September 18, 2020 | We Learn
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posts by topic
September 16, 2020 | We Learn
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Peaceful Cohabitation for Cats and Dogs
September 11, 2020 | We Learn
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Chronic Ear Infections? Could be Allergies
September 7, 2020 | We Learn
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Is Your Dog a Good Citizen?
August 2, 2019 | We Learn
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How To Prepare For An Adventure With Your Dog
Traveling on vacation can be an enriching experience, especially if you get to enjoy a location you’ve never been to before. Yet, leaving our beloved dogs behind can be difficult at the best of times, let alone for a week or more. If you’ve been thinking of taking your pooch on a trip with you, here is how you can avoid any travel mishaps. Continue Reading >
April 11, 2019 | We Learn
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New Pet 101: Tip for First-Time Pet Owners
You’re bringing home a new best friend. No, it’s not a new roommate or a friend from work or college. Instead, you’ve found one with four legs and covered in fur. Continue Reading >
January 9, 2019 | We Learn
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Showing Your Home? Keep Your Dog Safe
Your house is on the market, and you are hoping for plenty of showings. Cleaning and preparing the house is probably the first thing on your mind. However, you also need to start thinking about your dog. If you have one or more dogs in your household, you are in good company. Continue Reading >
December 30, 2018 | We Learn
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Tail Talk: What a Dog’s Tail is Telling You
Who among us hasn’t wished that our dog could talk to us? The truth is, however, our dogs communicate with us every single day. Their body language speaks volumes about their moods, their needs, and how they feel about you, their owner. Continue Reading >
October 4, 2018 | We Learn
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Dog Manners: Tips for Owners and Their Pups When in Public Spaces
For many dog owners, going out in public with their pooch is inevitable. They take their pups to restaurants and on trips, allowing them to be a part of the family every day. In many cases, these dogs become comfortable enough with their excursions to get socialized, meaning they can easily handle being around people and other dogs. Some pets, however, need a little training before they’re ready to hang out in public spaces, both for their comfort and everyone’s safety. Continue Reading >
August 29, 2018 | We Learn
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Can Chiropractic Help My Dog?
When humans experience back pain, they will often see a chiropractor, but did you know that there are chiropractors that will treat your pet too? Yes, animal chiropractic is a real veterinary practice that is backed by the Animal Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). Many pet owners are sold on chiropractic – and it isn’t necessarily new. Continue Reading >
August 15, 2018 | We Learn
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Backchaining Behaviors
Imagine you are sitting on your couch, but are really craving a soda or a water. Wouldn’t it be nice to just be able to send your dog to go retrieve you something to quench your thirst? Or what about those large grocery hauls? Wouldn’t your furry companion be the perfect extra set of hands to help you carry those bags into the house? Lots of these types of tasks are teachable to any dog with the proper foundation and motivation. But how do you even get started in teaching something more complex like this? Learning and understanding the concept of backchaining can be a very helpful theoretical foundation to assist you in teaching these behaviors. Continue Reading >
August 8, 2018 | We Learn
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Counter Conditioning
As a whole, many of the dogs that I see come in for training arrive on my doorstep due to unsavory behaviors that a client is trying to train out of their dog. Many of these behaviors revolve around fear or aggression, such as reactivity. Removing undesirable behaviors from a dog’s natural set of responses can prove to be a challenging task - it does not happen immediately, and it requires some systematic work to help a dog to replace a poor behavior pattern with something that is more desirable. Continue Reading >
August 6, 2018 | We Learn
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Dog Obesity: Is It Really That Bad?
