Beyond the Cute Factor: What Makes a Good Dog?

Beyond the Cute Factor: What Makes a Good Dog?

Even the most stalwart cat lover can see that a dog works hard for the universal title of “man’s best friend.” Dogs are perceived across the board as intrinsically loyal, fun, and loving. Unfortunately, for various reasons, not all dogs fit into the good dog category right away – especially without the support and guidance […]

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Man’s Best Friend: How the Role of Pets Has Evolved

Man’s Best Friend: How the Role of Pets Has Evolved

Protectors of home and hearth…herders of sheep…hunting companions…rodent control…it’s pretty clear that the role of pets has been ever-changing since we domesticated them thousands of years ago. Beginning nearly 30,000 years ago, dogs (and thousands of years later, cats) emerged as human helpers in a co-evolving partnership. To this day, many cultures still rely upon […]

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Your Guide to the World’s Smartest Dog Breeds

Your Guide to the World’s Smartest Dog Breeds

We all like to think of ourselves as intelligent, and we are probably correct! Humans express their individual types of intelligence in many different forms; some of us are more analytical, some of us more creative, some have high social IQs, and for some, music, art, or athletics come naturally. Like humans, canine intelligence manifests […]

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The Dangers of Dog Breath

The Dangers of Dog Breath

Wagging tail, bright eyes, wet nose… and bad breath. If this accurately sums up your canine companion, you’re not alone. Stinky dog breath has become synonymous with man’s best friend, but the reality is that it’s not normal. That rotten dog breath you’ve come to know (and not necessarily love) may actually be an indicator […]

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Take Positive Dog Training to the Next Level

Take Positive Dog Training to the Next Level

Dogs are hard-wired to please their owners. Unfortunately, when they “act out” or behave badly, some owners respond in a fashion that actually reinforces the offense. Indeed, the idea that dogs implicitly understand what we want is important, but getting to the bottom of what they need from us is equally important. Remember, the best […]

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Bloat in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Bloat in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Bloat in dogs may sound like just a bad case of indigestion, but it’s far more complex and serious than that. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is a condition that causes the stomach to expand with fluid, food, or air, and then rotate or “flip”. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. Keep […]

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Smarty Pants: Determining Canine Intelligence

Smarty Pants: Determining Canine Intelligence

Many astute owners can attest to the fact that dogs are smart. Some perform supportive tasks for humans, and others have the capacity to learn complex tricks. However, while dogs seem to excel when it comes to I.Q., determining canine intelligence is often shaped by strong opinions about what constitutes “smarter than the average dog.” […]

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Understanding and Treating Canine Aggression

Understanding and Treating Canine Aggression

One of the worst scenarios for dog owners is knowing their cherished pet is prone to biting or other forms of aggression. Canine aggression is cause for concern and can result in one of the thousands of dog bite incidents that occur each year. Untreated, canine aggression can pose serious risks to the dogs themselves […]

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Dog Behavior 101

Dog Behavior 101

Even the best of us have difficulty trying to intuit what certain characteristics of dog behavior mean. Sure, the majority of dogs have universal methods of communication, such as barking, growling, or whining, but the lion’s share of canine language is conveyed physically – and varies by breed and individual. Luckily, it’s fascinating and fun […]

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Walking Your Dog Off Leash: Is it Really Safe?

Walking Your Dog Off Leash: Is it Really Safe?

For most dog owners, there’s nothing more exhilarating than watching your dog bound across a park or meadow. That excitement is enough to convince many owners that off leash is the way to go. For dogs who have been trained, off leash walking, running, or hiking is a great option and has many advantages. Unfortunately, […]

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