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How to Keep an Eye on Your Pets When You Aren’t Home

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
August 2nd, 2023 1:01 PM

Thanks to modern technology, you can stay on top of what your pets are up to even when you aren’t home, so you can take that trip without worrying as much about your furbabies.

how to keep an eye on your pets when you arent home, Zivica Kerkez Shutterstock
Zivica Kerkez/Shutterstock

Leaving your pets at home while you go on a business trip, family vacation, or even a short weekend getaway can be stressful. Will they be okay? What if something happens while you’re gone? What if they get lonely? If you find yourself asking these questions, rest assured that there are ways you can keep an eye on your furbabies even when you aren’t in the house with them. 


Here are some tips you can implement to give yourself much-needed peace of mind, whether you want to check in on your pets during the workday or while you’re far from home.


Choose the Right Pet Sitter


Hiring a reputable and trustworthy pet sitter is important because you want to be sure that you’re leaving your pets in the best hands. In addition to finding someone who is gentle with animals and knowledgeable about pet care needs, it’s also a great idea to choose a pet sitter who will be more than happy to give you daily updates. Although you won’t be there to see what your pets are doing, a pet sitter who sends you photos and videos, and who is willing to video chat with you at least once a day, will help you rest assured that they’re doing fine.


Although there are plenty of professional pet sitters that you can choose from, also consider asking family or friends to care for your animals until you get back. This is a good route to take because your pets are already familiar with those individuals and will immediately feel at ease and comfortable around them. Plus, a friend or family member might be even more willing to check in with you multiple times a day to show you what your pets are up to. 


Install Security Cameras


These days, there are many options you can choose from if you want to install a security system in your home. You can find indoor and outdoor security cameras and motion detectors that run on Wi-Fi and send alerts to your cell phone so you can be aware of activity while you aren’t home.


With an indoor camera, you can watch your pets throughout the day and night. Just keep in mind that, if a camera turns on only when it detects motion, as opposed to recording continuously, there might be instances in which your pets walk through and the camera doesn’t detect them or doesn’t capture video of them in time.


Use a Pet Camera


Another option is a pet camera, which is designed for pet parents who want to monitor their dogs and cats while they aren’t home. Like indoor security cameras, these can make it possible to check in whenever you want to see what your pet is doing, and can also send you alerts about activity.


Of course, different products will have different features, so shop with care and compare items to select the camera that’s right for you. For instance, you might choose one that dispenses treats, lets you play with your cat using a laser, or allows you to talk to your pet so they can hear your voice if you think this will bring them comfort.


To see what we mean, check out the Furbo 360° Dog Camera, as one example of what’s available. It provides a rotating 360-degree view, and it can track your pet as they move across the room. Plus, you can zoom in if you need to, and you can keep an eye on your pet’s nocturnal activities with color night vision. You can also listen to your pet and talk to them, give them treats, and receive alerts.

Use a GPS Pet Tracker


It’s worth considering getting a GPS tracker designed for pets, whether you’re worried about your dog running off while going for a walk with the pet sitter or you’re concerned about your kitty darting out the front door. It can alert you to your pet’s location so you always know where they are. And if your pet does end up getting lost, this type of tracker may make it easier to locate your furry companion.


There are many GPS trackers for pets on the market today, so you can shop around, compare the different products and their features, and read reviews until you find the one that suits your needs, budget, and preferences.


One example is the Whistle Switch Smart Collar. It can provide information about your pet’s location and activity 24 hours a day, so you’ll know when they went for a walk, when they played, and when they slept. You can also set up escape alerts so you’ll know if your pet isn’t in their safe space. Plus, this product can help you monitor your pet’s health.

Note: Even if you’re using a GPS tracker, make sure your pet is also wearing a collar with an ID tag that has your contact information. That way, if they get lost and someone finds them, they’ll know how to get in touch with you.


A Combination of Products for Peace of Mind


With so many products that you can use to track your pet’s location and see what they’re doing, you can be away from home with less concern about your furry friend’s well-being. Consider installing a camera to view your furbaby at any time of the day or night, work with a pet sitter who’s communicative, and have your companion wear a GPS tracker just in case they get lost. Take advantage of these modern options to make going away easier and less stressful.

