Spring is here! Birds are chirping, squirrels are scampering and flowers are sprouting. It is at this time of year that many people feel it would be a shame for their dog to spend the day indoors while the family is not at home.
However, there are some downsides to leaving dogs outdoors all day, as [...]
Without a doubt, dogs love bones. Chewing is very important to dogs, because it helps keep their teeth clean, their gums healthy and gives them something to do. Most pet owners like to give their dogs bones for these reasons, and also because it makes dogs happy to receive a fun and tasty treat.
But [...]
Chewing is an issue which occurs most often with puppies, but sometimes adult dogs have this problem too.
Puppies tend to explore the world with their mouths. A shoe with an interesting odor?… Let’s see what it tastes like! However, while chewing and exploring are normal for puppies, humans should not simply accept the behavior.
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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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
Puppy owners often wonder just how much nipping is normal. With their razor sharp puppy teeth, it can sometimes feel like you’ve got a little baby alligator instead of a dog!
Some amount of nipping is completely normal… although not to be passively accepted. Excessive biting accompanied by growling, can sometimes be a display of [...]
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, a crate can be an invaluable tool for training. Inherently den animals, most dogs enjoy the security of their own space, and when used correctly (never for punishment), the crate can help dramatically with issues such as housebreaking, chewing, and more. It’s not intended to be [...]
