Imagine if you are a young puppy (or a newly adopted dog) and you’ve just joined a new home. It’s such fun - all those toys, treats, and cuddles. Then, suddenly, your human companions take out a new thing and strap it around your neck. Gulp! Ick! You’ve never felt anything like it, and (scratch, […]
The holidays are a busy time of year, to say the least. However, sometimes our pets bear the brunt of all that excitement, chaos, and changes in the daily routine. Did you know that veterinarian offices experience higher numbers of emergency pet visits this time of year? You won't be surprised to hear that some […]
Here is the great news about how much exercise your dog requires - most dogs need roughly the same amount of exercise as you do. The CDC recommends that all humans get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. If you have a dog, they need at least that much - and more is […]
A stressed dog is an unhappy dog and can also become an unhealthy dog. Like humans, chronic stress or unmanaged anxiety puts dogs at risk for medical conditions, like digestion issues, skin problems, loss of appetite, or poor immune systems response. And, as most human companions eventually realize, stressed or anxious dogs are more prone […]
Choosing the right dog breed is a significant first step in easing the transition of a new puppy or adult dog into your household pack. Beware the lure of purchasing a dog based on looks - or size! Both can be misleading. As professional dog trainers with decades of experience, we’d say lack of breed […]
Dogs are pack animals, which means they are happiest when they live in a group. As a result, they establish different levels and layers of relationship within that pack dynamic. Still, when a connection is two one-dimensional, or the “pack” abandons a solo dog for long periods, some dogs experience something we call “separation anxiety” […]
Working with a dog trainer is a wise investment, improving the quality of life for humans and their dogs. The sooner you learn the correct way to work with a puppy or new dog, the faster they will learn basic commands and understand the behavioral expectations in your household. Finding the right dog trainer may […]
It’s true that dogs are genetically programmed to be part of a pack and to bond with their human companions. However, that doesn’t mean a dog of any age feels automatically comfortable with other canines, people, or new situations. In fact, puppies can become anxious, difficult to control, or even aggressive when introduced to anything […]
If you’re heading on vacation and can’t take your dog, you’ll need to start researching and learning more about the dog boarding facilities and other options in your area. Boarding your dog requires great care to make sure your furry friend has access to ample space, room to run, the opportunity to exercise each day, […]
Bringing a new baby into the household is a huge adjustment, and the sooner you prepare for your dog’s adjustment, the better. If you do things right, your baby and your dog enjoy a safe, lifelong friendship. Some dogs accept a new baby into their pack without fuss, but you can never predict how any […]
Dog aggression is more than just aggression; it’s a strong piece of communication. What we read as aggression is actually a dog sending an unambiguous and fluent message. As canine companions and providers, we must learn about the most common types of dog aggression to get to the root of the problem and support our […]
Are you on the fence about whether or not investing in dog training is worth it? We understand. However, after more than 35 years as professional dog trainers, we repeatedly see why professional dog training is important. Not only does it help to foster healthy and positive bonds between your dog and your household, but […]