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. An advocate for better treatment of all animals, she enjoys producing content that educates others, helps them understand animals better, and inspires them to help, whether that means volunteering at a shelter, fostering strays, or simply giving their own pets a safe and happy home to live in.

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Teach Your Dog To Be A Canine Good Citizen

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Bernese Mountain Dog

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If Your Dog Eats Fast, Green Interactive Feeder Forces Him to Slow Dow

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Beagle

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Torkie

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Yorkinese

Yorkinese Basics A proud pooch with a regal bearing, the Yorkinese holds a lot of love and affection for his special human(s). This designer dog breed is among the more popular in his group, and once you meet this cute hybrid- it’s crystal clear why. Smart, sweet, but still with a dose of independence to them, Yorkinese or Yorkingese dogs have a special charm. In addition to a great personality, these petite doggos also boast adorable looks- they tend to have soft fine hair, cute floppy ears, and, more often than not, the most adorable overbite. As a crossbreed, the lovely Yorkinese owes his many qualities to his purebred parents. This designer dog breed was developed by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier to a Pekingese, in an effort to produce a new hybrid. The goal was to combine the best traits of both parents into one dog, and the endeavor was a success. The little Yorkinese usually inherits qualities from both his mom and dad- and each dog is unique. However, that uniqueness of the Yorkinese and other designer dogs also means that they have varying looks and temperaments. To really understand what makes a Yorkinese tick and what does it take to be a good pawrent to one of these hybrids, you really have to learn all about them before adopting one. So buckle up and read on! Smart, sweet, but still with a dose of independence to them, Yorkinese or Yorkingese dogs have a special charm. Origin Before the late 1980s, the term designer dog breeds didn’t even exist, let alone be a global trend. When an Australian breeder crossed a Labrador to a Poodle in an effort to develop world’s first hypoallergenic seeing eye dog, he didn’t have a clue that he’d be paving a path for many other hybrids to come. The creation of the Labradoodle inspired many to try and develop crossbreeds of their own, with different combinations of purebred parents. However, while there’s enough information about the origin of designer dogs in general, as well as some of the more prominent breeds, there’s not much we know about how individual mixes came to be. The fact that there have been mixes of certain purebreds throughout history doesn’t make it easier to pinpoint the moment when that crossbreeding became intentional. The Yorkinese might be one of the more popular designer dog breeds, but their origin is still a riddle. The best guess anyone can have is that the Yorkshire Terrier and Pekingese mix came to be in the United States, sometime in the last 30 years. However, just because they have an enigmatic past doesn’t mean that these hybrids are somehow mysterious. By looking at the histories of his parental breeds, we can learn a lot about the Yorkinese. The Yorkie started out as a working dog, and his terrier drive is still present in traces, even in the breed’s mixes. The Pekingese had quite a different story, being an ancient breed favorited by Chinese royalty and nobles. Regardless of their contrasting backstories, though, both the Pekingese and the Yorkshire Terrier have been selectively bred for decades to fill the role of companions and family pets. And it’s those qualities that are more apparent in their crossbreed offspring, the sweet Yorkinese. Pedigree

