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The Truth Behind Loose Leash Walking

The Truth Behind Loose Leash Walking

As a trainer, often I get asked how a client can teach their dog to walk on a loose leash. Dogs sometimes pull on the leash because the dog walks at a faster pace than the person or because he has been inadvertently rewarded for pulling (like when they see someone they like and pull toward them and then get a greeting from the person) or perhaps the dog is very interested in the environment and pulls to investigate odors and other things he is interested in. Not only is this often uncomfortable for the person at the other end …  Continue reading →

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K9 Epilepsy: What’s in Your Dog’s Epi First Aid Kit?

K9 Epilepsy: What’s in Your Dog’s Epi First Aid Kit?

It is November and with it comes the time of year when many of us are busy with the hustle, bustle, and preparations for the upcoming holidays. November is also Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to support those living with epilepsy—humans and canines. So while you are making lists and checking them twice, I encourage you to do a purple awareness ribbon in support, and if you share your life with a dog who has Canine Epilepsy, to use this time to take inventory of your dog’s Epi First Aid Kit. First, and foremost, if your dog has a seizure...

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How to Help Relieve Dog Joint Pain

How to Help Relieve Dog Joint Pain

Over the last few years, I have been really privileged to work with a number of different dog patients, especially older dogs, all with different physical challenges. I really enjoy watching the transformation in my patients, seeing a dog with joint pain, being stiff and struggling to move; to then relaxing into...

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Should You Switch Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet?

Should You Switch Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet?

Last year, I rescued a German Shepherd named Neko from a shelter in Southern California. Aside from being a certified dog trainer, I am also the director of the German Shepherd rescue Sylvester’s Haven. Neko had been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) by the shelter vet. We saved Neko under the assumption that he would probably only have seven months to live given his condition and we had enough donations lined up to give him a good end of life. As I took a personal interest in this amazing dog, I researched nutritional protocols to slow the progression of his …  Continue reading →

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Not All Dog Toys Are Alike

Not All Dog Toys Are Alike

Why do we buy toys for our dogs? Is it really for them or do the companies really market to the pet parents to sell ‘cute’ toys? Maybe a little of both? A lot of toys in the stores sell dog toys that aren’t cheap but most don’t last very long once you get it home. Take time to shop around so that you can find toys...

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12 Pet Tech Apps to Make Caring for Your Pet Easier

12 Pet Tech Apps to Make Caring for Your Pet Easier

It’s stating the obvious to say that your pet’s health is very important. Just like their human companions, this includes mental health and stimulation – this last is really important in helping alleviate common problems for dogs such as boredom, loneliness, separation anxiety and lack of mental stimulation.

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Halloween Do’s and Don’ts for Your Dog

Halloween Do’s and Don’ts for Your Dog

Spooky costumes, scary decorations and let’s not forget candy, candy, and more CANDY! Is it that time of year already? October is here and Halloween is coming. Personally, Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I love decorating, and dressing my kids (furry and human) up in costumes, and I love seeing the neighborhood all decked out with scary decor. But… for our dogs, the experience may not be so thrilling. Today lets think about some Halloween do’s and don’ts for your dog. Do’s: Have fun with costumes. Just keep in mind the happiness of your dog. If …  Continue reading →

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5 Health Benefits of Adding Pumpkin to Your Dog’s Diet

5 Health Benefits of Adding Pumpkin to Your Dog’s Diet

Ah, October! Here in the northeast, it is truly one of the most beautiful seasons as trees become emblazoned with leaves changing from bright orange to sunny yellow and apple red! There is a crispness in the air that puts pep not only our steps, but our dog’s as well! Along with the drop in temperatures, the season is ripe for fun with apple and pumpkin picking at area farms! And who hasn’t seen the “pumpkin is the spice of life” on t-shirts and in everything from coffees, teas, and cereals (for humans) to delectable treats for both people and …  Continue reading →

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Why Dogs Should Have Spa Days Too

Why Dogs Should Have Spa Days Too

Who doesn’t like a spa day? Manicure, pedicure, a nice style to make us look our best can really lift spirits. Looking good can make you feel good and ready for anything that comes your way. Unfortunately, our dogs don’t feel the exact way about their spa day. As a dog groomer, I deal with this often...

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5 Psychological Benefits to Having Pets at Home

5 Psychological Benefits to Having Pets at Home

I wanted to tell you about Colonel Deems and his dog Riley. In a court case reported in the New York Times in 1908, it was announced that the Colonel’s attachment to his pet was “not evidence of a mental derangement.” Now, over 100 years later, we know even more: that Riley probably helped Colonel Deems stave off...

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How to Teach Your Dog to Stop Barking in the Home

How to Teach Your Dog to Stop Barking in the Home

In the home, when visitors approach, the dog has nowhere to flee, so it will often choose the second defense response – to freeze, which can manifest itself in the form of barking. In a moment when danger presents itself you need to display a calm reaction to show your dog that as its leader, you are aware...

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Are You Afraid of Scary Dogs? Read This

Are You Afraid of Scary Dogs? Read This

Do you feel nervous around scary dogs? If so, please take a minute to read this. So today I got a lovely email out of the blue which got me thinking! Yelski, my first foster dog, was sent to Sweden 6 years ago, and his owner who adopted him just found me on Facebook and sent me the beautiful picture.

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