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A very common sight? A dog owner disciplining their pet as they would a human, raised voice in tow, finger outstretched. Yet while dogs can sense our emotions to a degree, and while they are incredibly astute animals, there’s no point disciplining a dog as you would a child. The raised voice and short, sharp incantation will only excite your animal further. And excitement is the very last thing you need in this situation. In the article to follow, we’re going to explain the basic principles behind doggy discipline, and the steps you can take from day one. Dogs crave… Read More

We’re living in strange times, but even with social distancing measures in place, there are lots of ways to enjoy a spectacular day out in the summer sunshine. Hiking is a particular favorite, and one that’s well suited to dogs as well. A trip together will not only burn excess energy (for the both of you), it’ll be an opportunity to bond as well. Before you set out, heed a few of our tips for a successful outing. Make sure your dog is up to the task When it comes to tackling tough terrain, the breed matters. A long-legged Labrador… Read More

Whether you’re new to dogs or an experienced owner, it can sometimes feel as if you’re constantly engaged in a struggle: issuing commands to your dog with little to no success. In times like these, it’s easy to lose your cool and snap at your pet. But in the article to follow, we’re going to illustrate why that’s exactly the wrong strategy. By heeding our tips, you should soon see results. Understand the energy you’re giving off Dogs have historically grown up in packs and they instinctively look to a “pack leader”. In every case, that leader should be you. Read More

For your dog, it’s one of the most important events of the day, and something that he’ll be looking forward to from the minute you walk into the house – but just how do you get the most out of your daily dog walk? Let dogs smell their surroundings There’s nothing more annoying for a dog than being pulled away from an enticing array of smells. Since our canines primarily sense the world through their nose, sniffing is not a sign of “rudeness”, but a natural way for “seeing”. Give your dog the respect he deserves by letting him… Read More

The walk: it’s part and parcel of dog ownership and something that you’ll be undertaking regularly. The walk is not just a chance to exercise your dog, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that you’re the pack leader in the relationship. But when monotony sets in and the walk becomes more a chore than a pleasure, it’s time to spice things up. Take a look at our tips and incorporate them into your routine going forward. Tip #1: Change up the routeThis is a simple one to start, but it’s amazing the number of owners who never vary the path… Read More

We all know people who live in homes crammed high with nonessential things that have long since passed their expiry date. But did you know that dogs often resort to hoarding as well? Worse, dogs will often pick food as the object of their affection, then hide leftovers in hard-to-find places. If you’ve got a suspicious smell coming from the underside of the couch, chances are you’ve got a hoarder on your hands. Here’s what you need to know, and what you can do about it. Why do dogs hoard food? The behavior goes back thousands of years. Read More

Man’s best friend is a companion like no other, but no one likes a dog that fails to respect boundaries. Boundaries are important because they ensure a dog remains respectful, both at home and in public, and by following a few time-honored techniques, you can ensure your pet toes the line. Make it clear what your dog is doing wrong A lot of owners make the mistake of disciplining their dogs at the wrong time. If you’re trying to stop your dog eating off a plate, there’s no point waiting until it’s three mouthfuls in. To correct inappropriate behaviors… Read More

Bringing a dog home from a shelter? Trying to interact with a friend’s dog for the first time? We’ve all had those moments where our best intentions are spurned, and our well-meaning actions actually produce fear in the dog in question. Our immediate reaction is to feel hurt and surprised. Rejection is never nice, especially when we’re trying to be friendly. But remember: dogs don’t see social interactions the same way we do. And there could be a host of reasons the dog is reacting in its way. So without further ado, here are a… Read More

Every dog owner is familiar with the experience of sitting down to a plate of something delicious only to feel the shadow of their pet hovering nearby, tongue lolling. Some dogs might even try to get at your plate directly, and this is particularly annoying for people who enter your home as a guest. Make no mistake: our four-legged friends love anything edible, even if it’s bad for them, like chocolate. So, what can be done about it? Should you simply accept this as a reality of life with a dog, or are there steps you can take to… Read More

As we’ve stressed many times in the past, exercise is a great way of keeping a dog happy and calm. One of the best ways to do this? Regular walks around your neighborhood, or to your local park. In fact, a dog walk is not only a way of exercising your dog (and by extension, calming them), it’s also a chance for you to show that you’re the leader of the household, as we’ll explain below. Tip #1: Assert yourself as the pack leader By walking ahead of your dog during a walk, you send the message… Read More