Dog Snorting: Why It Happens and What to Do About It

Why Your Cat Sprays And What You Can Do About It

It’s a hard habit to break, but there are things you can do about it Gah! What’s that smell? If you’ve caught a whiff of the distinct scent of cat spray, you never forget it. Cats spray to mark its territory, leaving behind an unpleasant odor. A form of communication with other cats, cat spray consists of urine that is nose-level to other cats, letting them know about claims to territory, status updates (it’s social media for cats!), sexual availability or stress and frustration. They can happen anywhere – even on furniture, drapes and walls inside your house. Most of the time, cat spraying is a signal to other cats. But when a cat is stressed or frustrated, it’s meant for you. You can tell who the spray is meant for by where it is located. If the cat spray is near doors or windows, it’s most likely to let other cats know whose territory it is. But if it’s on your bed, furniture or something that you love (like your slippers), chances are you cat is telling you something. Cat spraying is a normal and natural response, which makes it a hard habit to break. Most of the time, cats that haven’t been spayed or neutered and are in heat will be the main culprits of spraying. If you sterilize your cat, spraying usually stops after two weeks (upon competition of surgery). This is the easiest fix to a cat spraying problem in cases of an unfixed cat. If your cat is already fixed and the problem continues, it’s time to change tactics. Never ignore the problem. This will give the issue time to ingrain itself into your kitty’s brain as being okay to do in your home. If you don’t know the cause of why your cat is spraying, you need to remove access from the places it has been marking. This could mean building a bigger fence, uncluttering your home, setting up motion detectors, installing shades or a room divider. If this fails, it may be medical and could indicate a serious underlining medical issue. You can also use treats as a positive reinforcement tactic, especially if you notice that certain events seem to set it off. For areas in your home that have already been marked, you’ll have to use some elbow grease and odor neutralizer to get rid of the smell. If you don’t get rid of it, your cat may come back to re-mark the spot. You can also try a wintergreen or citrus-scented room deodorizer to keep your cat away from the spot. If the problem persists, you should take your cat to a vet for drug therapy. There are many available, but research the side effects for each medication. Some cats will only need to take drugs for a short amount of time, while others need to stay on it for life. There is hope to ending your cat’s spraying habit. Be sure to consult a vet or trainer if you’ve tried unsuccessfully to treat the issue – these are trained professionals who can offer valuable advice.

Why Dog Pee Kills Grass (and What You Can Do About It)

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side – especially when the other side doesn’t have a dog! Here’s what you can do to get rid of those unsightly dog pee stains on your lawn. You can always tell which families in your neighborhood own dogs because of the telltale yellow spots in their yard. Even if you don’t particularly care about having a perfectly manicured lawn, you probably don’t like the idea of it being covered in yellow patches. But why exactly does dog urine damage grass and what can you do about it? Keep reading to learn more. Related: TaoTronics UV Blacklight Solves the Case of the Invisible Dog Pee Puddle Why Does Dog Urine Damage Grass? Your grass doesn’t immediately turn yellow as soon as your dog pees on it – the change in color takes time to develop. But what exactly is it that causes the grass to wither and die after your dog does his business? It all comes down to chemistry. The first thing to consider when it comes to urine-burned grass is the pH of your dog’s urine. Carnivorous animals (like your dog) have naturally acidic urine, usually between 6.0 and 6.5 on the pH scale, while vegetarian animals have more alkaline pH (upwards of 7.0. If your dog’s diet contains too much grain, it could increase his urine pH which is bad news for your lawn. Related: Why Do Some Dogs Pee While Doing Handstands? Another reason your dog’s urine might burn your grass is related to the nitrogen content. Nitrogen is actually a beneficial substance for plants – it acts as a fertilizer – but you can have too much of a good thing. If your dog’s urine is too concentrated with nitrogen, it may damage your lawn. The protein content of your dog’s diet is closely related to the nitrogen concentration in his urine. Your dog needs a protein-rich diet but excess protein is may be broken down by the body in a process that creates extra nitrogen that might end up in your lawn. How to Prevent Urine Burn in Your Lawn Now that you have a better understanding of what causes your dog’s urine to turn your grass brown, you may be wondering how to prevent it. Here are some simple tips to try: After your dog pees, saturate the area with water – this is most beneficial if you have a female dog since they tend to void their entire bladder in one area.Take a closer look at your dog’s food to make sure that the protein in it comes from high-quality, easily digestible sources to ensure less nitrogen waste in your dog’s urine.Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times – if he drinks more water it will dilute the nitrogen in his urine and reduce urine burn.Set aside a specific area of your yard where you train your dog to do his business – this will keep your lawn from becoming covered in brown patches. Before you take steps to prevent your dog from peeing on the lawn, take a moment to ensure that it really is your dog who is to blame. There are several lawn diseases that can cause brown patches and other changes to the grass, so keep an eye on where your dog urinates for a few days then take a closer look at the grass to be sure it’s him!