Pets Feared Dead As Plane Skids Into River At NAS Jacksonville

A chartered jet coming from Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba landed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida last evening and wound up in the river after it skidded off the runway. All humans have been accounted for and rescued, but there are several pets who were held in the cargo bay and have not been rescued at the time of this writing. Marine Unit was called to assist @NASJax_ in reference to a commercial airplane in shallow water. The plane was not submerged. Every person is alive and accounted for. pic.twitter.com/4n1Fyu5nTS — Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 4, 2019 A Boeing 737 chartered to carry 143 people from NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba skidded off the runway as it landed at NAS Jacksonville, and went into the Jones River. While the humans on board were accounted for (21 adults were transported to local hospitals and are in good condition), what is believed to be at least two cats and a dog have not been accounted for and are feared to have drowned in the cargo bay. Related: Only Dogs and Cats Allowed on United Airlines Flights Marine units from the sheriff’s department and the Jacksonville, FL Fire Rescue helped first responders from the base, and got all humans off safely. Unfortunately, according to local FirstCoast News, the pets being transported in cargo could not be reached until the plane was removed from the water, and that’s yet to happen. We cannot say enough what a great job NAS Fire Department and NAS Command did last night in a very difficult situation and under tough circumstances. Proud to assist you on this call. @NASJax_ @CityofJax pic.twitter.com/eTVDF3cgOW — MyJFRD (@JFRDJAX) May 4, 2019 Though the plane was not fully submerged, the cargo bay most certainly was. Responders are calling the survival of all human passengers on board a miracle. The Navy issued a statement that offered thoughts and prayers to the owners of the animals still on board, but said safety issues prevented rescuers from immediately rescuing the animals as well. The National Transportation Safety Board has dispatched investigators to determine what happened, though accounts of thunderstorms and lighting being in the area are possible speculations. It is unknown how long it will take to remove the plane from the river, and in turn, attempt to recover the pets. Responders said the landing gear looked as if it was resting on the river bed and would make it difficult for the plane to float away. Related: U.S. Military Service Member Faces Hefty Fare To Bring Dog Home That said…judging by the pictures, we’re afraid that it also looks like a watery grave for the pets, and speaking as a pet owner and military spouse, I have to wonder why divers were not sent in to recover the pets either. While I’m thankful there were no human deaths, it’s hard enough for military families to find airlines willing to transport their pets as it is. When they can’t feel confident that every effort will be taken to ensure their pets’ safety is taken into account? Where do they turn then?

Safety Tips For Running With a Dog at Night

There’s No Reason Why You Can’t Stay Safe When Running With A Dog At Night There are a lot of good reasons why people like running with a dog at night. There’s less traffic (both automotive and pedestrian), it’s a lot cooler (especially in the summer) and it’s a great way for you and your pooch to blow off some steam at the end of the day. But night time runs carry with it its own safety concerns, so we’ve put together some tips for running with a dog at night. There are a lot of good reasons why people like running with a dog at night. If you’re planning on running with a dog at night, there are precautions you’ll need to take. Be sure to wear clothing that can be seen in the dark, and attach illuminated strips to your dog’s collar. There are plenty of dog accessories available that’s made for running at night, like reflective collars, leashes and vests.Stick to routes you know well, as you’ll be less likely to bump into objects concealed by the darkness and your family will know where you are if you happen to be running late (pun intended).Be aware of everything around you. Just because you see that car coming, it doesn’t mean the driver can see you. Keep your eyes peeled at intersections, stop signs and driveways. As well, your head up so you can see obstacles that are coming your way, whether they be cracks in the sidewalk, uneven ground or other people and animals.Always run against traffic. As well, it may help to wear a wide-brimmed hat (like a ball cap) to protect your eyes from oncoming lights. You should keep your dog on a shorter leash, but make sure it’s not short enough for you to trip over. Leave the extendable leash at home, because with too much of a lead, your dog may take off into traffic.No music. At all. Not only does it distract you from hidden dangers and traffic, it’s rude to your jogging buddy. Catch up with your pooch, ask him how his day was and fill him in on what’s going on in your life. Running with a dog at night is a great way to finish of your day and bond with your pooch. Do you take your dog out for a nightly jog? What do you do to stay safe? Share your tips with readers in the comments section below.

