Category: Dog Health & Nutrition

Puppy training that might save your dog’s life.

There are many reasons to include teaching your pup to tolerate handling in your early puppy training lessons.  Dogs that allow the feet, mouth, and ears to be manipulated are easier to groom and examine. Having worked as a vet tech years ago, I can attest to how appreciative the vet and the staff are if they do not have to wrestle a dog for a routine examination.  Of course, not only is it easier on the staff, it is […]

Dog food or Human food? What is the difference?

We just finished up with Thanksgiving and are now full steam ahead into the holiday season. If your household is anything like mine, you probably include your furry friends in the seasonal traditions. Those traditions might include something as simple as walking together to enjoy the sparkling lights, or a special gift under the tree for Fido. Perhaps it’s a bit more complex like posing for photos with Santa while wearing those reindeer antlers!Whatever the tradition is, my guess is […]

Two tips for understanding how to read a dog food label.

It is easy to get overwhelmed when you are learning how to read a dog food label. The list of ingredients can be daunting. You may not even recognize some of the ingredients as actual “food.” 😳 There are also little tricks, such as ingredient splitting, that pet food manufacturers employ that can confuse your understanding of what the main ingredients actually are.  But fear not, here are a couple key pointers to help lead you in the right direction […]

Enrich your dog’s day by changing the feeding routine.

There are numerous ways to add dog enrichment activities into your daily routine, even when you don’t have a lot of free time available. One solution is to simply take advantage of your dog’s feeding schedule.  Feeding the dog is a once or twice a day routine (more often for young puppies). Why not use that time effectively? Rather than just dropping food in a bowl and walking away, meals can do double duty as an enrichment activity. Feeding time […]

Is my dog overweight?

In a previous article about intermittent fasting, I shared tips on how to make fasting part of a dog’s routine without causing undue stress. It referenced several of the known health benefits that intermittent fasting can provide.  However, there was one important benefit left out of the conversation. At the time, I didn’t believe I was leaving it out intentionally. But as I sit down to write about it now, I realize my palms are slightly sweaty! I failed to […]

Intermittent fasting for dogs; Habit vs Health

The idea of intermittent fasting has been in vogue for a while, particularly in the human realm. In recent years, even more information has come out about the healing power of giving the digestive system a rest. I personally have used the practice, and I know several friends that do as well. I also recommend intermittent fasting for dogs. But I’ve found that when the topic of intermittent fasting comes up for our furry friends, there is significant resistance to the […]

The three building blocks for a well behaved dog.

1. Exercise – Because a dog’s naughty behavior is often the result of pent up frustration It is important to remember that dogs have descended from wolves, predators that were on the move for many miles each day. Today’s companion dog no longer needs to hunt to survive, but they still need movement. Unfortunately, far too many dogs are lucky if they get even a short walk around the block each day. Lack of exercise is one of the most […]

Dog Camp 2016

Dog Camp 2016 If you love spending time playing with and training your dog, then this Dog Camp is for you. For some time, I have wanted to create a diversified training event geared solely toward the needs of pet dog owners. The goal was to come up with a curriculum that addressed multiple aspects of dog ownership. That intention gave birth to the Dog Camp concept. This camp does not just focus on training but takes a look at the […]

What Is the Word on Shock Collar Safety for Dogs?

Shock Collar Safety for Dogs The question of shock collar safety for dogs is a topic that comes up frequently. Just last month I was in Cleveland, OH working with Bill Wittrock of Obedient Dogs and More. Our group was composed primarily of professional dog trainers but there was a pet dog owner in the crowd that peaked my interest considerably when he shared a personal story during our opening discussion. Joe Golob is a surgeon who also happens to […]