4 Tips About What To Do When You Find A Lost Dog

There is nothing more heartbreaking than to have the family pet disappear. Keeping this in mind, here’s what to do if someone’s lost dog has wandered into your care. From time to time, I’ll get a visit from a neighbor’s dog. Usually I know where the dog came from, and many of the dogs know what I mean when I command “Go home.” Otherwise, a quick phone call brings dog and owner together again. But every once in awhile, the dog in my yard is truly lost. He may be very friendly, or not. There may be no collar, and I have no idea who he belongs to. If you’re ever in this predicament, here are 4 tips to reunite the dog with his owner: 1) Assume Someone is Looking for the Dog Some people assume that a lost dog is either a stray or is running away from a neglectful or abusive owner. In reality, most dogs are neither but are dearly loved. Dogs wander away from home for a variety of reasons, and very likely, this dog’s owner is worried sick about him. This dog may be friendly, or may be fearful. Don’t jump to any conclusions as temperament can be based on the breed or individual, or likely on the stress of being lost. Related: What To Do If Your Dog Gets Lost Even if the dog appears to be malnourished, injured, or matted, it’s more likely that it’s been missing for awhile rather than suffered at the hands of its owner. So, unless you have definitive evidence that this dog was abandoned by his owner, don’t assume him to be homeless and take him in as your new pet. 2) Approach the Dog Carefully Scared, stressed dogs may bite. This can be dangerous with an unknown vaccination record, let alone the immediate wound itself. For the same reason, keep your own pets separated from the lost dog. Walk up to the dog slowly, speaking in a calm tone. Don’t try to sneak up on him; be in plain sight at all times. Offer a little bit of food to encourage him to come to you. If you’re able to get ahold of his collar, or to otherwise capture the dog, check for identification. House the dog in a safe, secure location with shelter from the weather, clean water, and food. Contact the owner immediately if you find contact information. Related: The Facts About Microchipping Your Dog 3) Take the Dog to the Vet If the dog doesn’t have apparent identification, he may be microchipped. A local veterinarian can scan for it, as well as check the dog’s health. Your veterinarian would also know the next best step if you are unable to foster the dog, such as contacting a local animal shelter. Opt for a no-kill shelter. Unfortunately some areas have laws that require contacting the local animal control, which may place the dog in a shelter that does euthanizations. If this is the case, ask to be able to foster the animal until the owner can be reached. 4) Search for the Missing Owner Dogs can travel great distances if given enough time, so it’s important to look far and wide for the lost dog’s owner. You can start by putting up “found dog” flyers in the neighborhood and taking out a classified ad in the local newspaper. Contact local animal shelters and veterinarians who may have a list of missing pets. Once you have a collar on the dog, you may try putting a long leash on him and commanding him to “go home.” He may just lead you to his home! Or, along the way, you may find someone familiar with the dog’s owner. If someone does answer your “found dog” flyer or ad, and gives you a call, keep in mind that there are — unfortunately — dishonest people. Screen the callers by asking them to describe something about the dog that only the caller would know, such as a specific pattern of spots or that one ear is creased. Don’t ask leading questions like, “Does your dog have one blue eye and one brown eye?” but rather, “What color are your dog’s eyes?” If the caller doesn’t know the answers, she is likely someone just looking for a free dog. If the caller does appear to be legitimate, agree to meet in a public place to give back the dog. For your safety, don’t invite the caller to your home and don’t agree to deliver the dog to the caller’s home. At some point, your local animal shelter will recommend that the dog be adopted. If you are unable to adopt the dog yourself, it’s important to relinquish him to a no-kill shelter where he has the chance to become someone else’s dear pet.

What Does Your Dog Breed Say About Your Wine Taste?

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

Are You A Hugger? Some Dogs Prefer You Back Off!

When it comes to snuggling your pet, the language of love can differ.

