Once the new puppy is home and settled, many of us feel at least a little apprehension underneath all the excitement as we realize the next daunting step: training. Not just house training but also socialization, basic manners, obedience, and even tricks or other skills such as agility. Resources describing the nitty-gritty details regarding […]

If you’re an urban or suburban dog owner, you’re likely familiar with the local dog park. It’s a canine oasis, where your leash-less pet is free to sniff, run and socialize with other dogs. Some parks post specific rules on signs, but dog park courtesy is mostly common sense. You and your pooch will be […]

Most dog owners have experienced those frustrating moments when, despite all the training and practice, their dog simply doesn't listen to them. As you and your puppy get to know each other, it's important to remember that listening is a two-way-street: he's learning what you expect just as you're learning to tune into his signals. […]

I got a new puppy and am constantly being told not to let him do things he likes to do, like tussle with other puppies, play tug-of-war, eat treats, and jump on the furniture. Is this true? I don’t want him to get hurt, but he needs to enjoy life! Puppies roughhoused long before they […]

Puppies present a variety of challenges as they develop. First, they’re sweet babies, following us around, looking to us for every cue. Then, just when you think you’ve got a handle on house-training, basic obedience commands, and confidence building (in both of you), baby teeth and brains seem to go right out the window, simultaneously. […]

To say that dogs are super smellers is an understatement. Whether it’s the ground during a walk, another dog during a meet-and-greet, or your friend when she walks into your house, chances are your dog leads with his nose to get information he can’t get with his eyes alone. That’s because your dog’s sense of […]

  Young children and puppies have a lot in common: they're both curious, excitable, impulsive, and, for the most part, endearing. If you follow some sensible guidelines when introducing your children to the new puppy, you can take the first steps toward creating a life-long bond. Your puppy is experiencing many new people and things […]

Header photo: SheltieBoy/Flickr Your puppy is growing up, and by now you've established the house rules and routines. If all has gone well, you've been consistent and patient while teaching your dog what is and is not acceptable behavior. He's on a feeding schedule, is on his way to being house-trained, is happy in his crate, […]

The first moment I met my 8-week-old Leonberger puppy, Miss Emily von Alpensee, she took one look at me and peed on the floor. I used that opportunity to open a conversation with the breeder about housetraining. "Oh, it's easy," the breeder said. "Leonbergers get it very quickly. As soon as you see the puppy […]

Any dog lover knows there is no greater relationship than that between dog and owner. We love our dogs! We love playing with them, cuddling with them, and having them to come home to everyday. Owning a dog, however, is no easy responsibility. While owning a dog will be filled with love and happiness, it's […]