Roll Over, Rover! How To Teach Your Dog This Fun Trick
Training
Roll over is a classic trick that is always a crowd pleaser! This is a more challenging trick, especially for dogs with narrow bodies. Your dog will have to utilize his core muscles to complete the move. That’s good exercise for him. Because of poor coordination on my part, I don’t usually use a clicker […]
Cat Carrier Follies: How To Help Cats Learn To Love Their Carriers
Training
A frenzied flight to a hiding place is a common feline response to the unearthing of a carrier for an imminent trip to the veterinarian. If it weren’t so sad and serious for the cat, we humans might view cat carrier follies as humorous. But the reality is far from entertaining when it comes to […]
How To Enrich Your Cat’s Dining Pleasure
Exercise & Enrichment
Inside your housecat is the heart of a hunter. Nature made cats that way. For a cat, hunting for food is normal. When you provide your cat with an outlet to fulfill that natural instinct, he will be happier and healthier, both mentally and physically. Cats who lack an outlet for this normal behavior may redirect pent-up […]
Good Pet Guests Are Made, Not Born
Travel & Safety
Who’s a good boy or girl? Your pet, we hope, when visiting your friends or family. Whether you’re bringing Reggie or Ravenna to a friend’s home for a couple of hours or to a relative’s home for a week-long stay, your pet’s behavior will determine whether his presence is considered delightful or destructive. Here are […]
Enriching Cats: What You Need To Know
Exercise & Enrichment, Training
Feline what? Pay attention, Catvocates. This is the important stuff. Enrichment is the dollars and sense of cat care: if you follow this common-sense advice, you’ll save dollars at the veterinary clinic. Cats Are Safest Indoors The American Association of Feline Practitioners recommends that people keep cats indoors in suburban and urban areas. Cats are […]
Road Trip!
Travel & Safety
In the 18 months since adopting Kona from a shelter, we’ve traveled from Dallas to San Diego (twice) and made dozens of trips throughout the Lone Star State and even a few jaunts to Oklahoma and Arizona. Kona has yet to turn three, but I’m estimating she has already logged more than 11,000 miles inside […]
Yes, You Can Train Cats!
Training
Despite reputations for being aloof, many cats like to ham it up by performing tricks before an audience. I know firsthand as Casey, my orange tabby, feels right at home in the spotlight. That spotlight can be before students in my pet first aid classes where he happily volunteers to be toweled, have his pulse […]
Shake It, Baby! How To Teach Your Dog This Fun Trick
Training
Shake is a fun and easy trick to teach your dog. It also has some practical benefits beyond looking cute when she offers a paw to someone she’s met. For one, it accustoms her to having her paws touched, which can come in handy at the veterinarian or groomer. Start with your dog in a […]
Welcome Home: Setting Your New Dog Up For Success
Kids & Family, Kittens & Puppies
There is no more exciting time in your household than bringing a new dog or puppy home. You want to start your relationship off on the right paw, and help set your new family member up for success. But imagine what it must be like for the dog. New people, a new house, new food, […]
Fear Free Behavior: My Dog Eats Cat Food and Cat Feces
Training
Few dogs will turn up their nose at cat food, dry or canned, if given the chance. In fact, so many dogs like cat food that many dog owners who participate in training or dog sports use dry cat food as rewards. Unfortunately, far too many dogs are also attracted to cat feces. This is […]
