A simple fact of biology is that all organisms do more of what rewards them. If you received twenty dollars every time you smiled, you’d walk around grinning. If wearing a certain coat predictably unleashed a flurry of compliments on you, chances are that coat would spend very little time in your closet. Dogs are… Read more »
A dog with two tails (an overjoyed person) Every dog has his day (even the lowest among us gets a moment of glory) A dog’s chance (no chance at all) Three-dog night (a night so cold that two dogs in the bed is not enough) Hair of the dog (a supposed hangover cure: another drink… Read more »
Don’t: Leave your dog alone in the yard. Don’t: Tie your dog outside a store. Do: Tag and microchip your dog. Keep his license up to date. Do: Make sure your dog has a bullet-proof recall. You can check out our Fun Foundation and Total Recall classes if you need help with this one! If… Read more »
The terrier ancestry is clearly present in the bold, quick, occasionally aloof Yorkie. Ironically, given today’s often pampered, bejeweled dogs, the Yorkie hails from rugged Yorkshire in the North of England and was originally used as a ratter. Silky hair and teeny stature fool some into thinking the Yorkie is more toy than dog. This… Read more »
There are five types of canine allergies: Bacterial, contact, flea, inhalant, and food. The least common are bacterial and contact. Bacterial allergies result in skin disease and require antibiotic treatment. Contact allergies are reactions to substances in the dog’s environment, such as wool or cleaners, and often disappear when the irritant is removed. Flea allergies… Read more »
Dogs around the world have followed warriors and soldiers into combat as far back as history records stretch. The Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Romans and many other early civilizations used dogs as sentries or on patrols. Some early armies even brought dogs into battle. Today’s active service dogs are highly skilled and valuable. Their primary jobs… Read more »
Dogs learn in two ways: by association (emotional response) and by consequence (doing things). An example of associative learning is dogs’ reaction to the sight of a food bowl: fits of joy. They have learned that this bowl predicts mealtime. We can use dogs’ associations to teach them things. For instance, new puppies don’t care… Read more »
Nonstop barking can drive even the saintly to desperation. Fortunately, there’s help to be had. The approach depends on the cause. Watchdog barking is triggered by visual or auditory stimulation—passersby, slamming car doors, a cat on the lawn. Watchdog barkers were sentries in a previous life. Boredom barking happens when a dog is left alone… Read more »
So your dog has some behavior issues. Who doesn’t, really? Nobody’s perfect. But, you’ve decided this one is severe enough to work on, and KUDOS to you! We always recommend working with a credentialed professional – one who uses reward-based training, science, and effective, humane methods (like us!). There are some mistakes that we, as… Read more »
This sweet-looking, floppy-eared, low-to-the-ground hound boasts scenting abilities bested only by the Bloodhound. Known as a patient and affectionate family dog, the Basset hides her impressive talents behind a somewhat plodding pace and less-than-athletic exterior. But don’t be fooled. When well trained, the Basset can distinguish herself in Rally-O, tracking, field trialing, and pack hunting.… Read more »
Doing your homework is key to making traveling with your dog a healthy and stress-free experience. First, research the area(s) you’ll be visiting: Are there weather advisories in place, or disease outbreaks or risks you’re unfamiliar with (water parasites, ticks, rabies)? Are there permissions or vaccinations your dog will need to travel there? Next, be… Read more »
The majority of today’s herding dogs and herding dog breed mixes never come across a flock of geese or sheep or goats. But that doesn’t mean their herding instinct is dormant. People who share their lives with these energetic and intelligent dogs know how easy it is to trigger a round of (often annoying) heel… Read more »
