Fresh tips for a long, healthy dog life

Find out if dogs can eat bananas. With benefits, risks, portion recommendations, and easy recipes – everything for safe, healthy dog nutrition.

Food allergies in dogs often manifest as itching, skin problems, ear infections, or digestive issues. This article explains how to recognize the symptoms, identify the trigger using an elimination diet, and determine which food is best suited for sensitive dogs—including tips on how HelloBello can best support your allergic pet.

Are you frustrated because your shoulder literally hurts after every walk? Do you feel like you're not walking your dog, but rather that your dog is walking you? Don't worry, you're definitely not alone with this problem! Leash walking is one of the biggest and most common challenges in everyday dog ownership. First of all, the most important thing: Stay calm! Your four-legged friend isn't pulling on the leash to deliberately annoy or tyrannize you. There are numerous deep-seated reasons for this exhausting behavior – from simple excitement and a natural urge to explore to unclear role distributions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into your four-legged friend's psyche. We'll explain why a dog pulls on the leash and show you 7 highly effective, tried-and-tested tips on how to end this daily "leash battle" and finally enjoy relaxed walks. Table of Contents Understanding the Behavior: Why Does My Dog Pull on the Leash? Reason 1: Lack of Leash Training Reason 2: Excessive Excitement and Energy Reason 3: Dominance Behavior and Insecurity What to Do? 7 Tips to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash 1. Choose the Right Equipment (Harness vs. Collar) 2. The "Be a Tree" Method (Be a Tree) 3. Introduce a Positive Reward System 4. Change Direction: Make Yourself Interesting! 5. Pay Attention to Your Own Body Posture 6. Ensure Sufficient Exercise 7. Patience, Perseverance, and Clear Signals Our HelloBello Conclusion: Relaxed Walks Are Not Rocket Science Understanding the Behavior: Why Does My Dog Pull on the Leash? To solve a problem, we first need to understand it. For us humans, walking on a leash is something completely everyday. For a dog, however, the leash is an absolutely unnatural limitation of their freedom. Dogs have a much higher base pace than we humans. When they walk without a leash, they rarely trot straight ahead. They run ahead, sniff to the left, mark to the right, and explore the world. When your dog pulls on the leash, it is often simply a form of communication. This is how he shares his most urgent needs with you. Perhaps he saw another four-legged friend he wants to enthusiastically greet, or he picked up an enticing scent in the grass. The dialogue with your dog goes far beyond simple commands like "sit" and "stay". It involves understanding his body language and eye contact. By paying close attention to these signals, you deepen the bond. But why exactly does this constant pulling on the collar occur? Reason 1: Lack of Leash Training As banal as it may sound: insufficient training is the most common cause. A puppy is not born with the knowledge of how to walk on a loose leash. Dogs learn through success. When your dog realizes: "Aha, if I throw myself fully into the harness, I'll get to the exciting tree faster!", then he will keep showing this behavior. Without regular and absolutely consistent training, the dog simply perceives pulling and panting on the leash as the normal state. Reason 2: Excessive Excitement and Energy Surely you've noticed before that leash walking works reasonably well in the familiar neighborhood, but completely escalates in the forest or in new places. New smells, game trails, other animals, and exciting surroundings lead to a massive adrenaline rush. This excessive excitement discharges in an uncontrolled urge to move forward. Your dog pulls on the leash because he is practically bursting with energy and curiosity. By the way, such a stressed dog also tends to drink an excessive amount of water after the walk because he pants heavily. Also read: My dog drinks a lot - what could be the reason. Reason 3: Dominance Behavior and Insecurity Even though the concept of "dominance" is often viewed more nuancedly in modern dog training, the distribution of roles plays a major role. A dog that sees itself as responsible for leading and protecting its "pack" (i.e., you) tends to want to run at the very front. He is checking out the situation. Often, this manifests as strong pulling. In nature, dogs follow a confident leader. When they feel that you are not fulfilling this confident role (because