Murry and Julie Walton with Maggie and Blue Belle.
Dog’s Eye View, written by Boise, Idaho website designer, Julie Walton; her hubby, Murry; and their best friend and dog blogger, Maggie. (Note – sorry to report Maggie died October, 2012. We are happy to introduce you to to the newest member of our family, an adopted rescue Aussie/Heeler named Blue Belle.) She is the Rescue Dog that rescued us.
Our goal in creating this blog is to inform and educate our friends about dogs and the resources we have here in the beautiful Northwest, and to include some good clean fun!
If you have a suggestion, or idea, please feel free to comment or send an email. See the Comment Bubble at the top of each post. Thanks for your interest.
“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.” ~Author Unknown
If you’re the kind of person who slows down when you see a dog on the street and instinctively uses that “good boy” voice without thinking, it might be time to stop ignoring that itch to work with dogs for a living. Starting a dog care business isn’t just about turning your love for pups into a paycheck—it’s about showing up consistently, building trust with clients (both human and furry), and learning how to run a business that’s more than just cuddles and walks. The demand is real. People are busier than ever, but they don’t want their dogs to suffer for it. That’s where you come in.
Figure Out What Kind of Dog Care Actually Fits You There’s a difference between loving dogs and loving dog care work. Not everyone wants to walk five huskies in the rain or scoop poop at 7 AM, and that’s okay. Maybe you’re better suited for in-home boarding, training, or even mobile grooming. Don’t feel pressured to copy what everyone else is doing. Build your services around what you genuinely enjoy and what your schedule allows. If you hate early mornings, dog walking may not be your jam—but maybe late-day drop-in visits are your sweet spot. Know yourself before you start promising the world.
Build Your Business Backwards—Start With the Client Too many people dive in with a logo and an Instagram page before they’ve even thought about who they’re trying to reach. You need to reverse-engineer your business from the dog owner’s perspective. Ask yourself what they’re worried about. Is it safe? Reliability? Socialization for their anxious doodle? When you know what matters to them, you can build your offerings, policies, and communication around solving those exact problems. That’s how you become the no-brainer choice in your neighborhood.
Traveling as a digital nomad with your pet combines exploration with the comfort of companionship. It allows you to discover new places while sharing the experience with your four-legged friend. Balancing work commitments and your pet’s needs requires careful planning and adaptability. Incorporating thoughtful routines helps maintain stability for both of you during your travels. Flexibility in your approach ensures a harmonious journey that supports your goals and your pet’s happiness.
Traveling Safely with Your Pet as a Digital Nomad
When you’re exploring the world with your pet, ensuring their safety is paramount. Investing in a reliable GPS tracker or smart collar can provide peace of mind and keep your pet secure. These devices offer dependable location tracking and health monitoring, making them ideal for keeping track of your pet’s whereabouts. By investing in these advanced tracking solutions, you can focus on your remote work and travel plans, knowing your pet’s safety is well-managed.
Navigating LLC Formation for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) can be a strategic move that offers numerous benefits. An LLC provides a separate legal identity and limited personal liability, safeguarding your personal assets from business debts. Additionally, LLCs enjoy pass-through taxation, where profits and losses are reported on the owners’ personal tax returns, potentially easing the tax burden. To streamline the formation process and ensure compliance with state regulations, consider using a reputable LLC formation service. This approach not only saves on registration fees but also provides peace of mind by ensuring your business is set up correctly.
Traveling Comfortably with Your Pet
Ensuring your pet’s comfort during travel is essential for a stress-free journey. Calming aids, such as pheromone sprays and anxiety-reducing vests, can significantly ease your pet’s anxiety. These products work by mimicking natural calming signals, fostering a sense of security. Incorporating these tools into your travel routine not only helps your pet stay calm but also enhances the travel experience for both of you. Additionally, consider using a calming diffuser or lavender scent to create a soothing environment.
Dog Food and Your Septic System: A Surprising Culprit
Dog Play and the Drainfield: Fun But Risky
Dog Safety Around the Septic System: Keep Them Out of Trouble
He goes on to say that you might think that since human waste breaks down in the septic tank, dog waste would do the same. But here’s the catch – it doesn’t always work that way, and explains how dog waste can throw off the balance of your septic system. Looks like valuable information.
