Author: Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya

As a dog mom to Delta, my German Shepherd-Pitbull mix, Zeus, my lively Labrador mix, and Alpha, my curious Indie pup, I’ve spent years ensuring their coats shine and their spirits soar. Petco grooming has been a go-to for many pet parents, offering professional care that keeps dogs like mine healthy and happy. Whether you’re seeking grooming services for Pocket Pitbulls or grooming for French Bulldog coats, their certified groomers deliver tailored experiences. My cousin Millie, with her toy poodle, swears by Petco for its convenience. Download my free Grooming Prep Checklist to make your pup’s spa day seamless! This…

As a dog mom to Delta, my spirited German Shepherd-Basenji mix, Zeus, my playful Labrador mix, and Alpha, my curious Indie pup, I know how vital grooming is to keep them healthy and happy. Searching for dog grooming near me isn’t just about a quick bath—it’s about ensuring your furry friend’s coat, skin, and overall well-being are top-notch. Whether you have a French Bulldog with a sensitive coat, a Hound with a thick pelt, or a Mini Goldendoodle with curly fur, finding the right groomer can make all the difference. Grab my free Dog Grooming Near Me Checklist to find…

After sharing my experiences with Delta’s protective instincts on Instagram last month, my DMs flooded with questions about which are the best guard dogs for different family situations. While every dog is an individual, certain breeds consistently shine as family protectors. I’ve categorized them based on size and living requirements to help you find your perfect match. The Best Guard Dogs by categories Large Protective Breeds as Best Guard Dogs German Shepherd When I brought home Delta as a puppy seven years ago, I had no idea he would become both my most vigilant protector and my husband’s favorite pillow.…

As I watched my 76-year-old neighbor Martha light up while petting Delta during our evening walk last week, I was reminded why I started this blog in the first place. “I miss having a dog around,” she confided, “but I worry I can’t handle one at my age.” Her concern is one I’ve heard countless times from my readers, and it’s exactly why I’ve created this comprehensive guide to the best dog breeds for elderly companions. Having shared my life with three very different dogs – energetic Delta, easy-going Zeus, and the mischievous Alpha – I understand firsthand that matching…

Last week, one of my readers, Sarah, messaged me in a panic. “Help! My partner loves our Golden Retriever Max more than anything, and I am looking for some special Valentine’s Day ideas to get them both something special. But I’m tired of the usual heart-shaped dog treats!” I had to laugh because this is exactly why I started getting creative with Valentine’s Day ideas for my own dogs, Delta, Zeus and Alpha. After years of trial and error (and some hilariously failed attempts at baking dog treats), I’ve discovered some genuinely thoughtful Valentine’s day ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day…

Last week, Sarah from Minnesota sent me a photo of her backyard that looked like a miniature golf course – except the holes weren’t part of the design. Her Golden Retriever, Max, had turned her pristine lawn into what she jokingly called “Moon Surface Gardens.” Like many of my readers, Sarah wanted to understand dog digging behavior and how to save her yard without making Max miserable. As a dog behavior blogger who’s spent six years working with countless four-legged excavators, I’ve learned that dog digging isn’t just a random destructive behavior – it’s a fascinating window into our dogs’…

Last week, Sarah, one of my regular readers, sent me a heartbreaking email about her rescue German Shepherd, Max. She’d tried everything she could think of to stop him from destroying her furniture whenever she left for work. “I’ve watched countless YouTube videos about the best dog training techniques,” she wrote, “but nothing seems to work. I’m at my wit’s end.” Sarah’s situation isn’t unique. As someone who’s spent the last decade helping dog guardians navigate the complex world of dog training, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be. That’s why I’m diving deep into what actually works in…

Last summer, my neighbor’s rescue dog, Max, would tremble uncontrollably during thunderstorms. His reaction wasn’t just typical nervousness—it was a clear manifestation of deep-seated stress in dogs that many dog guardians overlook. Stress in dogs is more than just a fleeting emotional state. It’s a complex physiological response that can significantly impact a dog’s mental and physical well-being. Just like humans, dogs experience stress triggered by various environmental, social, and personal factors. What Defines Stress in Dogs? Dog stress is an adaptive reaction to challenging or threatening situations. It’s the body’s natural mechanism to prepare for potential danger, releasing hormones…

Last night, I found my little pup, Alpha (8 months old) sprawled on the living room floor, happily destroying my favorite leather boots. As a dog blogger for over 7 years, you’d think I’d have avoided this classic scenario. But dog chewing happens to the best of us, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably all too familiar with that sinking feeling of discovering your pup’s latest victim. Why Dogs and Puppies Chew? Remember when your teething baby needed a pacifier? Your puppy chewing everything in sight isn’t much different. Last week, one of my readers told me about her…

Initially, last weekend, my friend Sarah walked into her living room. Suddenly, she immediately got ambushed by her 80-pound Labrador, Max. Unexpectedly, as he launched himself at her, muddy paws and all, she realized something had to change. Notably, Max wasn’t being malicious—he was just trying to say hello in the only way he knew how. Knowing how to stop dog jumping is a critical lesson for every dog guardian Fundamentally, dogs jump for one simple reason: connection. Essentially, it’s their way of getting face-to-face with us, seeking attention, and expressing pure joy. Interestingly, when a puppy jumps and gets…