Jessica Does your dog run from the vacuum, growl at the new puppy, try to bite when you trim their nails, or have some other overreaction to a harmless thing? What’s up with that? You know that the vacuum isn’t a monster, that the puppy is just trying to play, and that nail trims are not … Read moreGet Over It!
They won’t be breaking curfew or begging to borrow the car, but if you have a canine teenager, they may be terrorizing your household. Dogs have a much longer adolescent (or teenage) phase than most people realize and it can affect them, and those around them, in many ways. If you find yourself using words … Read moreLiving with Teenagers: The Joys and Challenges of Adolescent Dogs
Cats and dogs don’t have to fight like… well, cats and dogs. They can live peacefully together and even develop close bonds. But first they need to be safely introduced. Considerations for New Roommates While many cats and dogs can live happily together, not all are suited for it. Consider size and personality when deciding … Read moreIntroducing Cats and Dogs
For social dogs, making a new doggie friend can be easy and fun. For more cautious dogs, the right introduction may mean the difference between friends and foes. Taking the time to make a good first impression can get the dogs on the path to a great relationship. Should You Introduce Them? Before starting an … Read moreMaking Friends: Introducing Dogs
Congrats on your new family member! Photo: Attila Nagy/Pixabay.com You probably have been thinking about bringing home a friend for a while and are ready to start this next chapter of life. However, your new dog may be surprised by the sudden change in their life, especially if you’re bringing home an adult dog. Being … Read moreWelcoming Home a New Dog
When their dog misbehaves, most people assume that means they need training. It might surprise you that, as a professional dog trainer, my first recommendation to people isn’t always to train. Sometimes, there are simpler solutions to behavior problems. Other times, there are issues at play that can’t be solved by training alone. Without first … Read moreWhen Training Isn’t the Answer