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If I could recommend just one tool to every dog owner I meet, it would be the classic rubber Kong. At Dogs Love Darlene , I call these "edible pacifiers." Whether your dog is staying with me for a boarding staycation or we are working on behavior training, the stuffed Kong is my secret weapon for a calm, happy, and mentally satisfied dog. Here is why you need one (or five!) and how to master the art of the stuff. Why Use a Stuffed Kong? Dogs are biologically wired to "work" for their food. In...

The holidays are a time for family, food, and traditions. But when your travel plans mean your four-legged family member can’t come along, the "kennel guilt" can really take the shine off the season. No one wants to imagine their dog spending Christmas Eve in a cold, quiet kennel or Thanksgiving in a metal crate. That’s why in-home boarding is the best gift you can give your dog (and yourself!) this holiday season. A Seat at the Table (Metaphorically!) At Dogs Love Darlene, your dog isn’t...

We’ve all heard the saying, "A tired dog is a happy dog." But at Dogs Love Darlene , I like to take it a step further: A fulfilled dog is a happy dog. Many owners think that letting a dog out in a fenced backyard for an hour counts as exercise. While the fresh air is great, most dogs treat the backyard like a giant crate—they just wait by the door for you to come back! To truly exercise your dog's body and mind, we need to think outside the fence. 1. The Physical Pillar: Aerobic Activity...