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Central Asian Shepherd Dog Basics If you’re looking for a dog breed that has lived well alongside humans for several millennia, then look no further than the Central Asian Shepherd Dog. It would tough to find a dog that’s been domesticated for longer and frankly, this one lives up to the hype. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest of dog breeds in the world with a history spanning back more than 5,000 years. This is not a breed created by man and instead this is a breed that originated as a result of their climate and circumstance, for better or worse. The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is a large and powerfully built dog. Its legs are well-boned and muscular. Its back is broad and powerful. The dog’s head is large and its short, powerful neck has an abundance of dewlap. Central Asian Shepherd Dogs come in long and short coat varieties. The most common colors for this breed are white, fawn, black and brindle. One unique characteristic with this breed is that it can encompass a variety of breed types. And thus the temperament of each dog can vary depending on its breed line. In other words, there are many different types of Central Asian Sherpard out there, even if they may look similar. Thousands of years ago when these dogs first formed their bonds with the humans of the Central Asian region, they were used for a variety of purposes ranging from herding to dog fighting. Therefore three distinct breed types exist today with specific temperaments and instincts based on the purposes that they were originally bred for. An important point to note here is that dog fighting is an important part of the culture of many of the regions from which these dogs originated. We certainly do not approve of dog fighting, however it is undeniably an important part of the history of this specific breed. In ancient times, the shepherds of these regions would gather on occasion and fight their most prized dogs to determine the strongest. These fights were rarely lethal and often the weaker, more submissive dogs would back down before there was an actual physical fight. Breed lines that are bred as fighting dogs often have a higher propensity towards aggression towards other dogs and need much more experienced handlers. So, it’s worth mentioning and keeping in mind should you choose to pursue this breed. Breed lines that have been bred as herders and livestock guardians have very different protective instincts. Whichever breed type a Central Asian hails from, they are in no way suitable for first-time dog owners. These are dogs that require an experienced hand and delicate approach to raise right. For the right owner, they can be extraordinary companions. For the wrong owner, it will be a disaster for dog and human. Which group do your fall into? Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to learn everything that you could possibly want to know about the Central Asian Shepherd Dog! The Central Asian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest of dog breeds in the world with a history spanning back more than 5,000 years. Origin It is believed that the first Central Asian Shepherd Dogs originated in the regions of Ural, the Caspian Sea, Asia Minor and the Northwest border of China. The former USSR first created the breed standard for this breed. However, with the end of the Soviet Union, a modern breed standard was created in Russia which has resulted in a modern version of the breed called the Central Asian Ovcharka. The history of this breed is deep and varied. There’s no one specific breeder or even region that can be pointed to as a place of origin. The story of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog is simply too rich for any simple answers like that. Pedigree

Cimarron Uruguayo

Cimarron Uruguayo Basics With a name like Cimarron Uruguayo, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that these dogs hail from Uruguay. A breed of the molosser type, these dogs are large and muscular with a short brindle coat. Though they look intimidating, they can be kept as companion pets if properly socialized and trained from a young age. More typically, however, these dogs are kept for guarding and hunting. With a name like Cimarron Uruguayo, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that these dogs hail from Uruguay. Origin

Want To Meet New People? Survey Says Get A Dog

Dogs bring a lot of joy in our lives- but it seems that our four-legged besties have a way of bringing great people in it, too. A survey reports that a lot of pet owners meet new people when walking their pooches. A shared love of pooches brings people together. You don’t have to be a scientist to figure it out! In all honesty, seeing someone walking a dog is almost like an instant recommendation- it’s likelier you’ll like someone who also likes dogs. And, according to a recent survey, it seems that a lot of pet parents would agree with me. Over half of dog owners that participated in the research reported that they met a new friend on one of their dog’s walks. And having in mind that a great deal of pawrents spends 7.5 to 10 hours a week taking our pooches for a stroll or just to do their business, it’s only logical that there’s also time to chit chat with friendly strangers. On average, the number of people they’ve met through pet parenting activities such as walks or puppy training classes amounts to four like-minded peeps. And a good deal of those friendships that started over a shared love for their pets evolves to something more- meeting a partner on walks happens quite often for pawrents. Of course, these numbers shouldn’t surprise anyone. Just think about it- what would be a more perfect icebreaker than asking someone about their pooch? It’s easier to start a conversation with someone about their dog than anything else. Personally, I could talk about my pooches or listen about someone else’s pets for hours, and I think it’s safe to say that most pet parents are the same. And while hanging out with other dog parents is definitely good for your social life, it’s also good for your pet’s. In fact, the survey shows that circa 60 percent of owners report that their furry bestie has canine friends of his own. Over a quarter of those social pooches has a walking buddy- probably the very furchild of that friend the pawrent met on one of their walks. It all comes together! In the end, it seems that a better social life is just one of the things we can add to the never-ending list of pet parenting benefits.

Former ‘Unadoptable’ Shelter Dog Saves Kids From Potential Abducti

A dog labeled as ‘unadoptable’ just became a hero when he saved his new family’s three little girls from a kidnapper. When you adopt a dog, the last thing that’s on your mind is that the same pooch might repay you by saving your kids from a horrible fate. While Melissa Lambert, and her husband, Thom, might not have adopted Edgar with the idea he’ll end up a hero, it’s exactly what happened.

