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 Stop Your Dog From Eating Poo

 

This is one of the most common questions I get, and one one the most disgusting topics as well.  The simple fact of the matter is that coprophagia, for a number of reasons, is a normal canine behavior.  Female dogs will instinctively remove their puppy’s waste from the nest in order to keep the nest clean.  Females will also stimulate urination and defecation in their pups by licking their genitals.  Okay, so we can somewhat make a case for why females would do it, but why not all females?  Some do, some don’t, right?  And what about males?  What about puppies of both sexes?  In this post I will try to shed some light on why dogs engage in this behavior and what you can to to stop it. Continue reading

How To Stop Your Dog’s Leash Pulling

 

At the heart of all of my recommendations for behavior modification is exercise.  One of the best forms of exercise is walking with your dog.  Not only is it great cardiovascular activity for both of you, but it CAN be great bonding time as well.  I all caps CAN because, for many of my clients, walking their dog is a nightmare filled with stories of bad shoulders and backs and pulling.  This type of walk is anything but pleasant.  Luckily, there is a better way.  There are many ways to tame your sled dog in training, I will discuss the easiest, fastest, and most human of these, the Gentle Leader. 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