Austin Moncada

Co-founder and writer · Food safety, behaviour and the DIY projects

Austin and Illiana Moncada

Austin grew up with his mom's four dogs plus whatever she was fostering that month, which is where most of his opinions about dogs come from. He writes the food-safety and behaviour pieces, and builds the printables.

That's the two of us — Austin and Illiana. We write everything on this site between us, in a house in San Antonio with four dogs in it. More about why we started it →

Articles by Austin

Looking down from the kitchen counter at a goldendoodle sitting on the floor, gazing up past a bowl of blueberries

FOOD SAFETY Sept 11

Can My Dog Eat Blueberries?

The short answer is yes — and it might be the easiest "yes" on this whole list.

Cool People Have Dogs · 10 min read

A dog sitting beside a kitchen counter, looking up past a bowl of fruit

DOG NAMES Sept 29

Dog Names Inspired by Food

From Mango to Meatball — the tastiest names in the business, sorted by category so you can browse by craving.

Cool People Have Dogs · 7 min read

A dog's paw held up close to the camera

BEHAVIOR Sept 25

Why Do My Dog's Feet Smell Like Fritos?

Yes, it's a real thing. Yes, it's mostly harmless. Here's what's actually going on down there.

Cool People Have Dogs · 9 min read

A dog mid-head-tilt, ears perked

BEHAVIOR Sept 18

Why Does My Dog Tilt Their Head When I Talk?

It's one of the most photogenic things a dog does — and there are a few real reasons behind it.

Cool People Have Dogs · 9 min read

A dog mid-air catching a frisbee

Great Games to Play With Your Dog If They're High-Energy

Real ways to burn off the energy of a dog who never seems to run out — no backyard the size of a farm required.

Cool People Have Dogs · 9 min read

A scruffy dog on a porch step, glancing up over its shoulder

DOG NAMES Sept 15

Dog Names Starting With B

From Bella to Biscuit — the full lineup of "B" names worth considering for your new dog.

Cool People Have Dogs · 7 min read

A young dog looking up alert and attentive, as if hearing a new name for the first time

DOG NAMES Sept 1

Dog Names Starting With A

Classics, underused gems, and a few names I'd genuinely fight for — every good "A" name in one place.

Cool People Have Dogs · 7 min read

A dog playing tug indoors while rain falls outside the window

Great Games to Play With Your Dog If It's Raining

Indoor games that burn real energy when a walk outside isn't happening.

Cool People Have Dogs · 7 min read

A senior dog gently sniffing out treats on a snuffle mat

Games for Senior Dogs That Protect Their Joints

Gentle games that keep an older or laid-back dog engaged without overdoing it.

Cool People Have Dogs · 9 min read

A dog fast asleep, curled into a ball on a bed

What Your Dog's Sleeping Position Actually Means

The donut, the dead bug, the sploot - what's real, what's invented, and the one change that matters.

Cool People Have Dogs · 9 min read

A dog playing tug in a small, fenced backyard

Great Games to Play With Your Dog If You Have a Small Yard

No farm-sized backyard required — these games make the most of a tight space.

Cool People Have Dogs · 7 min read

A dog gazing up at its owner

BEHAVIOR Sept 4

Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

Is it love, hunger, or something else? Here's what your dog's gaze actually means.

Cool People Have Dogs · 4 min read