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Top 10 Dog-Proof Litter Boxes: Safe, Secure, and Mess-Free Solutions

Written by Laura Hall

If you’re a pet parent to both dogs and cats, you’re probably all too familiar with the frustrating (and gross) habit of dogs sneaking into the litter box for a “snack.” Not only is it unhygienic, but it can also lead to some serious health concerns for your dog. Luckily, there’s a solution: dog-proof litter boxes.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best options that can help keep your dog out of the cat’s business, while still being accessible and comfortable for your feline friend. Whether you need a fully automated self-cleaning option or just a simple classic litter box, we’ve got you covered!

If you want to keep track of your multi-pet home when you’re not there, check out our list of the best treat-dispensing pet cameras, too.

Our Top Picks

We’ll break this down into two sections- one for self-cleaning litter boxes and one for “manual” boxes. If you’re in a hurry, check out our top 5 favorites from both categories:

Best Overall Automatic Litter Box
  • Never scoop again. Litter-Robot 4 solves the litter box problem with automatic, self-cleaning technology that quietly provides a fresh bed of litter after every use, and reduces odors and litter tracking. Join over 1 million Litter-Robot customers.

Runner-Up Self-Cleaning Litter Box
  • The ScoopFree® SmartSpin™ Self-Cleaning Litter Box sifts your cat’s clumps and waste into a sealed, deodorized waste bin giving you 4x better odor control vs. traditional litter boxes. The integrated app tracks your cat's weight and litter box usage, providing essential insights into their well-being, so you're always informed about their health. 

Best Scoop-Free Top Entry Box
  • With the ScoopFree® Complete Plus Top-Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box, there’s no scooping, cleaning or refilling your cat’s litter box for weeks. It uses crystal litter that provides 5 times better odor control than traditional clumping litter by absorbing urine and dehydrating solid waste. 

Best Traditional Domed Litter Box
  • Petmate's Cleanstep litter box offers a sleek, step design to catch litter from your cat's paws and a hooded top to ensure privacy for private moments. Features an enclosed design to contain litter scatter and large filter to minimize unwanted odors. Available in a variety of pearlescent colors.


Best Manual Top-Entry Box
  • The IRIS USA Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box keeps floors clean and gives your cat privacy. Its circular top entrance prevents litter mess, while the lid's built-in mat cleans paws. With durable rubber feet for stability and an included scoop for easy storage, it's a perfect cat-friendly solution.



Best Overall Automatic Litter Box

Never scoop again. Litter-Robot 4 solves the litter box problem with automatic, self-cleaning technology that quietly provides a fresh bed of litter after every use, and reduces odors and litter tracking. Join over 1 million Litter-Robot customers.

Runner-Up Self-Cleaning Litter Box

The ScoopFree® SmartSpin™ Self-Cleaning Litter Box sifts your cat’s clumps and waste into a sealed, deodorized waste bin giving you 4x better odor control vs. traditional litter boxes. The integrated app tracks your cat's weight and litter box usage, providing essential insights into their well-being, so you're always informed about their health. 

Best Scoop-Free Top Entry Box

With the ScoopFree® Complete Plus Top-Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box, there’s no scooping, cleaning or refilling your cat’s litter box for weeks. It uses crystal litter that provides 5 times better odor control than traditional clumping litter by absorbing urine and dehydrating solid waste. 

Best Traditional Domed Litter Box

Petmate's Cleanstep litter box offers a sleek, step design to catch litter from your cat's paws and a hooded top to ensure privacy for private moments. Features an enclosed design to contain litter scatter and large filter to minimize unwanted odors. Available in a variety of pearlescent colors.


Best Manual Top-Entry Box

The IRIS USA Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box keeps floors clean and gives your cat privacy. Its circular top entrance prevents litter mess, while the lid's built-in mat cleans paws. With durable rubber feet for stability and an included scoop for easy storage, it's a perfect cat-friendly solution.



