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Editor’s Picks

Book Review – Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd


Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Dr. Zazie Todd is an excellent and, in my opinion, essential resource for pet parents or professionals who have or are thinking of bringing a dog who is anxious, fearful, or reactive into their homes. Early in the book, Dr. Todd notes that data indicates, “…up to 72.5 percent of dogs have some kind of fear or anxiety…” I have had four dogs in my life with some level of anxiety, and as a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant… Continued

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Owner vs. Guardian


*Do you consider yourself a pet owner or a guardian? Blouin (2013) studied the variations in dog owners’ attitudes toward their pets in terms of interactions and their treatment. He concludes that the relationship pet owners have with their pets is one of three orientations: Blouin’s study reflects a wide variation in how owners consider and value their pets, ranging from having functional value to being seen as a companion who deserves to have his or her own interests protected. Indeed, if one were to ask pet owners how they… Continued

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Holiday Safety for Dogs


While the holiday season can be a fun time of year for us, we also need to be thinking about how to keep our canine friends safe. This article explores some common seasonal pet hazards and how to avoid them. Holiday Decorations Pine needles – Real Christmas trees have sharp needles; not only can these hurt your dog’s paws, but if eaten they can cause tummy issues, including blockages, or puncture your dog’s tummy or intestines. Hoover up pine needles regularly. Tree water – Do not let your dog drink… Continued

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Latest Articles

Book Review – Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Zazie Todd


Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog by Dr. Zazie Todd is an excellent and, in my opinion, essential resource for pet parents or professionals who have or are thinking of bringing a dog who is anxious, fearful, or reactive into their homes. Early in the book, Dr. Todd notes that data indicates, “…up to 72.5 percent of dogs have some kind of fear or anxiety…” I have had four dogs in my life with some level of anxiety, and as a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant… Continued

Spread the love

Owner vs. Guardian


*Do you consider yourself a pet owner or a guardian? Blouin (2013) studied the variations in dog owners’ attitudes toward their pets in terms of interactions and their treatment. He concludes that the relationship pet owners have with their pets is one of three orientations: Blouin’s study reflects a wide variation in how owners consider and value their pets, ranging from having functional value to being seen as a companion who deserves to have his or her own interests protected. Indeed, if one were to ask pet owners how they… Continued

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Getting the Trot with Positive Reinforcement


Getting their equids to move from a walk to a trot can be frustrating and elusive for many people. Most often, the equid is not offering the trot because the handler is not breaking down the behavior enough or being clear in what they’re asking. Jumping straight from a walk into a trot is a considerable jump in criteria (what you expect from your learner) when you’re in the early stages of training and developing movement. Mark and Reinforce for Clear Communication When you’re working on changing gaits, it isn’t… Continued

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Taming the Dreaded Oreckosaurus Rex


Some dogs run and hide at first sight of the vacuum cleaner or unleash a barrage of barking, lunging and biting at the dreadful thing. Others quickly identify the vacuum cleaner’s lair and the fear response begins as soon as the person reaches to open the closet door. Cleaning house soon becomes stressful for dog and person alike. A Canine Perspective Imagine what a vacuum cleaner appears like from a canine perspective. Dogs are conscious of height, size and elevation as it relates to their sense of security. With more… Continued

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Five Tips for Being the Best Guardian for Your Senior Dog


This blog post earned Honorable Mention in the Pet Professional Guild’s Pets and Their People Celebrating Life Together  community outreach competition in the Pet Professional Activities- Write a Blog Post category. As our dogs get older, they start to change physically, emotionally, cognitively and behaviorally, and that change can impact us – more barking, restlessness at night, noise sensitivity, health issues that can be emotionally and financially challenging. Watching our beloved family member go from a bouncy happy dog to one who is slowing down is hard. But there are things you can… Continued

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