Categories
Dogs Shelters & Fostering

Black Dog Syndrome: Is It Real?

Article

Reading Time: 4 minutes Being in a shelter is stressful for any dog. But does the color of a dog’s fur determine how long they will be in that shelter? The idea that black-coated dogs are more likely to stay longer than others is known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) and is a controversial topic. Is it real? Here’s […]

Categories
Dogs Training & Grooming

Help! My Dog Doesn’t Play Well With Others

Article

Reading Time: 3 minutes “I don’t understand why my dog is so aggressive toward other dogs when she’s on leash. When she’s off leash, she’s great with other dogs!” my client said. “When does she get to interact with other dogs off leash?” I asked. “We go to the dog park at least four times a week,” the client […]

Categories
Activities & Enrichment Dogs Life at Home Training & Grooming

Treats for the Sweet: How to Reward Your Dog

Article

Reading Time: < 1 minutes Who doesn’t love giving treats to their pets? It’s a great way to reward them for behavior we like, to signal bedtime, or just to say “I love you.” But can you give too many treats? A good rule of paw is that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s […]

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Dogs Life at Home Training & Grooming

Service Dog, Emotional Support Dog, Therapy Dog: What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter?

Article

Reading Time: 4 minutes Emotional Support, Therapy, Service. Each is a different type of job a dog can have. Can you guess which label fits each dog?

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Activities & Enrichment Dogs Training & Grooming

Tug Team? How to Play With Your Puppy

Article

Reading Time: < 1 minutes It is okay to play tug with your puppy? It used to be considered a no-no, but dogs love playing tug, and it’s a great game for them when done right. Our handout explains how to keep it fun and safe for both of you.

Categories
Dogs Training & Grooming

Mine! Does Your Dog Have a Problem Sharing With Others? Why It Happens and Fear Free Ways to Respond

Article

Reading Time: 5 minutes Years ago, I adopted a Rottweiler we named Peanut. I remember the first time she growled at me over an object. It was a treasured bully stick. I was approaching her and had yet to even reach for or talk to her. I remember feeling insulted that she would respond to me that way. After […]

Categories
Dogs Fears & Anxieties

What Fear, Anxiety, Stress, and Frustration Look Like in Shelter Dogs

Article

Reading Time: < 1 minutes Being in a shelter is stressful for dogs. They’re afraid, anxious, and frustrated, bouncing between boredom from lack of activity and excitement when they see people who may interact with them. Or they may have medical issues that are contributing to their behavior. Our handout explains the signs of FAS and offers ways to help […]

Categories
Dogs New Pets

How to Choose a Responsible Breeder

Article

Reading Time: < 1 minutes If you choose to purchase a puppy from a breeder, it’s critical that you work with a responsible breeder so that the mother dog (dam) and her puppies are raised in a Fear Free environment. When you buy a puppy from a pet store, the internet, or other unknown source, it is very difficult to […]

Categories
Dogs Training & Grooming

Stressed by Housetraining? So Is Your Dog. Here’s How You Can Both Be Successful

Article

Reading Time: 4 minutes Want your dog to potty on command? Fear Free wants you to have a better attitude toward teaching your dog house manners. When it comes to potty training a puppy or adult dog, dog trainer Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, CSAT, CBATI, FFCP, owner of The Sophisticated Dog Pet Training Service in Los Angeles, California, […]

Categories
Dogs Fears & Anxieties Veterinary Care

Building a Foundation for a Fear Free Veterinary Visit

Article

Reading Time: < 1 minutes Do you hate the thought of taking your pet to the vet because the visit is so stressful for them? We’re here to help! Our handout shares ways you can start at home to prepare your pet for a veterinary visit so they stay calm and happy during the car ride, the exam, and the […]