Articles
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Curious, courageous, and calm (for a terrier), the happy-go-lucky attitude and gentle nature of the Glen of Imaal Terrier help him adjust to just about any living situation, as long as he can spend time at your side every day.
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The Golden's gentle face and alluring charisma is an invitation to play. If you're reading a book, you're liable to find a paw in your lap, followed by another, then your face covered with kisses.
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Devotees of the Gordon Setter say that they're highly intelligent and that they're as good at being faithful companions as they are at finding birds for the hunter. Plenty of daily, regular exercise brings out the best in this sweet-natured (but sometimes bossy) dog, and keeps him from becoming too rowdy.
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The eye-catching Great Dane, called the "Apollo of Dogdom," is the tallest of all dogs. The sleek, proud appearance of this breed gives these dogs a look of majesty. Do not expect puppies to have the grace or wisdom of an adult, even though they can stand up to lick you in the face.
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Head down. Eyes averted. Shoulders hunched. Tail thumping the floor. Body retreating. Your pet looks guilty, maybe even apologetic, right? WRONG! Your pet’s body posture and attitude do not indicate guilt or remorse but represent a response to your body posture and attitude.
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Head halters can provide better control and safety for some dogs. A proper fit with gentle leash handling and positive reinforcement training is required to make a head halter successful. Some dogs may find the head halters aversive, which means it is not the right tool for them.
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Phobias related to thunderstorms and fireworks cause dogs to suffer and often increase in intensity over time. Behavior modification combined with medication can be used to reduce a dog's level of fear. Until therapy can be completed, it can be helpful to sit with your dog in a safe room where background music and curtains can be used to help buffer noises and flashing lights.
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When a beloved family member dies, the surviving people and pets mourn the loss. Dogs and cats rely on their social group for safety and emotional well being. Surviving pets experience the loss of a favored companion and a disruption of the social dynamic. They may also be distressed when they sense changes in the emotions and behavior of household people.
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House training is best accomplished with a consistent program that relies on supervision to prevent mistakes and positive reinforcement for elimination in designated locations. Though house training can be time-consuming, when done properly, the foundational training will last a lifetime.
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Pain can be difficult to detect in older dogs. It is important for dog owners to recognize subtle signs of pain in their dog, such as slowing down on walks, unwillingness to play, reluctance to sit or stand, limping or weight shifting, and sensitivity to touch on being picked up. If any of these behaviors are observed, your dog should be evaluated by your veterinarian and a pain management plan devised.
