Featured Articles
Dogs – Cats and the Physical Exam – Pet tip 167
When we take our pets to the veterinarian, we all assume that our pet will be given a ‘check-up’, a physical exam. But what exactly does a physical exam include? Veterinarians do physical exams on every animal they see, and …
Basic Gerbil Care
The gerbil was first brought to the United States from Mongolia in 1954. Since then, it has rapidly become a popular pet with its enticing large eyes and long furry tail. In fact its tail is the same length or …
Yawning and Blinking in Dogs – Pet tip 217
When it comes to reading a dog’s body language there are many movements and gestures to pay attention to. Some of the gestures are easy to understand. A growling dog is sending a clear message and very few people will mistake the intention of that message. It means that the dog is uncomfortable and you should immediately back off or back away. The growl will likely also come with other gestures like standing forward, ears pointing forward and possibly raised fur. A broad wagging tail is also a clear sign usually associated with happiness and alertness.
Dog Bones
Bones… The Really Scary Part
Dogs eat non-digestible dirt, rocks, tampons, plastic squeaky toys, and rawhides. They vomit, choke, poop out foreign objects, sometimes need veterinary attention… these are real dogs in real life. One of my Rottweilers had to …
Kids that Want a Dog- Pet tip 185
This scenario gets played out time and time again throughout households in North America and the rest of the world. One or more of the kids want a puppy or a dog and parents have mixed emotions about the whole …
Food Allergies in Dogs & Cats
Many people have allergies and it’s no fun to have them. Maybe you have a mild allergy, perhaps to pollen. In the spring and summer you sneeze and your eyes get red and runny. You can take some medication that …
Scruffing Cats and Dogs
What is a dog or cat’s scruff? The scruff is the loose skin present behind the animal’s neck. It serves many purposes for both the animal and its owner. Although not generally advised for humans due to the potential for …
Tip 86 – Leashes for training puppies and dogs
There are many different types of leashes that are available at any pet store. Although some of the leashes may be very comfortable for your dog, they may not be well suited for training. Good examples include retractable leashes which …
Dogs – Clicker Training
Clicker Training – What is a Clicker ?
A clicker is a small handheld noisemaker that makes a distinct “click” when it is pressed. Clicker training is a subset or restricted application of OPERANT CONDITIONING.
Clicker training is merely a …