We all know how most kids feel about Halloween — and let’s be honest, many adults get just as excited. The mystery, the costumes, the sugar rush, the chill in the air… it’s a recipe for fun (and maybe a few goosebumps). But what about our dogs? Do they care for Halloween? Probably not for…
I often say that some dogs aren’t gaining weight because they’re lazy couch potatoes — they’re gaining weight because they’re very well trained. Yes, you read that right! Many dogs are simply getting too many treats during training sessions — and often high-calorie ones on top of their daily meals. A few extra pounds might…
I’m reading a new client’s intake questionnaire when my internal alarm goes off. Intake forms are often windows into a person’s life with their dog — what’s working, what’s not, and what kind of relationship they dream of having. This one, though, stood out. The client wrote that having an obedient dog was their top…
This morning I’m juggling Frisbees and the last bit of my motivation to get the dogs moving. Deuce and Rio are buzzing with excitement—or so I think. I lob the first Frisbee for Deuce, and he just stares at me, like, “Really? What do you want me to do with this?” Yesterday he was a…
If you’ve ever been growled at by your dog, you know it’s a feeling somewhere between confusion, guilt, and “Did I just offend a small, four-legged tyrant?” Recently, I had the chance to work with a couple whose Basset Hound had decided to make growling a regular part of his vocabulary. What started as a…
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…
For many people, a barking dog is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood aspects of canine behavior. It often feels intrusive, unpredictable, and even stressful—especially in environments where quiet is expected or preferred. But barking, when viewed through a behaviorally informed lens, isn’t just “noise.” It’s communication. And like any form of communication, barking…