When Dogfights Occur in the Same Home – What To Do?
When One Dog in the Home Repeatedly Attacks Another: Understanding Patterns, Triggers, and Safety Aggression between dogs living in the same household can be frightening, confusing and potentially dangerous. It is especially concerning when the aggression is repeated and follows a recognizable pattern. One common mistake is assuming that two dogs simply “do not like […]
My Dog Randomly Nips at Visitors When They Move
Why Does My Dog Nip at Visitors When They Move? That pattern is usually movement-triggered nipping. The dog may seem fine while a visitor is sitting still, then suddenly react when the person stands up, walks across the room, reaches for something, or heads toward the door. It can come from fear, uncertainty, territorial […]
Why is My Dog Biting & Licking His Paws Constantly?
Why is My Dog Biting & Licking His Paws Constantly? Constant paw licking and biting usually means the paws are itchy, irritated, painful, or uncomfortable. The most common causes are: Allergies — very common. Grass, pollen, dust mites, mold, or food sensitivities can make the feet intensely itchy. Dogs with allergies often lick multiple […]
How To Address Your Dog’s Excessive Licking Behavior
How to Address Your Dog’s Excessive Licking Behavior Excessive licking of floors, furniture, and people can be behavioral, but widespread licking can also be a sign of nausea, reflux or another stomach problem. Anxiety, boredom, attention-seeking, pain, allergies, dental discomfort, and compulsive behavior are other possibilities. Start with these steps: Schedule a veterinary exam, […]
How To Teach Your Dog His Name
How to Teach Your Dog His Name Teaching a dog his name is really teaching: “When you hear your name, immediately look at me.” The name should predict attention and good things—not punishment. How to Teach Your Dog His Name Start somewhere quiet. Have several small, high-value treats ready and keep distractions low. Say […]
How To Stop Your Dog From Counter Surfing
How to Stop Your Dog From Counter Surfing Counter surfing is one of those dog behaviors that can become a habit very quickly. From the dog’s point of view, the counter is exciting because it sometimes “pays off.” A dog may find food, crumbs, wrappers, plates, utensils, or something that smells interesting. Even if that […]
Doorbell and Guest Arrival Training Plan With Reactive Dog
Doorbell and Guest Arrival Training Plan With Reactive Dog This plan is for a dog who becomes highly aroused, anxious, or reactive when the doorbell rings or when guests arrive. The dog may bark excessively, rush toward the door, or nip when guests physically greet the owners. The goal is to create a predictable routine: […]
Teaching your Service Dog to Retrieve Medicine
Teaching your Service Dog to Retrieve Medicine Teaching a dog to retrieve medicine is best done as a formal task, not a game of “go get random things.” You want the dog to retrieve a specific item on cue, bring it directly to the person, and release it safely. Start with an empty medicine bottle, […]
Teaching the “Middle” or “Center” Command (sit between legs)
Teaching the Middle or Center Command Teach it as a fun “middle” position: the dog comes from in front of you, walks between your legs, turns or stops, and sits facing forward. Step 1: Start with a treat lure Stand with your feet wide apart. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and […]
How To Train Your Dog to Ignore Outside Distractions
How to Train Your Dog to Ignore Outside Distractions To teach a dog to follow commands outside around squirrels, dogs, people, smells, and motion, the key is this: Do not start training at full distraction level. Start far enough away that the dog can still think, then gradually make the distraction harder. Find the dog’s […]