ABC's of Leash Walking Safety

By: Dr. Sarah, Staff Vet, Life's Abundance

"Many pet parents report that problem leash behavior is the main reason they avoid outdoor time with their companion animal. If you’ve experienced these explosive bouts of unruly behavior, stemming from aggression or fear, you know it’s no fun at all. But, take heart, because this episode of Pet Talk addresses these very issues."

A- Avoidance
B- Behavioral Control
C- Conditioning the Desirable Behavior
Click here to watch the video!

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Dogs Don't Bite Out of the Blue!

By: Ilana Reisner, DVM, PhD, DACVB

It can be devastating to live with a dog that bites, especially if those bites seem unpredictable or random. This behavior is dangerous for people as well as for the dog, who now is at high risk of being rehomed or euthanized because of his behavior.

The concept of provocation is poorly understood, by dog owners and guardians and even in the scientific literature. In one study of children brought to an emergency room for dog bite injuries, for example, the authors reported that “more than half of these attacks were not provoked.” [1] It’s important to note, though, that even unexpected bites rarely (if ever) occur for no reason.
In fact, unless the dog is sick, all bites are provoked by something. Read the entire article

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11 Ways to Do Your Dog Right

In my last post, I explained why any "training technique" that scares your dog isn't good. Fear is a terrifying teacher. Poking, hitting, shocking -- these are things bullies do. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: love your dog, don't bully him.

There is a much better way.

1) Remember, Dogs Are People Too.

Or maybe I should rephrase that: Remember, Humans Are Animals Too. Either way, science now tells us that dogs and toddlers have a lot in common. Their brains are nearly identical.
In "Inside a Dog," Alexandra Horowitz, DVM, says that dogs definitely think, feel and reason. This book is a personal favorite. It's science giving anthropomorphism a little thumbs up. Click here to read the entire article

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Canine Winter Exercise

Is your dog getting ants in his pants? If you are like most dog owners, the plunge of winter temperatures has dampened your enthusiasm for outdoor activity, causing angst for your cooped-up canine. Many animal behavioral specialists reported that dogs that didn’t receive regular exercise during the winter became antsy and reactive in the spring and some developed unwanted behavioral patterns. Additionally, it is not good for a dog’s health to be active in the summer and a couch-potato in the winter. For optimum mental and physical health, many veterinarians recommend that dogs receive 45 minutes to an hour of daily, consistent exercise and enrichment, broken up into shorter intervals.

Even if we want the best for our canine companions, winter presents challenges that make it difficult to keep up a regular exercise routine for our dogs. If you are wondering how to keep your dog active, watch this video. In it, Dr. Sarah gives tips and advice from venturing outside to transforming your indoor space into a canine activity center. Most activities do not require fancy technology or major space overhauls – just some creativity and a sense of fun.  Click here to watch the video and read the entire article

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Ten Minute IQ Test for Dogs

Are you convinced your pup is smarter than the average canine, but weren’t sure how to prove it? Well, now there’s an easy way to estimate your dog’s cognitive powers.

In this episode of Pet Talk, Dr. Sarah reveals exactly how to conduct this test at home, with help from her canine assistant. Click here for more details and to take the test!

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