Training Small Dogs Takes Awareness, Trust
Training
When training dogs, size does make a difference. Small dogs are dogs, just as Golden Retrievers and Great Danes are, and they respond to training just as their larger cousins do. However, just the fact that toy breed dogs, small spaniels and terriers, and other little dogs are diminutive in comparison means your training techniques […]
Cat Costume Conundrum
Exercise & Enrichment
You’re at the pet store and it’s October. There’s an aisle of pet costumes, some of them cat size, and you pause. Your tuxedo kitty would make an adorable vampire! Wouldn’t Muffin be an elegant Egyptian princess? Some of these costumes make it very tempting to dress up your cat for Halloween, or for the […]
Taking the Spooky Out of Halloween Costumes
Exercise & Enrichment
For many pets, there is no escaping Halloween. Each year, people dole out more than $370 million in pet costumes so that their four-leggers can join them in celebrating this bewitching holiday, according to the National Retail Federation. This begs the question: do dogs and cats view donning costumes as a welcoming treat or a […]
5 Games And Puzzles To Keep Cats Mentally And Physically Challenged
Exercise & Enrichment
Play is an important part of a kitten’s development, and it remains important for a cat’s mental and physical health throughout life. Just a few minutes of exercise and enrichment each day is enough to help cats maintain interest in life and keep boredom at bay. Most important, playing with your kitten or cat builds […]
5 Puzzles And Games To Keep Dogs Mentally And Physically Challenged
Exercise & Enrichment
Pet behaviorists say that 10 minutes of mental stimulation is the equivalent of 45 minutes of active play. Fortunately, there are a slew of new puzzles and electronic games offering different levels of difficulty and different challenges to keep dogs engaged and promote their wellbeing. And, of course, if you participate too, you are spending […]
Make Brushing Time Bonding Time
Grooming
Your long haired dog needs regular brushing to keep his coat healthy, even if he makes regular trips to the groomer. Relax and enjoy some bonding time while you brush and cuddle together. Grooming can be a big job, but you don’t have to brush him from head to toe in one sitting. Teach him […]
Reactive Dog? How To Lessen On-Leash Aggression
Training
Walking one’s dog is extolled as a wonderful social opportunity; it’s fun to spend time with your canine best friend while talking to other dog owners. Plus, you can get some exercise, smell the flowers, and appreciate the sunset. While this is often true, the enjoyment will quickly evaporate if your dog suffers from leash […]
Ringing The Kitty Dinner Bell
Training
My four-year-old Karma-Kat easily puts on weight, but is a model for picky eaters everywhere. In contrast, my 21-year-old Seren-Kitty weighs barely six pounds, eats everything, and wants to munch constantly. How does your cat fit in this spectrum? While there are exceptions to every rule, most cats follow in their ancestor’s pawprints. Blame how […]
Forge a Fear Free Fortress for Your Dog
Training
When your pet is fearful, anxious, stressed, or just plain needs extra space, you don’t always have time to figure out how to deal with it. Having an action plan in place is a preventive step you can take to help your pet feel safe, one that can stand alone or be used in tandem […]
Housetraining Problem Solving
Kittens & Puppies, Training
Anyone that has ever had a dog will tell you, eventually, something is going to go wrong. Fluffy is going to piddle on the floor. Tank is going to chew up a favored possession. Pipsqueak is going to bark so much you think your head is going to explode. If you are following the rules […]