This is something I have never considered. But our family doesn’t have a septic system, we are connected to the city sewer system. Nevertheless, I started to think maybe I should make sure no waste from our dog would end up in the toilet.
Hope all is well with you and your fur babies. Let’s keep everyone safe.
Well, actually I don’t have a puppy. Our family includes a 12 year old canine contributor and the smartest dog we know. But I imagine our readers would like to know the answer to this question. I received an email the other day from Rob at BetterPet.com. He offered to share a Guide to Puppy Feeding. It says you can keep your furbaby healthy, happy, and nourished with these puppy feeding tips, techniques, and advice.
The article on betterpet.com discusses the essentials for feeding your puppy. The size and age of your dog will be an important factor in determining how to feed your little friend. To calculate their daily food intake take note of your dog’s age, physical condition, and weight. Puppies need two to three times more calories per day than older dogs. So it will be good to feed them more often than adult dogs. Be aware that every puppy is unique so talk to your vet about your dog’s nutritional needs.
So, what am I supposed to feed my little puppy, you ask. Keep in mind your dog’s breed, medical conditions, and activity level. Dr. Jennifer Schott gives this advice:
The most important thing to look for is that the food is labeled for growing puppies. It’s also important that your puppy will consistently eat the food! I typically recommend foods from Purina, Hill’s, or Royal Canin as they consistently make good quality products and have multiple puppy formulations based on size and breed.
Downsizing happens for many reasons. Perhaps you cannot afford your current mortgage. Maybe you simply want a smaller house to maintain. Whatever the reason, the process can be tedious and challenging, especially if you have a fuzzy, furry, or fluffy pet moving with you. To ensure a smooth transition for you and your animal, follow these four steps throughout the moving process, presented by DogBlog: A Dog’s Eyes View.
1. List New Home Modifications
If you are wondering what moving tasks you need to do for your pet, you are not alone. According to one report, some state populations in the U.S. are 70% pet owners, including Idaho. This means many people have to factor in pets when downsizing.
When you’re looking at a potential new home, note what accommodations it has for your animal and what modifications are needed to create a safe and comfortable space. Maybe it has a spacious living room so you can set up an area just for your precious pooches, but perhaps the yard is not fenced in. To keep your dog safe, connect with local fencing companies to get quotes on a new fence and installation.
Before meeting contractors in person, compare online reviews for contracting companies. This provides you with a better understanding of the pros and cons of each business before you commit. Homeowners spend an average of $4,500 to install a fence; this cost can vary depending on the fence’s size, location, and materials. The last thing you want after signing a contract is to realize you could have gotten a better deal somewhere else. Be sure the installer is licensed, insured, and knowledgeable of underground utility lines.
Another possible house modification is a doggy door. If you are gone for most of the day, or you simply have an independent pet, adding a doggy door lets your pup go outside as needed.
2. Fix Pet Damage in Your Home
While pets bring joy and love into your life, they also bring more wear and tear to your home. Potential buyers will likely notice these damages, and it may dissuade them from purchasing your house. Before listing your home, fix the pet damages throughout the rooms.
Common issues caused by pets include dirty carpets, scratched floors, floorboards, and walls, unpleasant odors, and water damage. Do a thorough assessment of your home to see what needs to be updated. You might need to hire a professional depending on how severe it is.
Launching a business is an exciting experience, but it’s also a lot of work. And if you’ve just adopted a new pet, you likely have your hands full already! How are you supposed to divide your attention between your budding business and your new furry friend? To help you juggle your business while raising a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted pet, check out the following tips from A Dog’s Eye View!
Delegate Your Responsibilities
First, look for ways to delegate your business responsibilities so you can free up some time. Those first few weeks with your new pet are important for establishing household rules, forming a strong bond, and getting started on your training. The more time you can spend with your pet, the better!
Automation tools are a great option for small business owners looking to save time without spending a lot of money. You can find apps that automate invoicing, project management, accounting, lead generation, social media posting, email marketing, and more!
Outsourcing to freelancers is another great way to delegate your work without breaking the bank. Whether you need a web developer or a virtual assistant, it’s easy to find contractors at a rate you can afford by searching around on freelance job boards. For example, Upwork reports that the website designer hourly rate ranges from $15 to $30. You can also outsource non-work tasks, like home cleaning or grocery shopping, to carve out some extra time in your day.