New Findings Reveal CBD Oil Could Help Epileptic Dogs

About 90 percent of the epileptic dogs that were given the CBD oil as part of the study had fewer seizures as a result. For some time now, humans have been enjoying the many benefits of CBD oil, but it’s not just people who can use cannabidiol oil for medical purposes. CBD oil for cats and dogs is a growing trend- with many purposes and applications. From senior dogs who can use it to fight off dementia to those furballs whose pain is relieved with this holistic product, to cats who can also use CBD oil to support natural healing. Now, the latest trial study adds another benefit to the list- canines who have life-threatening epileptic seizures are seeing a reduction in seizure activity after CBD oil treatment. Dr. Stephanie McGrath a the Colorado State University is leading a trial aimed at testing the effect cannabidiol oil has on epileptic dogs. She just finished a pilot study that involved 16 participants and the results give a reason for hope. About 90 percent of the epileptic dogs that were given the CBD oil as part of the study had fewer seizures as a result. Having in mind how debilitating epileptic seizures can be for canines and the impact they have on the quality of a dog’s life- this is huge news. Potentially, this natural drug could significantly improve life with this neurological disorder for many pooches out there. The scientists don’t yet know the whys and hows of the cannabidiol effect on dog’s brain receptors, but they are realizing that it’s successful in altering brain chemistry in a way that reduces seizure activity. This prompted a second, larger study for more conclusive findings. The research is now funded by American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation and looks to enroll 60 pooches to see if CBD oil will help them, too. It’s clear that CBD oil has its merits for our four-legged friends, as many pet owners report that even treats with this non-psychoactive substance can help dogs with anxiety, or chronic pain. A lot of veterinarians are turning to this holistic option to treat various health issues, but if CBD oil proves to be an effective epilepsy drug as well, it will be a big deal. For many dogs, conventional anticonvulsants don’t always cut it, and having an effective natural alternative to turn to could be a literal lifesaver.

Declawing Cats: A Cruel and Unnecessary Procedure

The facts on why declawing cats is cruel and unusual punishment. A cat’s claws are vitally important to his physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, yet many pet owners choose to have their cats declawed so that they no longer have to worry about being scratched or having their furniture scratched up. But is declawing cats a humane procedure, or should you just stick with regularly trimming your cat’s claws, providing plenty of scratching posts throughout the house, or using any of the other products now on the market to keep your cat’s claws from destroying the furniture? Continue reading to learn more. What is Really Involved in a Cat Declawing Procedure? A lot of people are under the false impression that a declawing procedure merely removes the claws themselves, and nothing more, from a cat’s feet. But the horrible truth is that declawing involves the amputation of the last bone found on each toe in your cat’s foot. Think of it this way: declawing cats is the equivalent of going into surgery and having each one of your fingertips cut off at the last knuckle. Related: The Claws Are Out: New York Aims To Ban Cat Declawing In terms of instruments employed during the declawing process, a veterinarian will typically use either a guillotine clipper or a scalpel to get the job done. The wounds are then stitched together or surgically glued before being bandaged. Your cat is then sent home. If this method isn’t used, laser surgery may be employed, which uses hot light beams that burn and vaporize the skin before amputating the bones in the same way as a scalpel or guillotine clipper would. What to Expect After Surgery After this surgery, your cat’s feet will be very sensitive, and you need to take steps to ensure they don’t get infected. This includes removing the standard litter your cat is accustomed to using and replacing it with shredded newspaper for a few days until the wounds completely heal. Related: 10 Tips On How To Stop Your Cat From Scratching Furniture A common side effect of making this change is a cat who refuses to use the litter box and ends up eliminating around the house instead. Breaking this newly formed habit can be tough because your cat doesn’t like the newspaper shreds and he also associates the pain in his feet with the litter box. Long-Term Side Effects of Declawing Cats Cats who are declawed also tend to become biters even if they never were before. After all, their claws are one of their first lines of defense. Without them, they only have their teeth left as weapons to defend themselves, and many won’t think twice about biting because they can no longer scratch. More importantly, a cat who has been declawed has to deal with adverse side effects for the rest of his life. When you amputate the toes, the foot no longer rests on the ground the same way as it used to, making walking and sitting difficult and painful. Imagine wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes for the rest of your life and you may be able to imagine what it feels like to be a declawed feline. Nerve damage, back pain, bone spurs, and lameness can also result from a declawing procedure, even when it was performed appropriately. Declawing surgeries that aren’t performed correctly may result in improperly removed claws that end up growing back in a way that’s extremely painful to your cat. What about Tendonectomy? Tendonectomy is a different type of declawing procedure during which the tendons that control the claws are severed without amputating the toes. The cat retains his claws but has absolutely no control over them. Abnormally thick growth is a common side effect of this procedure, meaning you’ll have to deal with more difficult claw trimming sessions for the rest of your cat’s life. If you fail to keep up with the claw trimming, your cat’s claws can easily get caught on a variety of materials or they can even grow into the paw pads. Other side effects associated with tendonectomy include lameness, infection, and bleeding. As you can see, declawing is truly a cruel and unnecessary surgery that felines should never be forced to endure. With many humane methods of deterring your cat from scratching your furniture, as well as training methods that will ensure your cat is well-adjusted and won’t scratch you, there’s really no reason to spend the money or put your cat through this procedure.

