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How to take canine pictures

Note: This is a guest publish by David Sutton of Sutton Studios. David is a professional photographer from the Chicago area. His business photos dogs, cats, horses as well as other animals, in addition to youngsters as well as families. Portraits include anything from animals to households to industrial work.

If you want to catch your dog’s spirit in photos, it’s essential to comprehend exactly how the pros work!

These suggestions will assist you catch your pup’s character so you can get fantastic looking photos.

1. Prep work

If you want to see your dog’s true colors, it’s essential to make him or her feel as well as look their finest ahead of time.  Bathe and/or groom your pup a day or two before the picture shoot. If you don’t generally groom your dog, avoid this step – you want the canine to look natural.

Take your canine on a walk the morning of the shoot. nothing as well strenuous as you want some high-energy shots, however just a quick walk to begin the day off best as well as insure that your canine is in the very best mood possible so his or her character will shine!

2. Black as well as white

Subtracting color can add so much to a photo. I like black as well as white since it provides an interpretation of the scene rather than a reproduction. Black as well as white pictures likewise look much more ageless – like they’re from one more age – so your pictures will stand the test of time!

Allow for sufficient time as well as take a great deal of pictures.  Don’t provide up after one or two shots. experts understand to wait as well as “work the scene.” in some cases you get your finest shots best away however much more frequently they come as the result of making each new shot an enhancement on the one you just did. Take lots of photos, then EDIT!

If you’re utilizing a digital camera, additional frames don’t expense anything however your time. Don’t be scared to hit DELETE as well as keep only the strongest images- that’s what the pros do.

3. set the scene to play

Dogs like to play! It enables them to be totally free as well as reveal themselves. Bring his or her preferred toys as well as view their character come to life. Be sure you have the shot framed as well as prepared so you can snap away when you’ve got the dog’s attention. treats are likewise fantastic for keeping your canine focused.

4. discover your light

Avoid utilizing your on-camera flash, if you can. Your pet’s eyes will show the light as well as come out appearing like huge eco-friendly saucers – not appearing like the canine you understand as well as love! It’s finest to discover natural light near a window or outside.

You’ll discover the very best outside illumination early in the day or in late afternoon. If you’re shooting indoors, try utilizing a high ISO film or digital video camera setting.

5. get down!

Go down to your dog’s level on the floor – inhabit his or her world! pictures at this angle provide your pet the significance he or she deserves.

Also keep in mind to get in close to catch some fantastic character shots.  Alternately, you can try increasing your canine up by putting him or her on a table or stool.  Being eye-to-eye with your subject produces much more compelling photos.

David Sutton is a pet as well as household portrait professional photographer of Chicago-based Sutton Studios. go to suttonstudios.com for much more info as well as to purchase a 2010 canine Days calendar – proceeds go directly to assist animal welfare agencies!

(Photos taken by Sutton Studios)

Give your pet dog a single command

I make the mistake of giving my mutt a command a lot more than once. For example, I tell him to sit a lot more than once if he doesn’t do it ideal away. It’s normally something like, “Sit…SIT!”

And then he sits. What I am doing is training him to sit on the second (or third) command, which is not what I want him to do.

Dogs learn from repetition, so if they are used to hearing a command two or three times, they will actually be conditioned to sit after that third command. instead of giving your pet dog the option, put her in a sit position after you say it the first time.

Dogs that are given the same command over and over will learn to neglect the command or think it is optional. I never let my mutt get away with not sitting or lying down when I tell him. I hear people say, “My pet dog is stubborn,” or “She just doesn’t get it.” a lot more likely, the pet dog has learned it’s ok not to listen.

You can train your pet dog to respond quicker by not giving her too much time to respond once she knows a command.

For example, when I tell Ace “down,” he has gotten into the routine of slowly scooting to the down position, leaving his butt up for a second, stretching and then lying down. He does this whenever because I have allowed it.

To break him of this, I am going to put him in the down position ideal after I say it. It’s better to have a pet dog that reacts quickly, and they can easily be conditioned to do so.

Try doing quick training sessions where you roll off five or six commands very quickly.

