Good Canine Test

Does your dog sit quietly while you talk to friends? When you walk in a crowd does he come along with you, ignoring other dogs and distractions? Does he allow others to pet him and come when called? If so, you already know that he is a good dog. Passing the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, however,…

Cleaning Up After Your Dog

When it comes to keeping your dog-friendly home from going to the dogs, as reader Jan Trober puts it, you overwhelmingly suggested three key strategies: preventive grooming, old towels by the door, and furniture covers you can whisk into the laundry. Great (dog-loving) minds do think alike! Our thanks to everyone who wrote to share…

Roles of Discipline in German Sherpherd Dog Training

REWARD AND PUNISHMENT Discipline, training one to act in accordance with rules, brings order to life. It is as simple as that. Without discipline, particularly in a group society, chaos reigns supreme and the group will eventually perish. Humans and canines are social animals and need some form of discipline in order to…

Housebreaking Your German Shepherd Dog

You can train a puppy to relieve himself wherever you choose. For example, city dwellers often train their puppies to relieve themselves during walks because large plots of grass are not readily available. Of course, these people must be prepared to clean up public deposits. Suburbanites, on the other hand, usually have yards to accommodate…

10 tips for bringing pet families together

1. In serious situations, call in an expert: “For dogs, there are a few things you can try but first and foremost,” says Eric, “if there’s been a fight and blood has been drawn, get a professional involved. Bites that break the skin mean someone was very upset. Similarly, if you are really afraid of a…

Food & Nutrition

As more people understand the importance of nutrition  to their own health, they’re starting to consider what’s in their dog’s food bowl as well. Food manufacturers are only too happy to oblige, and the latest products are likely to be labeled natural or organic, and include ingredients said to promote health, such as blueberries and salmon oil. That said,…

Prepping for puppy time

So, you are on your way to pick up your new puppy…but wait! Have you prepared your home and family for your new arrival? Taking these first steps before bringing home your new pup can put you both on the path to a great relationship.

Covering the basics You and your family most likely met to decide the…

Why pets are good for kids

Dogs and other animals can help children  cope with a variety of ailments like depression, emotional disorders, and even poor immune function.

Pets are also good preventive medicine for healthy children to help them avoid developing allergies, increasing weight, or becoming social outcasts. Pets can also teach children empathy and compassion.

“Children in dog-owning families have…

Garden chemicals and pets: How to keep your dog safe

Ah, summer: The season to don those ever-fashionable hats and gloves and head outside for some gardening. But if you’ve got dogs, you might wonder if the chemicals that keep your roses blooming and your grass weed-free could hurt or even kill your pet.

It’s not an unreasonable fear. Two of the top ten culprits in accidental poisonings–insecticides and snail…

Dog Behavior

If there’s one thing dogs and humans have in common, it’s that you won’t find a member of either group who’s perfect. And think about it: you wouldn’t want to. Consider your favorite people–part of what renders them so endearing are their quirks, complexities, and funny habits. The same goes for your pets; their idiosyncrasies are what make…

Raising a puppy: Preventing object guarding

Object-guarding, a common problem with family dogs, will develop throughout puppyhood if owners allow it to. Owners may fail to notice their adolescent dog becoming increasingly possessive and protective. Some may actually encourage their puppy’s protective displays, thinking they are cute.

It is natural for dogs to protect their possessions. In the wild, a wolf would hardly pop next door…