Two dogs are twice the fun for most pet parents (and twice the work). But when those pups are siblings from the same litter, problems such as littermate syndrome can pose challenges to the puppies' social development. Most pet professionals recommend you only get one puppy at a time to help them grow as independent,...

Two principles and concepts completely changed my understanding of training and raising a well-mannered dog. LIMA dog training and the Humane Hierarchy. The two are interconnected and provide a framework for changing dog behavior in a thoughtful, humane, and effective manner. While these principles stand as an ethos and methodology for professional trainers and behaviorists,...

Before we dive into how to greet a dog safely... 👇 Picture this: You’re minding your own business in the grocery store, stocking up on your weekly necessities. Out of nowhere, a stranger approaches your cart, puts their hands in your face, and kisses you. Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, more often than not, that’s how...

All dogs have butts. And similarly, at one point or another, you'll see your dog scooting their butt across the floor, grass, or even sidewalk (yep, it happens). While this behavior can be a bit embarrassing if guests are over, it’s something you should try to diagnose and resolve sooner rather than later. In most...

One of my favorite questions I see online is 'why does my dog steal my socks'. 🤪 If you often find yourself pacing around your house looking for the other sock or shoe that you swore you just saw, this post is for you. If you’ve ever chased your dog around with your shoe or...

Dog growling is one of the many ways our pups communicate, and it's important for humans who interact with dogs to understand what it means and the proper way to react. Growling is a vocal expression of a dog's discomfort, which generally follows visual cues. Growling gets a bad reputation because humans find it embarrassing...

Feeling sluggish? Not feeling mentally alert? Struggling to make decisions? You may just need to pet a dog… At least, that’s what the initial findings from a group of researchers have to say! While all research can have limitations, the findings of the effects of contact with a dog on prefrontal brain activity study are...

The holiday season is a busy time of year with all the social engagements due to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's parties, extra visitors in the house, shopping for gifts and groceries, and lots of delicious cooking in the kitchen. Yet, we often aren't aware if our four-legged friends understand what's happening around them....

Have you ever noticed that rainy days can make you sad or sleepy? Alternatively, warm, sunny days might make you happier, while scorching days could make you sluggish. Of course, we are also well aware of the well-known saying on Game of Thrones - Winter Is Coming. And even if you're not a GOT character...

Dog trancing is an unusual, but usually harmless dog behavior that often leaves pet parents scratching their heads. Often, it is a funny quirk that leads to lots of laughs, although it can be worrisome in some rare cases. The sudden change from happy-go-lucky, activated, and spry to walking slowly in a “trance”, sometimes with...