Your pet dog will have a terrific time, and it will show her to listen closely and react quickly. Act like your pet dog has just won you a million dollars whenever she does the commands ideal and you will have a quick, obedient dog. just don’t discuss them in the same buy whenever or your pet dog will be conditioned to always do them in the same order.

Related article: Why I don’t repeat commands to my dog.

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10% of calendar sales to go to no-kill shelter

Mutt Calendars will assist Nevada Humane Society

Ten percent of each sale from That Mutt’s 2014 Mutt calendar will be contributed to Nevada Humane Society. This includes all pre-orders.

Nevada Humane society is a no-kill shelter producing a no-kill community, according to its web site. In 2012, the shelter had a 94 percent save rate for both dogs as well as cats.

The humane society has been featured on that Mutt a number of times for programs such as its “seniors for seniors” discounts, complimentary feline adoptions as well as complimentary or discounted spay/neuter programs.

Pre-order your Mutt calendar as well as save $5

The mutt calendars are offered for $9.99 for a restricted time as well as function lovely pictures of mixed-breed dogs such as Linus the Sheltie mix (below).

I produced the 2014 Mutt calendar since at least half the dogs in the united states are mutts, yet almost all pet dog calendars function purebred dogs. I held a picture contest with Facebook, as well as the mutts that got the most votes will be featured in the calendar.

Some of those dogs include:

Penelope the mixed breed

Ruby the pitbull mix

Order your calendar today to support mutts as well as Nevada Humane Society.

Order here

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Naked pet dog Box evaluation as well as voucher Code

My dogs Ace as well as Remy got to try healthy, grain-free pet dog food from a membership business called The naked pet dog Box.

The naked pet dog Box supplies all natural & gluten-free pet dog food membership boxes provided every two weeks at an budget-friendly price!

This publish is sponsored by The naked pet dog Box, as well as we have a offer as well great to pass up!

You can utilize code thatmutt10 to get your very first two weeks of food for just $10 regardless of your dog’s size! Yep, your very first box will be just $10 as well as complimentary shipping. Click right here to go to The naked pet dog Box.

When you indication up, you fill out a quick questionnaire about your dog, as well as the food’s formula is tailored to your dog’s needs. Your pet dog will likewise get a surprise toy or treat in each box (up to a $10 value)!

We submitted The naked pet dog Box profile for Remy however of program Ace got to try a few of the food too.

The naked pet dog Box Review

My thoughts on The naked pet dog Box:

My naked pet dog Box review

There are a couple of things I truly like about The naked pet dog Box.

First, the food is provided every two weeks ideal to your door (with complimentary shipping) so you don’t have to believe about it. It just shows up!

Second, the food is extremely budget-friendly for being high high quality (more on expense below).

Food from The naked pet dog Box is made with without grain, corn, soy or potatoes as well as is created as a “hypoallergenic food” with restricted ingredients.

The food is made in California, as well as you select from either beef, turkey or salmon as your dog’s protein source.

At delivery, the box shows up with a card providing your dog’s precise recipe. If you’d like to see the ingredients in each formula ahead of time, go to the house page as well as scroll down to “explore our formulas.”

Surprise product in every box!

Your pet dog will get a surprise toy or treat every two weeks (up to a $10 value) to make shipment even a lot more exciting!

Remy received a bag of Cloud star dog training treats in his delivery – best for pet dog training class. We likewise got a 2-cup measuring cup to in shape Remy’s full meal in one scoop. one of the goals of The naked pet dog Box is to assist supply your pet dog with the ideal parts as well as of program the scoop assists with that!

What is the expense of food from The Naked pet dog Box?

Use code thatmutt10 to get your very first box of food for just $10 regardless of your dog’s size! That’s two weeks of food for just $10 as well as complimentary shipping. go to The naked pet dog Box here.

Cost varies depending upon your dog’s size however costs begin at $18 every two weeks.

To provide you an idea, it’s approximately $30 every two weeks to feed one of my dogs (70 pounds as well as 60 pounds).

