Articles and information about life with dogs.
Have you noticed your dog slowing down as they’ve gotten older? Are they playing less, jumping less, or sleeping more? Has their behavior changed–becoming less social or tolerant of petting? What about house training or relationships with other pets? Not as good as they used to be? Dogs can experience many changes as they get … Read moreGetting Older Doesn’t Have to Suck: Life with Senior Dogs
Teaching your dog “tricks” can be about a lot more than fun and games. Tricks can create more options for desirable behaviors and build confidence. From your dog’s point of view, there’s no difference between being taught an important life skill and “trick,” so let’s explore why teaching tricks can have so many positive effects. … Read moreNot Just Fun and Games: The Value of Trick Training
Do you make time to stop and smell the roses? What about giving your dog time to do so? A dog’s sense of smell is key to how they experience the world. Let them sniff and enjoy it. Why Is Sniffing So Important? Sniffing is a “species-typical” behavior, meaning that most dogs, by nature, find … Read moreLet Your Dog… Sniff
Is your dog a toy murderer? Do they seem to thrive on tearing up beds, pillows, or even the trash? Let’s talk about destruction, what you can do about it, and why you shouldn’t try to completely stop it. Why Your Dog Can’t Stop Destroying Tearing things apart to get to what’s inside is a … Read moreLet Your Dog… Destroy Things
Walking your dog can feel like a necessary chore, a part of being a responsible dog owner. But there are lots of reasons this task can become stressful, frustrating, or not possible. Good news! You don’t have to take your dog for that neighborhood walk, as long as you can meet their needs in other … Read moreDon’t Walk Your Dog?
Any new dog will present challenges to your household and routine. Often these disruptions and frustrations can be eased by taking small proactive steps. During their transition into your home, your new dog is learning what is expected, what gets rewarded, and what doesn’t work. Setting them, and yourself, up for success means preventing bad … Read moreLessons From Aspen: New Dog Tips
Walks, runs, hikes, fetch in the park, trips to the dog park – the great outdoors offers so many ways to entertain, and tire out, your dog. But sometimes you can’t get outside. Maybe the weather is nasty or the air quality is dangerous (hello, fire season!). Or what if you’re not feeling well or … Read morePrepare for a Rainy Day: Enrichment at Home
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