Let’s get straight to it - I am generally against doggy doors. 
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And here is why:

By using a dog door, you are giving up your authority to regulate your dog’s whereabouts. A dog door allows the dog to go in and out whenever it pleases the dog. The idea behind installing a dog door is generally a great one; now, the dog can go to the bathroom whenever they need to go and do not need to wait for the person to open the house door. Here is the crux with that: most dogs will use the dog door for more than just bathroom breaks. They hear a noise outside and run out to bark at it; they hear the neighbor's dog being outside, so they run out to bark at it or fence-fight. They get bored inside, so they look for entertainment outside, which results in digging in the yard, eating sticks, dirt, and rocks in the yard, and destroying the yard because it is fun. They run outside because they grab an item (like clothing, towel, or pillow)  that they aren’t permitted to have and are trying to hide it. They try to bring items inside that are not desirable inside the house, like sticks, leaves, mice, and gofers they caught or dead animals. Many, many, many reasons why I am against the use of a doggy door. The only time I would recommend using a doggy door is when you have a senior dog who is getting incontinent and, hence, needs to go to the bathroom more frequently but already knows that being outside is for taking care of business and not engaging in nonsense activities. 
So, next time you are thinking about installing a dog door, weigh their pros and cons very carefully.

Now that the morning and evening temperatures in Texas are finally pleasant again, it’s the perfect time to start exercising with your furry friend. Whether you’re planning a run or tackling a dog-friendly 5K, it’s important to remember that both of you are just getting back into the groove after a break. This means you need to be mindful to avoid injuries.
Important Note: Only start running with your dog once they are fully grown. Running with puppies can lead to joint damage, so be sure to wait until they’ve reached maturity before hitting the pavement together.
Here’s some advice to help you both ease back into fitness:
Warm-Up is Essential: Before you hit the trail, sidewalk, or track, a proper warm-up is crucial. For you, this might mean loosening up your hip flexors with some hopping or knee tucks. For your dog, consider incorporating spins to the left and right, hopping on and off a low object like a planter or boulder, and some gentle hip stretches by elevating their front paws on your forearm. Once you’re both warmed up, it’s time to hit the road!
Start Slow: Begin at a relaxed pace that allows your dog to maintain a nice trot, choosing a route that doesn’t exceed a mile at first. Remember, you can use your dog’s leash walking commands while running; it’s essentially the same principle—your dog should move in sync with you. Take your time easing into this routine. Once your dog can comfortably run a mile at a steady pace, you can gradually increase the distance by half a mile.
Monitor Health: Keep a close eye on your dog’s overall well-being during your workouts. If you notice any limping, pause to examine their feet and legs, checking the toes and joints. Pay special attention to the paw pads for abrasions or blisters—these can occur if your dog isn’t used to sustained exercise. To help prevent issues, keep their paw pads moisturized with specialized products, but avoid using boots, as they can lead to overheating.
Cool Down: After your run, give your dog a cool-down walk until their panting subsides. Additionally, don’t forget to schedule rest days between workouts to allow both your muscles and your dog’s to recover.
With these tips in mind, you and your canine companion can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle together!

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Do you have one of these dogs that is very active and is always bursting with energy? Does your dog never seem satisfied and exhausted no matter what activity you do together? Do you find yourself constantly looking for more and new exercises to do with your dog? More puzzle toys, interactive toys, games to play, sports to take on with your dog, etc…..

Let me tell you, your dog does NOT NEED all of this all the time. Your dog needs to learn to relax and to be bored. Non-stop stimulation can actually create an addiction because it gives the dog a dopamine rush every time they engage in that activity, especially when it is a very pleasant one. In the human world, we would call this “Adrenaline junkie”. With always more and more, you will turn your dog into an individual who is never satisfied. Their brain is under constant stimulation, which will cause desensitization, which will make your dog seek more intense dopamine rushes. Another great example from the human world is the addiction to being constantly glued to a phone screen or social media. Have you ever tried not to pick up your phone for a couple of hours outside from the time you are asleep? Don’t check the weather, social media, or the news. It is difficult.
The only way to curb this addiction is by teaching your dog to relax, aka being bored. Exercises that help with that are “Place-Stay “ and “Down-Stay” and doing that for at least one hour and not just a couple minutes. Nothing to chew on, neither a toy nor a treat chew, just being calm and relaxed. This will reset your dog’s brain to actually be able to enjoy activities again instead of always seeking for the next thrill. 