Head’s up: This post includes affiliate links. If you buy anything through our links, TechnoBark earns a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top Picks for Automatic Litter Boxes:

Our Favorite Traditional Litter Boxes: 

Best Automatic Self-Cleaning Dog-Proof Litter Boxes

Before we dive in, I just want to quickly let you know, if you want even more info on each of these products I highly recommend checking our post on the Top 5 Best Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes on our sister site, TechnoMeow.

Top Pick: Litter Robot 4

The Litter Robot 4 is our top pick for its innovative design. If you never want to scoop again and prioritize convenience and health monitoring, as well as your cat’s hygiene and privacy, consider the Litter-Robot 4! 

Litter Robot 4: the best dog-proof litter boxes

Key features:

  • 22 x 27 x 29.5 inches
  • Multiple color options 
  • Stylish & compact
  • Spacious drawer 
  • No Scooping
  • SafeCat™ technology 
  • MultiCat™ design for up to four cats
  • OdorTrap & QuietSift™technology 
  • SmartScale™ technology
  • Whisker app with real-time monitoring & health insights
  • Adaptable for different surfaces
  • Arrived fully assembled
  • 90-day in-home trial
  • One-year warranty 

What we like:

It’s sleek and compact so as to not detract from your home’s style and can even add a decorative touch. It comes in black and white, with eight bezel color options to choose from, including pretty pink and cool marble.

The spacious waste drawer features a tight seal and a carbon-filtered cover for superior odor control and less dust, with customizable OdorTrap technology. As TechnoBark editor Nicole says, “I sit three feet away from it all day long and I never smell a thing.”

The advanced QuietSift™ technology ensures your kitty has a consistently clean bed of litter after each use without disturbing sensitive ears, and the SafeCat™ system monitors movements to analyze safety zones, assuring your cat’s welfare at all times. It’s very adaptable and can be placed on any surface when bought with the brand’s carpet tray and can also be used with up to four cats. 

The accompanying Whisker app offers comprehensive real-time insights into your cat’s litter box usage, waste drawer status, and weight monitoring with SmartScale™ technology.

It arrives fully assembled and comes with accessories such as a fence and steps (which are great for senior cats or kittens). They also offer free shipping and a one-year warranty, with an optional 3-year warranty for an extra $100. 

What to consider:

From a “dog-proof” point of view, the entrance is on the larger side compared to some of the other litter boxes below. However, you can set the cleaning cycle to go off fairly quickly. By the time Fido goes looking for “snacks,” they should be long gone. 😀

It is on the expensive side, but worth it if you can afford it, as the quality of the product is truly reflected in the price.

If you want to try it out without making a full commitment, they also offer a 90-day in-home trial, so there’s nothing to lose! 

Full review: Check out our full review here!

Litter-Robot 4 | Smart, Self-Cleaning Litter Box
  • Never scoop again. Litter-Robot 4 solves the litter box problem with automatic, self-cleaning technology that quietly provides a fresh bed of litter after every use, and reduces odors and litter tracking. Join over 1 million Litter-Robot customers.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Runner Up & Best For Small Spaces: PetSafe Scoop-Free Smart Spin 

The PetSafe Scoop-Free Smart Spin is our runner-up for its elevated design and smart features. It’s also our top pick for smaller spaces as it’s so compactly built. The front entrance stands 12 inches from the ground to keep smaller dogs away and it accommodates cats up to 25 lbs. It’s also compatible with all types of litter and works for multiple cats. 

PetSafe SmartSpin
Photo by Jamey Ekins of TechnoMeow

Key features:

  • 20 x 18 x 26 inches
  • Modern design with front entry
  • 12-inch elevation 
  • 2-step assembly
  • Smooth interior
  • Control panel & info display 
  • Integrated deodorizer 
  • 6-liter waste drawer
  • SmartSpin™ tech
  • On-demand & scheduled cleaning
  • Weight monitoring 
  • WiFi & app connectivity
  • 4 x better odor control
  • 2 weeks no-scooping 
  • Child-proof lock
  • Compatible with all litters
  • For cats up to 25 lbs
  • Suitable for multi-cat homes
  • Comes with bin liners & essential oils

What we like:

The modern design fits seamlessly into any room and is assembled in two quick steps. It has a control panel that is easy to use, providing on-demand cleaning and child-proof locking at the touch of a button. It also displays weight changes and waste drawer capacity for maintenance. 

