Fear Free Happy Homes
Reading Time: 3 minutesBoing! Boing! The Boxer puppy was bouncing all over the place, her wiggly butt somehow defying physics and going in different directions at once. “We take her for three walks a day!” her owner complained. “She’s never tired!” Taking your dog for a walk is great for mental enrichment, but to truly exercise your energetic […]
Reading Time: 2 minutesIt’s important for dogs to get daily exercise. In fact, many of us get dogs to help ensure that we get more exercise. But life gets in the way, and sometimes walking the dog falls low on the priority list. We get it. Walking a dog can be a big commitment, especially if you have […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesDoes your dog like to sniff? And does she like playing games with you and learning new things? Then tracking is a sport for you! Tracking helps to build confidence in shy or anxious dogs because it is a natural behavior and one of the few sports where your dog calls the shots. Humans have […]
Reading Time: 5 minutesWhen we think of exercising our dogs, we tend to think of going all out – long, brisk walks, throwing a ball as far as possible, vigorous romping with other dogs. But in the life of nearly all dogs there will be circumstances where that’s not possible, including when your dog is recovering from injury […]
Reading Time: 4 minutesEven those of us who love dogs don’t love the sound of constant barking. One effective way to get dogs to bark their heads off is to leave them outside in a yard alone. Maybe you have a neighbor who does this, but maybe you even do it yourself, because you think your dog loves […]
Reading Time: 4 minutesIs walking your dog getting to be a drag? Do you and your dog want to be more active outdoors? Have you ever thought it would be fun to try a dog sport but don’t know which one, how to get started, or where to practice? We have the answers that will get you and […]
Reading Time: 4 minutesIt’s natural to wonder exactly how much exercise your dog needs. Your friend, the marathoner, runs with her dog. Your neighbor, the lawyer, who is gone all day and half the evening, has a dog walker. When you were a kid, you couldn’t wait to get home from school to go exploring with your dog. […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesIs getting—and staying—in shape one of your New Year’s resolutions? Include your dogs, too; it’s good for their physical and mental health. But before you haul them out on a five-mile run, talk to your veterinarian about their current condition and the best ways to make sure they don’t suffer from weekend warrior syndrome—the aches […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn the article “Walk or Sniff? How You and Your Dog Can Have a Meeting of the Minds” I explained how enrichment walks are important for dogs. Dogs live the world through their noses. Giving them a chance to sniff and enjoy some “shenanigans” is healthy for them. It’s not going to be fun for […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesAdmit it; you like to watch cat videos at work when you’re procrastinating. We do too! Cats are fun, engaging, and incredibly athletic animals. Our homes should provide them with opportunities to use all of their senses, explore, play, and relax in a safe, stimulating, and stress-less environment. Let’s create homes where we can embrace […]