—and that’s when your BFF (best fur friend) can hike like a pro—whether they’re on or off-leash.
Wondering if your doggo really needs training?

Consider the following:

Signs your dog needs off-leash training:

• They’ve never been off-leash!
• They’re a flight risk and have run out or charged doors in the past
• They don’t come back reliably when you call them
• They put their nose in random holes and bushes with reckless abandon
• They chase anything that moves

We’ve all been there—tugging at a leash to rein in fido or calling out their name endlessly and disturbing the beautiful quiet of nature. It’s frustrating, frightening, and embarrassing to be that dog parent. So, consider our “Best-Of” Training Program an early holiday present to you and your pup.

The “Best of” Package from Dog Gone Amazing includes two classes outdoors and on hiking trails in Reno. We’ll work with your dog one-on-one to ensure they’re familiar with the traffic laws. To prevent them from ambushing people and other dogs on the route, we’ll concentrate on off-leash control, educate your dog to come when called, and work on vital skills like “get off” or “let go.”
So, get ready to hit some happy hiking trails in Reno and get your dog the training they—and you—deserve.