First, what is resource guarding? Resource guarding is a behavior where a dog aggressively defends something it values, like food, toys, or even a person, because it has a need to possess something, has a more dominant personality, or has experienced insufficient supplies of said resource. 
Resource guarding is often linked to protecting food or toys, but it can also extend to a specific person. This means your dog might show signs of possessiveness or aggression when it comes to you or another family member. 
The first two situations can often be managed easily by controlling the resources and not giving the dog the need to feel that it has to defend that resource. Resource guarding over a person can be a bit trickier and usually has a couple of different reasons, but I will do my best to help you to understand them. 
In almost all cases where a dog is resource guarding a person, the dog sees the person as an item to possess. How does this happen? This can happen when the roles between the dog and the owner aren’t clear or the owner has not imposed any clear structure and rules in the relationship with the dog. While we all see our dog as our best friend, very rarely do they grasp the concept of friendship, they all operate more on a level of one being the leader and the other one being led. All dogs are pack animals; a pack is never just a group of individuals bonded together through friendship and democratic arrangements. There is always one that leads. Another reason that can lead to resource guarding over a person is seeing your dog as your personal bodyguard. Without any proper and professional training, your dog does not understand how to handle situations that are truly a threat to your well-being, so they will just assume that everything is a threat and act accordingly. This can also happen when too many human emotions like empathy seeking and looking for reassurance are imposed on the dog, which are confusing for canines since this is not a behavior natural to them. This seems vulnerable to dogs, which is in direct contrast to a strong and trustworthy leader. 
Resource guarding can also present itself when there are multiple dogs in the household, and one dog feels like it is above all others in the hierarchy arrangement and demands all attention for itself. 
When you bring a dog into your life, it's crucial to establish yourself as the pack leader. This means creating structure and setting clear boundaries, much like an authority figure. Obedience training is a great way to do this, as it helps your dog understand their place in the world and your role as their leader. Do not forget it was your idea to bring your dog into your life, not the other way around. You have to be what your dog needs: a strong and trustworthy guide in the human world. 

If you’ve ever watched in dismay as your dog munches on bugs, sticks, or leaves, you’re not alone. Many dog owners have experienced the same bewildering behavior. But why do some dogs seem to eat everything in sight? Here’s a closer look at why this happens and what you can do about it.
1. Instinct and Evolutionary Behavior
Dogs are descendants of wild canines that needed to be opportunistic feeders. In the wild, they would eat whatever was available to them, from small prey to plants. While domesticated dogs have more varied diets and are less reliant on scavenging, some of these evolutionary instincts still linger. For some dogs, particularly those with a high prey drive, this behavior can manifest as eating anything they come across.
2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
Just like people, dogs can get bored, and boredom often leads to undesirable behaviors. If your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they might resort to eating random objects to entertain themselves. Chewing on sticks or leaves can be a way for them to pass the time or relieve boredom. People do the same sometimes.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Sometimes, dogs eat non-food items because they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet. For example, if a dog is missing essential minerals or vitamins, they might seek out unusual items in an attempt to supplement their diet. Eating dirt, for example, can be a sign of a mineral deficiency.
4. Exploratory Behavior
Puppies and young dogs are naturally curious and use their mouths to explore the world around them. This exploratory behavior is a normal part of development, but it can sometimes lead them to eat things they shouldn’t. They’re essentially “sampling” their environment as they learn about it.
5. Medical Conditions
In some cases, eating non-food items might indicate an underlying medical condition. Disorders like pica, which causes dogs to eat non-food substances, or gastrointestinal issues can drive this behavior. If your dog is persistently eating unusual items or seems to be in discomfort, a visit to the vet is recommended to rule out any health problems.
6. Attention-Seeking
Dogs are keenly aware of how their behavior affects their owners. If a dog notices that eating strange things garners a lot of attention (even if it’s negative), they might continue to do it just to get a reaction. This behavior can be more pronounced in dogs that are seeking extra attention or interaction. Any attention is better than no attention. This requires training intervention aka teaching them to do nothing.
7. Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress can also lead to compulsive behaviors in dogs, including eating non-food items. If your dog is feeling anxious or stressed due to changes in their environment, routine, or household, they might chew on or eat strange things as a coping mechanism. Often displayed at ripping on grass without eating it.  In human behavior this is called stress eating. 
What Can You Do About It?