The smooth interior prevents litter from getting caught in the box and makes it easier to wipe down, and the integrated deodorizer and 6-liter waste drawer ensure 4 times better odor control with 2 weeks of no scooping. It can also be used with essential oils, to not only stop bad smells but replace them with nice ones!

The SmartSpin™ technology senses when your cat is in the box and waits for them to leave before it sifts away their waste and provides a fresh bed of litter, and it works quietly for sensitive pets.

It connects to Wi-Fi and the accompanying app allows you to look at usage data in real time, customize cleaning cycles, and monitor their weight. It also comes with a 3-month supply of bin liners and a month’s supply of cat-safe essential oils.  

What to consider:

The spacious front entrance is not totally dog-proof, but again, the customizable cleaning cycle means you can make it as uninteresting as possible to Fido by setting it to clean quickly after each use. 

The only other drawback is the relatively small waste pan size. If you just have one cat it’s not really an issue. However, with multiple cats it fills up fairly quickly.

ScoopFree SmartSpin Self-Cleaning Litter Box | PetSafe

The ScoopFree® SmartSpin™ Self-Cleaning Litter Box sifts your cat’s clumps and waste into a sealed, deodorized waste bin giving you 4x better odor control vs. traditional litter boxes. The integrated app tracks your cat's weight and litter box usage, providing essential insights into their well-being, so you're always informed about their health. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Top Entry: ScoopFree® Crystal Pro Top Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box

The ScoopFree® Crystal Pro Top Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box comes from a brand with 25 years of experience in making top-quality pet products. It’s designed for use with one or multiple cats and the top-entry keeps dogs out. It comes in white and works best with crystal cat litter, but you can use it with any kind. 

Key features:

  • 21 x 10 x 29 inches
  • White design
  • Top-entry 
  • Plug-in
  • Self-cleaning
  • 5 times better odor control 
  • LCD health counter 
  • 99% less dust & tracking
  • Leak-proof disposable trays 
  • Designed for crystal litter
  • Single or multi-cat use
  • Comes with an adaptor & guide 
  • Satisfaction Guarantee  
  • One-year warranty 
  • Free shipping 

What we like:

Its self-cleaning mechanism ensures 5 times better odor control than traditional litter boxes when used with their own crystal litter. The top-entry design offers your cat privacy and ensures less tracking and 99% less dust. 

The LCD health counter keeps track of how many times your cat uses the box and the disposable trays are leak-proof and hassle-free; simply throw them away and replace them when you’re done!

It comes with a handy set-up guide and power adaptor, as well as free shipping, a satisfaction guarantee, and a one-year warranty for your peace of mind.

What to consider:

The biggest thing to consider is that the proprietary disposable trays are an ongoing cost. Also, not everyone (or all cats) prefers crystal litter. That said, you can use it with other types, but the odor control won’t be as effective. 

ScoopFree Crystal Pro Top Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box | PetSafe

With the ScoopFree® Complete Plus Top-Entry Self-Cleaning Litter Box, there’s no scooping, cleaning or refilling your cat’s litter box for weeks. It uses crystal litter that provides 5 times better odor control than traditional clumping litter by absorbing urine and dehydrating solid waste. 

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best For Stubborn Dogs: Comfy Cat

If your dog is seriously determined to get into your cat’s litter box, try this. The Comfy Cat automatic litter box is designed with total privacy and security in mind, with a small entrance and enclosed walls. It’s spacious for all cats & multi-cat homes, and it comes in white, with a bunch of cool smart features.

Key features:

  • 23 x 22 x 28 inches
  • Comes in white
  • Enclosed with small entrance
  • Double ultraviolet sterilization 
  • Disinfects 99.9% bacteria
  • Neutralizes bad smells
  • Large waste drawer 
  • Multiple safety features 
  • WiFi-enabled & app control 
  • 12 days no scooping
  • Multi-cat design 
  • Works with all clumping litter
  • Accommodates cats up to 22 lbs 
  • No-screw design
  • 30-day risk-free guarantee 
  • 12-month warranty

What we like:

With double UV and UVC light sterilization that disinfects 99.9% of bacteria, your cat is guaranteed a clean litter box, and you are guaranteed an odor-free home. The ultra-large waste container means you can enjoy at least 12 days without poop scooping and you can use it with any clumping litter. 