Pros of The naked pet dog Box:

Food is gluten-free, grain-free as well as complimentary of potatoes, corn as well as soy

Free shipping every two weeks

Affordable (starts at $18 every two weeks)

Cancel your membership at any type of time (no fee)

Adjust your dog’s recipe or part as needed

Receive a surprise toy or treat in every shipment (up to $10 value)

Choose a lot more “add-ons” for a affordable charge like treats, poop bags or other supplies

Cons:

Current protein choices include beef, turkey or salmon. Some pet dog owners may like extra choices because of allergies however I was delighted to see poultry was not an option.

I would suggest The naked pet dog Box to …

The naked pet dog Box is fantastic for pet dog owners trying to find a top quality brand they can depend on that’s likewise fairly priced as well as delivered.

It’s genuinely so great that you don’t have to believe about ordering pet dog food. Healthy food just shows up for house shipment ideal in a timely manner every two weeks.

This food is grain complimentary as well as made with restricted components so it will charm to a great deal of pet dog owners for health and wellness reasons. You can likewise select your formula to satisfy your puppy or senior dog’s needs.

Naked pet dog Box voucher code

I suggest you provide The naked pet dog Box a try since we have a fantastic offer that’s difficult to pass up.

You can get the very first two weeks of healthy food for your pet dog (and a surprise item!) for just $10 when you utilize code thatmutt10 at checkout.

I mean, exactly how frequently can you feed your pet dog healthy food for just $5 a week?!

Click right here to discover more.Do you have any type of concerns about The naked pet dog Box?

If so, leave them in the comments as well as we’ll get them responded to for you.

If you understand somebody who would benefit from this food, please share this publish with them!

See a lot more of That Mutt’s evaluations here.

Potty patch – The indoor potty area for all dogs!

here at ThatMutt.com, I try to cover some controversial and sometimes emotional topics.

I’ve written about how much money to spend on a dog’s vet care, whether or not a no-kill nation is achievable and whether or not aggressive dogs should be killed.

There are always good discussions, and usually most opinions are somewhere in the middle.

The posts generate some thoughtful comments.

But no post has brought out the passion and the emotions quite like the post I am about to mention.

Ladies and gentlemen, nothing is quite as controversial as …

Reasons not to buy fake indoor grass for dogs.

Everyone has to be passionate about something, so it might as well be passion for a product known as the Potty Patch.

One-time search visitors will not click away, unheard. No, they must stand up for what they believe in!

Every Chihuahua, Maltese, snorkie and mini wiener out there deserves its own patch of fake indoor grass!

We all have to care about something, and if it’s the puppy Potty patch that brings out that kind of passion, then so be it.

Every time a Yorkie owner calls me a F#@king idiot or a moron or stupid or lazy, I have to smile.

At least they care about something.

Because you know what? winter is approaching, and no Chiweenie should have to set food outside!

Get your fake indoor grass before the deep freeze hits.

Dog should go to a ‘good’ house

What is a great house for a canine or a cat?

I believe my animals have a great home.

Ace, Beamer as well as Scout get everyday interest from me. They all eat grain-free, natural food. They go to the vet when they are sick. They are neutered. I never leave them house for much more than eight hours, typically no much more than two or three.

Ace sleeps in my bedroom many nights. When we leave town for much more than a week, the whole team stays at my parents’ home so they don’t have to go to a kennel. Ace goes for walks as well as to training classes. He gets to satisfy other dogs. I’ve even set up kitty playdates for my cats.

But exactly how do I define a great home?

I understand extremely well there are people available who believe I am not offering a great house for my pets.

On a walk last autumn a lady approached me as well as (without asking as well as without introducing herself) reached for Ace in an attempt to loosen the choke collar around his neck.

“I would never put one of those on my dogs,” she said.

I looked down at her rat terriers pulling against their bit harnesses.

“You don’t have a 65-pound dog,” I said.

Still, we were able to keep it friendly as well as agree to disagree. We even let our dogs run as well as play off leash at the park we were at.

Many canine owners would think about me irresponsible for enabling my canine off leash in an unfenced park. They may state I shouldn’t have a dog.