you are, for example, insecure), they take over the job themselves. Often, this rushing ahead stems from deep insecurity. What to Do? 7 Tips to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash Training requires time, but it's worth it! To effectively and permanently minimize pulling on the leash, you should integrate the following measures and training techniques into your everyday life: 1. Choose the Right Equipment (Harness vs. Collar) Invest in a well-fitting, comfortable Y-shaped harness. If your dog pulls on the leash while wearing a collar, it puts extreme pressure on the sensitive larynx, trachea, and thyroid gland. This leads to whining, coughing, and in the worst case, chronic health damage. A harness distributes the pressure optimally across the chest. Only when leash walking is perfect should you switch to a collar. 2. The "Be a Tree" Method (Be a Tree) Consistency is the key to success! Dogs do what pays off. If pulling means getting ahead, they will pull. The golden rule from now on: A tight leash means standing still. As soon as the leash tightens, you stand still like a rooted tree. Only when the dog releases the pressure (e.g. by taking a step back or turning around to you and letting the leash hang loose) do you immediately continue. This requires enormous patience at the beginning, but your dog will quickly understand: I can only reach my goal on a loose leash. 3. Introduce a Positive Reward System Never work with punishments, leash jerking, or pain! Instead, introduce a strong reward system. Use small, soft treats (or the regular daily portion of our fresh food) to reward your dog exactly at the moment he walks obediently by your side at knee height. This way, he learns that the position directly next to you is not only comfortable, but also super tasty. Bello's Tip: Full concentration thanks to a healthy stomach! A dog with stomach pain or discomfort is extremely difficult to train outdoors. Support your pet's digestion with our freshly cooked food or the HelloBello Stomach and Intestine Drops. This way, your dog is fit, ready to absorb, and focused during training! 4. Change Direction: Make Yourself Interesting! Many dogs completely ignore their owners during walks. Change this by becoming unpredictable! When your dog pulls on the leash, change direction abruptly and without comment (e.g. by 180 degrees). Your dog must now pay attention to where you are going so he doesn't have to constantly run after you. This shifts his focus from the surroundings back to you. You are the one who determines the route and the pace. 5. Pay attention to your own posture Observe yourself during the walk. We often unconsciously lean back and tense our arms even before the dog pulls. Stand upright, take deep breaths into your belly, and keep your leash arm relaxed by your side. Your inner tension is transmitted through the leash directly to your dog, like through a telephone line. If you stay relaxed, your dog will often relax too. 6. Ensure sufficient exercise A dog full of excess energy will not be able to concentrate on leash training no matter how hard you try. This is especially important for indoor dogs or very active breeds to get some light mental and physical exercise before the actual concentration training. Let him run around in a secure meadow first or play a few quick nose games (e.g., searching for treats in the grass) before starting strict training on a short leash. 7. Patience, perseverance, and clear signals Training takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day, and perfect leash walking doesn't happen in a week. Be patient with your dog and yourself. It is better to keep training sessions short (10 to 15 minutes) and intense than to frustrate your dog for an entire hour. Positive changes take time, so keep at it patiently and celebrate even small improvements! Try HelloBello and save on your first delivery! Our HelloBello conclusion: Relaxed walks are not rocket science A relaxed walk and a happy dog are by no means mutually exclusive! If you consciously choose consistent, loving training when raising your four-legged friend and stop pulling back on the other end of the leash, you will transform your daily walks into real quality time – completely without stress or shoulder pain. Try to understand your dog better. Often it is pure curiosity and no ill intention that drives him forward. Educate yourself, try out our tips such as changing directions, and above all: always stay fair and calm. With the right equipment, a few tasty rewards, and a little perseverance, you will soon become a perfect, well-coordinated team! Anita Lorber

