There are many reasons someone would want to use an e-collar with their dog that has nothing to do with behavioral issues. A lot of dog owners think that e-collars are only for “bad dogs,” but that’s not true at all. That’s just one of the many myths about e-collar use in dog training. While e-collars …
I generally do not allow strangers to approach or pet my dog, and I never allow on-leash greetings with other dogs. The culture in the dog world has created the assumption that it is OK and normal to pet other people’s dogs in public spaces. There are even shirts that say “pet all the dogs.” …
With rising temperatures and record heat waves across the planet, we are seeing an increase of blue-green algae blooms in bodies of water. Sometimes, these blooms are toxic and can be harmful, and even deadly to dogs. Harmful blue-green algae blooms are just one of the many potential dangers to look out for when it …
Like humans, dogs can become dehydrated and it can be serious. Learning how to recognize the symptoms of dehydration in dogs can save your dog’s life. This is especially important if you are out on the trail and far away from a veterinarian. What Causes Canine Dehydration? Dehydration occurs when your dog loses more water …
If you’re a runner with a dog, chances are you like to bring your dog along with you. Long distance runners might wonder how far a dog can run. Is it safe for their four-legged pal to join them on their 20+ mile runs? My dogs have always trained with me for my races, which …
If your dog isn’t a bite risk, why would you ever need to muzzle train your dog? Because muzzles rock. Truly. They have a poor connotation associated with aggressive dogs, but the truth is, they can be incredibly useful tools for any dog. Yes, even the most friendly of dogs can benefit from wearing a …
When you’re short on time or the weather is uninviting, enrichment activities are a great way to give your dog some mental stimulation when you can’t give them physical activity. The enrichment activities below are all super simple, take just a few minutes to prepare, and use items that you already have in your house. …
I learned the hard way that my dog was not ready to hike off-leash during a trail run on an on-leash trail. Sixteen miles into an 18-mile run, Sora and I came upon a group of senior birders on a single track trail. Sora, with plenty of energy reserves, was off leash and I was …
Knowing what I know now about dog socialization, the dog park is a place I avoid entirely, unless I’m sticking to the outside to work on training. The purpose of dog parks is to create what is meant to be a safe space for dog owners to take their dogs to play and get some …
Teaching your dog impulse control is an important life skill that can help keep them safe and curb unwanted behaviors like darting out of doorways or jumping on people. Impulse control means teaching your dog to wait for permission before engaging in a specific activity. Many dog owners struggle with teaching their dogs to wait …