Can you imagine getting a new puppy, working with him on confidence-building and training, establishing fear free veterinary visits, and suddenly things change in a heartbeat? That’s exactly what happened to me when my once happy and carefree dog developed an intense fear of vet visits. Instead of feeling anxious, nervous, or having a dog afraid of vet visits, there are many … [Read more...]
AKC Trick Dog Titles Help Instill Confidence
Can I have a drumroll, please? Can someone toss the confetti? My dog is official an AKC trick dog, achieving both the novice and intermediate titles! An AKC trick dog title helps instill confidence and so much more in dogs. I don’t plan to have my dog do television, commercials, or movies; my dog and I worked towards our AKC trick dog titles for other reasons. Here’s the … [Read more...]
How to Become a Therapy Dog
Lucy is not ordinary therapy dog. Her story is the stuff of which feel good dog movies are made. “A large brown Cocker Spaniel came into the shelter,” the volunteer at Oklahoma City Animal Shelter said. Days passed and no claimed this sweet girl with a happy attitude. June and Mike Myers weren’t looking to adopt another dog, especially after the loss of their beloved … [Read more...]
Should Dogs Being Given Medication for Behavioral Problems?
While visiting the human doctor recently for a yearly checkup, a conversation ensued about dogs that led to the topic of giving a dog medication for behavioral problems. The doctor explained that her dog continually had behavioral issues: He was nervous, scared, and in her words, “not trainable” from one supposed trainer after another. She reported that anti-anxiety and … [Read more...]
Help If Your Dog Won’t Eat His Dog Food
One of the most frustrating and concerning things a dog parent can experience is that moment when their dog simply refuses his dog food. I’ve been down this road, and my previous Cocker Spaniel was by far the most finicky dog I’ve had the pleasure of sharing my life. Getting my dog to eat a high quality food which allowed for healthy digestion while pleasing her palate is … [Read more...]
8 Ways to Prevent Your Dog From Hating the Holidays
Ah, the holidays: Joy and tinsel, celebrating and presents, family and friends, and making sure the dog is a part of it all. What you think might be fun and festive could potentially be something your dog dislikes. Here then, in the true spirit of the Fidose of Reality season, are 8 ways to prevent your dog from hating the holidays and a bonus gift idea for dog parents. Feel … [Read more...]
Dog Parent Rights at the Veterinary Office
As a dog parent, I feel vulnerable when I enter the veterinary office. As a long-time dog blogger/writer, I am coming clean with you all right now. I am there as my dog’s advocate, but walking through the front doors of the veterinarian’s office, a twinge of vulnerability and anxiety runs through my veins. Part of it is knowing I am there for a checkup of my dog (and don’t … [Read more...]
How to Keep Dogs Calm During Fireworks
Want to know how to help keep dogs calm during fireworks? Consider this: Someone walks into your office and unannounced, without warning, said person presses the button on the loudest air horn ever. You are startled, upset, perhaps shaken, and the sound won’t stop. The person brings 50 of his or her closest friends to your office and each person has their own air horn. The … [Read more...]
What to Do If Your Dog Bites Someone
Dog bites affect 4.5 million Americans every single year. The American Humane Association says half of those 4.5 million dog bites affect children. Dogs are our best friends, family members, and a very important part of the lives of many people. Consider that, according to the American Pet Products Association, 65% of U.S. households own a pet, the propensity for a dog bite is … [Read more...]
Help: I Accidentally Hurt My Dog
I hurt my dog. I accidentally hurt my dog. I did not do it on purpose, not because I am a bad dog mom, but I feel horrific when something happens to my dog in my care. There are things that dog parents do that we internalize, repeat over and over in our heads, and just cannot seem to “shake” off. If you've ever accidentally hurt your dog or your dog was injured in your care (or … [Read more...]
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