Digging is a problem which typically becomes more prevalent in warmer weather. With many smells beneath the surface, temptations of scampering squirrels and chirping birds, and holes making a great cool place to lay, many dogs begin excavating their yards as the barometer rises.
There are many down sides to having a digging dog. One [...]
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. [...]
Springtime in particular is a time of year when mud becomes an issue for many homes with dogs. Not only does the rain cause mud, but for our pets there are many new smells to explore on the ground. More squirrels scampering, birds and other small animals visiting our yards, and worms within the soil [...]
When a traditional fence is not an option, an underground fence might be a solution. But remember that although they keep your pet in, they don’t keep people or animals out! Therefore, if your dog is aggressive, or you live where he might become ‘prey’, it may not be appropriate.
It’s extremely important to make [...]
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 [...]
Particularly when the lazy days of summer fall behind us, pets can become bored and restless. As temperatures cool and clocks fall back, our lifestyles change in many ways. With the holiday season on the horizon, festivities and responsibilities will intensify even more. It is at that time of year that many pet owners find [...]
The learning curve is an extremely important aspect of any education… human or canine! Just as children need to develop good study habits for maximum achievement in school, the same holds true for dogs. Your dog must learn the difference between "No" and "Good Dog", as well as how to pay attention in the first [...]
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 [...]
