In Aesop’s ancient fable about the hare and the tortoise, the flashy, fast, head­ strong rabbit lost the race to the slower but steady turtle. The moral demonstrated the virtues of a methodical, well-thought-out approach to life. In the canine sporting world, flash and speed certainly play an important role, but it can also be […]

A family I know recently decided to get serious about spending quality time together. It began with banishing cell phones at meals in favor of face-to-face communication. The husband is a high-powered lawyer, the wife a university professor, and their kids own every electronic device on the market. One set of grandparents got tired of […]

Obedience training may just be the best gift you can give yourself, your family, and your pet. It teaches your dog appropriate social behavior with both people and animals; helps correct annoying behaviors like jumping, digging, barking, and chewing; and keeps your dog entertained and happy. A win-win all around! When to Start Training The […]

For most dogs, the mere sight of the food dish can elicit barking and bouncing around the kitchen. Putting the bowl down while your dog is acting up encourages bad manners and wastes a golden opportunity. You can use your dog's food to provide enrichment, fight canine boredom, teach good behavior, and build your bond. […]

With warm weather comes the chance to fire up the grill and enjoy a barbecue. Dog owners may be tempted to let their pet have a taste of the delicious grilled foods. However, many cookout foods are not safe for dogs to eat. Here are a few tips on foods to watch out for. Hazardous […]

Let’s face it. Most of our dogs could stand to cut back on the treats just a little bit, but for many of us, treats are an important part of our daily interaction with our canines. This leaves us looking for healthier alternatives to reward our dogs for their good behavior. Green beans may just […]

Does your dog seem to get tired when you're training? Some dogs seem like they can train forever without losing enthusiasm but most dogs struggle with...

Eating meat is very natural for dogs, and commercially prepared foods contain ingredients like chicken and beef. So it's no wonder that owners are curious about whether pork is safe for pups to consume. Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Pork? Plain, cooked pork is safe for dogs to eat, as long as you […]

Homework isn't just for kids! Anything we learn requires practice, practice practice, and the same is true for our dogs. Trainers can (almost) always...

The German Shepherd Dog is one of the most versatile creatures on earth. There’s not much these strong, agile, fearless dogs can’t do. Ancestors of today’s German Shepherds earned their keep by tending enormous flocks of sheep, as many as 1,000 of them. The AKC has assigned them to the Herding Group, a reflection of […]