When the foster dog arrived, I put all the dog toys away. Luckily, Honey knows how to make her own. Dog Comes Home; Toys Go Away Before we bring a new foster dog home, I round up all the dog toys and put them away. Why? We don’t know if the new dog will be …
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My Dog Didn’t Bite, Thanks to Dr. Dunbar
Silent Terror It happened in slow motion. Layla, the Beagle we’re fostering, had climbed up on the back of the sofa to get a good view out the window. Honey, my Golden Retriever, was sleeping on the cushions below. As Layla began to lose her balance, I tried to catch her. I was too …
Second Chance Dogs; Second Chance People – Inspirational Video
Dogs are easier to help than people. You might find one living on the street. Coax him into your car with some food. Take him home. And teach him how to fit into life with your family. Just try that with a person. But although people find it challenging to help other people, dogs do …
14 Alternative Uses for a Dog
Sixty percent of Americans have no dog in their homes. Let that sink in. No. Dog. Not even a little one. What gives? Don’t they know how useful a dog is? Alternative Uses for a Dog Now if I only used my dog as a dog, I might reconsider having one myself. After all, they’re …
Why is the Dominance Theory of Dog Training Still So Darn Popular?
The Dominance Theory of Dog Training is Hooey The Association of Pet Dog Trainers considers dominance training harmful to your relationship with your dog. The researcher whose early wolf research inspired dog trainers to explain dog behavior in terms of dominance hierarchy now explains why that model is wrong for most wolf packs. And operant …
Know Your Limits – Good for the Dog; Good for You
Our current foster dog, Layla, is a beagle mix. What’s she mixed with? Mexican jumping bean. No Dog is Perfect Layla is the easiest dog we’ve ever fostered. She’s affectionate, calm, and sweet. She’s happy to go for a walk with you. But if it’s cold, she’s just as happy to curl up near you …
Introducing the Web Series That Will Leave You Begging For More
If the successes of Downton Abbey or Girls are any indication, I’m not the only person who loves following a continuing story. But my new favorite is better than either of them. I’ve recently discovered a series of webisodes that bring drama, hope, conflict, joy and most of all, love to the small screen. Oh …
11 Insanely Useful Weird Dog Commands
Sign up for a dog training class and you’ll teach your dog some basic (and boring) cues: sit stay come Yeah, they’re helpful. But Honey and I have our own list of instructions. And they’re much more colorful. A Few Daily Dog Training Cues and What They Mean Cue What It Means Wait Stand or …
Ready for Summer
I’ve hit the February wall. Biking home from work in the snow last night was it. I’m entering warm weather fantasy land. How about you?
Don’t Compare Yourselves to Others – Good for the Dog; Good for You
You might think I’m the last person to worry about bucking society’s standards. I’m car-free in the country that worships the automobile. I don’t own a television, cell phone, or iPod. I don’t pluck my eyebrows, shave my legs, or color my hair. I spend hours each day writing about dogs without getting paid for …