If you’ve ever spent time with a litter of puppies, you’ve probably noticed how much they love to play — and that play almost always involves teeth. Tiny, needle-sharp puppy teeth. And while this is natural, it’s also one of the most important behaviors you’ll need to shape in your pup’s early months: bite inhibition….
If you dream of staying vibrant, energetic, and young for years to come, I have a little secret to share: surround yourself with a playful dog. From my own experience, one of the greatest gifts my dogs bring to my life—and to my own sense of movement and joy—is their boundless spontaneity. Dogs have this…
We all know that taking a walk with our dogs is one of the healthiest ways to spend quality time together. It gets us moving, boosts our health, and—bonus!—helps melt away stress after a long day. I personally miss those walks with Laika around our Berkeley neighborhood. After living in the San Francisco Bay Area…
Only If You’re Truly Bringing Them. When vacations are on the horizon, many dog owners ask themselves: should I bring my dog or leave them at home? Sometimes the destination makes the decision for us. But when we have the choice, it’s important to ask a better question: can I meet my dog’s needs while…
Allergies can be deeply disruptive, especially when they affect our relationships with beloved family pets. When someone in the household develops an allergy to dogs, physicians often recommend a range of actions—some of which can significantly affect your dog’s well-being. Common medical recommendations include: While these suggestions may help minimize allergic reactions, they are often…
In our daily lives, we constantly make decisions that balance the needs of others—children, friends, parents, and yes, our pets. But when one of the individuals affected by our decisions can’t speak up, their needs may be overlooked. That silent participant is often the family dog. When we change routines or lifestyles, we may unintentionally…
Morning chaos. I’m in the middle of my usual AM routine — dogs fed, coffee somewhere on the way, and I’m hustling to get out the door. John is in town, toggling between his home office and the kitchen, while the dogs — in true form — are already on post-breakfast patrol. Once their bowls…
Dinner was on the table, and as part of our evening routine, both dogs were happily engaged with their nightly chewies. Deuce had settled into his treat, while Rio was lingering nearby—clearly monitoring the situation, as if anticipating an opportunity. Sure enough, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye: Deuce walked into…
🌟 Introducing the EMOTIONAL Dog Support & Learning Community! 🐾 Living with a dog who is fearful, anxious, or reactive can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. After 18+ years of working with Emotional Dogs and their humans, I’ve created a supportive, professional space just for you. Inside our private online group,…
As part of my continuing education, I regularly attend monthly webinars that explore current research and practices in the world of animal behavior and dog training. A recent session posed a question that struck a deep chord with me—both professionally and personally: Are we asking too much of our dogs? And if we are, in…