Ace gets to run as well as play off leash in an unfenced area practically every day. I see that as a great thing.

No two canine owners are ever going to agree on the perfect method to treat a dog. That doesn’t imply one is much better than the other.

I need my canine to produce to me in doorways. I make him sit as well as stay before he gets fed. I shout at him. I don’t enable him on the furniture. I utilize a prong collar as well as a shock collar.

Some canine owners can’t picture something as “cruel” as a shock collar (also called an e-collar). My parents have an electronic canine fence, as well as since of the shock collar Ace uses when we visit, he gets full flexibility on their property. Again, I see that as a great thing.

All of the above are just a few examples why somebody may believe I am not offering my canine with a “good” home.

I’ve discovered to look at canine ownership differently.

Just since somebody does not treat a canine the method I treat a canine does not imply that person is a poor canine owner.

All the dogs I understand are pleased as well as spoiled as well as loved, even if their owners treat them in a different way than I would treat a dog.

Through my pet sitting company in Fargo, I’ve essentially seen it all. Thankfully, I haven’t come across any type of situations I would think about animal abuse. however I will state my meaning of abuse has changed.

Many of my clients keep their dogs outdoors or in the garage in all weather. Some have heated or air-conditioned garages. Some don’t. These dogs are for the most part able to take care of themselves as long as somebody checks on them everyday to provide them food, water as well as a bit interaction.

All of these dogs are pleased as well as loved.

I likewise have clients who will not leave their dogs house alone for much more than an hour. Some will not leave their dogs alone at all. They would never leave their dogs in a crate. They would never leave them connected up outside. The dogs are enabled on the furniture as well as under the covers.

All of these dogs are pleased as well as loved.

I am not concerned if somebody selects to keep a farm canine or feline outdoors as long as the animal is vaccinated, spayed/neutered as well as provided suitable shelter as well as food. I am not concerned if somebody selects to feed her canine the cheapest kibble. I am not concerned if somebody never walks her dog. I am not concerned if a canine never masters the idea of sitting on command.

Dogs are dogs, as well as they seem to do okay regardless.

Ace is one lucky canine (in my opinion), however he was likewise pleased as well as liked before he came to online with me.

At his very first home, Ace was not trained or exercised. He spent many days as well as nights in his kennel. He ate inexpensive food. nobody wished to spend much time playing with him.

But when I went to satisfy my prospective new dog, Ace was pleased as well as wagging as well as playful. I might tell he was liked as well as well cared for, even if it was on a fundamental level. He had no idea of a much better life. He was pleased with what he had – food, water, toys, shelter, vet care as well as companionship. His household cared about him sufficient to assist him discover a new house where he might get much more attention. They did not send him to a rescue group, a pound or a shelter.

So exactly how would I define a “good” home?

A great house offers a canine with all his fundamental needs. as well as a great house offers a canine with security, companionship as well as love.

What do you think? Am I best or wrong on this?

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Brand new GPS Pet Tracker – Guardian Orb + Giveaway

My weimaraner likes to run ahead of me on the trails. He’s not a courageous dog as well as always keeps me in sight. He darts ahead about 100 lawns (oh so brave!), as well as then stops to make sure I’m following.

But as most of you are well aware, a few of our dogs just can’t assist themselves around birds, rabbits, squirrels or whatever it may be.

I do my finest at discovering the balance between obligation as well as providing my dog the flexibility to be a weim. There is danger to that, as well as my dog definitely takes off into the clean in browse of birds. (Sorry, birds.)

Guardian Orb is a brand-new pet tracker that has taken all the great of the present GPS pet trackers while likewise overcoming the limitations (no monthly charges or subscriptions). It will be offered in July 2018. December 2019 update: Guardian Orb has not yet released the GPS tracking product. You can checked out updates on their Indiegogo page here.

This publish is sponsored by Guardian Orb.

GPS Pet Tracker – Guardian Orb

When my dog bounds ahead into the brush, I understand it’s only a matter of 30 seconds before I see his derpy deal with re-appear.