Canine obesity is a significant problem in the United states. An estimated 54% of dogs are obese or overweight. An obese dog is an unhealthy dog, a ticking time bomb. It is a suffering animal, often enduring great pain and has a shortened life span to look forward to. The problem is, many owners don’t acknowledge that there is a problem or don’t understand they are subjecting their dog to very serious health risks. Continue Reading >
July 25, 2018 | We Learn
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Problem Solving The Recall-Part 2
Previously, we discussed how to begin to build a recall with your dog. While for many dogs those steps help to build a reliable recall, some dogs are more easily distracted and will need some additional work to help further proof this behavior. Nothing beats the guidance of a one-on-one trainer, but below you will find some skills to practice to help build motivation for the recall. Continue Reading >
July 18, 2018 | We Learn
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Building A Reliable Recall-Part 1
Everyone has that dream of being able to take their pup off leash at a park or the beach, but that dream can frequently turn into a nightmare if your dog does not have a reliable recall. Because the outside world can be SO stimulating for most dogs, this can be a very difficult command to build since distractions are more than prevalent. Fundamental skills should be developed to help build consistency for a solid recall. Continue Reading >
July 11, 2018 | We Learn
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How To Train Your Dog
Teaching a dog tricks not only helps to build engagement for training, but it can also bring fresh enthusiasm to your regimen, mentally challenge your dog, and encourage skills that can be used for other tasks or for physical conditioning. Many tricks can build off of a handful of core skills that we can teach to help build more complex behaviors down the road. Continue Reading >
July 6, 2018 | We Learn
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Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
When you turn your dog out in the yard, you don’t usually think about organic hazards that may be growing within the confines of your fence. The truth is, there are many types of plants that can make your dog sick – or worse – and mushrooms top the list. Continue Reading >
July 4, 2018 | We Learn
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Renting With Your Furry Companion
As a Bay Area native, I am deeply aware of the challenges that come along with living in this amazing place. Scare apartments, high rental costs, and most importantly, the limited selection in places that are dog friendly. With so many people having dogs and so few availabilities, knowing how to best market yourself and your dogs can go a long way in being able to secure your new home! Continue Reading >
June 29, 2018 | We Learn
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Organic Treats, Calming Toys Dominate 2018
Dog stress is real! Just like humans, our little lads and lasses need comfort and serenity, too, particularly in these uncertain times. In 2018, a few standout products emerged as dog favorites, according to several industry experts. Continue Reading >
May 16, 2018 | We Learn
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Dog Meat (Part 2): A Rescue Story
We were far from civilization. There were no police stations nearby. Nothing. So what do we do? How do we save the dogs? Continue Reading >
May 14, 2018 | We Learn
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Dog Meat (Part 1): A Rescue Story
While growing up in Assam, we were familiar with the fact that there are certain sections of people in Northeast India that eat dog meat. Dog meat is a delicacy in Northeastern states in India like Mizoram and Nagaland, much like mutton, pork and beef are for other communities. Continue Reading >
April 20, 2018 | We Learn
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10 Chew Toys Your Dog Should Avoid
Chewing is a natural part of a dog’s well being. Chewing on toys or other healthy items is beneficial for a dog’s mental health and sense of comfort. Beware of the following items below, however, because they can cause your dog more harm than good. Continue Reading >
February 12, 2018 | We Learn
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How To Build A Dog Friendly Garden
San Francisco has great weather nearly all year round, which is why so many of us love to spend time together as a family (dogs included) in the garden. If you are thinking of bringing a pup home for the first time, however, you may be surprised to learn that your garden may pose risks to your pup’s safety. Organization, the right selection of plants, and escape prevention are just a few steps you can take to ensure Fido is safe and sound while frolicking in the back (or front) yard. Continue Reading >
February 7, 2018 | We Learn
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How To Train New Behaviors
Getting a dog to offer a new behavior with increased frequency in order to put it on cue requires precise marking and reward timing. In my experience, I find that I utilize two major techniques when trying to implement a new behavior into my dog’s repertoire - luring and free shaping. Continue Reading >
January 29, 2018 | We Learn
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4 Reasons To Train Your Dog
You bring home your new pup and you’re completely in love with your new addition to your family. With all the excitement over your new dog, you may not have considered training him. Once he starts chewing on shoes and barking like crazy at the neighbors, there’s no better time to start training. You can train your dog yourself with some useful resources online or you can contact a professional dog trainer. Continue Reading >
January 25, 2018 | We Learn
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What Is Leash Reactivity?
Leash reactivity, sometimes also called leash aggression, is one of the most common problems prospective clients come in wanting to address with their dogs. It can make walk time extremely uncomfortable, even though it should be an enjoyable activity for both you and your dog. So what is leash reactivity? Where does it come from? Continue Reading >
January 22, 2018 | We Learn
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3 Reasons Your Dog May Bite: Be Informed Before It’s Too Late
According to Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T, approximately 800,000 dog bites every year in the United States are severe enough to require medical treatment. Out of these serious dog bites, around 17 are fatal. According to the same statistics, 50 percent of American children experience a dog bite by age 13. Continue Reading >
January 1, 2018 | We Learn
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Can’t Adopt? Transport!
