Dogs

It’s crucial to start housetraining your dog as soon as possible — ideally, the day your new dog or puppy comes home. The habits your pup forms now can set the precedent for weeks, months, or even years to come. A little effort upfront saves lots of time and frustration later on. Once you’ve set

Even dogs who feel that baths are cruel and unusual punishment have to get one once in a while. While some dogs with short coats can get away with just a water rinse, most dogs need shampoo. Why do dogs need their own kind of shampoo? Why can’t they just use whatever you use on

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Cars, squirrels, cyclists, skateboarders, cats, and joggers — they’re all would-be targets, any one of whom could lure a chase-obsessive dog into a potentially dangerous situation. The behavior can also trigger understandably hostile reactions from people who see it as aggression when a strange dog comes bounding after them. Advertisement Until

Positive and negative reinforcement have become buzzwords for animal behaviorists. But, they are also concepts that you can use as a dog parent to help your pup develop into a well-behaved canine companion. Positive reinforcement is something your dog perceives as pleasant that occurs during, or immediately following, a behavior. The positive reinforcement makes that

It is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! If you adopt an adult or a senior dog, their ability to concentrate and learn new things will amaze you. We’re going to examine the reasons why adult dogs often are more receptive to training than younger pups. Then, we’ll review training basics.

Grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining a dog’s health and happiness. You know that regular baths are necessary to keep your pup clean, but what type of products can you use on your canine companion? While there’s an array of specialized dog shampoos available, you might wonder if it’s safe to use baby shampoo

The truth about Pit Bulls and aggression is that they are not inherently aggressive dogs. Pit Bulls were originally bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting, but this does not mean that they are naturally inclined to be aggressive towards people or other animals. In fact, many Pit Bulls are loving, gentle, and make great family

New pet parents often have a lot of questions when it comes to crate training their dogs. It’s important for a lot of reasons. A crate can keep your dog safe while you’re away, reduce destructive behaviors, and help with housetraining, among other things. Some people worry that crate confinement is cruel. However, if you

Any given pet store has aisle after aisle of colorful squeakers, balls, ropes, and stuffies. So, it’s hard to figure out exactly which toys will make your dog go gaga. But researchers at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School have uncovered the science behind the perfect dog toy. Research reveals why pups prefer certain dog

There is nothing more frustrating than trying to chase a dog that plays “keep away” when you are trying to get them to come. Here are a few tips on improving your dog’s recall. Real world vs. show ring In the show ring, the dogs sit quietly, totally intent on watching their handler, then fly

Witnessing a dog digging a hole in the ground is an amazing site. The speed and skill of dogs that dig are truly impressive. They make it look easy, and they don’t seem to be the least bit tired afterward. Several things can trigger a desire to dig, and the behavior is more prominent in

After your dog has learned the “sit” command, it’s time to teach “down.” This command is an essential part of your obedience training foundation. Start in a familiar place, like your house or yard, where there aren’t any tempting distractions. How to teach “down”: The food lure method The easiest way to teach “down” is

The dog is a social and inquisitive animal. They need to do something, especially if left at home alone. As a responsible pet parent, you must provide interaction, activities, and toys for your puppy to pass the day. If your puppy learns to enjoy chewing chew toys, they will look forward to settling down quietly

Question: My dog follows the “come” command pretty well, but when they see a squirrel, I could have a steak in my hands and they’d ignore me. Any recommendations on how to improve dog recall? Answer: When it comes to ensuring your dog’s safety and fostering a strong bond, a reliable recall is of paramount

Would you like it if you could never take a bath, wash your hair, or trim your nails? Of course not! Now imagine how your dog feels. Good grooming is healthy and happy part of your pup’s life, too. You can do it yourself, or rely on a professional groomer. Some grooming steps, like brushing,

Not only do American Pit Bull Terriers need better public relations, but there is also a lot of confusion between the actual breed and the dog “type.” Pit Bull is a description for a type of dog, but American Pit Bull Terriers are a breed. Other breeds that rightfully fall under the term “Pit Bull”

Question: I’ve heard conflicting advice about “alpha rolls.” What are they and do you recommend them? Answer: An alpha roll is a term used to incorrectly describe the situation where a higher-ranking wolf throws a lower-ranking individual onto their. back. Then, they stand over the prone wolf in order to display a higher status. In

They perk up when interested, they droop when sad, they fold back when threatened. Even if they had no useful function for hearing, ears are as much an outward sign of a dog’s mood as their tail. But of course, they’re also remarkable hearing devices. Dog ears are far more sensitive than human ones, and

Resource guarding is when a dog aggressively protects something precious to them, most commonly food, toys, or a favorite spot in the house (such as their bed). It’s triggered when a person or animal gets so close that the dog feels they’re in danger of losing this valuable resource. Think of the Cocker Spaniel who

Question: My dog doesn’t seem to be enjoying our training sessions. How can I make dog training fun? Answer: If you really think about it, training time is playtime. Training should be a fun experience for both you and your dog. Remember to keep your attitude light-hearted and consider this time together a part of

Question: How can I stop my puppy from chewing everything in sight? Answer: Puppies, like babies, tend to explore the environment by putting things in their mouths. The problem, of course, is that not everything a pup finds lying around is appropriate to chew, and many things can be downright dangerous. Puppy precautions Just as

Question: My dog loves to eat shoes! How do I get my dog to stop chewing my shoes? Answer: Your shoes are a strange combination of everything your dog loves: they’re chewy and they smell like you. Your dog chewing your shoes is practically a compliment! That said, most dogs feel guilty after they’ve destroyed

Dogs need regular grooming, not just to make them look their best but also to ensure they stay healthy. One of the most common grooming challenges dog parents face is dealing with matted fur. Matting occurs when your dog’s fur becomes tangled and clumped, creating discomfort and potential health issues for your furry friend. We’re

It is a fact of pet parenthood that even your most beloved furry friend can develop some nasty habits that try your patience. There are a couple of behaviors that stand out as among the most worrisome and difficult to control. First, dogs eating poop or vomit. Second, “scooting,” or when dogs drag their bottom

Question: What can I use besides food as a training rewards for my dog? I need some ideas! Answer: The answer to this question is both easy and complicated — it really depends on your dog. An appropriate training reward is anything that your dog will work for in order to gain access to it,

Question: I’ve heard that you should never let your dog walk in front of you. Is that true? Answer: Walking your dog is an essential part of responsible pet parenthood and contributes to a healthy, happy relationship between you and your four-legged friend. However, the way you handle the leash and position yourself in relation

Many adult rescue dogs come with imperfect housetraining skills – or none at all. Even dogs who were potty trained in their previous homes sometimes need a refresher course if they didn’t get regular walks at the shelter. The good news is it’s fairly easy to teach an old dog this new trick. In fact,

Socialization plays a pivotal role in shaping a dog’s behavior, temperament, and overall well-being. Early and ongoing socialization provides opportunities for positive interactions, fostering a confident, friendly, and well-rounded furry friend. We’ll delve into the significance of socialization for dogs and how it contributes to their physical, mental, and emotional development. The importance of socialization

Question: My husband and I are expecting our first child and I’m really concerned that my dog is going to be upset or feel jealous. I want to make sure this transition is OK for her. Can you give me some advice on how to prepare my dog for the arrival of a new baby?

Part of being a responsible dog parent is getting your pup appropriate training. Proper training ensures your canine companion can be safe and successful in the human world. President Joe Biden is turning his attention toward that task because one of his dogs, Commander, is having issues with biting. Biden’s dog getting training following biting