New Home Adjustment

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

One issue that can present a significant challenge to pet owners is finding a place to live that allows dogs. Particularly for people who rent, this can be a big problem! Even those who do own their own house or … Read More

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

One of the fun parts of getting a pet is picking out a name. I have seen some trends come and go during 15 years as a dog trainer, while others seem to be consistently popular. For example, in the … Read More

One of the most difficult housebreaking problems that can occur with a puppy or adult dog is when they don’t want to “make” in front of you outside. This can be a huge problem for pet owners who walk and … Read More

Most people who have a dog want to make sure he’s properly trained and well-behaved. Some things that are of top priority include being reliably housebroken (no accidents in the house), and behaving nicely both indoors and out. One of … Read More

Most people who get a young puppy are told not to expose their dog to outdoor areas until vaccines are finished. There are lots of airborne viruses that can be contracted as well as a multitude of worms and illnesses … Read More

Getting a new pet can be an exciting and confusing time for both the humans and the animal/s. While dog training is my specialty, being a trainer has also led to numerous opportunities to work with other pets too, particularly … Read More

When you get a new pet, one of the top priorities is to make sure that he adjusts well to his new home environment. While humans are usually excited about their new furry family member, a new dog or puppy … Read More

For some families, having two puppies can be double the fun. Sometimes it’s a matter of not being able to choose just one, and other times they simply want two pups so they’ll have each other to be with. There … Read More

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

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

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

Having a new puppy is such an exciting time. Their playful antics, watching them explore and snuggling up are all some of the positives we enjoy. But when it comes to sleeping through the night, puppies can take some time … Read More

While there are many differences between the way pets think and the way people think, when it comes to training baby pets there are lots of similarities too. One similarity is consistency. Many people assume that their puppy or kitten … Read More

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

It is often said that “hindsight is 20/20,” and I’m sure that every one of us have wished at one time or another that we’d had foresight instead. Giving a pet as a gift is one of those situations  that … Read More

If you’re considering a new pet, it’s very important to make sure that both the children and the adults in the household know what to expect before making a final decision. For example, when children visualize a puppy, they often … Read More

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

People often express that they’d like to adopt a dog or puppy, but are worried about the dog’s past, or are concerned that their new dog may not bond well with their family. However, this is quite the opposite of … Read More

When summer or other time off draws nearer, there is a certain scent of promise in the air… only a few more weeks till school’s out! These are times of year when many teachers and other school personnel may start … 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

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

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

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

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

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

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