Why do dogs dig? Digging is a primal behavior for dogs and the amount of digging they do can be influenced by underlying reasons. Dogs are genetically predisposed to dig; it’s a normal behavior for dogs. It’s fun, and nothing feels better on a hot day than laying in cool, freshly unearthed soil. While digging […]
Why Dogs Need Toys
Why dogs need toys: dogs need toys to provide mental stimulation, allow for appropriate chewing, and serve as important tools in behavior modification. Toys are mentally and physically stimulating and assist in fulfilling a dog’s emotional and physical needs. Even though dogs today are primarily bred as companion pets, they still need something to do. In […]
Why Dogs Jump
Why do dog’s jump? You may accidentally be rewarding your pet for these behaviors. When you first brought your puppy home, he probably jumped up on you, scratched at your shins, or performed a similar, 2-paws off the ground maneuver in an attempt to get your attention. If you’re like most pet owners, you probably […]
Does Your Dog Bark Non-stop?
When a dog’s barking stops being useful and becomes annoying Does your dog bark non-stop? Dogs are early warning systems and bark to alert us that someone or something has caught their attention. Perhaps someone is at the door or is walking a little to close to your home or car. Perhaps they’ve heard a sound…they will […]
Pets Don’t Make Good Gifts
Pet’s don’t make good gifts. While the intention is always good, the outcome often isn’t. Each year, shelters across the nation receive thousands of post-holiday “gifts”…rabbits and chicks after Easter, dogs and cats after Christmas, swelling populations that are already too high. Retailers significantly add to the problem by advertising pets as presents. Who wouldn’t be […]
Dog Aggression on Leash- Leash Reactivity
Does your dog display aggressive behaviors when he is leashed and sights another dog in the distance? If you’re shaking your head, “Yes” right now, you are not alone. Leash reactivity is a very common problem. Through the years, we have witnessed the extraordinary measures dog owners have taken to avoid other dogs on walks. While avoidance techniques […]
Why Puppies and Dogs Chew
Puppies and dogs chew because chewing is hard-wired into their genes. Chewing helps them relax, it gives them something to do and it feels good! Puppies chew for the same reasons but also because they are teething and tend to use their mouths to explore their world. Believe it or not, what they chew on […]
Is Your Dog Eating Grass?
Dog professionals often disagree about why dogs eat grass. At the root of the debate, the primary question is, “Do dogs eat grass because they need to throw up or do they throw up because they eat grass?” The one thing that most everyone can agree on is that if your dog is eating grass, […]