Off-leash hikes are a great way for your pup to experience the great outdoors but what happens when he catches the scent of a squirrel or other critter and takes off? Enter the connected pet, the latest market segment to be disrupted, that offers many emerging gadgets meant to help you keep track of your pet and their activities. Continue Reading >
Every trainer has a repertoire of commands that they find to be most useful in their training programs and the way they work their clients’ dogs. One commands I find to be extremely useful and common across all trainers is the use of a ‘place’ command. Continue Reading >
Dog parks are a hot topic amongst dog trainers. On one hand, they are wonderful places to socialize your dog with fellow dog lovers. On the flip side, they can be the source of many health and behavioral complications for dogs. This article is not meant to sway you one way or another, but more to discuss the pros and cons of the utilization of dog parks. Continue Reading >
There is a lot of buzz around the various types of dog training available. From purely positive to compulsive training, every trainer has their theories on what method is the most successful (for the broadest range of dogs). Ultimately though, all theories are based off of interpretations and study on dog behavior and how they learn. Continue Reading >
Challenges with dogs come in many shapes. From health problems to aggression, many dogs struggle with a wide array of behavioral problems that often bring them through the doors of a training facility. Having handled and train hundreds of dogs of all breeds, I often get asked what the most difficult dog is to train. Continue Reading >
Many dog-owners are opting to travel with their dogs as airlines, hotels, and even restaurants are becoming more pet-friendly. Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience that not only strengthens your bond, but also helps you save money on pet care. Continue Reading >
A lot of forums out there are of the opinion there is a window period that comes with socializing rescues. Yes, dogs that have not been socialized as puppies usually present as adult dogs with abuse symptoms. A lot of people that have shy dogs may assume their dogs went through abuse, but in all probability, they were not socialized well when they were young. Continue Reading >
One of the hardest parts about working with dogs and their people is breaking the news to an owner that their dog might not be capable of certain goals they desire. Learning to work with the dog that is in front of you is a huge part of having a successful training relationship with your dog. Continue Reading >
Clear lines of communication between the dog and the handler is the most crucial components of a successful training program. Continue Reading >
Do animals need toys? Absolutely! Toys can help dogs practice their nurturing skills by loving on a “baby.” Toys can also provide stress relief and mental stimulation. However, not all toys are created equal. Here we discuss how to choose the best toys for your pooch! Continue Reading >
Enrolling your dog into a training program and finding the right trainer for you and your dog can be an arduous process. With no overarching governing body that regulates who can and cannot train dogs, and no required education to be completed before beginning to train dogs, finding a qualified dog trainer that you trust with your fur baby can be a challenge. Continue Reading >
The cold is over and it's time to for you and your dog to get outside and get active! Continue Reading >
Styles of training have shifted dramatically over the years. As people are wanting their dogs to be better trained to join them on outings, trainers are seeing more and more people expecting high end obedience out of their pets to ensure good behavior in public. I absolutely love this! I firmly believe in having dogs be a part of the family system, and raising the standard of dog training helps to make this possible. Continue Reading >
The 4th of July is fun for us humans; but it can be a nightmare for our furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your pooch safe and comfy. Continue Reading >
During training, dog tricks are very useful and at the same time enjoyable. Dog tricks are more like dog basic obedience commands and should be more fun. There are many forms of dog tricks. Continue Reading >
After a long day on the road it’s great to pull into a hotel or motel that you know is dog-friendly. If you’ve never stayed at a dog-friendly hotel with your dog before, here are a few things you’ll want to know: Continue Reading >
I recently read a fantastic book called How to be Your Dog's Best Friend: A Training Manual for Dog Owners by the Monks of New Skete. The part that stuck with me after reading that book is the emphasis on the fact that to you, your dog is your best friend. But to your dog, you are the leader of the pack - their source of socializing, of friendship, of belonging. I really took that to heart. Yes, I work a full-time job and I hate leaving my dog at home, but I do my best to include her when I can. Short trip to the grocery store? Hop in. Let's go for a ride. The pack is on the move! Continue Reading >
They don’t call a dog “Man’s best friend” for nothing. When it comes to our four legged friends, finding constructive ways to keep them busy isn’t always as easy as it seems. Whether you own a toy poodle or a Doberman pincher, almost every dog needs something to do that burns off their excess energy and keeps them out of trouble. Continue Reading >
