Many dogs is an avid tug-of-war fan. But why is this so appealing to dogs? It sure looks like they are fighting over a limited resource, when it’s actually quite the opposite. It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Let’s explore this little game and see if we can make some sense of it!
There are many reasons why a dog may fear strangers. If you want to help your dog overcome their fear, it helps to know your dog’s reasons so you can address them directly. However, you can still improve the uncomfortable situation without those details. Let’s take a closer look at why dogs fear strangers and what you can do about it.
This dog is no couch potato. A Doberman needs plenty to do to be a happy, healthy dog. The key to ensuring that your Doberman fits whatever role you have for them — family pet, police dog, etc. — is proper training, starting with a young puppy.
Your puppies may have littermate syndrome, a strong bond where they cannot focus on anything but each other. Not even you. Here we will take a look at littermate syndrome — what it is, what it looks like, and what can be done about it.
So what can you do if the shelter dog you bring home from the shelter comes with a name that, to you, just doesn’t fit? Maybe it sounds bad, is associated with something unpleasant, is just plain inappropriate, or happens to be the same name as your second child. Maybe it’s your name! Can you change your dog’s name? Yes, you can change it to whatever you want. You’ll just need a little training to help the new dog make the connection.
In Part 1 of this series, we discussed what resource guarding is and what it looks like. Here we will talk about what can be done to prevent or stop this potentially dangerous behavior.
It’s a beautiful day, and you want to take the dog out for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. But as you reach the sidewalk, the dog slams on their brakes and refuses to move. You encourage them with words — nothing happens. You pull forward — the dog pulls back. You don’t want to drag them along the concrete, so what can you do?
Each vocal communication contains variations, plus ranges of pitch, intensity, and body language. In all, dogs have a sizable nonverbal vocabulary.
Any dog being introduced to a new home needs the training to understand what behavior is acceptable, know what to expect, develop a comfortable routine, and understand that they are safe and have a place in your loving home. At K9 Basics, we can help your rescue dog adjust to life in your home and become a happy addition to your family.
K9 Basics and Dr. Melissa Shaw, DC, are happy to share the news of a valuable service we offer: dog chiropractic care!