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Puppies explore the world with their mouths. It is completely normal for puppies to mouth just about everything, including us. And unfortunately for us, a puppy’s baby teeth are very sharp and painful - like little needles. It helps, though, if we understand that they don't mean to be hurtful. It doesn’t help the physical pain of course, but it may allay some fears. Some of my clients quickly jump to conclusions and fear they may have an aggression problem. But most of the time it is just completely normal mouthing. I know it can be frustrating when your new furry...

Dogs need exercise. That’s a simple fact of canine life. The amount varies from one breed to another with some breeds needing a ton more than others. But no matter the breed, a daily walk is good for both you and your pet. A recent study found that dog owners added an average of 3 miles and 22 minutes to their daily walk average. The health benefits are quite real. But lacing up your shoes, putting a leash on your dog, and pounding the pavement consistently can be tough, especially if you have a packed schedule or suffer from health...

Back-to-School season is a good time to think about your dog and separation anxiety. Obviously Separation anxiety can occur at any time but the kids suddenly not being around is a normal trigger. A friend once reached out to me because her parents’ 7-year-old Standard Poodle was suddenly showing signs of separation anxiety.  Her parents had relocated to Florida and now the dog continuously barks when her parents leave the apartment and the neighbors are complaining. To make matters worse, the dog is also showing other symptoms and has stopped eating.  Many times a dog will start showing signs of...

Prep the Pack Introducing the new dog can start before he even enters the home.    Bring something into your house that has the adopted dog’s scent on it, whether it’s just a towel or blanket you rub on the pet or an actual belonging from that dog’s current environment.    You should also ensure any pets in your home are updated on their vaccinations to ensure the dog is coming into a safe environment.   Make It Neutral When a new animal is brought into your household, your existing pets’ protective instincts may kick in. For that reason, it’s...