Dogs

Training a deaf dog may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a rewarding and successful experience for both you and your furry friend. While communication may require some adjustments, deaf dogs are highly intelligent and capable of learning just like any other dog. We’re going to

We know too many stories of dogs who have been given to a shelter, or even abandoned, after easily-correctable behaviors were ignored, mishandled, and or grew into big problems. Many of these dogs were rescued and adopted, and, with a good training class, have become the great dogs their original parents hoped they would be.

Question: Can I stop my dog from guarding their food and toys? Answer: Yes. But first, for your safety, a quick snapshot of what guarding looks like: Dogs with food or toy aggression often display stiffened body postures when a person or animal approaches their food or valued possession. Many dogs will also growl or

Grooming is an important part of being a dog parent. Grooming doesn’t just make your pup look good, it’s an essential part of keeping them healthy. Beyond the physical aspects, grooming also fosters a strong bond between you and your dog. Grooming rituals reduce stress and anxiety while keeping your pup emotionally content. Ultimately, investing

There’s a short developmental window in every dog’s life when they’re extremely sensitive to their environment. The number of positive encounters they have with other people and dogs during this period, which ranges from just a few weeks old to 3 or 4 months of age, can dramatically influence how friendly they are as an

A good dog trainer can help you with anything from teaching basic commands to dealing with problem behaviors such as aggression or separation anxiety. That said, you’ll need to do some investigating to make sure you get a good one. Trainers aren’t licensed or regulated, and anyone can hang out a shingle declaring himself a

Some people hear “Pit Bull” and think “vicious dog,” but when the American Temperament Testing Society gauged the soundness of this misunderstood breed and many others, they came to what some might consider a shocking conclusion. First, let’s examine the testing involved. Here’s how the American Temperament Testing Society explains or describes their testing: “The

Question: A trainer prescribed “desensitization” for my dog’s separation anxiety. What does that mean? Answer: For serious stress-related issues such as separation anxiety and aggressive behavior, consulting a reputable trainer or behaviorist is strongly recommended. In those cases, desensitization is usually the preferred method of treatment. What desensitization is Essentially, desensitization means very gradually exposing

Despite the fact that proper dog dental care is essential to good health in your pooch, statistics show that two-thirds of all pet owners do not take care of their pets’ teeth as recommended by their veterinarians. The unfortunate result of this lack of dental care is that 80 percent of all dogs have symptoms

As dog parents, we understand that accidents happen, especially when it comes to potty training. However, when your furry companion begins involuntarily urinating outside of regular potty breaks, it can be concerning and frustrating. Involuntary peeing in dogs can occur for various reasons, and it’s essential to address the underlying cause while implementing effective solutions

Discover a dusty teddy bear in the bottom of your closet, and the last thing you’d do is put it in your mouth. Puppies, on the other hand, explore their world largely by putting whatever they can in their mouths — and that includes human toes, fingers, and hands. The good news is that as

Question: I love my dog so much, but I find myself worrying that I’m not doing enough for her. I constantly question, “Is my dog happy?” And, equally important, does she know how much I love her? Answer: You are not alone in asking and wondering if your dog is happy and if your dog

Question: My dog isn’t food motivated. Will dog training without treats be more difficult? Answer: Using food as a motivator is one way to train, but there are other ways to do dog training without treats. When I rescued my Doberman mix, Clyde, both he and I discovered that he was very good at playing

An innate canine impulse, jumping up serves two purposes for dogs. First, it’s a way to show excitement. Second, it allows for an up close and personal sniff of scent glands in the human face. Combine the two — your pup’s excited you’re home from work and craves a whiff of your natural aroma —

Most dogs would rather skip bath time, but bathing your dog plays an important role in the health of their coat and skin. Baths keep your dog clean and free of dirt and parasites. And, of course, there’s the added benefit of making your pooch more pleasant to be around. Here are a few frequently-asked

Separation anxiety is an enormous problem for pets. The National Institutes of Health reported that pre-pandemic, about 20 percent of dogs experienced separation anxiety — and that incidence is likely higher now that pet parents have returned to in-person jobs. What are the signs of separation anxiety in dogs? Pets with separation anxiety typically exhibit

Forging ahead is the biggest problem when walking dogs on a leash. Dogs pull on leashes for a variety of reasons. Many adolescent and adult dogs pull on their leashes because they were allowed to pull as puppies. But, walking your dog doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Why some dogs have trouble walking

It’s true that canines communicate very differently from humans, and marking (or intentional urination) may be the most blatant example. Though it looks (and smells) identical, marking is not at all the same thing as elimination. If your dog has an accident indoors because they simply can’t hold it or because they’re still working on

It’s a sad fact that many of the behaviors that lead to so many dogs being left in shelters — house-soiling, chewing, barking, and the like — are completely preventable and often treatable. All that’s needed is some time and a commitment from you to teach your dog good canine manners. Dog training classes are

There’s a short period in every puppy’s development, from very early puppyhood to 3 or 4 months of age, when their experiences have a big effect on their entire approach to life. If a puppy has lots of positive encounters with other dogs during that developmental window, they are far more likely to grow up

Tricks are both enjoyable and extremely useful. While they are fun to show off, these tricks can also be useful for teaching your dog the basic obedience skills they need. Many tricks help teach impulse control, good manners, and a variety of other useful behaviors. These dog training tricks are also a great way to

As summer temperatures rise, it could signal an increase in dog bites toward people. A recent study published by Scientific Reports found that the number of dog bites toward people rose when temperature and UV radiation also increased. Does this mean you should be worried? Recognizing the signs of heat stress, and when to seek

A Connecticut dog groomer has been charged with improperly restraining and injuring a dog who was in her care. Susan Marucci, 57, turned herself in to Newtown Police last week on an outstanding warrant related to the animal abuse charges. Arrest warrant details abuse at hands of dog groomer According to News 12 Connecticut, Marucci

Dogs are known for their loyalty, affection, and playfulness. Our pups can also be mischievous and exhibit unwanted behaviors from time to time. Do they feel bad when they do? As a dog parent, you likely ponder the depth of emotions of your canine companions. We’ll explore the intriguing realm of canine emotions and delve

Dog doorbells and potty bells have become increasingly popular tools for dog parents seeking to improve their canine companions’ communication and housetraining skills. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to these training tools and explain how to use them effectively. Next, we’ll review the pros and cons of incorporating them into your training routine. Finally,

Having professional housecleaners come to your home can be a great way to keep your living space neat and tidy. (And we know how dirty things can get with a dog in residence!) However, you may be wondering what to do with your furry friend during the cleaning process. Keeping your dog comfortable while allowing

It can be frustrating when your dog gets into something they shouldn’t or jumps up on a guest. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to help ensure your dog stays well-behaved, great for new and experienced pet parents alike. And with these great tricks, you’ll have a well-behaved dog in

Stopping your dog from pulling is just one important part of walking your dog. When out walking, you want your dog to pay attention to you, avoid obstacles, and avoid injury. By teaching some basic commands, you can help your dog pay closer attention to you and your surroundings, making walking together a success. Why

New puppies are exciting, but they can get into a lot of trouble just as quickly! By starting on the right foot, you can help ensure your puppy stays safe, healthy, and learns a few things along the way. These top tricks to teach can help make training a new puppy a breeze. The basics

All dogs require some routine grooming, such as regular brushing and bathing. But, some dogs have unique coats with special requirements that make grooming more important. Here are some dog breeds with high grooming needs, and what makes their coats special. Why do some dog breeds have higher grooming needs than others? Every breed has