_Dog Training & Pets

Most people get a dog expecting man’s best friend, but instead may find themselves being irritated by their pet on a daily basis. The majority of the time, the problem is that the dog simply hasn’t been taught what’s expected. … Read More

Many gardeners are also avid pet lovers. A common dilemma is keeping lawns in tip-top shape in spite of the family dog! Land mines are definitely not a virtue when it comes to your landscape, but there are steps you … Read More

Whether in a lake, the ocean, or a plastic baby pool, lots of pet owners like to include their dog in their fun summer activities. Some breeds are more inclined to enjoy the water than others. However, no matter what … Read More

“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, says the old wives tale…and many adult dogs want us to think that too! Actually, puppies and adult dogs are usually about equal as far as dog training challenges. Puppies may not … Read More

As promised, here is the housebreaking checklist directly from my book, Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs. House Training Supplies Checklist from “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies & Adult Dogs”, … Read More

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 … Read More

While some dogs will dig at any time of year, digging is a problem which typically becomes more prevalent in warmer weather and/or during rainy seasons. With many smells beneath the surface, temptations of scampering squirrels and chirping birds, and … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

There are a few times of year when many people consider getting a new pet. One of those times is holiday season, and the other is summertime. However, there are many factors to consider when getting a dog, and making … Read More

Starting an exercise program is a great thing to do…. and who better to go walking or jogging with than your dog? However, many pet owners find that initially, bringing their dog along was not as fun as they expected! … Read More

Every pet owner realizes their dog will sometimes bark. In fact, most people even want their dog to bark if someone comes to the door, or if there’s an unusual noise. After all, these are some of the benefits of … Read More

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 … Read More

Most dog owners enjoy treating their dog to a new toy or bone every now and again. But there are certain types of chew items that can be non-conducive to a well behaved pet! When your dog enjoys a toy … Read More

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 … Read More

Have you ever seen that movie, “Homeward Bound?” You know, the one with the boy whose family goes on vacation and leaves their pets in the care of friends? The golden retriever, American bulldog, and fluffy cat love the boy … Read More

Most dogs were originally bred to perform a job, such as hunting or herding. Nowadays, the majority of dogs are simply enjoyed as pets. However, an intelligent dog who doesn’t have enough to think about can become mischievous… creating his … Read More

As outdoor temperatures become cool, owners of pets that live outdoors need to be extra concerned. Cold weather can seem very harsh to your pet, and most of our domesticated dogs are simply not cut out to live outdoors. All … Read More

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 … Read More

Many dog or puppy owners allow their pets on the furniture. To some extent, this is a personal preference… after all, if you don’t mind the dog hair on the couch, why not? However, muddy paws set aside, there are … Read More

Feeling frazzled by your frisky Fido? While humans may have hectic days, dogs generally do not! If your dog seems to be restless, energetic or mischievous it could be a result of your busy lifestyle, or even the simple fact … Read More

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 … Read More

It’s time to ring in the New Year! A great time for new beginnings, new goals or getting back on track with old ones. Human nature makes us all become complacent occasionally. But when it comes to our pets, reduced … Read More

Holidays are a time to enjoy with family and friends, sharing our appreciation for all things great and small. Most of us have much to be thankful for and it’s important to enjoy this time to reflect upon that. Thanksgiving … Read More

Most people know not to give pets as gifts, but might be considering a new pet for their own household. Perhaps the children have been pleading for a dog, or you finally feel ready after losing a pet. Whatever the … Read More

Some dogs are tall and some are short…. but just about any dog can reach appetizers on a coffee table! Whether your pet is large enough to reach the kitchen counter, or small enough to only swipe crackers from a … Read More

Whether you receive only occasional visitors, or have a very busy household, a jumping dog can be a problem. Neighbors stopping by, friends for a dinner party, and your children’s friends coming over, can all be exciting situations for your … Read More

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 … Read More

The average pet owner will surely admit that no one is perfect, including our dogs! When it comes to dog training, each family must decide for themselves which issues are important, and which can be overlooked. However, some things are … Read More