It has multiple safety features including anti-pinch and microwave radar technology, with several proximity sensors that detect cats of any size, including kittens. It’s also WiFi-enabled and comes with an app that lets you to control all of the features and set parameters remotely. 

The box itself is very easy to put together and take apart, with a screwless design that is made to go 3-weeks without needing a hands-on clean. It also comes with a 30-day risk-free guarantee and a 12-month warranty. 

What to consider:

The design itself does a great job keeping Fido out so this isn’t a huge deal, but you can’t set the cleaning delay for shorter than 5 minutes.

Also, it accommodates cats up to 22 lbs. That covers the vast majority of kitties, but it may leave out some XXL breeds like Maine Coons.

Comfycat Automatic Litter Box

Upgrade Your Feline Experience! No more scooping. Clean litter beds. Neutralized odors. Ultra large Waste container with a 12+ days capacity. Remotely control all features and set parameters via Wi Fi and App.

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Most Stylish: PetSnowy

This PetSnowy litter box is one for the boujee cats! Born out of a crowdfunding campaign, the brand seeks to streamline everyday cat care – in style. It comes in two colors; cream and classic, which is pink & cream, as well as a variety of set options, including basic (just the litter box), deluxe, and premium, which include other products, too. You can also add extras to your order, such as filter screens, waste bags, and fragrance boxes. 

Key features:

  • 29.5 x 20 x 25.6 inches
  • Classic & cream color options
  • Stylish & enclosed design 
  • Lift-top cover 
  • Magnetic assembly (no tools)
  • No-scooping for 14-days
  • TiO2 system & built-in UV light
  • Decomposing bacteria & fungi
  • 3-stage deodorization 
  • 7-stage safety system 
  • Whisper quiet
  • App control & monitoring 
  • Health insights 
  • Anti-tracking curved walkway 
  • 24-month warranty 
  • 30-day home trial 
  • Basic, deluxe, premium options & add-ons 

What we like:

The magnetic parts make it super easy to assemble with no tools necessary – for the busy owners who don’t like DIY! Its 3-stage deodorization TiO2 system includes built-in UV lights that decompose bacteria to securely tackle odor at the source, and the 7-stage safety system keeps pets safe in the process. The autopacking features ensure no seeing or scooping waste for up to 14 days and the curved walkway means less tracking around the home. 

It’s also whisper quiet for sensitive ears and the app allows you to remotely control and monitor your cat’s litter box, as well as providing insights into their health. It comes with a 24-month warranty and a 30-day home trial if you want to try it out before committing to it completely. 

What to consider:

Reviews are limited due to the newness of the product, but it does have excellent feedback so far.

Also, this one only works for cats up to 20 lbs, so it may be a tight squeeze for Maine Coons and other XL breeds.

Full review: Check out our full review here!

PetSnowy | Automatic Self-Cleaning Litter Box| Self-Packing, All-Clumping Litter Compatible,Odor Free

The PetSnowy Snow Self-Cleaning Litter Box offers a hassle-free, odor-free solution for cat owners. Its advanced automatic cleaning system ensures waste is removed after each use, while the enclosed design minimizes mess and smells.

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Best Regular Dog-Proof Litter Boxes

As amazing as self-cleaning litter boxes are (once you switch, you’ll never go back), not everyone has room in their budget for one. Don’t worry, there are plenty of traditional boxes that work just as well as keeping out your snooping Snoopy!

Best Front Entry: Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box

The adorable igloo-shaped Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box comes in nickel, titanium, and pearl linen finishes. The front entry design is accessible for cats of all kinds, whilst being inaccessible to larger dogs. 

