Lure-reward training is by far the quickest and easiest technique for teaching dogs the meaning of our verbal instructions and for regularly testing comprehension as proof of training. Dog training is almost entirely about communication, specifically teaching dogs our language, that is, ESL*…. Initially, food lures are used to teach the meaning of handsignals, and then food lures are phased out and handsignals are used to teach the meaning of verbal instructions. Dogs learn handsignals quickly because they are a language dogs understand — body language. Once dogs understand what we say, dog tr ..read more

The right pet tracker can keep your dog happier, healthier, and safer. However, not all GPS devices for dogs come equipped with the same great technologies. Let’s look at six of the best pet tracker features available on the market right now. A pet tracker is a great way to keep your dog safer. At the very least, you can keep an eye on their whereabouts in case they take off during a walk, escape the backyard, or go wandering. Pet trackers can offer many beneficial features beyond simple tracking, but not all devices are created equal. If you’re looking to outfit your dog with GPS technology ..read more

Pet parents spend day and night doting on their new puppies, and it’s heartbreaking to see them afraid. But puppies go through fear periods, which are normal developmental stages in dogs that typically happen when they have a heightened sensitivity to a new experience. Fear periods are temporary but confusing, so let’s talk about how they impact puppy development and how you can help manage them. What Are Fear Periods? A fear period is a critical window in a puppy’s life when they’re more susceptible to fears due to unfamiliar stimuli. The first fear period is between 8 and 11 weeks when puppi ..read more

Dog training can be as rewarding as it can be frustrating, but you can reach your goals with a little patience, a lot of positive reinforcement, and a ton of high-value treats! Training a dog requires time, patience, and understanding, but one of the key ingredients is high-value treats! These tasty morsels encourage dogs to work, making training a breeze compared to using rewards your dog doesn’t care for. But what are high-value dog treats, why do they work, and how can you find what your dog likes? Let’s find out! What Are High-Value Treats? High-value dog treats are especially tasty, appea ..read more

Reactive behaviors in dogs range from overexuberant playfulness to excessive fear and aggression. While medications are often prescribed to calm reactive dogs, a combination of training and supplements offers a better solution. Reactivity is a serious issue that impacts many dogs. While many dog parents and veterinarians turn to prescription medications as a first step, there are better options for managing reactive dogs, including positive training, calming supplements, and mental stimulation through games and puzzles. UNDERSTANDING REACTIVITY Reactivity encompasses a variety of behaviors (re ..read more

If your dog has just had surgery, long walks and play dates at the park will be off the table for a while. These mental enrichment activities will support her recovery by helping to prevent boredom, stress, or reinjury. When your dog returns home after surgery, the time will soon come when her grogginess wears off and her energy sparks back in. This can be a challenge if she feels she’s ready to go for walks, play fetch, and bounce off the furniture the way she did before. But what your dog really needs is rest, which means you’re tasked with restricting her physical activity for a while. This ..read more

Are you unintentionally making your dog’s behavioral challenges worse? From inconsistent rules to involuntary reinforcement of bad habits, this article looks at the seven everyday actions that hinder a dog’s positive behavioral progress. Understanding the ways you might inadvertently contribute to your dog’s behavioral issues is essential for raising a well-adjusted canine companion. By embracing a consistent training practice, prioritizing socialization and mental stimulation, recognizing the influence of health and environmental factors, and maintaining consistent rules, you can create ..read more

Canine behavioral problems can be challenging because there are many types of issues, multiple causes, and several strategies to manage them. However, behavioral problems are one of the reasons dogs end up in shelters, so it’s important to understand these actions and the approaches that can help address them. Let’s dive in and look at 11 common behavioral problems in dogs. 1. Aggression Aggression can include growling, snapping, biting, and other threatening behaviors. Dogs may exhibit aggression towards people or animals. There are many reasons a dog might display aggressive behavior, includ ..read more

A dog’s desire to hunt prey is an instinct they would need to survive in the wild. But as domesticated companions, dogs no longer need to hunt food, and a prey drive can cause unwanted behaviors. Here are eight ways to help you manage your dog’s hunting instincts. Although you might find it hard to believe there’s any wolf left in the tiny Chihuahua wearing a sweater sitting in your lap, all dogs still have instincts left over from their wild ancestors—including instincts to hunt and kill. When a dog acts on their prey drive, they might chase, track, stalk, herd, or even kill. Targets can incl ..read more

A dog playpen can be a benefit to pet parents in many situations. They keep pups contained so they can’t get into trouble, and they can also be safe spaces where dogs can relax or even enjoy some stimulating play. If you’re looking to add more mental enrichment to your dog’s playpen time, here are 11 ideas. A dog playpen is an enclosed area that provides a safe and secure space for dogs to play, exercise, and relax. They help keep puppies and dogs in a designated area, preventing them from wandering into potentially unsafe areas or getting into mischief. For example, you might put your pup in ..read more