The Pros and Cons of Puppy Training Classes
You’ve just brought home your adorable new puppy, and what happens?… He pees on your carpet… And starts chewing on your shoes. Time for puppy training classes? My answer is maybe— All dogs need some form of training in order to live happy, relaxed lives, but is Puppy School really the best answer? There are […]
Food Aggression: Why Some Dogs Feel the Need to Aggressively Protect Their Dinner
Food aggression is a dangerous behavioral issue that often results in accidental injuries to both humans and other household pets. The worst part… While this type of behavioral issue is often found in dogs who have been rescued from neglectful situations, the behavior also pops up frequently in dogs who don’t have a proper training […]
Winter Skin and Paw Care: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy in Cold Weather
It’s a scorcher here in New Zealand! But a lot of folks in the Northern Hemisphere are having other problems… During the winter months, it’s common for humans to suffer from dry skin or chapped lips. The reason: cold weather literally sucks the moisture out of us. What you might not know is that dogs […]
Should I Get Rid of My Dog? What to Do If Your Dog Bites
Dogs—while they are amazing, beautiful, wonderful creatures—are animals. And, anytime you’re spending time with an animal, there’s the potential for something to go wrong. Thankfully, over decades and decades of breeding and training, our pups have become so domesticated that they are mostly lovers, not fighters. However, there are many factors such as… Age Training […]
Why Does My Dog Sniff That? The Science Behind Your Dog’s Incredible Sense of Smell
Do you ever wonder why your dog’s nose is always running a mile a minute? The answer is simple: A dog’s sense of smell is his most powerful sense. A dog can use his nose to sniff out food, his friends, and danger from miles away. So, even when we can’t smell anything around, it’s […]
6 Great Reasons to Foster a Dog in Need
According to the ASPCA, over 7.6 million cats and dogs end up in shelters every year. What’s even worse…according to the statistic, only 2.7 million of them end up finding homes. That means nearly 4.9 million animals are put down every year, simply because they can’t find homes and shelters can’t care for them all. […]
7 Winter Safety Myths about Dogs You Shouldn’t Believe
During the summer months, there’s a lot of talk about the dangers of leaving your dogs out in the summer heat. However, once winter rolls around, people don’t seem to be as concerned about the temperatures. Of course, it’s common for people to remind dog owners to bring their pups indoors overnight when the weather […]
ScritchSpot: The Must-Have App Doggy Dan Recommends for All Dog Owners
If you enjoy technology, there’s a good chance you have a variety of apps on your computer, phone, or tablet. And, if you love dogs, it’s likely that a handful of those apps have to do with dog care. I myself even have a few dog-related apps I use from time to time that are […]
Dog Chewing: How to Keep Your Dog from Destroying Your Stuff
If you’ve ever had a dog… Chew up your brand-new shoes Gnaw on your furniture Tear up your carpet …you’re not alone. One of the most common behavioral issues dog owners come across is chewing. This makes sense as dogs have a natural instinct to gnaw on things. In fact, dogs should be given opportunities […]
The Dog Calming Code: My #1 Secret to Successfully Training Over 37,000 Dogs
If you’ve been asking yourself any of the following questions… When did I lose the love for owning my dog? When did it stop being fun to have my dog around? What would my life look like if I had a training manual for my dog? …then it’s possible that your dog’s behavior has become […]
Dog Safety: What to Do If You Encounter an Aggressive Dog
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Out of those 4.7 million bites, 800,000 of them result in the need for medical care. According to these statistics, 1 out of every 69 people in the US has been bitten by a […]
The Great Shave Debate: 5 Things to Consider Before You Shave Your Dog
For years, dogs owners, dog trainers, and even veterinarians have argued about whether it’s ok, or even beneficial, to shave your dog’s coat. So…to shave or not to shave…what is the right choice? As a dog owner myself, I know that the answer isn’t necessarily black or white. In fact, there are many factors (both […]
Why Does My Dog Do This?…10 Odd Dog Behaviors Defined
