The Impact of Music and Sounds on Dogs

A shaggy brown dog sits and gazes lovingly at the camera amid a backdrop of green grass.

“Music is the universal language of mankind,” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote. But could that appeal transcend across species? Countless dog owners tell tales of pups who have a strong relationship to music and sounds: both those they prefer and those they’d rather do without. Other dogs seem to largely ignore the background tunes, no…

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Breed Spotlight: Understanding and Caring For ‘Long Dogs’

Two brown dachshunds sit on the leash in a park.

You know what they say: when you want to live happy like they did on the homestead, that’s when it’s time to “get a long, little doggie!” Groan if you want, but jokes like that are emblematic of the adoration owners of long dog breeds hold for their precious pups.  Dogs with “long but low”…

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Adopting a Second Dog: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Two dogs meeting in an wide play yard for the first time.

So you’ve decided to adopt a second dog, and you’re worried about how your furry friend at home is going to react.  It’s true that some animals don’t respond well to a new addition to the family, but those negative responses are generally developed out of fear. Animals need consistency, and your pup has grown…

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Breed Spotlight: Understanding and Caring For Labs

A yellow lab runs through a field.

It’s true that, in many respects, every dog breed is a little bit different. They may have personality traits, diet preferences, and activity levels, all of which can be impacted by their breed lineage as well as their immediate family’s genealogy. Learning these unique traits about your dog can help you connect with them better…

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Decoding Dog Barks and Body Language

A yellow golden retriever dog barks at the camera at dog daycare.

Just like humans, dogs have needs and wants that they are compelled to express. Unlike humans, dogs are unable to speak any language, so they must rely on their body language and vocal expressions, such as barks, growls, and whines, to convey their needs. These signals are a dog’s way of communicating what they are…

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The Benefits of Routine for Dogs

A sitting brown and white dog smiles up at the camera.

All dogs can benefit from having a regular routine throughout their week. It doesn’t have to involve a strict schedule (outside of feedings), and not every activity has to be done every day, but a routine helps dogs mentally, physically, and medically. Every animal has its own type of routine in nature. Wild wolves, which…

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When a Fur Friend Passes: How to Help Them Cope With Loss and Change

A sad brown dog mourns the passing of a friend.

It goes without saying that pets are like four-legged family members, and animals that live in the same household are likely to bond over time. When a furry sibling friend passes, it can be difficult for the other pets in the house to understand what is truly happening.  Navigating loss can be overwhelming, for you…

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How Dog Training Camps Tackle Problem Behaviors

A small dog chews on his owner's flip flop.

Biting, barking, indoor potting, and jumping on guests are just some examples of unwanted dog behaviors. Usually expected after adopting a new dog or puppy, these behaviors can be discouraged with time and training sessions with a certified professional. Coping with certain dog behaviors can be frustrating — even embarrassing, especially when it affects someone…

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Understanding Pet Grief: How Animals Respond to the Loss of Their Owners

A dad brown dog rests his head on his paws.

Pets can form significant emotional bonds with their owners, and they’ll become heavily reliant on their human companions for care and affection. In the best cases, a pet will spend the majority of their life with the same owner. Tragically, this is not always the case. Understanding how pets grieve can be a challenge, as…

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Early Socialization: The Key to a Well-Adjusted and Confident Canine

Three dogs socialize playfully on a beautiful green lawn.

From getting along with other dogs, to playing well with kids, to handling public places comfortably, socialization is a large factor in how your dog will interact with the world throughout their life. To ensure your pup grows up to be confident, well-behaved, and well-adjusted, early socialization is key. In fact, the amount of socialization…

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