Using Obedience As A Way Of Life

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Often, when people think of obedience training, they think of “perfect” dogs. Show dogs, police canines, or at the very least, extremely obedient pets who follow every given command. While having a very obedient dog does have its benefits, even … Read More

A Perfectly Good Dog

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I was recently watching television when a commercial came on, asking viewers to support the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Throughout the piece, numerous animals were pictured; dogs and cats of every age, size and … Read More

A Bored Dog Leads To Problems

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One of the things that can really help humans to understand their pets is to realize how dogs think. Part of this is remembering that the majority of canines have been bred to do a job for many, many generations. … Read More

Is Your Dog Ruining Your Yard?

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As spring warms the soil, our lawns, flowers, trees and bushes begin growing. It is at this time of year that many people work on sprucing things up to make their property look pretty. However, many dogs and puppies seem … Read More

Why Socialize Your Dog?

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Most pet owners have heard that it’s important to socialize your dog. However, unless you really understand why, it’s hard to imagine why your household pet would need to be comfortable with so many things. Further, people sometimes worry that … Read More

Preventing Overly-Territorial Behavior

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Should you encourage your dog to bark at repairmen, visitors, or passers-by? People often think that’s good, but it can become a real problem. Read the article to learn why!… Read More

Socialization is Not Just for Fun

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Socializing your dog is a very important aspect toward having a well-adjusted, well-behaved pet. Of course, it’s also usually fun to take your dog for walks, to the park, or even for a ride in the car. But even if … Read More

Bringing Your Outside Dog In

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When the weather starts getting cold, I often start receiving calls and emails from folks wanting to know how to get their “outside dog” to behave inside. Some people say that they had been doing their dog a favor by … Read More

Schedule Changes for Dogs and Puppies

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When the lazy days of summer begin to come to an end, many people’s schedules undergo big changes. While temperatures may still be a little bit summery, many people’s schedules will not. For many teachers, students and parents, the beginning … Read More

Trimming Dog or Puppy Nails

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Taking care of your dog or puppy’s nails is just another aspect of caring for your pet. However, compared to ear cleaning, bathing and brushing, many people have a particularly difficult time with the “canine pedicure.” A surprising number of … Read More

Dog Mounting, Humping, Offensive Sniffing

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Of course, we all know that dogs are dogs, not people. However, when it comes to certain behaviors, humans are sometimes offended or embarrassed by their pets! Some of the things that dogs do may seem ill mannered to humans, … Read More

Hot Weather/Summer Tips for Dogs

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In most parts of the country, when summer sets in, there is no question as to what the weather will be each day. Undoubtedly it will be hot! For dogs, whose normal body temperatures are warmer than that of humans, … Read More

Admitting an Aggresssion Problem

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For most people, our relationships with our pets are strong emotional bonds, and behavior problems can be pretty upsetting to deal with. Even more difficult is when a normally sweet, affectionate pet does something uncharacteristic, like biting someone, growling or … Read More

Insect Protection for Dogs

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Just as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are a concern for humans, they are also an issue for our pets. Not only are they annoying, but they can pose a serious health hazard through the diseases they may transmit. Of course, … Read More

Would You Bring a Wild Animal Into Your Home?

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Chances are, you wouldn’t consider bringing a wild animal into your home. After all, if you caught a squirrel and brought it into your house to live, you probably wouldn’t be surprised if it chewed your couch, ate your plants … Read More

Introducing Dogs and Cats

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Contrary to the adage, “fighting like cats and dogs,” most dogs and cats can get along nicely together. Perhaps you’d like to add another pet to your family or maybe you will be caring for a friend’s pet while they’re … Read More

Should You Get a Dog for Your Dog?