Many animal lovers are familiar with the many ways to help shelters contend with their abundance of abandoned, abused, and unwanted pets. You rescue, volunteer, or donate money and supplies, but there is another, lesser-known way to assist these shelters in their mission. Continue Reading >
December 1, 2017 | We Learn
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What To Do If Your Dog Bites A Person
So the unthinkable happens. Sweet little (insert dog name) loses their bone for a second and ends up biting somebody before you can stop them. Argh! Now what?! Don’t worry I will talk you through it. Continue Reading >
November 9, 2017 | We Learn
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Dog Training As A Lifestyle
Committing to having a well behaved, furry member of society requires dedication to the entire well being of a dog. A great first step to achieving this goal is to enroll your dog in training classes. Not only does this help you to teach your dog good manners, but it also helps you to build a working relationship and line of communication with your dog that will carry throughout their lives Continue Reading >
October 29, 2017 | We Learn
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No Tricks, Maybe Treats: Tips For A Safe Halloween With Your Dog
Like with most holidays or big celebrations, when Halloween comes around we can get pretty self-absorbed. In our quest to host a perfect party, build a perfect costume, or make our house the best house for trick-or-treaters on the block, we may forget about how our dogs feel about all of this hustle and bustle. Here’s how to make sure your dog stays safe and happy this Halloween. Continue Reading >
October 26, 2017 | We Learn
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Living With Dog Aggression
Try as we might, sometimes challenges arise with a dog that are very difficult to train out of them. Dog to dog aggression can often be one of those challenges. Even dogs that were social as puppies can develop dog aggression or selectivity due to bad experiences, over zealous play, or maturation that creates intolerance. Continue Reading >
October 12, 2017 | We Learn
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Holiday Friendly Dog Treat Recipes
Store-bought dog biscuits are not only expensive, they also contain ingredients that may be harmful to your pup. So why not make your own? Homemade dog treats are not only easy to make but healthy as well! With ingredients like peanut butter and vegetables, these three treat recipes are delicious and nutritious. Continue Reading >
October 12, 2017 | We Learn
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Agility For Your Urban Pup
Take a walk around your neighborhood. Chances are within a couple of blocks, you will pass things like benches, fire hydrants, planter ledges, mail boxes, etc. To the average person, these are just everyday objects that do not attract much attention. Now imagine your dog being able to balance on these objects, walk across them, or jump up onto new surfaces - your mundane neighborhood walk just took on a whole new life! I fondly refer to the utilization of these everyday objects as “urban agility”. Continue Reading >
September 1, 2017 | We Learn
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GPS Collars For Off-Leash Hiking
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 >
August 30, 2017 | We Learn
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Training Via “Place Command”
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 >
August 23, 2017 | We Learn
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What You Need To Know About Dog Parks
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 >
August 16, 2017 | We Learn
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Understanding The Pillars Of Operant Conditioning
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 >
August 9, 2017 | We Learn
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When Nerves Get The Best Of You
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 >
August 7, 2017 | We Learn
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Helping Your Dog Get Over A Fear of Flying
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 >
August 4, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Socialize An Adult Dog
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 >
August 2, 2017 | We Learn
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Working With The Dog That Is In Front Of You
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 >
July 26, 2017 | We Learn
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What Is Marker Training?
Clear lines of communication between the dog and the handler is the most crucial components of a successful training program. Continue Reading >
July 24, 2017 | We Learn
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Choosing Safe Toys For Your Dog
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 >
July 12, 2017 | We Learn
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5 Things I Wish People Knew Before Enrolling in Dog Training
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 >
July 8, 2017 | We Learn
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5 Outdoor Summer Activities To Enjoy With Your Dog
The cold is over and it's time to for you and your dog to get outside and get active! Continue Reading >
July 5, 2017 | We Learn
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Balanced Training
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 >
July 3, 2017 | We Learn
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How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable During the 4th of July
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 >
May 22, 2017 | We Learn
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Basic Tricks for Every Dog
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 >
May 19, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Make The Most Of A Dog Friendly Hotel
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 >
May 15, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Help Your Nervous Dog With Car Rides
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 >
May 8, 2017 | We Learn
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Working Dogs And Their Jobs
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 >
May 3, 2017 | We Learn
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The 2 Most Important Food Tips For A Healthy Dog
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 >
May 1, 2017 | We Learn
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Why Dogs Make Great Companions
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 >
April 17, 2017 | We Learn
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3 Ways Your Dog Is Saying “I Love You”
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 >
April 10, 2017 | We Learn
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How Loving A Single Cat Saved A Few Dogs
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 >
March 31, 2017 | We Learn
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4 Tips For Picking A Hybrid Dog
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 >
March 29, 2017 | We Learn
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Sports Training For Dogs (And Handlers!)
