Realistic Expectations

Most of the posts I have on this site are instructional, a collection of “how to’s” if you will.  I’d like to change gears a little with this post and make it mainly an informative one.  I’d like to talk a little about realistic expectations, or maybe unrealistic ones.  Many people get a dog and put very little thought into the decision.  They see a breed that looks cool or appeals to them in some way and that’s about as much thought that goes into the acquisition.  Continue reading

The Canine Language

Have you ever wished that your dog could talk to you?  I’m sure, like millions of others, myself included, that you have.  Well, I have good news for you, dogs do “talk” to us, and they do it a lot.  There are 2 forms of communication, verbal and non-verbal.  We are constantly communicating to our dogs, whether we know it or not, through non-verbal communication (body language).  Humans mainly communicate verbally.  We use non-verbal communication as well, but by far our primary method of communicating is verbally.  Dogs, however are just the opposite.  They mainly communicate through body language.  They communicate verbally through whining, growling, howling, whimpering, etc.., but their primary method is through body language. Continue reading

How To Handle Interdog Aggression

Interdog aggression is a very common problem that I am asked to help with.  I am speaking specifically about dogs that live in the same home, not the dog aggressive dog that wants to go after every other dog he sees who does not share the same address.  I have known people with multiple dogs that are never allowed to be around each.  This one’s in the garage, that one’s in the bedroom, and the other one is outside.  They all rotate places/positions through out the day, but they are never in the same place at the same time.  What a miserable way to live! Continue reading

How To Make Visits To Your Veterinarian Go Smoothly

 

Visits to your dogs’ veterinarian can be a difficult and stressful event for all involved.  Not only are they “difficult” for you dog, they are often terrifying as well.  Even the most laid back and mellowest of dogs can be stressed at the local animal hospital, throw fear into the mix and you are dealing with a dog that literally fears for his safety and well being.  There are several things that can be done to help things go smoothly. Continue reading