If you’ve ever found yourself gripping your leash like it’s a lifeline the moment your dog spots a squirrel, you’re not alone. I’ve been there — standing in the middle of a park with my arm halfway out of its socket while my Labrador, Brisket, launched into a barking frenzy over a twitchy-tailed squirrel. That…
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but if you’ve already got an older dog in the house, things can get… interesting. As someone who’s worked as a Veterinary Assistant with a special focus on nutrition, I’ve had a front-row seat to the drama, the jealousy, the accidental territory wars—and yep, even some serious sulking….
If you’ve ever stepped outside and found your yard looking more like a lunar landscape, you’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations I hear from dog parents (and have dealt with personally as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer) is figuring out how to train a dog to stop obsessively digging. Whether it’s the garden…
If you’ve ever found yourself yelling “No!” for the hundredth time as your dog zooms around the house with your favorite shoe, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too—trying to manage hypertension all day and coming home to a dog that thinks couch cushions are chew toys. As a physician, I’ve learned a lot about…
So, you’ve decided to bring home a brand-new puppy—first of all, congratulations! It’s such an exciting (and slightly chaotic) time, and trust me, as someone who’s worked closely with pet parents in clinic settings for years, I can tell you this: how to prepare your home for a new puppy is *not* something you want…
If you’re frustrated by your dog constantly yanking you around on a retractable leash, you’re not alone. As someone who’s worked hands-on as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen this issue pop up more times than I can count. Figuring out how to train a dog to avoid pulling on retractable leashes is something I’ve…
Let’s be real — vet visits aren’t exactly a walk in the park for most dogs. If you’re wondering how to train a dog to calmly accept vet examinations, you’re definitely not alone. As someone who’s spent years in the field as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen every type of pup behavior at the…
Training a dog to recognize a release command is a vital step in creating a well-mannered and responsive companion. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how an effective release command can help dogs manage their behavior, stay calm, and know when it’s time to stop a specific action. Whether you’re training a therapy…
As an Internal Medicine Physician, I’ve always been passionate about health, not just for humans, but for our furry companions as well. One area that’s often overlooked is ensuring that your dog is fit and comfortable enough to join you on longer hikes. If you’re a dog lover and someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, you’ve…