It’s no secret that dogs and humans often exhibit very different behavioral habits. After all, if you walked around sniffing others people’s butts in an attempt to get to know them, you might be sent in for a mental evaluation. Yet, some of these odd behaviors—like sniffing butts or rolling around in stinky things—are very […]
How to Determine If Your Dog’s Bad Behavior Is Caused by Boredom or Stress
As a dog trainer, I am often approached with questions about different dog behavioral problems. Some people believe the issues that arise due to boredom are caused by lack of exercise or a lack of attention given to a dog. And these things certainly can make the behavior worse. However, many of these behaviors are […]
10 Things Humans Do That Dogs Struggle to Understand
Do you ever wonder… Why your dog stares at you blankly while you play games on your phone? Why your pup feels the need to bark and growl at the vacuum cleaner? Why your pooch chooses to hang out in the other room while you’re watching a sporting event? Everyday rituals like playing on our […]
The TOP 3 Dog Popsicle Recipes of ALL TIME! (That Your Pup Can Indulge in This Summer)
Everyone loves indulging in a cold treat on a hot day—even your dog! That being said, a lot of human treats, like… Dairy-based ice cream Sugar-laden popsicles Artificially flavored slushies …aren’t a healthy or safe option for your pup. Not to mention, if your dog is obese, those fat and sugar-filled treats could contribute to […]
7 Life Lessons from My Beloved Dog Peanut
At the end of April 2018, my beloved dog Peanut passed away at the age of 13 and a half.I always believed that she came into this world to change lives and help us understand dogs and ourselves better.Now, looking back, I also realize she was one of the greatest life teachers I could have […]
Dog Obesity: Is My Dog’s Weight Damaging His Health?
As dog lovers, we want to do everything possible to provide our pups with the best life ever. And sometimes, that means spoiling our dogs with all sorts of treats, chews, and table scraps. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. However, I do believe that moderation is key. I’ve gone to far too […]
Doggy Dan’s Guide to Safe Muzzle Use for Dogs
If you have an aggressive dog—or a dog who has the potential to be aggressive—you may have to consider using a muzzle. That being said, a lot of people don’t understand when it’s appropriate to use a muzzle or what type of muzzle is the safest choice for their dog. For that reason, I […]
How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby (And a special FREE gift for you at the end)
If you’re reading this, it’s very possible that you… Just found out you’re pregnant. Just brought a new baby home from the hospital. Know a family member or friend that just had a baby. In any case, I want to say congratulations! I am so thrilled for you! As a father myself, I know how […]
5 Training Exercises to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby (And a special FREE gift for you at the end)
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting, stressful, chaotic, and joyful time in a person’s life. It’s a big event that often requires new parents to make lifestyle changes in order to accommodate the needs of their new bundle of joy. That being said, people aren’t the only ones affected by this type of […]
Dog Ownership: 8 Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
When you’re seriously considering adding a dog to your family… You might start wondering… What is the best kind of dog breed? Should I adopt from a shelter? How do I choose the perfect dog for myself or my family when there are so many different types of dogs out there? In my personal opinion, […]
Doggy Dan’s Dog Safety Tips for the Holiday Season
The holiday season has officially arrived! And while it’s often a joyous and fun season for us humans, it can also be a stressful and dangerous time of year for our canine companions. This year, I wanted to ensure that both you and your dog are able to enjoy the holidays. So, I’ve decided to […]
Doggy Dan Shares His Top 10 Favorite Dog Books List
There’s nothing better than curling up after a long day with a cup of tea, your dog, and your favorite dog book. It’s a great way to relax, unwind, and spend some quality time with your pup. However, as someone who reads a lot of dog books, I often find myself at a loss for […]
The Big Fix Uganda: Amazing Dog Names Inspired by Real Stories
Jack, Molly, Bella, Max…we all know these common dog names. In the western world, it turns out that a lot of the time we are not that original when it comes to naming our dogs! (I have a dog named Jack!) But, it’s not the same way everywhere in the world. In fact, in Africa, […]