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Many people consider getting another dog because they want a friend and companion for the dog they already have. In some cases, this can be a great idea… assuming that the family also wants an additional pet for themselves. Not … Read More

Saving for Your Pet’s Retirement… a Personal Story

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Upon reading the title of this article, you’re probably already thinking that my brain must be clogged with dog hair if I’m suggesting that you set up a 401K for your dog. However, while I’m not suggesting your dog retire … Read More

Mailman Mystery

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Dogs and mailmen. For many people, this instantly conjures up images of the traditional cartoon dog chasing the letter carrier down the street. Thankfully, most dogs don’t actually chase delivery people nearly as often as they do in cartoons, but … Read More

Introducing Dogs to One Another

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Most dogs like to make friends with other dogs. As pack animals, when dogs meet one another they immediately check each other out through sniffing and body language, to establish their pecking order. This is best accomplished by giving the … Read More

Excessive Barking in the Yard

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Barking. It’s one of the things that dogs do. In fact, there are occasions when it’s a benefit to have a dog who barks. If there were a stranger entering your property or if something were genuinely amiss, a barking … Read More

Outdoor Doggy Destruction

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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 … Read More

Lampshades on Dogs (Elizabethan Collar)

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Most dog owners will eventually have the experience of their pet having surgery. Whether it’s a simple spay or neuter, or a more serious operation, the majority of dogs will have a procedure performed at one time or another. One … Read More

House Training Accidents in a Certain Spot

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Without question, house training is one of the top priorities for dog owners. While we all expect puppies to require house training, there are many older dogs who have ongoing confusion too. One of the most frequent housebreaking dilemmas is … Read More

Socializing Your Dog

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Socialization is one of the most important aspects in having a well-behaved dog. Those who are not socialized properly may exhibit all sorts of behavior problems ranging from fear and timidness, to dominant behavior or even aggression. If you have … Read More

Dog Car Problems or Sickness

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Dogs can be fun traveling companions, and some people are lucky enough to have friends and family who welcome their furry friend. The majority of dogs love to go on car rides, but there are some who are very afraid … Read More

Avoiding Dog Fights

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Living with multiple dogs is very different than having just one. For example, when one dog goes outside in the rain, he tends to simply do his business and come back in, while two dogs together might choose to play … Read More

Have a Doggy New Year

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It’s that time of year again. Holiday festivities are coming to an end and with the start of a new calendar year, there is a feeling of fresh beginnings. With cooler temperatures outdoors, no big events on the horizon, and … Read More

Holiday Dangers for Dogs & Puppies

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It’s the time of year when many people begin decorating their homes for the Christmas season. But some of the festive decorations we enjoy can be dangerous for pets, especially in households that have mischievous puppies or rambunctious adult dogs. … Read More

Bones Don’t Love Dogs

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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, … Read More

Eye-Level Snack Stealing

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How do you serve your appetizers when company visits? Do you put your cheese and crackers right on the coffee table, at dog eye level? Or is that something you would not do because it would be a free-for-all for … Read More

Halloween Safety Tips For Dogs

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Halloween can be a fun time of year for kids, adults, and even our pets. But just as we take safety measures with our children, it’s also important to do the same with our dogs and cats. Keep in mind … Read More

Dog Training in Autumn

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Autumn is a great season to train your dog or puppy. With the cooler weather, there’s less worry about heat exhaustion, and there are plenty of sights, sounds and smells for you and your dog to experience. Obedience training is … Read More

Walking Your Dog for Good Behavior

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When most people think of walking their dog, they usually think of their dog or puppy “doing their business,” or simply getting some exercise. But there are many other, very important reasons to walk your dog, and you may be … Read More

Preparing for Pets in an Emergency

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With all of the suffering that has gone on during this year’s hurricane season, it should be a wakeup call to anyone who doesn’t have an emergency plan for themselves, their children, and their pets. One thing that has been … Read More

Barking For Attention

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What is it about the telephone that makes others want attention? Not only do children come running as if the phone is a magnet, and spouses often interject repeatedly, but many dogs bark for attention too! Whether it’s while you’re … Read More

Puppies & Older Dogs Together

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Have you ever noticed that children like to play endlessly, rarely tiring of their youthful antics while most adults like to play for awhile and then relax a bit? Well, the same situation applies to puppies and adult dogs! Dogs … Read More

Helping Your Dog or Puppy Adjust to a Change in Schedule

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As the beginning of the school calendar draws near, many people’s schedules change. Those who work in schools, as well as parents, students and others, will have a much different schedule than during the lazy days of summer. Other times … Read More

Dogs & Humans… Creatures of Habit?

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One thing dogs and humans have in common, is that we’re both creatures of habit. Once we settle into routines, doing the same things day in and day out, some behaviors become a habit… and habits can be hard to … Read More

Dog & Puppy Chewing Problems

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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, … Read More

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