As Independence Day approaches, many pet owners become concerned about their dog or puppy’s reaction to fireworks. While some pets may be completely unaffected, others can become downright traumatized! By understanding how dogs think and working on some simple training exercises, you can help your dog or puppy to have an easier time coping with [...]
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, says the old wives tale…and many adult dogs want us to think that too!
Actually, puppies and adult dogs are usually about equal as far as dog training challenges. Puppies may not already have many bad habits, but they’re usually so distracted that they have a hard [...]
Some dogs are boisterous, outgoing and brave. Others are more timid and shy.
Just like people, each dog has their own personality. Sometimes these differences can be a matter of genetics (nature), or can be learned through their life experiences (nurture). Whether it’s nature, nurture, or a combination of both, you can help your timid or [...]
Digging is a problem which typically becomes more prevalent in warmer weather. With many smells beneath the surface, temptations of scampering squirrels and chirping birds, and holes making a great cool place to lay, many dogs begin excavating their yards as the barometer rises.
There are many down sides to having a digging dog. One [...]
Remember the rolled up newspaper? Used by our grandparents and those before them, this was the accepted method of correcting one’s dog for any infraction. Perhaps you yourself have used a rolled up newspaper, either to whack the dog, or to whack your hand, making a corrective noise.
There are several problems with this method. [...]
Springtime in particular is a time of year when mud becomes an issue for many homes with dogs. Not only does the rain cause mud, but for our pets there are many new smells to explore on the ground. More squirrels scampering, birds and other small animals visiting our yards, and worms within the soil [...]
Every pet owner realizes their dog will sometimes bark. In fact, most people even want their dog to bark if someone comes to the door, or if there’s an unusual noise. After all, these are some of the benefits of man’s best friend.
However, when barking becomes excessive, the benefits of a watchdog are greatly [...]
Most dog owners enjoy treating their dog to a new toy or bone every now and again. But there are certain types of chew items that can be non-conducive to a well behaved pet!
When your dog enjoys a toy such as a ball, rope toy, dog stuffed animal, plastic nylabone, or frisbee, he relates [...]
Separation anxiety is a problem wherein a dog is very anxious when left alone. Symptoms can include: whimpering, salivating, barking, housebreaking accidents, chewing, excessive licking, scratching or digging. Some dogs may even show symptoms when owners go into another room, or to throw out the trash!
This can be very upsetting for pet owners as [...]
Many dog or puppy owners allow their pets on the furniture. To some extent, this is a personal preference… after all, if you don’t mind the dog hair on the couch, why not? However, muddy paws set aside, there are many behavioral factors to consider.
Dogs are instinctively den animals which think of their family [...]
