You may have come across studies exploring laterality—the dominance of one side of the body over the other. This phenomenon is well-documented across species, including dogs. Canines exhibit preferences in how they use their paws, how they gaze at humans, and even how they sniff their surroundings. But what about tail wagging? Could laterality play…
Is Love Enough? Rethinking What It Means to Truly Care for Our Dogs I have a bone to pick with many rescue organizations that equate a good home for a dog purely with love. Yes, really. This raises an important question: 💡 How does our love for dogs translate into our daily lives with them? Let me explain. Not…
The title might seem like a trick question, but there’s a valid concern behind it. Some dogs do gain excessive weight due to overfeeding—especially when high-calorie treats are given in addition to their regular meals. Even a few extra pounds can push a dog into the overweight or obese category, which is why it’s crucial…
I recently noticed that my dogs showed little interest in chasing a poorly thrown Frisbee. This led me to rethink our training sessions using key principles of animal learning—concepts that anyone working with animals, whether professionally or as a pet owner, should understand. One of the most effective ways to modify behavior is by changing…
Here’s a not-so-trivial question for you: Of all the things your young puppy needs to learn right away, which is the most important? If you chose #3, congratulations—you deserve a gold star! If you thought #1 or #2 was the most important, keep reading! One of the biggest areas of confusion for pet parents is…
I’m sitting at a local eatery, waiting for a friend, when a group arrives with a dog. The owner immediately positions the dog beside her, away from foot traffic. Nice! I think to myself. Someone is paying attention. The dog remains quiet, likely lying next to her, calm and composed. But then, suddenly, something shifts—a…
Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience, but if your pup constantly pulls, it can turn into a frustrating struggle. Loose leash walking is an essential skill for both you and your dog, making walks safer and more enjoyable. While it takes patience and consistency, the good news is that any dog can learn!…
Walking your dog should be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, but for many pet parents, it turns into a constant battle against pulling. Whether your dog is excited, curious, or just eager to explore, leash pulling is a common challenge. The good news? With patience, practice, and the right training techniques, you can teach your…
In this post, I want to review some of the most popular equipment designed to minimize leash pulling. While no gear will automatically teach your dog not to pull, the right tools can make walks more manageable as you train your dog to walk politely on a leash. Key Considerations for Choosing Equipment When selecting…
As I sat at a local restaurant, enjoying the passing scenes, my attention was drawn to an older man walking a young Golden Retriever. The dog, curious and full of energy, occasionally wandered away, only to be pulled back on the leash. The interaction was automatic, devoid of communication or connection. This scene is all…