But there’s always some danger in enabling any type of dog off leash. perhaps the dog takes off a bit further than usual as well as gets confused. perhaps the wind somehow disorients him as well as he goes the wrong way.

Unfortunately, almost everybody understands a dog who has gotten lost. If it hasn’t occurred to you, I’m sure you understand a good friend or household member who has lost a dog for at least a few minutes. It’s terrifying!

Today I’m going to tell you a bit more about the new GPS pet tracker called Guardian Orb.

With the product, a little “Orb” attaches to your pet’s collar as well as the Guardian Orb app provides you gain access to to your pet’s real-time place from your phone, tablet or computer. There are no monthly charges or subscriptions, as well as it has a tracking radius as much as 10 miles.

Here is a video we made about Guardian Orb:

Features of the Guardian Orb GPS pet tracker:

Attaches to your dog’s collar (or a feline or other pet’s collar)

Tracking radius as much as 10 miles

NO monthly charges or subscriptions!

Offers advanced geo-location technology

Smallest pet tracking gadget available, according to the company

Tracks your pet in genuine time

Track from any type of smartphone, tablet or desktop

Stationary as well as portable “base” choices for house or travel

Private secure network

Waterproof

Uses radio signal, cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking

Cons:

I have not tested Guardian Orb yet since it’s not offered up until July.

Guardian Orb is trying to be the very best pet tracker possible as well as as you can see there are a great deal of benefits.

The only con I can see is that with all innovation there are limitations. It might be human error where you fail to remember to fee the battery or it might be that you’re hiking in a remote area where you believed you’d have cell reception however you don’t.

Guardian Orb is truly trying to offer the very best product as well as service possible though by utilizing radio signal, cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking.

How to order a Guardian Orb

Follow Guardian Orb on Facebook so you don’t miss out on introduce updates.

More information on exactly how the Guardian Orb pet tracker works

The Guardian Orb attaches to your dog’s collar, as well as then you pair it with the “base” system – either a “Guardian Go” for travel as well as adventures or a “Guardian Home.” The “Orb” is 1.2” in diameter. You can utilize several Orbs with one base system if you have several dogs.

Guardian Home: links to your Web router as well as tracks your pet from house as much as 10 miles.

It pairs with any type of smartphone, tablet or desktop with wifi or cellular. It combines Radio Signal, Cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking so there are three methods to discover your pup.

Guardian Go: The Guardian Go is what I photo being most practical for my dog Remy for our hiking as well as camping adventures. This is a portable base station that fits in your pocket or pack as well as pairs with your mobile gadget via Bluetooth. The tracking radius moves together with you, tracking as much as ten miles with a 16-hour battery life.

The Guradian Go base system is 3” by 2.5” by 1.5”. like the Guardian Home, this likewise combines Radio Signal, Cellular GSM as well as GPS tracking. as well as remember, there are no monthly charges or subscriptions.

You can likewise utilize the Guardian Orb for other pets like cats, horses or any type of pet that has something you can connect the “Orb” too.

Here is a graphic showing a few of Guardian Orb’s features compared to other pet trackers:

Let me understand if you have any type of concerns about the product.

Related posts:

What to do if you lose your dog

Off leash hiking with your dog

*Again, say thanks to you for the kind messages about our recent loss of both Ace as well as Beamer. Your notes truly help.

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Benefits of getting A Puppy From A Breeder

I’ve learned there are so numerous benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder.

We got our puppy Remy from a breeder, and it was such a positive experience.

OK, she did have a lengthy application form and a comprehensive contract for me to sign (yikes!) but that is to be expected.

This is not to say that going to a breeder is a better option than getting a puppy through a shelter or rescue. It’s not. There are benefits to both.

Benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder

1. Our puppy will not be neutered at 8 weeks old (creepy).

I plan to have our puppy neutered but not until he’s around 12 months old. We’ve discussed this with the breeder, and our vet also recommends waiting until the pup is at least 12 months old.

If you get a puppy from many shelters or rescue groups, the puppy will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. It’s common practice for rescues to spay/neuter puppies as young as 8 weeks old.

