A client approaches a trainer with concerns about their dog’s listless demeanor. The trainer suggests going to the dog park or enrolling in doggy daycare. Shying away, the owner refuses the advice saying that dog parks are a breeding ground for disease and fighting and a daycare is a place for lazy owners to throw their money away. No matter how the trainer tried to explain the importance of socialization, the owner dug her heels in deeper. Is there a right … Read more

A dog may retain the training she’s received all her life, she will also retain fears imprinted from puppyhood, but can’t seem to remember that chewing up an expensive piece of footwear is a huge no-no. A dog’s memory span may be broken up into short and long term memory. However, a human’s version of memory and a dog’s version of memory are two very different things. Just how long is a dog’s memory? Memory vs. Imprint Humans retain memories; … Read more

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of bringing home a new puppy – choosing names, buying toys and food, making vet appointments, and just dreaming about your new best friend. But that flurry of excitement can make us forget the most important thing – puppy proofing! Here are the 10 must-dos before you bring her home. #1 – Breakables Make sure anything breakable is not at your puppy’s level. This includes places she can reach when standing … Read more

Newly released in paperback with a new afterward, Chaser became famous before her book ever hit the shelves. Since picking Chaser up from Wayne West of Flint Hill Farm in 2004, John W. Pilley has been teaching her in much the same way you would teach your two-year old toddler. And, he says, she is just as smart. Pilley is no ordinary dog owner, however. He is an emeritus professor of psychology at Wofford College. His background in psychology and … Read more

Many pet parents are wondering about vaccines and the risks they pose to our pets, including the rabies vaccine. After all, most of us go our entire lives without seeing a rabid animal, let alone a rabid dog. And those living in cities with almost no contact with wildlife really wonder if the required rabies shot is necessary – and some are going as far as dodging the vaccine. But is it a false sense of security? In 2018, the … Read more

Looking for a way to keep your dog occupied? Want your dog’s brain to get some exercise but you are too busy or tired for a training session tonight? These 10 mind games are perfect to stretch your dog’s brain power while giving you a break. #1 – Foobler Puzzle Timed Dog Ball Foobler is an automatic self-reloading puzzle feeder for dogs with 6 timer activated food pods.  Its like having 6 puzzle toys in one that deliver a full … Read more

In order for a dog to learn, it has to be focused (just like us!), and focus takes a certain amount of calmness (just ask any sports player). But how do you get your energetic puppy or reactive adult to calm down? Believe it or not, you can train your dog to be calm. I won’t lie, these are not the most fun training sessions you are ever going to do. However, with persistence and patience, you will have a … Read more

It never fails. It’s 10p.m. on a weeknight and your dog cut himself, not seriously, but you have no bandages. The regular vet is closed, the pet store is closed, and so is the local drug store. Be prepared for little emergencies so you don’t find yourself trying to keep your dog from licking a wound by wrapping it in your favorite shirt. #1 – Cone You should always have a cone handy. It can keep dogs from licking due … Read more

Every dog owner, at some point, toys with the idea of adding another dog to the pack. There are so many positive reasons to add to the family; the more the merrier, companionship for the first dog. Plus, it is always interesting adding a new dynamic, a new personality to an established unit. However, there are many factors to consider before a decision is made. Most multiple dog owners are surprised that bringing in another dog isn’t as easy as … Read more

Halloween is one of the best holidays – you get to dress up as anything you want, eat a ton of candy, and bring the dog along. However, it can also be a terrifying night if you and your dog are not safe. Follow these tips to ensure a night full of treats, not tricks (unless it’s a trick for a treat!). #1 – Stay Visible If you are taking your dog Trick-or-Treating, make sure you are both visible to … Read more

When training your dog, it’s easy to get focused on obedience – heel, sit, stay, down, etc. – and just drill it into your dog day after day, session after session. However, most professional trainers have found that breaking free from your “routine” and teaching your dog a new trick each week can actually help your dog be more successful in all areas of training. Here’s why. Exercises the Mind What if, when you were young, your parents decided to … Read more

Ever wondered what your dog is thinking while running, jumping, or hiding in the fall leaves? These 10 cute pups certainly have a lot say about their fall escapades. #1 – Best Buds I love you man. But let’s just keep this to ourselves…grown dogs…playing in leaves… Click page 2 below for the next dog!

Kennel cough is probably the most talked about and “worried over” of the doggie diseases because it is so common and easily spread. But, some online sources are now suggesting that our worry and concern is “over done” and that kennel cough does not deserve the hype it gets. We asked Denise Petryk, DVM, Trupanion’s Director of Veterinary Services what she thinks about this emerging opinion on Kennel Cough, and what dog owners need to know about this doggie cold. … Read more

Dog bites are preventable, but it takes work from both the dog’s owner and anyone that encounters the dog. A good first step in preventing an aggressive dog from attacking is knowing the common triggers. Robin Bennett, CPDT-KA, author of All About Dog Daycare gave us a list of the 11 most common triggers – avoid them to help prevent an attack from happening. #1 – Small children The fast and sometimes erratic movement from children can trigger a dog’s … Read more

Petsmart® just announced that loving Pet Corp issued a voluntary recall for specific lots of Simply Nourish Biscotti with Beef & Sweet Potatoes. The treats are thought to have mold growth. Specific Product Information Product name: Simply Nourish Biscotti with Beef & Sweet Potatoes Dog Treats SKU: 5203800 UPC: 73725747061 Expiration date: 02/2016 If You Have The Product…. Immediately stop feeding your dog the treats and return it to any PetSmart store for a full refund. Watch your pet for … Read more