Training dogs has been a way of life for Roxane Dutson since she was a teen. She taught the family dogs tricks and then became involved in competition through an obedience training group. “My love for working with dogs became stronger as my husband and I got our first Labrador in 1996,” Dutson says. “From […]

Jump Ahead: Teach Your Dog to Come When Called Teach Your Dog Loose-Leash Walking Teach Your Dog Sit Teach Your Dog Down Teach Your Dog Stay Getting Started To start off on the right foot (and paw!), your pup needs to know what you expect. Knowing what is expected makes puppies feel secure in their […]

It was a warm spring day, and a neighbor and I were watching some dogs charging around playfully in a fenced, dog-park area, seemingly oblivious to the heat. My neighbor commented, “You know, if we were running around like that we would be drenched in sweat. Dogs must be marvelously adapted to handle the heat.” […]

It's very important for your dog to have a reliable recall (meaning that when you ask them to come to you, they enthusiastically respond most of the time). Here's how to train a reliable recall or improve your dog's recall.

It’s a cool, crisp Wisconsin morning and the sun is golden and bright, as a photographer and her dog walk quietly through the natural world. Suddenly, the curly-coated brown dog rushes into a thicket and a ruffed grouse flies out from its place of hiding. Quickly the photographer lifts the camera to her eye, as […]

Aging is a natural part of life, even for dogs. Their pace slows, their naps increase, and their coats may get gray. Giant breeds like the Mastiff are considered seniors by 6 or 7 years old, whereas toy breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier don't enter their senior years until they're 10 to 12. Regardless of when it happens, it's important to appreciate the […]

Many dogs suffer from arthritis as they age. This painful condition, which occurs in dogs and people, results when cartilage, the cushioning between the bones, begins to thin and wear away. As a result, the ends of the bones start to rub against each other, and you may notice your dog starting to limp. Trauma, […]

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in dogs. Learn what to know about hip dysplasia including symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures.

Flea and tick season is here, and in some areas, it's now a year-round concern. These pests can cause serious problems for your dog, no matter what time of year. Fleas can cause severe itching and skin damage, and for every flea on your pet, there could be hundreds of eggs and larvae around your […]

Spring has sprung!  The daffodil, jonquils and tulips are in full bloom in many areas across the country.  But what does this have to do with a dog kennel?  I use these naturally occurring signs as a reminder to tackle certain tasks, which will make the hot summer months ahead easier and safer for me […]