Most people don’t seem to mind this, and it’s good because then you don’t have to worry about the expense and hassle of spaying/neutering down the road. This is also for the overall greater good of dogs. Rescues are certainly wishing to decrease the number of unwanted dogs by spaying & neutering puppies as early as possible.

However, I do not believe it is healthy for a puppy to be spayed or neutered at such a young age. You can read about that here. A dog’s balls are there for numerous reasons. recreating is just one. same goes for a female’s ovaries.

See my post: Is spaying and neutering the healthiest choice for my dog?

2. There was no “home visit” or reference check.

And young boy was that nice!

I did apply through several rescue groups and all but one rejected me for various reasons. Those reasons included not having a fenced yard, not giving out my landlord’s phone number for a reference and not vaccinating my senior, indoor cats for rabies. So I never even got to the “home visit” stage.

With our breeder, I did have to go through an comprehensive application process, show that I am a “true runner” and of course pay a deposit and wait several months on a waiting list. but no one inspected my home (such an invasion of privacy!) and no one called my vet or landlord.

3. We have time to plan for our puppy.

Going with a breeder has taken away the tension of rapidly choosing “the right” rescue dog.

One of the challenges with adoption is you really have to make a decision about the canine within a few days or even that day or someone else will adopt her. At least that is the case in San Diego. There is a HIGH demand for rescued dogs, especially puppies. The puppies are scooped up instantly and there are waiting lists.

Some people don’t mind making fast decisions about adoption. They “just know” the one and it works out great. That kind of fast decision making about a canine is incredibly stressful for me. I spend a lot of time deciding on the best dog, even when I’m just fostering.

4. I know I’m getting an athletic dog.

One of the benefits of getting a puppy through a breeder is I know our weimaraner will be capable of distance running, hiking and agility. There are no guarantees, but I know this with as much certainty as possible.

Yes, there are tons of rescue and shelter dogs that could make good running buddies and shelters like to market them as such. BUT, I’ve been running with dogs for 8 years as my job and I can tell you it’s actually hard to find a canine capable of distance running. As in, a canine who’s able to maintain my pace for much more than 10 minutes – and I’m slow as far as “runners” go!

I run at about a 10-minute per mile pace, and many dogs start to slow down after the first mile even if they’re in good shape. Most dogs just not built for long-distance running. walking or a slow jog is better for them.

Curious which breeds make the best distance runners in my experience? Pointing-type breeds! Dogs such as English pointers, vizslas, weims and pudelpointers. They can typically maintain my slow pace for over an hour and then sprint around the yard afterwards!

5. I’ve removed my emotional need to “rescue.”

I have this deep need to “rescue” dogs and cats in need. This is a fantastic thing, but I am also aware that this is also about me and not just about the animals. Fostering is a way for me to have a purpose and to feel good about myself, and I will certainly be fostering and adopting in the future.

However, there is something to be said about a puppy that will be loved every single day of his life. The fact that we are not “rescuing” him practically gives me a sense of relief. It allows me to just let him be who he is. Our puppyis not a “good deed.” He is a dog.

I don’t know if anybody can relate to that or if I’m discussing it right. Anyone?

6. health screening and pedigree

Good breeders test for several genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia. They will only breed animals that are healthy and not likely to pass on any genetic health issues to their pups. They will also offer you with a pedigree from each parent going back several generations.

What are some other benefits of getting a puppy from a breeder?

Or, what are some benefits of getting a canine elsewhere, like through a shelter? let me know your thoughts!

Related posts:

Reasons to purchase a canine vs. rescue a dog

When a canine rescue volunteer purchases a puppy from a breeder

Pug puppies may or may not be real dogs (10 photos)

Pug puppies (10 photos)

I’m not sure if pug puppies are real dogs or not, but I know we all seem to love them! this week I learned pugs come in a brindle variety in addition to black and the conventional “fawn” color.

Each Monday I will be featuring puppies on the blog, and you can send in your pictures to Lindsay@ThatMutt.com to see your puppies featured on the blog.

Which of these pug puppies do you think is the cutest?

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Send your canine pics to Lindsay@ThatMutt.com.