Key features:

  • 22 x 22 x 19 inches
  • Nickel, titanium & pearl linen options
  • Igloo-shaped dome design
  • Front-entry & ramp 
  • Carbon filter
  • Built-in handle
  • Made in the USA

What we like:

It’s 50% larger than the average litter box, making it ideal for large cats and multi-cat homes, with a carbon filter that significantly cuts down on odors. The ramp contains litter scatter to minimize tracking and the built-in handle makes moving and cleaning a breeze.

Nicole says, “I had an older model years ago. It truly is 99.999% dog-proof. I suppose a determined dog could find a way to bust into it, but mine never did!”

What to consider:

The biggest issue is the size. The inside is shaped like a half-moon, so it’s a lot smaller than it appears from the outside. So, while it is larger than older models, it’s still a tight squeeze for big kitties.

Booda Dome Cleanstep Litter Box

Petmate's Cleanstep litter box offers a sleek, step design to catch litter from your cat's paws and a hooded top to ensure privacy for private moments. Features an enclosed design to contain litter scatter and large filter to minimize unwanted odors. Available in a variety of pearlescent colors.


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Outdoor: FERPLAST Cosmic Outdoor Hooded Cat Litter Box 

If you’re looking for an outdoor box, consider the FERPLAST Cosmic Outdoor Hooded Cat Litter Box. It’s fully waterproof, made from strong and durable thermoplastic resin, and the hooded, tunnel-entry design is totally dog-proof. 

Key features:

  • 20 x 16 x 15 inches
  • Comes in black, red & blue
  • Futuristic hooded design 
  • Tunnel-entry system
  • Detachable lid 
  • Enclosed with high walls
  • Durable & waterproof
  • Eco-sustainable 

What we like:

Although it’s ideal for outdoor use, the futuristic design looks cool indoors, and it comes in three colors; red, blue, and black, so you can find something that suits your home. The special-access system is easy for cats to get in and out of and it’s not just weatherproof, but eco-sustainable too, as it’s made from recycled materials. The top secures and detaches via hook for quick access and easy cleaning, and the high walls keep litter from escaping for less mess and keeping odors in. 

What to consider:

A few buyers had issues with the quality of the construction, but it has generally positive reviews, especially from owners with dogs. 

Ferplast Cosmic Outdoor Hooded Cat Litter Box

The Ferplast Cosmic Outdoor Hooded Cat Litter Box keeps curious dogs out while providing your cat with comfort and privacy. Designed for outdoor use, it's waterproof and durable, perfect for balconies or gardens. Its high-sided base prevents litter spills, and the tunnel entrance allows easy access for your kitty.



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Best For Travel: PetSafe® Disposable Litter Box 

The PetSafe® Disposable Litter Box is ideal for travel because it easily pops up and folds down and it’s designed to be thrown away after one week. Although it comes with a bag of the brand’s crystal litter, it’s compatible with all litters, so if you want to use it with your own, you can, but their crystal litter absorbs & dehydrates for 5 times more odor control. 

Key features:

  • 16 x 12 x 14 inches
  • Pops up & folds down
  • Enclosed design
  • Elevated entrance 
  • Durable corrugated cupboards
  • Leak-proof wax coating
  • Lasts up to one week
  • Compatible with all liters
  • Comes with crystal litter
  • Comes with 8 disposable scoops

What we like:

Just because it’s disposable, doesn’t mean it’s flimsy. It’s made of durable corrugated cardboard, with a special wax coating that protects against leaks and nests snuggly in the lid for extra protection. The box is enclosed for privacy, with an elevated entrance that is accessible for cats of all sizes. It also comes with eight disposable scoops.

What to consider:

Although it’s designed to accommodate multiple cats, reviews suggest it’s a better option for single cats, as it can get a bit messy with more than one. However, the brand does offer a satisfaction guarantee if you’re not happy with your purchase.

Disposable Litter Box with Litter | PetSafe

The PetSafe® Disposable Litter Box is made from durable corrugated cardboard and is perfect for travel. It pops up easily and includes crystal litter for superior odor control. A protective coating prevents leaks, and the box nests in the lid for added security, making it ideal for trips or moving with your pet.