Your dog isn't eating? These 3 causes are usually behind it – and with these 7 tips you can get your dog's appetite going again.

A beautiful home is not only about cozy furniture, but above all, plants! They improve the indoor climate, bring color into everyday life, and transform our four walls into a real green oasis. But when you share your life with a four-legged friend, buying new plants can quickly become a real challenge. Our dogs are naturally incredibly curious. In their eagerness to explore, they often nibble on dangling leaves, enthusiastically dig in the moist potting soil, or secretly drink the stale water from plant saucers. But you must be extremely careful! What is harmless decoration to us can, in the worst case, mean life-threatening poisoning for your dog. In this comprehensive blog post, we introduce you to the best houseplants for dogs, which will brighten up your home while ensuring 100% safety. We also explain which popular plants are absolute no-gos and what you need to do in case of emergency. Order freshly prepared food for your dog now and save! Why is choosing the right houseplants so important? Dogs primarily explore their environment with their noses and mouths. Especially puppies or young dogs that are still in the oral phase often chew on everything that comes in front of their snouts out of pure curiosity or boredom. But even adult dogs instinctively nibble on greenery – often when they have a slight stomach ache and are actually looking for soothing grass. The problem: Many of the most popular houseplants in our living rooms come from the tropics and produce strong toxins (poisons) to protect themselves from predators in nature. One small bite of the wrong plant can cause severe organ damage or dangerous gastrointestinal problems in dogs. The safety of the plants in your own four walls should therefore be a central topic when decorating. Let's start with the good news: There are beautiful, dog-safe alternatives! Our favorites: 4 absolutely safe houseplants for dogs Would you like to expand your "urban jungle" without constantly worrying about your best friend? Then these four harmless and at the same time very decorative dog-safe houseplants are just right for you. 1. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) The spider plant, with its distinctive green-and-white striped leaves, is one of the absolute classics among houseplants. The big advantage: It is extremely robust, even forgives a forgotten watering can, and is completely non-toxic to our four-legged friends.Even if your dog nibbles on a few of the grass-like leaves, there is no danger. Another great side effect: The spider plant is known to filter pollutants from the air extremely efficiently and thus actively helps to improve the indoor climate for you and your dog. 2. Jade plant (Crassula ovata) The jade plant, also often called the money plant, is a beautiful, succulent and easy-care plant. Its thick, fleshy and coin-shaped leaves give your room a special touch. With a height of 50 to 100 cm, it brings a real piece of nature into your home and can even be grown like a small bonsai.It is best to place it near a bright, sunny window and ensure balanced watering. Important: Avoid waterlogging at all costs! Dogs are occasionally interested in the musty-smelling excess water in the saucer, which can contain bacteria. A well-cared-for jade plant enriches your decor and is considered a safe choice for dogs by us. 3. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) The snake plant is currently one of the absolute trend plants and an excellent houseplant for dogs. It is virtually indestructible, extremely easy to care for, needs very little water, and grows elegantly upwards. With its firm, grey-green leaves, decorated with striking yellow stripes and spots, it gives every room a modern, architectural touch.A big advantage for dog owners: The thick, sword-shaped leaves are extremely tough for dogs and therefore not very inviting to chew anyway. It is perfect for beautifying the bedroom or living room while playing it safe. 4. Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) The parlor palm instantly creates a wonderful, tropical flair in the home and proves not only to be very robust, but is also perfectly suited for dog owners. The care is extremely easy: The dog-friendly plant thrives best in a bright location, but without harsh, direct sunlight.Its soft, feathery fronds awaken the play instinct in some dogs. But even if a frond is chewed up in the heat of the moment, you don't have to worry – the plant is non-toxic. Stay away: 4 highly toxic houseplants for dogs Unfortunately, many of the classic and popular houseplants are extremely toxic to dogs. If you have the following plants in your home, you must immediately place them so that your dog can never reach them (e.g., on very high shelves, hanging sideboards, or securely hanging macrame hangers). Try HelloBello and save on your first delivery! 1. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) Aloe Vera is extremely popular among us humans as a great skin care product and has secured a permanent place in our kitchens and bathrooms. But you must be extremely careful with our four-legged friends! Consumption of the plant (especially the outer leaf layers) leads to severe gastrointestinal problems, severe vomiting, and bloody diarrhea in dogs, which greatly weakens the animal. 2. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) The peace lily is an extremely attractive, shade-loving plant with large, elegant white flowers. However, it is an absolute no-go for households with animals. The highly concentrated oxalic acid in the plant can cause serious health problems in dogs. This toxin severely damages the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and other organs. Contact with the skin or the mucous membranes in the mouth immediately causes extreme pain, swelling, and skin irritation. 3. English ivy (Hedera helix) English ivy is a widespread, fast-growing climbing plant that often decoratively trails from shelves. It is important for dog owners to know that English ivy contains highly toxic ingredients (saponins) that pose an immense danger. The leaves, but especially the berries, cause excessive drooling, severe vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, English ivy poisoning leads to life-threatening seizures. 4. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) The Monstera is the undisputed star on Instagram and in modern homes because of its unique appearance and huge leaves. Despite its popularity, it is vital to know: This plant is highly toxic! Not only the fascinating leaves, but also the roots, stems, and thick aerial roots of the Monstera contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals pierce the dog's mucous membranes like tiny needles and cause excruciating swelling, shortness of breath, and severe poisoning. First Aid: Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. If a leaf falls to the floor and your dog is faster, every minute counts. If you suspect that your dog has nibbled or eaten a toxic houseplant, you should watch for the following symptoms: Increased salivation: The dog drools excessively, often with foam, which indicates chemical burns to the mucous membranes in the mouth. Vomiting and diarrhea: The body is desperately trying to get rid of the poison. Lethargy & loss of appetite: Your dog suddenly loses all energy, withdraws, and refuses even their favorite treat. Tremors and seizures: Muscle twitching indicates neurological problems caused by ingested neurotoxins. Shortness of breath: If the throat swells (as with the Monstera, for example), it causes acute shortness of breath! Confusion or aggression: Sudden, unexplained behavioral changes. What to do in an emergency? Stay calm, immediately remove any plant remains from the dog's mouth, and drive straight to the nearest animal clinic! Never try to make your dog vomit yourself. If possible, take a leaf from the chewed plant with you to the clinic so the veterinarian can determine the exact antidote. Conclusion: Relaxed through everyday life with your dog Living with a dog and having a beautiful green home are by no means mutually exclusive! If you consciously choose dog-safe houseplants like the parlor palm or the hardy spider plant when decorating your home, you transform your four walls into a true oasis of relaxation – without constant worries. Research carefully before buying any new plant and always place potentially hazardous plants so that your dog cannot reach them even with the most creative jump. Anita Lorber Ready to give your dog a healthier and longer life? Order freshly prepared dog food now and save 30% ! Order now

An intestinal obstruction in dogs is an acute emergency that requires prompt action. In this article, you will learn how to recognize the symptoms early, what the underlying causes are, and what steps are important in an emergency. We also provide tips on how to prevent it through proper nutrition and attentiveness.

Overweight in dogs massively shortens life expectancy. Learn everything about causes, joint problems and how HelloBello fresh food helps with weight loss.