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 >
March 27, 2017 | We Learn
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5 Tips For Introducing New Dogs
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 >
March 22, 2017 | We Learn
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What Does Your Dog Really Think Of You?
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 >
March 13, 2017 | We Learn
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Homemade Dog Treats: Easy And Affordable
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 >
March 10, 2017 | We Learn
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3 Things You May Not Know About Poodles
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 >
March 8, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Eliminate Fleas
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 >
March 6, 2017 | We Learn
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Reading: A Form Of Pet Therapy
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 >
March 3, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Introduce A New Baby To Your Dog
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 >
February 27, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Make Your Dog Comfortable In A Hotel Room
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 >
February 22, 2017 | We Learn
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The Two Things I learned About My Local Shelter
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 >
February 17, 2017 | We Learn
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Building Motivation
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 >
February 13, 2017 | We Learn
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Agility Training And Your Dog
“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 >
February 6, 2017 | We Learn
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How To Use Your Dog To Find Love
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 >
January 18, 2017 | We Learn
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Do Dogs Like Being Hugged?
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 >
January 13, 2017 | We Learn
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Two Tips For The Best Dog Hygiene
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 >
January 11, 2017 | We Learn
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4 Tips To Survive A Shared Pet-Relief Area In An Apartment Building
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 >
January 9, 2017 | We Learn
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How The Army Crawl Can Keep Your Puppy Safe
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 >
January 6, 2017 | We Learn
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10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Bringing A Dog Home
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 >
January 2, 2017 | We Learn
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Never Say This To A Dog Owner
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 >
December 30, 2016 | We Learn
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How To Make Sports And Recreation Safe And Fun For Your Pets
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 >
December 28, 2016 | We Learn
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Hotel Etiquette With A Pup
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 >
December 23, 2016 | We Learn
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How To Prep Your Pooch For Winter
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 >
December 21, 2016 | We Learn
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Winter And Your Dog
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 >
December 14, 2016 | We Learn
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Cats Versus Dogs: A Satirical View
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 >
December 13, 2016 | We Learn
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Great Gifts For Dog Lovers
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 >
December 9, 2016 | We Learn
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When Rescue Goes Wrong
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 >
December 7, 2016 | We Learn
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Three Tips To Find The Perfect Dog Breed
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 >
December 2, 2016 | We Learn
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Dog Toys: Dos, Don’ts, And Interactive Play
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 >
November 23, 2016 | We Learn
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Pet Insurance: Why You Need It
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 >
November 18, 2016 | We Learn
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How To Get Pet Stains Out Of Your Carpet
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 >
DNA Testing: Why It Matters And How To Do It
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 >
November 11, 2016 | We Learn
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5 Tips For The Best Dog Bath
Hopefully these tips will give you and your fur baby some relief at bath time. Remember, dodge the shake! Continue Reading >
November 9, 2016 | We Learn
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3 Ways To Help Enforce Animal Cruelty Laws
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 >
November 4, 2016 | We Learn
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How To Prepare For A Hike With Your Dog
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 >
November 2, 2016 | We Learn
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How To Read Your Dog’s Emotional Cues
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 >
October 21, 2016 | We Learn
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4 Healthy Treats for Your Dog
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 >
October 19, 2016 | We Learn
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Tips For Getting Your Dog To Take Their Medication
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 >
October 14, 2016 | We Learn
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Choosing The Perfect Collar
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 >
5 Reasons To Foster A Dog
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 >
October 7, 2016 | We Learn
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How To Manage An Animal Clinic
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 >
How To Build A Dog First Aid Kit
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 >
5 Tips To Reduce Your Dog’s Anxiety Or Stress
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 >
September 14, 2016 | We Learn
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Choosing The Right Dog For You
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 >
