A Shock to the System: Rethinking Electric Fences
“The case I just described perfectly illustrates the fundamental flaw in electric fence technology. Dogs experiencing high arousal—whether from prey drive, excitement, or fear—can completely override their conditioned response to the electric stimulation.”
The Best Gift You Can Give Your Pet: A Healthy Tomorrow
For most of us, our pets are far more than “just a dog” or “just a cat.” They’re family.They’re the ones who greet us at the door, wagging their tails or curling up beside us after a long day. They love us unconditionally, no matter what. As a veterinarian, I’ve learned one universal truth: every […]
When Your Best Friend Can’t Tell You It Hurts: A Vet’s Guide to Canine Pain
Last Tuesday, a client brought in Duke, a seven-year-old Labrador mix, because he’d “slowed down a bit lately.” What she described as normal aging was actually severe hip dysplasia that had been progressing for months. Duke had been suffering in silence, his tail still wagging, his eyes still bright with love for his family. This happens more often […]
Combing Through the Chaos (Part 3) Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
While conditioning methods are effective with puppies and some dogs, they can fall short when addressing behaviors common among adolescent or adopted dogs, and behaviors associated with anxiety and aggression. This does not mean that conditioning methods are, unto themselves, wrong, but, rather, that they have limitations, as do all methods! It is important to […]
Combing Through the Chaos~Drilling Deeper (Part 2)
Introduction Adolescent dogs, those approximately 6-24 months, are often described as defiant, bratty, elusive, and adolescent like, while adult dogs as stubborn and elusive. Studies show a decrease in bond, and an increase in unwanted behavior as puppies enter the adolescent stage. These studies, along with mainstream dog training, use exclusively Conditioning Methods, which brings […]
Dog Training Methods Combing Through the Chaos (Part 1)
If you are struggling with behavioral problems with your dog, especially with dogs over six of months of age, you are not alone! And, like many other dedicated pet parents, you begin to research trainers and methods to help you overcome these challenges, only to discover an overwhelming amount of information that is even more […]
Purebred, Rescue, Shelter…I’m So Confused!
“There is a puppy in a shelter within 50 miles of you that’ll fit your family.” Dr. Ariella Samson While discussing the challenges of getting a puppy from a breeder vs. a shelter, Dr. Samson said this: “If you don’t know who mom is, you don’t know who dad is, you’re not going to have all the […]
So You Want to Get a Puppy ? Be Patient!
Money shot of a litter from Snowbelt Aussies!
I Hate Sticks!
I hate sticks. Or at least I hate seeing a dog running with a stick or chewing on a stick. This behavior is forbidden at our house. Read on and you’ll understand why. During my career as a veterinarian I have seen too many injuries, some gruesome, associated with retrieving and chewing sticks. I have seen a multitude of […]