Every dog requires some degree of grooming. For shorthaired breeds, dog grooming is relatively simple: regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing (of the teeth and the fur or hair),… There are a variety of internal and external bugs that, at best, make your dog miserable with itching, chewing, and scratching, and at worst, cause serious, even deadly disease. HeartwormsContents… There are a variety of diseases that dogs are commonly vaccinated against, including distemper, parvovius, adenovirus, hepatitis, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, kennel cough (Bordatella), coronavirus, and rabies. Puppy Shots Most… One of the most important people in your dog’s life is her veterinarian. If you start out with a puppy, you’ll get to know your vet pretty well in the… Living with a shy or fearful dog requires patience, commitment, and realistic expectations. If your dog is genetically shy, you’re not going to change who she is, no matter how… It is always something of a challenge to integrate a completely foreign species into a human household successfully. Because dogs have been living with us in our homes for so… Dog bites are a serious issue, not just for the person who is bitten, but also for the health and safety of the dog and the dog owner’s property. Preventing… Some breeds of dogs have reputations, although not necessarily deservedly so, as being dangerous. It’s not that they necessarily bite more often than other breeds, but due to their physical… Whether you only have one dog, two, or a whole pack, each scenario has its own unique set of benefits, drawbacks, challenges, and realities. Living with a Single DogContents Living… Thunderstorm and fireworks or noise phobia are similar, but slightly different disorders. The treatments, however, are virtually the same. Some dogs suffer from fear of thunder or other loud noises…. True separation anxiety is fortunately relatively rare, but when it is diagnosed, it can be extremely difficult, and in some cases, impossible, to treat successfully. Separation anxiety often has a… Barking is a normal part of being a dog, and some barking is to be expected. Dogs that bark excessively, however, aren’t just a nuisance to their owners, but also… Garbage digging, trash raiding, or dumpster diving — whatever you call it, it’s both annoying and dangerous. If you’re lucky, you’ll clean up the mess and your dog will just… Even the best dogs make occasional mistakes, or have momentary lapses in judgment. Sometimes their mistakes stem from following their natural instincts, but just as often, misbehavior has been reinforced… If you’re one of millions of people who travel with your dog, you’ll not only want to travel safely, but you’ll also want to make your trips as pleasurable for… Trick training is more than teaching your dog cute behaviors. Like all training, trick training helps your relationship with your dog, improves your timing, and reinforces your dog’s other training…. Pet-assisted therapy has become more popular in recent years. There are a variety of types of pet-assisted therapy and venues in which to pursue it. In some facilities, therapy work… Outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your dog abound. Depending on the energy and fitness level of your dog, and his individual proclivities, outdoor fun might include simple backyard… The more time you spend with your dog, the more ways you’ll find to play with her. Some games will be discovered, and some invented. Some of the games will… If you watch dogs interact, you’ll notice an almost ritualistic array of physical communication. Some behaviors are displayed to calm or defer to whomever the communication is aimed toward. Other… There is quite a bit of controversy over whether or not playing tug games with your dog is a good idea. For the average dog, teaching her to play tug… The ultimate game of cooperation, fetch (or retrieving) is a terrific way to both build cooperation and wear your dog out. Some dogs are natural retrievers, but most dogs with… There are lots of ways to play with your dog: physical games, games with toys, and mental games. When you play with your dog, it’s important to play in a… There are an abundance of activities that kids and dogs can enjoy together. From organized and competitive events to backyard fun, you’re sure to be able to find something that… Sometimes kids’ natural affection for dogs can get them into trouble. Your child needs to understand that not every dog is friendly or safe, and that even the cute ones… Bringing home a new baby is of course a time of joy, but it can also be very stressful for new parents as well as their dogs. From the time… You already know how important leadership is for dogs to be happy and well behaved. Leadership is just as important for kids, both to model for them how to treat… Some dogs are extremely tolerant of even rough handling by children, and will happily accept being used as pillows, or being dressed up in baby clothes and wheeled around the… Now that your dog has some understanding of the leave it command in very controlled circumstances, it’s time to kick things up to the next level, incorporating more realistic scenarios… After several days of random object exchanges, your dog should be happy to see you approaching him when he has something in his mouth, knowing it means a good deal…
Why Groom Your Dog
Dog Parasites
Dog Vaccinations
Veterinary Care for Dogs
Living with a Shy or Fearful Dog
Special Dogs, Special Issues
Dog Bites and Liability Issues
Dangerous Dogs? Breed-specific Considerations
Single Dog vs Multiple Dogs
Easing the Phobia of Thunderstorm and Fireworks
Treating Dog’s Separation Anxiety
Excessive Barking
Trash Raiding Dogs
When Good Dogs Act Badly
Traveling with Your Dog
Dog Trick Training
Pet-assisted Therapy
Outdoor Activities with Your Dog
Games Dogs Play
Speaking Dog Game
Tug of War with Your Dog
Playing Fetch
Control the Games, Control the Dog
Fun Stuff Kids Can Do with Dogs
Stranger Danger Also Applies to Strange Dogs
Bringing Home Baby — Infants and Dogs
Leadership for Dogs and Kids
Teaching Kids How to Behave with Dogs
‘Leave It’ Pays Off
Drop It Command