As a dog owner, I frequently come across the 10-percent rule. It sounds simple. "Treats should not make up more than 10 percent of your dog's diet," say veterinarians everywhere. I've quoted this so many times I've lost count, but then, as I was in the middle of a training session with my dog, treat […]

Dogs repeat behaviors that are rewarding to them. For example, if your dog gets a treat when they sit, they will be more likely to sit again in the future. That’s why positive reinforcement training, or training with rewards, is so effective. As with any skill, to be as successful as possible, positive reinforcement training […]

Valentine's Day isn't just for exchanging candy hearts and cards with people you love. You can also celebrate Valentine's Day with your dog. Give them a special toy or treat, take them for a long walk, or cuddle on the couch. However you choose to celebrate Valentine's Day, be aware that many holiday traditions can […]

When it comes to love, dogs offer all of the devotion with none of the guile. They won't sign up for a secret dating profile or see another owner behind your back. And that flirtation with the pet sitter … well, it's harmless. After all, there's a reason dogs have a reputation for being faithful […]

On Thursday, February 2, a proposed Oregon Constitutional amendment that would declare constitutional right to fish, hunt or harvest wildlife or gather wild foods, subject to certain legal restrictions will be heard in the Oregon House Rules Committee. In Oregon, the term “hunt” is defined in part as taking or attempting to take wildlife with […]

Allergies are quite common in dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. They occur when a dog's immune system has a hyper-reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen, flea saliva, vaccines, spider bites, bee stings, or even certain foods that normally would cause little or no reaction in most dogs. We suspect certain dog allergies, […]

There are many ways to reward your dog for a job well done. Throwing a tennis ball might be great at the end of a long “stay,” or a romp in the backyard after practicing “wait” by the door. But food treats are often the most convenient and effective way to influence your dog’s behavior. […]

Dogs are incredibly smart, and they need mental exercise just like they need physical exercise. This is particularly true during times of the year when dogs find themselves stuck indoors. Boredom in dogs leads to frustration and destructive behavior. But giving your dog a cognitive workout burns off excess energy, provides entertainment, and prevents problem […]

When your family is getting ready to cheer on your favorite team when a big sports game is on TV, don't forget to make plans for how to support your dog during game day gatherings. With a little preparation, you'll be able to keep your dog happy and safe while you root for your favorite […]

If your dog has been bitten by a snake, what do you do? Taking action quickly is important, but try not to panic. Few snakebites on dogs prove fatal before you get to the emergency veterinarian, but it depends on the size of the dog, the type and size of the snake, if or how […]