One of the easiest ways to raise a dog that’s a joy to live is to become the leader your dog needs. As pack animals, dogs thrive when there is structure, boundaries and expectations. Your dog will feel most relaxed and secure when he understands what his boundaries are and that you have things under …
It’s the first day of class and here they come, new puppy parents looking as if they just lost a wrestling match with a blackberry bush. Ah…the joy of puppies, those sweet, silly, cuddly balls of love; they sure would be lots more fun if wasn’t for those razor sharp teeth. The good news – …
At first glance it might appear that our dogs live wonderful lives; most are well fed, well groomed, provided adequate shelter and medical attention. Our dogs certainly appear to be happy and healthy – yet reports of behavior problems seem to be at an all time high. The big question is why. Many behavior problems …
If only our dogs had thumbs to twiddle so that we might notice…they are bored Read More »
Many people have had their visions of taking long, leisurely walks with their best doggie friend replaced by visions of spending time in the chiropractors office for shoulder and back pain. Dogs that pull on-leash have a problem. The owner hates the walk, and hence he/she shortens it. And the dog, which simply wanted to …
Ever wonder if you are using the right equipment to walk your dog? If you answer, yes, to any of the following questions, you should know that there are some wonderful equipment options available today that could ease your worried mind. I sometimes worry that my dog: Is being physically injured by the equipment combination …
(Originally written for the Press Banner, a San Lorenzo Valley Newspaper) Has your dog learned how to tell you that he has to go outside and “take care of business”? While this skill comes naturally for many dogs – just woof or scratch at the door, and people come open it – other dogs seem …
(Originally written for the Press Banner, a San Lorenzo Valley Newspaper) In fact, some dogs get just plain sick over the whole idea. But even if car rides cause your dog to drool, shake, pace, whine or vomit, take heart. There’s nearly always a way to overcome the problem, ,and it is well worth the …
Not all dogs love an….ear flappin – nose to the wind – car ride Read More »
(Originally written for the Press Banner, a San Lorenzo Valley Newspaper) Gatherings of family and friends during the holidays provide the perfect opportunity for my dog, Tyche, to shine. With an ever-growing repertoire of tricks and a twinkle in her eye, Tyche presents her latest and greatest for party guests with extraordinary enthusiasm. This year …
(Originally written for the Press Banner, a San Lorenzo Valley Newspaper) The key to successful dog-cat introductions is gradual exposure under controlled conditions. You want to avoid creating situations where the cat runs away and the dog’s prey-chase instinct is activated. If your dog has lived with a cat and your cat has lived with …
It’s that time of year again; time for pool parties, shrimps on the barbie, and fireworks. Huge, loud, fantastic fireworks that light-up the sky with brilliant white as people ooh-aaah with delight. It may also be that time of year when you find Fido shaking and cowering beneath your bedroom nightstand as if certain the …