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Best Budget Pick: IRIS USA Large Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box

The IRIS USA Large Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box is our top budget pick for its great value for money. It comes in two sizes; medium (17 x 12 inches) and large (20 x 16 inches), and four few different colors, including white and green. 

Key features:

  • Medium (17 x 12 inches) & large (20 x 16 inches) options
  • Comes in multiple colors 
  • Circular entry 
  • Grooved lid 
  • BPA-free materials 
  • Non-slip rubber feet
  • Comes with a scoop
  • Made in the USA
  • Value for money 

What we like:

It’s made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials and comes with a free poop scoop. The spacious box has a handy hook for the scooper and a grooved round entry lid that catches stray litter to reduce tracking. The durable rubber feet on the bottom hold the litter box firmly in place on all types of flooring and it’s made in the USA for top-notch quality control. 

What to consider:

Top-entry litter boxes are not well-suited to senior cats and cats with limited mobility, so if you have a cat with such needs, you may want to consider a different design.  

IRIS USA Large Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box & Scoop

The IRIS USA Round Top Entry Cat Litter Box keeps floors clean and gives your cat privacy. Its circular top entrance prevents litter mess, while the lid's built-in mat cleans paws. With durable rubber feet for stability and an included scoop for easy storage, it's a perfect cat-friendly solution.



We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Best Basic: CATIT AiRSiFT Litter Pan

If you want something simple to get the job done with no frills or extras, consider the CATIT AiRSiFT Litter Pan. It’s very spacious and comes in two colors; white & grey and all white. The understated design won’t disrupt the look of your home and the hooded cover keeps dogs out for feline privacy but with more accessibility than a top-entry box for seniors and cats with mobility issues.

Key features:

  • 22.4 x 18 x 19 inches
  • Comes in two colors 
  • Spacious design 
  • Hooded cover 
  • Transparent & removable door
  • BPA-free plastic
  • Integrated filter & carbon pads 
  • Ammonia-busting technology
  • Bag anchors 
  • Slider locks
  • Carry handles
  • Easy to clean

What we like:

It accommodates larger cats and multiple cats and it’s made from BPA-free plastic with soft but sturdy handles for comfortable, easy moving. It also offers fantastic odor control with bag anchors to keep litter securely in place, and an integrated air sift filter with disposable carbon pads & ammonia-busting technology. 

The hooded lift secures and detaches with slider locks that make it easy to clean and the little door gives shy cats the privacy they need, whilst keeping dogs out! However, the door is also transparent so you can see what’s going on inside and it’s removable for quick access. 

What to consider:

One or two customers have reported issues with faulty lock sliders, but it doesn’t seem to be a common problem. 

Catit AiRSiFT Litter Pan

The Catit Jumbo Hooded Cat Pan offers privacy for your cat and odor control for you. Its large size suits multi-cat homes, with a hooded lift for easy cleaning, a bag anchor to keep litter in place, a removable door, and a carbon filter to eliminate odors.



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FAQs

How to train a dog to leave the litter box alone?

You can practice the leave command with your dog whilst holding a treat or toy out of reach and rewarding them when they leave it alone, then practicing again when it’s within reach. Once they get the hang of it, apply the command to the litter box, and if it’s new to your dog, expose them to it gradually. 

How to keep dogs away from the litter box?

If you can’t train your dog to leave your cat’s litter box alone, keep it in a part of the home that is off-limits or out of reach to your dog. You should also use unscented litter and clean/scoop the box regularly to make it less appealing to your dog. 

Which cat litter is least appealing to dogs?

Unscented litters made from unnatural materials like silica gel appeal the least to dogs. However, they can pose a hazard if ingested, so if this is a concern, it’s best to just get a dog-proof litter box and place it somewhere they can’t access it. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a classic design or something more modern, dog-proof your cat’s private space by investing in one of our dog-proof litter box recommendations. Let us know which one you’re going to try for yourself and share your top tips for a harmonious multi-pet home in the comments down below! 

Author

  • Laura Hall

    Laura is an experienced pet writer & dog lover with a degree in animal media creation, as well as years of practical hands-on experience with dogs. She has owned Border Collies all throughout her life and has worked and volunteered with dogs of all kinds.

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