Puppies go through a “critical period of socialization” or a “sensitive period” when they’re about 3-16 weeks old. This is where puppy socialization is key. At this time, the brains of young puppies are sponges, absorbing information about what’s safe and good in the world. They’re far less likely to have fearful responses to new experiences while they’re this age. As they leave the critical socialization period, dogs naturally become more “neophobic,” or afraid of new experiences. This is completely normal, but can pose a problem for puppy owners: how do you take advantage of your puppy’s socialization period without…
Many of our beloved pet dogs spend a lot of their time being bored and under exercised. They’re expected to quietly entertain themselves while we’re at work, at…
Even when there are no behavioral issues Most Americans don’t hire dog trainers until things have gotten out of hand with their dogs. Unfortunately, this makes things harder…
Aggressive or reactive behavior is one of the most common dog behavior issues I see in my work as a dog behavior consultant. This is likely due to…
And the importance of understanding them Dogs are a truly fascinating species. Many experts agree that they’re self-domesticated. They’re uniquely skilled at reading human expressions and understanding our…
Many people get dogs for their companionship. We love dogs because they’re always happy to keep us company and they cheer us up with their goofy antics. But…
Who to Follow and Why It’s easy – and fun – to fill your Instagram feed with gorgeous dogs romping along mountain ridges or through the forest. What…
Bringing home a puppy is a time of joy and apprehension! When I brought my new puppy home a few weeks ago, I spent a lot of time…
If you’re lucky enough to have a yard, it’s only common sense to have your dog use it! But what if you don’t have a fence? Or what…