Top 10 Extra Large Dog Breeds

A purse dog won’t do – you need a dog that’s as big as a horse! If you believe that bigger is better, you’ll want to check out our list of extra large dog breeds. Not all good things come in small packages. In fact, some really great things come in extra-large packages… that drool and shed and cuddle up next to you on the sofa! Make no mistake these are big boys — but they’re also gentle giants and lack the alpha dog traits you might expect from a larger format pooch. They’re easy-going, kind of clumsy and have never met a sofa they couldn’t kill an afternoon on. Meet 10 of our favorite extra large dog breeds. Great Dane

Coming Soon: Beetl, The Poop-Picking Robot

We love our dogs. SO much so that we’re willing to follow behind them and pick up their crap. Literally. So how excited are we that Beetl Robotics has a robot that will pick up your dog’s poop in your yard in the works? (Spoiler: VERY excited!) The worst part of dog ownership is the crappiest. Yes, it’s picking up after their poop. Or at least it should be–if you’re being a good human and picking up your dog’s poop that is. Still, it’s a job no one really relishes. (And we’re sort of worried if they do.) That’s why we are super excited about a new Roomba-esque robot created by and named Beetl that will roam your yard looking for the dropped deuces and scoop them up for you. Like magic. Or, at the very least, like a modern-day (it is electronic, after all) Dog Poop Hunter. That’s right! The Beetl will go roving about your yard, looking for perilous piles of poop and then scooping it up as if it’s its job. Well, it IS its job, actually, and the super claw picks poop up so you don’t have to. It uses high-tech computer vision and a camera to roam your dog’s territory and seek out and destroy poop!

Eskipoo

Eskipoo Basics Whether you’re looking for a companion pooch to spend your retiring days with or would love to grace your family with their first family dog, the Eskipoo is a wonderful choice. These high-energy dogs, also known as the Pookimo or Eksapoo, have a naturally happy outlook on life and love to spend lots of time with their human family. They love to play and have a good time, making them a great breed to interact with children no matter their age. Due to their small size, these dogs make excellent apartment dwellers so long as they are taken on regular walks and their barking is controlled. This pooch has a tendency to bark at any and all unfamiliar sounds, so training them so they won’t bother your neighbors is a must if you live in an apartment. They don’t do well in solitude and may suffer from separation anxiety if left for too long a time, which is the reason why they would do best with families with at least one person home, or couples where one person may work from home. The Eskipoo is a cross between a Poodle and American Eskimo dog. Origin Bringing two breeds together to create a new breed has been all the rage for the past two decades. While some designer dog breed origins are known to us, we aren’t entirely sure how or when the Poodle and the American Eskimo mix came to be. Fortunately, we do know the beginnings of each of these breeds. The Poodle started out as dogs who assisted their human masters on hunting trips – they were, in essence, water dogs! In fact, the German word “pudel” refers to the splashing this dog would make when retrieving waterfowl and the sort, and “Poodle” is simply the English equivalent. In 19th-century America, white Spitz-type dogs were first found in the communities of German immigrants. They were the descendants of the German Spitz, white Keeshonden or white Pomeranians that came over with immigrants. In the late 19th century, these pooches became popular and were better known as the American Spitz, bred to be multi-purpose working dogs on farms. In 1917, the American Spitz became known as the American Eskimo, despite having no origin or connection to Eskimo culture whatsoever. They became popular in traveling circuses as trick dogs thanks to its gorgeous coat, amazing agility and ease of training. Pedigree

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