Ear infections are messy, stinky, frustrating, and worst of all, uncomfortable for your dog. Several factors contribute to the development of yeast or bacterial ear infections including allergies and excess hair or moisture in the ear. The following 8 steps can help you get ahead of the causes and prevent this itchy, painful and all-too-common […]
Fireworks, picnics and other Fourth of July traditions can be great fun for people; but all of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. Noisy fireworks and other celebrations can startle animals and cause them to run away; holiday foods can be unhealthy; summer heat and travel can be dangerous, and potentially […]
Getting on a dog’s good side might seem as easy as having a pocket full of treats and knowing the trick to a good belly rub, but our four-legged friends aren’t always easy to please. They’re quick to judge a person’s character, and there are some people they simply don’t like. It could be a […]
A heart-tugging image of a brown Labrador retriever named Hawkeye lying beside the American flag-draped casket of his human companion, Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, went viral on the internet within hours. Pet lovers were moved by the symbol of loyalty shown by the dog who would not leave his best friend’s side. For many Americans, […]
Prevent your dog from stealing food (a.k.a. counter surfing) by keeping it out of reach and teach him to “leave it”. Begin teaching your dog what you want him to do: Put a treat on the counter and work at teaching a un-cued “leave it” which is proofed for the duration, different items and whether […]
Help keep your dog safe and yourself sane while you teach him how to behave by picking up, putting away, blocking and “bittering”. I’ve outlines some typical areas to puppy-proof below. (Hint: Puppy-proofing is very similar to child-proofing) Close the bathroom door and prevent access to rooms which are out of your sight. Secure trash […]
Are you asking yourself “why does my dog eat sticks, rocks, pine cones, acorns or other stuff while out in the yard or on a walk”? Sticks and rocks are especially troublesome since they can injure your dog’s mouth and cause intestinal blockages that could require surgery. Sometimes puppies eat inappropriate things and grow out […]
Rattlesnakes live in so many areas and can be a life-threatening danger to dogs of all sizes. But with just a few preventive steps, you can reduce the chances your dog will get bitten and die from a rattlesnake bite! Rattlesnakes are very common the parks and trails that many dog-lovers use for hikes and […]
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to chase a dog that plays “keep away” when you are trying to get it to come. Here are a few tips on improving your dog’s response to the come command (commonly called a “recall”). Real world vs. show ring In the show ring, the dogs sit quietly, […]
Roughhousing is part of the fun of being a dog. Playing is a way for dogs to explore their world and to socialize with other animals and people. It is completely normal, safe, and healthy in most cases, but it can become dangerous if it goes too far. Dogs may play-bite, lunge, swipe, and even […]