Educational Articles

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• Treating Fear of Storms and Fireworks in Dogs

  Treatment of thunderstorm phobias and fear of noises such as fireworks usually begins with a behavior modification technique known as systematic desensitization and counterconditioning. Many dogs also benefit from anxiolytic medication.

• Using Food and Treats for Training Dogs

  Treats are a wonderful way to provide positive reinforcement to your dog during a training session. Choose low-calorie foods such as green beans, carrots, and watermelon. Avoid foods that are potentially harmful such as chocolate, garlic, onions, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, and products that may have xylitol. Limit high-calorie treats and keep treats within 10% of your dog's total daily calorie intake. Keeping training sessions short and engaging while providing appropriate foods as treats can be a wonderful way to strengthen the human-animal bond.

• Using Predictability, Scheduling, and Enrichment to Train Your Dog

  Every dog has wants and needs, including social interaction, physical exercise, intellectual exercise, and time to rest. When their needs are met predictably and enrichment is consistently available, dogs experience less stress and frustration and may be less likely to develop problematic behaviors.

• Using Predictable Rewards to Train Your Dog

  Predictability and trust are important foundations for training your dog. Learning what your dog finds rewarding and strategically providing rewards at the right time will promote the desired behavior to happen more and more often. Punishment techniques using physical force and conflict can result in increased aggression and should be avoided.

• Using Reinforcement and Rewards to Train Your Pet

  Pets readily learn to engage in appropriate, desired behaviors through positive reinforcement methods. Reward-based training improves communication and provides enrichment for pets and people alike.

• What Your Dog's Cute Behaviors Really Mean

  Most dog owners would agree that our canine friends are doggone cute. Some of their expressions and actions simply amplify their “cuteness.” But are they born with the innate “cuteness”, or do they learn how to be cute? This article discusses some of the reasons for these cute expressions and behaviors.

• Why Bones Are Not Safe for Dogs

  Dogs were built to chew. That is a fact. Bones can lead to a number of health problems from minor injuries to severe illness. Our job as pet parents, is to provide them with chewing options that do not put them in jeopardy. Happy chewing!

• Why Do Dogs Bury Bones?

  Burying of toys or food items by dogs goes back thousands of years as a means of preserving food and storing valuable or scarce food resources. Dogs today do it out of ancestral habit and as a means of resource protection. If you notice that your dog seems to be digging compulsively, contact your veterinarian.

• Why Do Dogs Howl?

  Like many canine behaviors, howling has ancestral roots. Whether it is occasional, constant, mournful, or exuberant, howling is part of normal canine communication. Depending on the situation, a howl can take on different meanings.

• Why Dogs Chase Their Tails

  Dogs chasing their own tail can be amusing but can also be a sign of a bigger problem. Tail-chasing may be a result of boredom, lack of exercise, exploration (in puppies), or cognitive decline (in older dogs). If your dog suddenly starts chasing or biting at his tail, schedule a veterinary visit, as the cause could be medical.