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Don't shave your double-coated dog

Don't shave your double-coated dog

With temperatures warming up, we see many dogs that come to our dog boarding in Chicago that are shaved. It’s natural to think that with tons of excess hair, the smart thing to do during the warm months is to shave your dog’s coat to help keep them cool. However, for dogs that have a double coat, or two layers of fur, shaving them actually has the opposite effect that you may think.


The First Layer

The undercoat is made from fine, fluffy hairs that are closest to the skin. You can think of this fur as the softer, lighter fur that sheds. This layer is great for trapping air in the winter and helping to keep your dog warm and insulated. On the same note, this layer is also useful in keeping your dog cool in the summer heat.


The Topcoat

The second layer of fur is called the topcoat and it is made from “guard” hairs that help protect your pet. These hairs do not shed and they are helpful in protecting your dog from the sun’s rays as well as bug bites. Their outer layer is essential in protecting them from the heat, so shaving them is counter-productive. Evolution has provided your pup with the exact tools that he or she needs to survive.

Unlike humans, dogs do not cool themselves through their skin. Instead, they release heat by panting.



Be Mindful of Regrowth

The older your dog is, the less likely they are to regrow their top coat. Only having an undercoat may make them look patchy or scruffy and it will remove their natural ability to protect themselves.

The next time you are tempted to shave your dog’s coat (unless it is matted), think again!

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Keeping Your Dog Entertained Indoors

By 7003126807 • January 17, 2025
At the Chicago Canine Academy, we know that idle paws can lead to troublemaking at home. If your dog is unoccupied for a length of time, they may seek out ways to entertain themselves that cause problems for their humans. Time spent in an obedience school for dogs in Chicago can help them develop better behaviors, but this won’t prevent boredom itself. Today we’ll talk about some of the ways you can keep your dog busy indoors. TOYS Some dogs just go absolutely bonkers for new toys. A fresh dog toy can generate new inspiration to play and be a lot of fun for your pet. But, you don’t always have to buy new toys for your pet: the crafty ones among us may enjoy making a new dog toy, and if you have several toys already you can try washing and rotating them for a brand-new-toy feel. GAMES Just like humans, dogs are easily entertained by playing games. Sure, you could just give your dog a treat, but hiding the treats and having your dog look for and find them will provide more entertainment. You can hide them around the house, or hide one treat under one of three cups for a fun memory game. Classic games like hide and seek, tug of war, and fetch can help you and your dog play together—and get tuckered out together! NEW TRICKS Practicing a new skill can be very stimulating for your pet, and the one-on-one time necessary offers an added emotional benefit. To get even more value from the process of training, you might want to try teaching them something that’s useful. You could try teaching them to turn lights on and off, to fetch their leash, or even to put away their own toys! OUR OBEDIENCE SCHOOL FOR DOGS IN CHICAGO If your dog is persistently making messes or otherwise misbehaving at home or with others, it’s important to correct that behavior as soon as possible. Contact us today for information on our obedience training services.

Reading Your Dog's Body Language

January 17, 2025
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How Cold is Too Cold For Your Dog in Chicago?

January 17, 2025
The brutal winter temperatures are only beginning to emerge in Chicagoland, posing a common question for dog owners throughout the city: how cold is too cold for my dog to be outside? While we all know that dogs love spending outside to get much-needed exercise, if temperatures drop too low, you should monitor how much time your dog is spending outside. Determining Factors Like humans, all dogs are not created equal, and there are specific factors to consider when determining how long your dog should spend outside. Coat type: Some breeds such as Huskies or Newfoundland's have thick, double-layered coats that help them tolerate colder temperatures. Dogs with thin coats are not as tolerant to the cold weather. Coat color: Darker dogs have an easier time absorbing heat from the sun while they’re outside. Lighter coats don’t absorb heat as well. Size & weight: Consider both the size and weight of your dog. Body fat acts as a good insulator, however, don’t overdo it. Too much body fat will have serious health problems for your dog. Age and overall health : Dogs that are very young or very old will have a harder time keeping their body temperatures consistent. Temperature Guidelines Generally speaking, most dogs are fine in temperatures that are 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above. As temperatures dip to 32 degrees, consider monitoring your pet while they are outside to make sure they are behaving okay. As temperatures drop even lower, we recommend utilizing this helpful chart to see what is safe for your dog. From dog training in Chicago to helping answer your questions about how to give your dog the best life possible, we are your one-stop resource for all things dog! If you’re interested in any of our services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today!
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