Fall in the Pacific Northwest means one thing for dog owners: rain. While we love our double-coated pups—like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Newfoundlands—those beautiful coats can turn into a real problem when wet weather hits.

If you live with a double-coated dog, you already know the story: the seasons change, and suddenly tufts of fur are everywhere—on your couch, your clothes, even floating across the room like tumbleweeds. Shedding is completely natural, but understanding why it happens (and how to manage it) makes life a whole lot easier.

A calm, well-mannered pup makes life easier at home and during grooming visits. One of the most useful skills you can teach is the “Place” command—teaching your dog to go to a bed, mat, or defined spot and stay there until released. This simple behavior can transform chaotic moments into calm ones.

Hyperkeratosis is a condition where a dog’s paw pads build up too much keratin, forming thick, crusty growths. These “horn-like” layers don’t just look rough—they can cause discomfort, make walking painful, and even crack or bleed if left untreated.