Halloween Safety for Dog Parents
Keep your dog safe on Halloween! Halloween may be full of fun frights for humans, but it can be truly spooky for our four-legged friends! This guide helps dog parents keep their pups calm, safe, and comfortable during the Halloween hustle and bustle. From candy hazards to costume confusion, you’ll learn how to protect your dog while still enjoying the festivities. First, it’s important to [...]
Dog Signs of Stress
Understanding canine body language is one of the most important skills a dog parent can develop — and Dog Signs of Stress helps you do exactly that. This educational guide from Courteous Canine, Inc. teaches readers how to recognize, interpret, and respond to stress signals in dogs before they escalate into fear, anxiety, or aggression. Dogs experience stress just like humans, but they [...]
The Scoop on Scooping Poop
The Scoop on Scooping Poop Scooping poop is more than cleanliness—it is about health, safety, and community respect. Every responsible dog owner should understand why it matters. Dog poop is a serious slipping hazard. Everyone has stepped in poop and regretted it immediately. Scooping prevents messy shoes and dirty floors. More importantly, dog waste spreads dangerous bacteria and parasites. The Centers for Disease Control warns [...]
Beware the Giant African Land Snail
Beware the Giant African Land Snail By Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI The Giant African Land Snail is an incredibly dangerous snail invasive to Florida, and it is also irradicated with an equally dangerous bait, metaldehyde. Florida has previously successfully eradicated these snails, and plans to do so again, but in the meantime everyone should remain vigilant for both themselves and their pets, as thousands [...]
Say “No” To Dog Parks: Here’s Why & Better Alternatives
Say “No” To Dog Parks: Here’s Why & Better Alternatives By Kimberly Archer Dog Behavior Technician As a dog parent you just want the best for your pup, and as such most of us want to provide our dog with a rich social life. The easy way to do this is to regularly take your dog to the dog park... or is it? Though dog [...]
Laser Pointers & Our Dogs: Are They Really Having Fun?
By Beth Napolitano, CPDT Many of us are familiar with the red or green beam of light from laser pointers that may be useful during presentations to direct the attention of an audience. Perhaps even as a toy for our cats who seem to love chasing that little beam of light? Sometimes these laser pointers are also used as a toy for our dogs. There [...]
Animal Abuse Harms People Too
by Daniel Antolec When Love Isn’t Enough: Why Advocacy Matters If you are reading this blog then I may safely assume you are an animal lover, but sometimes love is not enough. Sometimes advocacy through direction action is required. A Critical Call to Action for Stronger Animal Abuse Laws I post this as an urgent call to action to help pass animal abuse legislation which [...]
Goodbye Food Allergies, Hello Play Training!
Angelica Steinker was interviewed for a cutting edge new product that offers hope for allergies. "This is Power, a seven-year-old purebred Border Collie who up until recently has continuously suffered from both environmental and food allergies. As a result, he would experience rapid weight loss and frequent vomiting. A friend of mine found out about AnimalBiome's unique therapies." Read the full story here >
Quality of Life for Blind/Deaf Dogs
Understanding the quality of life for blind and deaf dogs is important. Many people assume these dogs suffer. However, this assumption is often incorrect. Dogs experience the world through far more than sight and sound. Therefore, blind and deaf dogs can still live happy and fulfilling lives. The full article (linked below) explores how people measure quality of life. It also explains why sensory loss [...]
How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently
Understanding the Goal The article How to Teach Your Deaf (and Blind) Dog to Wake Up Gently explains how to help dogs with hearing or vision loss wake in a calm and confident way. Many people worry that these dogs may react strongly when startled, yet most respond well when they learn that touch predicts something pleasant. The author encourages caregivers to shape these positive [...]
Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes
The article Reel It In – Why I Don’t Like Retractable Leashes outlines the many reasons why experienced trainers and behavior professionals prefer to avoid retractable leashes. Although these devices appear convenient, the author explains how they create safety concerns, encourage poor leash manners, and reduce a handler’s ability to respond quickly in emergencies. Why Retractable Leashes Create Risk A core issue highlighted in Reel [...]
Why Prong Collars Hurt
Thank you Eileen Anderson for writing an informative blog on the physics of a prong collar. Please see additional note at the bottom of the post. Prong collars, also called pinch collars, are metal chain collars for dogs that include links of prongs whose ends press into the dog’s neck. When a dog pulls on leash, moves out of position, or is “corrected” with a [...]