A balanced and nutritious diet is important for the health of your pet dog. You should know what you are feeding your dog at every stage of her/his life. Pet nutrition assumes a lot of significance, as a lot depends on what they eat on a daily basis. Continue Reading >
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person? Have you ever wondered why so many people love dogs? When people say how smart dogs are, it’s no joke. According to Live Science, an average dog has an IQ of a two-year-old child. Continue Reading >
Haven’t you ever heard that a dog has the most unconditional love in the entire world? Throughout your entire day there are hundreds of different ways that your furry friend is attempting to communicate with you. Once you become aware of the signs, your time spent will your precious pet will forever change. Continue Reading >
Ok, why do we have a story about a cat posted here on Barkswell? Bear with me. I'll bring this around to dogs, trust me. Some time ago my husband and I decided to go take a look at the local shelter. We weren't particularly looking for a new pet, we just needed to be around animals for a bit. You know, show them a little love while they wait for their forever homes. Continue Reading >
Purebred or mixed breed? That's the question many would-be dog owners ask when deciding about adding a four-legged friend to their family. Hybrid dogs – resulting from the crossing of two different canine breeds –have certain advantages over purebreds. They are generally not as expensive to buy, and also benefit from hybrid vigor. That means that a dog of mixed genetics is likely to have fewer health problems than one from a long line of purebred dogs with shared genes. Continue Reading >
As a professional dog trainer, I spend a lot of time during my day to day work routine teaching owners how to get the most out of their dogs. I love my work and find it extremely rewarding. However, there are definitely moments when I find myself stuck in a monotonous routine. Continue Reading >
What’s better than having one dog? Having more than one! But bringing a new dog into a household with existing dogs is not as easy as just waltzing through the door and hoping for the best. Introducing two (or more) dogs takes a lot of patience and a bit of time. Continue Reading >
Have you ever just sat there looking at your dog sleep and thought: “I wonder what he/she thinks of me?” First of all, when you come into the room, I wonder what our dogs mentally say to themselves to acknowledge our presence. Is it positive? Like “here comes (insert awesome dog owner name)” or is it more personal like “wow he/she’s put on weight” or “really? You wore that outfit last weekend”. Continue Reading >
If there's one thing my dog and I have in common more than anything else, it's a love for food. In unison, we'll rubberneck as soon as the scent of it strikes our noses. The sound of a fridge opening is heaven to our ears and a promise to our stomachs. Continue Reading >
If a poufy hairdo, nail polish and little pink bows come to mind when you hear the word “Poodle,” you’re missing the point. While it’s true that some Poodle parents still favor the foppish look of leg and tail puffs, big hair and various adornments, most people who share their home with Poodles appreciate the breed for characteristics other than their foo-foo potential. Continue Reading >
If you have a pet dog, fleas can give you sleepless nights. The one thing that most pet owners dread are fleas. Dogs can get infected if they come in contact with other animals or fleas in the environment. Before you start with any kind of remedial treatment, clean your home and items used by your pet. Continue Reading >
My dog Stormy is a pet therapy dog. Occasionally we will go to hospitals to help stroke patients regain their dexterity by brushing or playing with him, occasionally we will do a destressing session at the local college at finals time. But most of the time, kids read to him. Continue Reading >
Here’s the situation. You love your four legged friend, he’s been there for you since you were living in that small apartment with only Ben & Jerry to keep you warm…well, cold at night. Now, you’re married and guess what — pregnant! Yay! But wait, how will Spot take to the baby? Is it safe? Should you let your sister keep him until the baby has her shots? Fear not, mama bear. With adequate preparation, there’s nothing to worry about. Continue Reading >
As much as we all look forward to not having to make our own beds, free breakfasts (if we’re lucky!) and the excitement of the open road, our pups don’t always know what we humans are up too. Continue Reading >
If you’re like me and you have a less-than-progressive animal shelter nearby, chances are you’ll do anything to avoid setting foot in the place. Especially if it’s a kill shelter. No matter what terms they may use—euthanize, put down, PTS (put to sleep)—the staff destroys dogs, cats and other pets simply because they’re unwanted. Almost nothing makes an animal lover more upset. Continue Reading >
One of the most common things I have clients tell me is that they don’t want to have to use treats for the rest of their lives. Building the intrinsic motivation for your dog to want to work with you takes time and trust and continues to be fostered throughout your training program. Continue Reading >
“My dog could never do that!” I hear that a lot from people when they first see an agility team in action. It usually bursts out of them when the dog is flying through the weave poles, executing a task that seems impossibly difficult. I said something like that myself the first time I saw it, but, actually, most dogs can learn to do agility if they are physically able. Continue Reading >
