Bringing home a new dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences for your family and your resident pup alike. Not only do you expand your family, but you also offer your current dog extra companionship and playtime. Yet, as exciting as it is, it’s important to remember that building a strong canine relationship takes time and patience. Even if everything seems to start off smoothly, early dog-to-dog quarrels can happen easily and may set back their friendship. That’s why careful planning and a slow, steady approach are crucial.

The Fourth of July is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year—complete with backyard barbecues, festive drinks, and of course, fireworks lighting up the night sky. But while this day is filled with fun for humans, it can be overwhelming—and even dangerous—for our canine companions.

Before deciding to bring your dog to a holiday gathering, it’s important to consider their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. Here's what to think about before taking your furry friend to the party.

Understanding why some dogs are selective about their canine companions is essential for fostering positive interactions. Factors like genetics, early socialization, and past experiences all play a role in shaping a dog's social behavior. Different play styles, size, and breed can influence compatibility, while age and past trauma may increase selectiveness. Recognizing and respecting these preferences helps ensure that our canine friends feel secure and content in their social interactions. Embracing a dog's unique personality can lead to more harmonious and enjoyable experiences.

Have you ever noticed your dog pushing their way to the front of the pack to be petted first, or racing to get the best spot on the couch—especially when another dog or person is around? That drive to always be "first in line" may not be a coincidence. It could be what I call Priority Access Behavior—a pattern of competitive behavior that’s important to recognize and address for harmony in multi-dog households.

Managing a multi-dog household requires careful planning, consistent training, and attention to individual needs. With the right approach, you can create a harmonious environment where all your dogs thrive.

A sore throat in dogs can be tricky to detect. If your dog is coughing, gagging, or their bark sounds different, they may have an irritated or inflamed throat. While mild inflammation is usually not a major concern, it can sometimes signal a more serious underlying condition. Fortunately, there are both veterinary treatments and holistic home remedies to help your pup r

If your dog bit you or someone else, you may be wondering if they will bite again.

After your dog bites someone, it can make you think twice about whether or not it’s a good idea to keep them as a pet.

Here are the four key areas that can help you assess the danger of your dog’s future behavior and whether they can safely stay in your home or not.

Dog separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences stress or panic when left alone. It can develop due to genetics, lack of early independence training, or sudden life changes such as moving, rehoming, or shifts in household routine.

Common Symptoms:

• Following you from room to room before departures

• Whining, barking, or howling after being left alone

• Destructive chewing or scratching near doors or windows

• Excessive drooling, pacing, or panting when confined

• Escape attempts that may cause injury

Risk Factors:

• Puppies adopted too young or after long shelter stays

• Dogs with multiple previous homes or traumatic experiences

• High-energy breeds without enough exercise or mental stimulation

• Guardians who work long hours without gradual alone-time training

Positive Solutions:

• Structured desensitization and counterconditioning

• Daily enrichment (food puzzles, snuffle mats, long-lasting chews)

• Predictable routines to reduce stress around arrivals and departures

• Guidance from a certified trainer or veterinarian, if needed

With consistent, evidence-based strategies, you can help your dog gain confidence, reduce stress, and enjoy calm, independent time alone.

Leash reactivity can make walks stressful for both you and your dog. Whether your dog reacts to other dogs, people, or fast-moving objects, the key to success is patience, consistency, and structured training. Our Leash Reactivity Intensive Program is designed to help you and your dog build confidence and remain calm during walks.

The US has an obesity problem, and it extends far from the country’s general human populace. It’s been found that the obesity rate for pet dogs in the country is 59 percent. That’s quite astonishingly high. 

Have you ever dreamed what it would be like to have your dog play a starring role in your wedding?

Including your furbaby in your big day can make the event even more special and memorable. However, without proper preparation, it can also lead to stress, unexpected distractions, or behavioral issues.

Here’s how you can ensure good behavior on your special day.

Fostering a strong bond with your new puppy is one of the best ways to turn them into a dream companion. 

Building a bond can begin from the moment you pick your pup up and bring it home, so being prepared and knowing how to make your puppy’s first experiences with you the best they can be can help you bond with them.

Here are our top 10 tips for how to build an instant bond with your new puppy starting on day one.

Does your dog jump on you as if they've got springs on their feet? Like it or not, we humans are to blame.

We not only permit this behavior, we encourage it. We know we shouldn't encourage jumping, but a fuzzy puppy is just too cute to resist.

We forget that cute behavior in a puppy can become a real nuisance when they grow up.

If your normally sweet and loving dog turns into a snarling hound from hell when you try to take something away from them, they are engaging in a behavior called “resource guarding.”

This article examines the warning signs of resource guarding in dogs, situations that provoke the behavior, and what to do about it using positive training methods.

The winter weather can be beautiful, but just as with humans, the drop in temperature can spell danger for dogs. While older pets, or those with medical conditions, are likely to be more acutely affected by the chillier weather, there are some important steps to take to keep all dogs safe, happy, and healthy during the winter.

Ready to introduce your new puppy to your current dog? Before you do, read this article to guarantee a flourishing bond between your two pups.

Keeping your dog off the furniture is easier than you think with the right training plan. In this guide, you’ll discover simple, step-by-step strategies to prevent unwanted couch surfing, gently correct your dog, and make their own bed the most inviting spot in the house.

Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog stuck in their ways, these tips will help you create clear boundaries, maintain a fur-free sofa, and enjoy a harmonious home with your canine companion.

Last week, I opened my front door and discovered a dog on my patio! Someone tossed their dog inside the front gates of my place and took off - can you believe that? Please donate to my fundraiser for his foster care while I find him another home.

After your dog bites someone, it’s natural to question if keeping them is the right choice. This quick guide breaks down the four key factors every dog guardian should consider to assess the risk of future bites. Understanding these areas can help you decide if your dog can safely remain in your home and what steps to take next.

No one wants to think about their pup biting someone, but if it happens, it’s important to know what to do since a dog owner can be held liable even if the bite failed to break the skin. Learn our top tips for what to do if your dog bites someone.