Category Archives: Dog Behavior
Are we having fun yet?
It probably seems pretty obvious to you, that these were unpleasant experiences for the dogs. Because the owners enjoyed going to Old Town, watching dogs interact and going to dog shows, they assumed, mistakenly, that this was fun for their dog too. Continue reading
Making Your Backyard Fun for Your Dog
The unfortunate reality is that for most dogs, time spent in the yard is just not all that exciting. The passers by outside of the yard, are much more exciting, and barking at them, or other unwanted behavior such as digging or destroying plants can quickly become bad habits. Continue reading
Good Manners and Dog Owners
All dogs and their owners deserve the courtesy of being asked before being interacted with. And unless permission is given, all dog owners should give other dogs and their owners sufficient space to go about their business without interference. Continue reading
Kindergarten Drop Outs
Sadly many pet owners mistakenly believe that if they socialize their dog and take him to puppy classes, they have done all the training that is necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, it is very important to socialize and to get started early, but quitting training after your dog has completed a puppy training class is like dropping out of school after you finish kindergarten. Continue reading
My garden has gone to the dogs!
As soon as we purchased our home in Vienna, I started working on the garden. However, for years my efforts seemed futile. Yes, we got some delicious vegetables, but my backyard still was a muddy, weedy mess. Dogs and landscaping … Continue reading
He Loves People “Too Much!”
“My dog loves people too much! He leaps all over them and he’s big, he can throw them over!” “My dog loves dogs so much he goes crazy! He pulls and barks, and when he gets there he loves them … Continue reading
Just another encounter with the local neighborhood nemesis
Is there a particular dog in the neighborhood your dog really does not like? This is pretty common, in fact so many of my clients have shared with me that their dog really dislikes a particular dog in the neighborhood … Continue reading
Preventing car sickness and anxiety in puppies
Car sickness is not unusual in young puppies, however, if it goes unchecked it can lead to more serious issues. Pups can start to anticipate that they will become sick and may become fearful of car rides. It can be … Continue reading
Are you being haunted by the ghosts of your past pets?
If I had a dime for every time an owner started their appointment saying “my previous dogs never did these behaviors?” I would be well on my way to buying myself a vacation home in Hawaii. It is hard not to compare current pets to previous ones. Unfortunately, allowing yourself to be haunted can get in the way of your developing the best relationship you can with your new dog. Continue reading
Space Invaders
Imagine if you were walking in the mall and suddenly a total stranger rushed up in front of you and stood literally inches from your face. As this person talks to you, you can smell their breath, they touch your … Continue reading