If you start to find that your nights are beginning to consist of you wrapped up with your dog, watching a sad movie and wishing somebody was there to agree on its sadness (“Why didn’t she just move over?! There was room for Jack!!”), then it may be time to go out and find somebody you can lay with. No not like that, get your minds out the gutter! I meant on the couch while you watch titanic for an epic 9th time. Continue Reading >
A few months ago, there was a lot of Internet chatter about how our dogs do not like being hugged by humans. Naturally, there was a lot of responses by owners claiming how “our dogs love it when we hug them.” Continue Reading >
Just like us, our four legged friends need to practice good hygiene to stay healthy. The practices are generally the same, we take care of their teeth, we bathe them and we keep them brushed. There is one area we fail sometimes to pay attention to, and that is their food and water bowls. Sure, you may rinse the water bowl out or wash the food bowl when it gets extra furry, but this can be a major growth place for bacteria. Also, pay attention to what you are putting in their bowls. Continue Reading >
One of the increasingly common amenities offered in high rises is a dog relief area. The concept is one of convenience, yet sadly, the reality is something slightly more disturbing. I’ve rarely visited one that didn’t resemble an outhouse. Flies buzzing. The stench crawling up the walls. Feeling the need to secure everything to your person before entering the area, lest it get dropped onto the ground (which is a step up from losing it down the pit for good!). Continue Reading >
Having two puppies move in with us back in 2011 was quite the experience. After all, I had never owned dogs before, let alone raised any. My perfectionist nature demanded as much prep work as possible before the arrival of our two fur babies Missy & Buzz, so one day, while browsing various dog books and magazines, I came across an invaluable tip I never would have come up with on my own. The Army Crawl. Continue Reading >
When bringing a new pet home, it’s very similar to bringing home a new baby. No, you won’t be needing a bassinet or pull ups, but it would be wise to invest in a bowl and some puppy pads. Continue Reading >
With the wet season upon us, one of the most challenging things dog owners will face is how to get their dog’s energy out during a rainy day. There are great indoor activities you can do to not only keep your dog mentally stimulated, but help to expend some of that excess energy that can often lead to destructive behaviors. Continue Reading >
There is an unspoken truce between an owner and a dog that will transcend every other relationship. It’s not uncommon for a dog owner to make their social arrangements according to whether their hosts have pets or not and will begrudgingly accept those where humans are the only social creatures available. When entering the domain of the dog lover, however, there will be a slight change of rules and the proper etiquette will need to be adhered to. Continue Reading >
It’s football, basketball and other sports and recreation season! While plenty of people get excited about the fun and games that fall and winter bring, it’s not always the most fun or safest time for your pet. Loud noise, chaos from house guests, new smells and people, and other activity can be exciting – or terrifying –for your pet. There’s also a risk that your furry loved one might be accidentally let out of the house or yard, frightened, or in some cases, injured, during the festivities. Continue Reading >
Dog owners love to travel with their dogs, but few hotels welcome them. Are you doing everything you can to make sure that you and your dog are good hotel guests, so that hotels that accept dogs will continue to do so? Set an example of responsible pet ownership when you stay in a hotel with your dog. Help keep the welcome mat out for pets. Continue Reading >
We take time to winterize our homes and our cars, but not everyone takes time to winterize their four-legged friends. Dogs also need extra TLC when the temperatures drop, so consider adding these tips to your must-do list. Continue Reading >
Many people consider their dogs to be pretty resilient creatures—and generally speaking, they are. But for those who live in colder climates, it pays to think about the safety of those four-legged family members as winter weather draws near. After all, if you’re uncomfortable, you may not be the only one. Continue Reading >
This is one of those age old arguments that many pet holders seem to have amongst themselves, myself included. To dog or to cat… that is the question. Continue Reading >
Whether for the upcoming holidays, special occasions or just to show some extra love, here are some choice gift ideas for the dog lover in your life. Though canine-themed, these presents are strictly for the humans. Continue Reading >
You’ve probably heard of hoarding. Maybe you’ve seen a news report, or your neighbor’s mother-in-law has a problem. Someone whose house is impassable, a fire hazard. He or she is a collector of things that would be considered mostly junk to the rest of us, but for some deeply, psychologically inexplicable reason, these things are precious and necessary treasures to that individual. The collection piles up and up, until only narrow passageways are navigable, or not even that. The authorities are called. Television shows are filmed, and we gaze in horror and amazement. Continue Reading >
