For many dogs, a trip to the vet can be a stressful experience. The unfamiliar smells, handling, and potential discomfort can cause anxiety, making visits challenging for both dogs and their owners. However, with the right approach, we can help our dogs feel more comfortable and confident during veterinary appointments. Here’s how you can set your dog up for success at the vet.

The domestication of dogs was not just about selective breeding for temperament but also involved profound biological and hormonal shifts that influenced their behavior, emotional reactivity, and ability to form deep social bonds with humans.

Sleep plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs, just as it does for humans. It is essential for cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical recovery. A growing body of research indicates that the quality and quantity of sleep directly impact a dog's behaviour, learning ability, and even their interactions with people and other animals. Despite its importance, sleep is often overlooked in discussions of canine behaviour and training.

Stationing has completely changed how I handle walks with Swift, and I truly believe it can help you and your dog too. Whether your dog is reactive, easily distracted, or just needs a little more structure, stationing is a simple but powerful tool to create a calmer and more enjoyable walking experience.

A recent study identified the lack of knowledge about animal welfare as the top concern affecting various species, including dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals. Despite years of research and education, crucial information about animal care is often not reaching the people who need it most—pet owners, trainers, and even some veterinarians.

While bribes can sometimes resolve immediate challenges, they are not a sustainable training method. Relying on bribes can teach the dog to withhold behavior until a reward is presented, undermining the training process. However, in certain situations, such as coaxing a dog away from dangerous items, a bribe can be a practical short-term solution.

The study suggests that enrichment programs should do more than just provide physical activity or stimulation. Instead, they should integrate challenges that encourage animals to think, strategize, and solve problems. While frustration is a natural response to challenges, it can be beneficial when paired with opportunities to succeed, reinforcing problem-solving skills and mental engagement.

Dogs have remarkable cognitive abilities, but not all dogs learn at the same pace or with the same ease. A recent study examined factors that impact a dog’s ability to learn a hand-touch task, revealing key insights into breed differences, training history, reward preferences, and owner experience. These findings are critical for trainers and dog owners looking to improve their training approach and better understand their canine companions.

Your presence does more than just provide companionship—it actively helps your dog navigate frustration and challenges, leading to better learning experiences and a happier, more secure canine companion.

Start training from day one. The sooner you begin training, the better. Early training establishes good habits and prevents behavioral issues before they start. Consistency is key—training should be a lifelong journey, not a one-time event.

By starting early and staying committed, you’re giving your puppy the tools they need to live a happy, well-adjusted life. And along the way, you’ll build a deeper connection with your new best friend.

Dogs are masters at concealing pain—a survival instinct rooted in their wild ancestry. They might continue to run, jump, and play, even while experiencing discomfort. This makes it challenging for owners to detect underlying physical issues. Often, physical symptoms like limping only appear when the pain has reached an advanced stage.

Additionally, many dog owners are not taught how to observe their dog’s physical movements and posture critically. Even professionals like trainers and behaviorists sometimes lack the tools to identify these subtle signs, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention.

Studies show reduced stress behaviors, increased resting time, and enhanced optimism after participating in nosework or being exposed to enriching scents like lavender. For shelter dogs, these activities lowered barking rates and stereotypical stress behaviors, creating calmer, more adoptable animals.

Flirt poles are more than just a toy—they’re a powerful tool for exercise, training, and building a stronger bond with your dog. Whether you’re dealing with a high-energy pup, a dog with a strong prey drive, or a playful puppy going through a nipping phase, a flirt pole can be a game-changer.

Give it a try and watch your dog thrive physically and mentally while having an absolute blast!

What are your goals? The first step in choosing a training class is to define what you’re looking to achieve. Consider:

• Learning New Skills: Are you starting from scratch with basic obedience?

• Building on Existing Skills: Do you want to refine behaviors or work on advanced training?

• Engaging in Extracurricular Activities: Are you looking for something fun and enriching for your dog, like sports or tricks?

• Addressing Specific Issues: Do you need help with reactivity, focus, or confidence-building?

Clarifying your goals will narrow down your choices and help you select a class that aligns with your needs.

The benefits of contrafreeloading are closely tied to the elements of choice and skill. Studies indicate that animals are more likely to engage in contrafreeloading when they have the option to choose between free food and food that requires effort. This choice empowers them and adds an element of autonomy to their routine, which can reduce stress and increase satisfaction.

These two studies provide a glimpse into the complex relationship between a dog’s genetics, breed, and behavior. While certain traits, such as toy-directed behaviors, can be somewhat predicted by breed, other behaviors are more complex and not as closely tied to genetic differences. Furthermore, the discovery that non-coding genes may influence key traits opens new avenues for understanding how dogs’ behaviors have evolved alongside their roles in human society.

The connection between pain and distress is bidirectional. This has significant implications for treating dogs in pain. Effective pain management should include both medical interventions and strategies that reduce stress or address trauma, helping dogs get out of "survival mode." It's essential to ensure that behavioral interventions align with the dog’s pain management plan.

Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone. While it’s true that cortisol plays a role in stress responses, it's also vital for helping animals meet everyday environmental demands. For example, cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning, helping dogs transition from rest to active states like foraging and exploring.