3 steps to off-leash training
Safety and reliable recall are the two most important factors when training your dog off-leash.
Letting your dog off-leash is fun and exhilarating for both...
Are you greeting your dog correctly?
Scientific studies reveal how our dogs feel about the way we are greeting them.
Sooner or later, it seems science gets around to answering those...
Give Treibball a try!
Sometimes referred to as urban herding, Treibball (pronounced “try-ball”) combines herding and obedience, but instead of using live animals like sheep or ducks, participants...
Why dogs shake off
How often does your dog shake off? Is it a full body shake or just the neck and upper body?
Our dogs are smarter than...
4 top behaviours every dog should know
Training your dog starts with knowing the most important things to teach him. “Stay”, “come”, “leave it”, and “heel” top the list of behaviours...
How to car train your dog
As soon as you get ready to leave the house, your dog wants to tag along. Many of your trips together will include a...
Can dogs read faces?
Dogs can discern different facial expressions and actually study faces much as we do, according to research published in Plos One.* Scientists used gaze-tracking...
Taming your dog’s barking
Ding dong! Chaos erupts as Molly skids barking down the hallway to get to the door before her human, Pat. “She’s such a sweet dog,...
Multi-Dog walking
Multi-dog walking is a lot of fun, but can also be challenging. Here’s what you need to know before heading out with your pack.
Why...
Bringing up baby: training tips for your new pup
Advice on potty training, chewing, walking and more!
That sweet face, those adorable kisses, that unmistakable puppy breath! A new puppy brings so much joy...
Making a splash with Dock Diving
Calling all water babies! If your dog enjoys the water, Dock Diving, aka Dock Jumping, might tick all the boxes for you and your...
Can dogs learn by just watching and listening?
At a small reception following a talk I gave on dog communication, one of the university hosts introduced me to a developmental psychologist who...
How to crate train your dog
A crate is the perfect place for your puppy or dog to sleep and spend quiet time.
It can be his personal property and a...
10 ways to build a bond with your puppy
Establishing a healthy bond from the start will ensure a meaningful friendship that lasts a lifetime.
Forging a healthy bond with a new puppy is...
5 tips for dog bite prevention week
Each year, dogs bite more than 5 million people in the U.S. and Canada. This is an astounding statistic, but it is also one...
Why dogs stretch
Pay close attention to how your dog stretches. Does he do both “upward dog” and “downward dog”? Is the depth of the stretch equal...
4 essential rules for the dog park
Whether your furbaby is a seasoned socialite or new to hanging around other dogs, here are 4 essential rules you need to know before...
Is virtual dog training for you?
Melinda adopted Reepo from a rescue group. The energetic German shepherd/blue heeler mix was high energy, demanding, playful and sometimes fearful. He struggled with...
How to turn around a fussy eater
Fussy dogs can drive us crazy. We might try 20 different foods, we beg and cajole…but sometimes nothing seems to work.
While most dogs eat...
Step-by-step training tips
Bringing a new puppy home to join your family is an exciting time. A time full of laughter and fun. A time full of...
How to train your puppy not to jump on you
Puppies and puppy breath are two of my favourite things in life. A happy and healthy puppy is full of life, fun and energy....
Why do dogs tilt their heads?
Does your dog tilt his head when you talk to him? Here's why.
Many people report that when they talk to their beloved canines, the...
Get your dog ready for a baby!
Congratulations – you’re having a baby! Have you told your dog yet?
Now is the time to start preparing your pup for the arrival of...
Teaching boundaries to your dog
Want to ensure your dog stays put when freedom beckons? Here's how to teach him some boundaries.
What would your dog do if the front...
Understanding your dog’s barking
Barking dogs in themselves are not the problem. The problem is when, where, and how long the dog barks.
Dogs bark because Mother Nature tells...
Get your dog fit!
Exercise doesn’t just keep your dog healthy and fit and extend his lifespan. It also reduces anxiety, builds confidence, provides an excellent way to...
Keep your dog safe in the city
Urban environments can be fun for animals. There’s plenty to see, other animals to meet, and endless streets, parks and gardens to explore. But...
Does your new partner’s pet dislike you?
If your new partner's dog or cat dislikes you, you're not alone. Some animals are stressed and frightened by new people moving into their...
Sniffing out fun with Nose Work
No matter what size or shape, dogs everywhere love to catch a scent. Nose Work, a relatively new sport on the scene, provides a...
Dos and don’ts of doggie travel etiquette
Do you travel? Chances are, you’re planning to take your furry friend along with you.
Whatever your destination, you’ll most likely find at least one...