If you are in the market for buying a dog – congratulations! Being the owner of a dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the entire world. If you have not heard this yet – prepare to hear it a lot! What you are going to be embarking upon a journey with a furry friend of adventures, travel and unconditional love! Now, before we can get to that point, there is one vital piece of information that is needed: picking out the perfect dog breed! Don’t worry though, we got you covered. Here are Three Tips To Find the Perfect Dog Breed! Continue Reading >
All dogs are social animals so toys should be seen as priority rather than luxury. They come in all shapes and it is advisable to go for the interactive ones as a first time purchase. These in particular were created to serve the purpose of providing a unique challenge for the pet so as to retain attention. Continue Reading >
Caring for dogs can be expensive. At the very least, they need shots every year, flea and tick treatment, and heartworm prevention pills. If your dog hurts themselves, has an allergic reaction, or breaks a bone, you're looking at a trip to the vet and a large bill. Just diagnosing problems can be expensive, with X-Rays running up to $500 and MRIs running up to $2,500. Continue Reading >
Pets and carpets are not a great combination. If your carpet is stained due to the activities of your pet, it is often an uphill task to clean it properly. Apart from the dirty looking stains, dog urine has a distinctive odor and if the carpet is not cleaned properly the smell may continue to linger and cause a lot of discomfort. Continue Reading >
If you are like me, then you own a mutt, which is a non-PC term for a mixed breed of dog. Many mixed breed dog owners honestly don’t know what breeds make up their dog. I have a dog that I am told is part Border Collie and part Pit Bull, but it looks more like a Beagle mixed with a Husky, maybe? Continue Reading >
Hopefully these tips will give you and your fur baby some relief at bath time. Remember, dodge the shake! Continue Reading >
Earlier this year, it was reported that animal cruelty is now a felony in all 50 states. It’s a win for animals as well as people. Statistics have shown that many of those who engage in criminal activity of all kinds also abuse animals, too. With the new laws in place, law enforcement can better track and maintain records of those who abuse animals – and potentially prevent other crimes from happening. Continue Reading >
The mountains are calling and I must go.” The words of John Muir ring true for many of us - the crisp, cool air, the overwhelming panoramic views, and the sense of adventure continue to grip us and pull us away from our homes and into the embrace of the great outdoors. It is truly an awesome thing to get out there and get away from our jobs, our cell phones, and our problems. Whether it's your favorite hike or a brand-new trail - it's always an adventure. Have you considered taking your four-legged friend? Continue Reading >
Happiness, sadness, fear, aggression, confidence and playfulness… dogs feel all of it. If we pay close attention, they are constantly communicating their emotions to us. We want the best for our furry friends, and there are ways to read their well-being just by watching Continue Reading >
Ever since I can remember, I have had nothing but dogs as pets. Growing up in the 90’s and 00’s, there wasn’t much awareness of dog health. You’d just give your dog a treat that looked the best. Continue Reading >
When your pup is feeling ill, the last thing you want to do is torture them even more with their medication. It hadn’t been more than a few days and our new rescue pup had fallen ill. Instead of bonding over belly rubs and long naps on the couch we were learning the hard way, through trial and error, how to administer pills to our pup. Continue Reading >
Choosing a collar for your canine companion is not as easy as you might think. You should use the same type of standards for purchasing a dog collar as you would a pair of jeans. A loose collar looks terrible and one that is too tight could be harmful. Continue Reading >
Everyone knows adopting a dog from a shelter saves lives but many people are unaware that fostering a dog can be just as beneficial. When you foster, you provide a temporary home for a shelter dog for a certain amount of time; often until they are adopted by another family (or you, which is known as a “foster fail”). But, fostering is so much more than that. Here are just five of the many reasons to become a dog foster parent! Continue Reading >
Veterinarians go through years of schooling to learn to treat on pets or livestock. Most of them did so because of a love of animals, not the desire to manage the business side of the practice. That's where the animal clinic manager comes in. Continue Reading >
You probably have a first aid kit for the people in your household—or at least a collection of supplies—why not have one for your dog? In case of an emergency you may still need to visit your veterinarian, but having a few items ready to treat your dog will help both of you manage symptoms and stress. Continue Reading >
Our little furry pets are often our best friends. Seeing them in distress can be painful and, even worse, it can happen to even the most fearless and calm dogs. Whether it’s that anxious car ride, the trembling of thunder or even the …. dare I say it … vacuum, phobias in dogs are very real Continue Reading >
Making the decision to welcome a new furry family member into your home is a big step that requires forethought and planning. Choosing the right dog to fit your lifestyle is a big component in making the move to be the best doggie parent possible! Continue Reading >