1. Ensure a Balanced Diet: Make sure your dog is getting a well-balanced diet appropriate for their age, size, and health needs. Consult your vet about any potential nutritional deficiencies.
2. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Provide plenty of physical exercise and engage your dog with mentally stimulating activities like puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive play.
3. Veterinary Check-Up: If your dog’s behavior is persistent or concerning, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. They can check for underlying health issues or behavioral disorders.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Train your dog to focus on appropriate toys and rewards using positive reinforcement. Redirect their attention when they start to eat inappropriate items and reward them for good behavior.
5. Manage the Environment: Supervise your dog, especially in environments where they might find non-food items to chew on. Creating a safe and controlled space can help prevent unwanted behaviors. If necessary muzzle your dogs on walks to prevent snacking on things.

There you got it. If you have any further questions about this, just send me an email or message and I’ll be happy to chat with you.

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My new puppy/dog doesn’t like the collar


Let’s start this off with a story from the Homefront of two human puppies: when I was in second grade in Germany, I had a friend who lived on an Air Force Base back then. I frequently went home with her after school to hang out and play. One afternoon, she and I decided to go to a bigger and more exciting playground in the housing area on base. Off we went. After a short while, we lost orientation because pretty much every apartment building on base looked the same except for the building number on it, and there were playgrounds by pretty much every building except for the one we were looking for. We realized that we were lost. Two little German kids who didn’t speak a flick English, couldn’t remember the building number my friend lived in, didn’t know what street she lived on and which way to go. Great job. We were frightened. I remember a nice lady grabbing us by the hand, leading us around the housing area past every building, trying to help us find our way back. We eventually found our building, but it was already getting dark.
Two little human puppies, who had no identification on them and weren’t able to communicate where “Home” is. Do not let that happen to your four-legged puppy. 
One of the essential early lessons in a puppy’s life is getting used to wearing a collar. Though it might seem like a small detail, this step is crucial for their safety and well-being. 
Safety First: The Importance of a Collar
The primary reason for getting your puppy accustomed to a collar is safety. A collar is a fundamental tool for identification, especially if your puppy gets lost. It allows others to see that the puppy has an owner and can even hold an ID tag with your contact information. In emergencies or accidental escapes, a collar significantly increases the chances of your puppy being safely returned to you.
Aversive Reactions Are Normal
When first introduced to a collar, puppies might react with confusion or discomfort. It’s common for them to scratch at the collar, trying to figure out what’s new around their neck. This scratching is simply a reaction to something they’re not used to, and it’s a normal part of their adjustment period.
Aversive reactions, such as temper tantrums or excessive fussing, might occur as your puppy gets used to the collar. These reactions are expected and will generally subside as the puppy becomes more accustomed to wearing it. Patience is key during this phase. Avoiding a negative response and providing positive reinforcement will help your puppy accept the collar more quickly.
Understanding Puppy Behavior: It’s Not Just About ‘Liking’
It’s important to remember that attributing human emotions to your puppy—such as saying they “don’t like” the collar—is a form of anthropomorphism. Puppies don’t experience discomfort or dislike the same way humans do. Instead, they’re simply adjusting to a new sensation.
Puppies are naturally curious and may initially find the collar distracting or uncomfortable because it’s an unfamiliar feeling. Over time, as they grow accustomed to it, they will stop fussing and the collar will become a normal part of their daily life.
Tips for a Smooth Collar Introduction

1. Start Early: Introduce the collar to your puppy as early as possible. The sooner they start wearing it, the quicker they’ll get used to it.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praise to create positive associations with the collar. Reward your puppy for wearing it, even if it’s just for short periods at first. Every time you are putting the collar on your puppy, reward your pup.
3. Gradual Increase: Begin by letting your puppy wear the collar for short intervals, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable.
4. Check for Fit: Ensure the collar is properly fitted—not too tight, but snug enough that it doesn’t slip over their head. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck.
5. Monitor and Adjust: Keep an eye on how your puppy adjusts. If they seem to be scratching excessively or if the collar causes any irritation, adjust the fit or consult your veterinarian for advice. Sometimes the material might not be suited for your puppy.

Getting your puppy used to wearing a collar is a small but significant step in their development. It enhances their safety, helps them become accustomed to new sensations, and builds a foundation for future training. While initial reactions might be aversive, remember that with patience and positive reinforcement, your puppy will soon accept the collar as a natural part of their daily life.
By understanding and addressing these early challenges, you’re setting your puppy up for a secure and happy future.
Happy training!

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