If you notice that your puppy is beginning to protect her toys, bed, balls, food, and other prized worldly possessions, she is starting to do what animal behaviorists call "resource guarding." As with many behavior problems, the best solution for resource guarding is prevention and doing early training to keep the behavior from happening in [...]

Resource guarding in dogs is a problematic and potentially dangerous behavior. Here's what to know about this issue and how to deal with it.

Resource guarding is a challenging behavior to combat for new and experienced owners. Guarding possessions or food can occur between dogs in a household and/or between dogs and humans.  Early training is the best method to preventing resource guarding. It is important for puppies to learn at an early age that people touching [...]

  Why Does My Dog Hoard? Hoarding behavior in dogs is an instinctive behavior that originated during the time when their ancestors did not have regular meals appear magically, at least twice a day. They were lucky if they ate every few days, and if there was a jackpot of more food than could be [...]

Contrary to what you may believe or have heard, hand feeding your dog can actually be a good thing. Here's a few reasons why you should consider hand feeding a few meals to your dog each week. 1. Relationship and trust building. Hand feeding your dog teaches him that when you reach toward him good things [...]

If you have multiple dogs in your family, or a dog and a cat, feeding time can be chaotic. In multi-pet homes, it often feels like you need a referee, with dogs pushing to get each other's food or stealing food from the cat. As a result, mealtime can be stressful for owners as well [...]

Dogs come in all sizes, from the under-6-pound Chihuahua to the up-to-180-pound Saint Bernard. Dog lovers often long to live with small and large dog breeds for the variety of benefits they offer. The tiny English Toy Spaniel will snuggle on your lap, while the athletic Labrador Retriever will run and hike with [...]

Everyone knows that opening gifts is fun. And Santa certainly won’t forget your best four-legged friend! But is it all right to let your canine family members open packages? Could it give them the idea that it’s okay to tear into any paper or box they encounter? Is it even safe [...]

Many of our favorite Easter treats and traditions can be dangerous for our dogs, but with some prep, you'll be able to enjoy the day and keep your dog safe.

Most dog owners have no doubt heard about the importance of socializing their puppy. Proper socialization means providing positive experiences with as many new people, dogs, and situations as possible. It’s essential for developing a confident and well-adjusted adult dog that is comfortable with all life has to offer. Unfortunately, despite the significance, many [...]

Joanna B. wrote that her daughter’s 10-month-old Labrador Retriever loves to get in the face of her adult Coton de Tulear, which responds by growling and snapping. The result is that the Lab puppy tries even harder to get close to the Coton. It’s very common for families to bring home a new [...]

When it comes to dogs, more isn't always better. Owning multiple dogs can be great for owners and animals alike, but with it comes certain challenges.

Dog fights can be intense, dangerous, and scary. But knowing how to break up a dogfight can be a real lifesaver for your family pet.

Dogs often grab items they shouldn't have which can be dangerous. Teach your dog to trade items with you to make retrieval of those items easier.

Dogs love to steal things and play keep-away with their humans. Chasing your dog makes the problem worse, so learn what you should do instead.

It's natural for dogs to defend their territory, but it's potentially dangerous. Learn to recognize territorial aggression and what you can do about it.

Teaching your dog to "drop it" is an important behavior and allows you to get that item away from your dog without a chase or fight.

Egg hunts are a springtime tradition, but don't let kids have all the fun! Create an egg hunt for your dog for a simple, fun scent game your pup will love.

Here is how I handle resource guarding. Make a list of the items (or people) your dog guards. "The Motivator" Figure out what motivates your dog to comply. This can be a ball, a toy or a really yummy treat. (Boiled chicken can get a dog to give up most anything.) Ask yourself some [...]

Have you wondered why dogs growl? Dogs growl for many reasons, from wanting to threaten another dog to feeling threatened themselves.