The pancreas is a relatively small organ in the body, which plays a vital role in controlling blood sugar and also releases potent enzymes that digest food into smaller particles prior to absorption. These enzymes are generally stored in small vesicles (enclosures) and only released during digestion. Continue Reading >
Many people deal with dogs barking believe it or not! Even the best neighborhoods have dogs that can create excessive noise that will begin an annoyance that will interrupt your day, but in worst cases – at night. There are four different ways to handle this type of problem. Continue Reading >
Bringing a new puppy home is an incredibly exciting time for the entire family. Socializing your new fuzz ball is always a challenge every person faces, and it is a crucial component to ensuring your new pup is a well-balanced member of society as they grow up. Socialization is one of those buzz words that can mean something different to every person you ask. Continue Reading >
Vacationing with your dog is a ton of fun. Not only does the entire family get to go, but you can also avoid the cost and stress of boarding your pup or leaving them with friends. Road trip around the world with your canine companion and they’ll never forget the wide world of smells they experienced. Continue Reading >
To kitten, or not to kitten. That was my puppy Konstantin’s persistent question. Three kittens we had rescued from behind a dumpster were squirming on their baby blanket at his feet, and my 20 pound, 10 week old Doberman could hardly contain his excitement. Continue Reading >
You’ve probably seen them at your local dog park—walking five, six, or even more dogs at once, enjoying the afternoon sunshine and the company of their four-legged friends while others are stuck inside on the office grind. It can be a highly lucrative business opportunity, and allows a lot more freedom than other jobs. Not only can you choose your own hours, you get to enjoy the great outdoors, set the wage that works for you, and hang out with dogs all day. Continue Reading >
Keeping your puppy entertained is the best way to keep from having your home destroyed by a bored little creature. There are so many different ways to play and exercise with your puppy. Puppies are capable of digging holes (everywhere), chewing socks (or anything else) into pieces, and even chewing on furniture. Continue Reading >
Recently I had to find a new place to live — fun, right? Well, not really. Living in San Francisco is hard enough — a recent study pegged the city as the most expensive in the country, and many young people start their lives here living in someone else’s closet. Continue Reading >
Oh boy, this might sound like quite the task, but it's actually not as bad as it seems. Adult dogs are set in their ways and comfortable within their home and their space, then a tiny little puppy comes home and can possibly change everything? Here are a few ways to help your new puppy come home with a nice introduction to older, or established, dogs. Continue Reading >
Many dog owners train their dogs to be on a leash. The main thing is safe control of the dog, so pet owners can go for walks. It also helps to make traveling easier. Continue Reading >
You may have heard of Black Dog Syndrome in which big, black dogs are adopted less than lighter, smaller breeds. Continue Reading >
Getting involved with a pet rescue is not only a rewarding experience, but it is a great way to meet new people in your community. When you decide to get involved, you may not realize all of the ways that you can help a pet rescue. Many people think this only involves going to the facility and volunteering your time. Continue Reading >
As a dog owner, you most likely want to ensure that your pup is happy and healthy. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog in good health and avoid costly vet bills is by feeding your pet a high quality food. Continue Reading >
Serious illnesses and injuries can be devastating for dog owners. Unexpected vet bills can be a major financial setback, and of course, witnessing your best friend in pain causes a great deal of psychological distress. Continue Reading >
Getting to travel with your dog can be a fun experience! When you get ready to leave for your vacation or road adventure, there are a few necessary steps to making sure that travel will be comfortable and safe for your dog. Continue Reading >
Many professional dog trainers and veterinarians recommend crate training as a means of efficiently housebreaking a puppy, but many new puppy owners fear that “caging” their new dog is mean or cruel. In reality, dogs have always been den animals; they enjoy having a small, cozy place of their own and in a household setting a crate serves as a puppy’s personal den. Continue Reading >
Picking a pet trainer to help teach you and your dog how to reliably communicate with one another can be an arduous experience. Continue Reading >
A dog may be man’s best friend, but summertime is a dog’s. I mean-think about it, tall grass to run around in, beach days and Frisbee catch, Summer critters emerging just waiting to be chased. Continue Reading >
From evaluating the situation to scooping poop, here are "10 Tips and Tricks for Canine Camping." Continue Reading >
Most people have heard of Crazy Horse, the great Lakota warrior, but many people are unaware that Crazy Horse had a dog (as the story goes!). Continue Reading >
Once the weather starts to get better, summer can be a favorite time of year for pets. Continue Reading >
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