A blog site offering sound pet advice, product reviews, and interesting tidbits about dogs.
If you have a rat or mouse problem in your home, you may be tempted to use baits to control them. Please try alternative methods, as these are directly responsible for the deaths of many animals every year. If you decide you must use baits, please keep this information in mind: There are two types [...]
There are a number of dangers the Holiday season can bring to your dog. All though it’s a busy time for most, it’s important to watch out for the following – Pancreatitis It’s not uncommon for dogs to develop pancreatitis after a hearty Holiday meal. The pancreas is part of the digestive system, and produces [...]
Reasons for using clicker training: Obedience. This method is ideal for training your dog in basic obedience, because it clearly communicates to him what you want him to do. Whether you are just looking for a better behaved companion around your home, or whether you want to compete in obedience trials, clicker training will help [...]
The communication systems of dogs are not simple and sometimes difficult to understand. The primary reason for this is because communication involves context. DVM, Karen Overall (2004), states, “All signals are interpreted in light of other body postures and with respect to external factors occurring at the time the animal offers the signal” (p. 2S, [...]
During this past Holiday season, some of us may have welcomed a new dog or puppy into our home. This is certainly true for me. One of my son’s friends recently surrendered a six-month old dachshund / Chihuahua mix to me because he could no longer financially care for the precious pup. Establishing routines and [...]
We’re all aware that our dog needs regular vaccinations. They’re a very important part of keeping him healthy. Vaccination works by stimulating his immune system to allow him to fight infection if he is ever exposed to it during his day to day activities. There are several types of vaccines available. Killed vaccines contain large amounts of actual [...]
Playtime for your dog is essential for a number of reasons, including: Provides some of his/her exercise requirements Provides some of his/her social needs Interaction between the owner and dog reinforces a positive relationship Interaction with other dogs improves social skills Alleviates boredom (which can lead to problematic behavior) “Taking your dog for a walk [...]
Let’s face it. Our homes are filled with items that can poison our dogs. Food, medicines, cleaners, and various chemicals are likely lurking in cabinets, on shelves and perhaps even counters, all posing a very real danger to your dog. Many items are common household products, such as laundry detergents, cleaners and disinfectants. Even some [...]
Below is a list of foods you should avoid giving to your dog. Please note this is a reference list based on articles from DVMs and a personal conversation with my own DVM. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Please consult your DVM if you have any questions regarding a food on or [...]
When it’s time to choose a dog, it’s important that you give a lot of thought to what characteristic you want in your new companion. If you choose the wrong dog for your lifestyle, it’s quite likely that you’ll be disappointed and frustrated, and your stress levels will increase. Not only that, but the dog [...]