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

This Revolutionary Drug Could Help Extend the Lifespan of Dogs

In a groundbreaking trial that is set to launch in the United States, around 1,000 elderly dogs will be given a pill – in the form of a sweet treat – in the hope that their lives will be extended because of it. Behind this innovative work stands Loyal, a startup company based in Silicon Valley. They are currently gathering a number of senior dogs through a well-developed network of veterinary practices in all US states. The tests are set to launch before the end of 2023, after four years of complex studies.In this case, all dogs must be over 10 years old in order to be included in the study. The study itself is set to be a “randomized double-blind placebo trial”. The director of veterinary medicine at Loyal, the company behind this trial, Dr. Brennen McKenzie, said for  Telegraph that this will “probably be the largest clinical trial in veterinary medical history”.“We’re hoping to show that we can both increase the length of life and, more importantly, the length of time these dogs live healthy and happy and functional lives,” McKenzie states. “We’re looking at the length of time that dogs live on the drug and the placebo, hoping to show that we can extend their lifespan and also hoping to show that they develop less disease.”What the study will potentially show is that dogs who receive the drug will live one year longer - on average compared to those who are taking the “placebo” drug. Still, the length of life gained is only one aspect, Dr McKenzie said at the North American Veterinary Community’s Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City. McKenzie also added that increasing health was their number one priority.“We think of lifespan as the amount of time that you live but healthspan is the amount of time that you have good health, good function, good quality of life,” Dr McKenzie said. “That’s clearly the most important thing”.All of this sounds quite “larger than life”, no pun intended. And, of course, with such advanced propositions, the trial drug and its contents are a closely guarded secret, especially due to commercial reasons. This will be the situation until the trial of the drug is finished. And if the drug happens to be as efficient as hoped, Loyal plans to place it on the market immediately, offering an affordable daily supplement that can extend the lives of dogs. “If we get through this four-year trial and we achieve our endpoints, the FDA will license us to sell this as a prescription medication and it will be the first medication ever to extend lifespan in any species,” Dr McKenzie said. “We are absolutely interested in a product that is accessible to the majority of pet owners.”It is worth noting that the drug in question was already proven to be safe for consumption, and there is a low risk of this potential supplement causing any unwanted side effects. Loyal is a company that has two other products in the works, and they are also scheduled to undergo extensive tests. However, work is not yet finished, and one of the two is expected to go on trial around 2026. 

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

Animal Shelter Has Clever Way to Fundraise for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is for celebrating love, but for some, it can be a reminder of failed relationships. If you’re still feeling bitter towards an ex, you can now take that resentment and transform it into something positive, thanks to a clever fundraiser being run by an animal shelter in New Jersey.“Neuter Your Ex” and Help Stray Cats This Valentine’s Day Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ has come up with a funny way to raise much-needed funds for stray cats this Valentine’s Day. The campaign is called Neuter Your Ex for Valentine’s Day, and its slogan is “Because some things shouldn’t breed.”It’s simple: when you donate $50 to Homeward Bound, they’ll name a feral cat after your ex and then neuter or spay the kitty before releasing them back to their outdoor colony. If you’re familiar with trap-neuter-return, also known as TNR, then you already know how this works—cats who aren’t adoptable are allowed to live out their lives outdoors, but because they’ve been neutered or spayed, they can’t reproduce and, therefore, won’t contribute to the overpopulation problem.A Big Success So FarThis campaign is already a hit. Multiple news outlets have reported on it, so word has spread far and wide. The shelter states that they’ve received a lot of names (they’ve gotten so many that it will take months to use all of them). And donations have come from around the United States and other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Want to Help? Here’s HowIf you want to make a donation towards this worthy cause, you can fill out the form here, provide your ex’s first name or a nickname, and make a one-time or monthly payment to support the shelter’s TNR efforts. If you have questions, you can reach out to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center. Their recent Instagram post provides answers to some frequently asked questions about the campaign, so you can check that out as well.  Keep an eye on Homeward Bound’s Instagram to see photos of the cats that end up benefiting from this Valentine’s Day fundraiser.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists May Have Found a Better Way To Trim a Cat’s Nails

Trimming a cat’s nails is often a daunting affair for everyone involved. Most cats should have their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Failing to do so leaves you and your furniture at the mercy of your kitty’s sharp claws.Specially designed to be smaller, cat nail clippers or scissors are commonly used to trim a cat’s nails, but they can be difficult to handle, especially if your cat doesn’t want to cooperate or is anxious. Additionally, there’s always a risk that you’ll end up scratched, bitten, and bleeding.This is where science can come in handy! Researchers from the University of California, Davis, are working with Sacramento SPCA to make nail trimming less stressful for cats and their owners. Jennifer Link, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Davis, Animal Welfare Epi Lab, is working on a multistep protocol designed to desensitize the cats to handling and nail clipping. In mid-July, Link started to visit the Sacramento shelter five days a week for two hours to work on socializing rescued and surrendered cats to help them adjust to new people, situations, and environments. By the end of September, she had worked with more than 70 cats. “When people hear that I study cats, many ask if I can help them with nail trims,” said Link. According to Dan Marple, the animal welfare manager at the Sacramento Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this research is vital to staff, donors, and volunteers because it can reduce the stress caused by nail trimming.“Any new protocols that increase the comfort and safe handling of the cats in our care will also improve their overall well-being and adoptability,” he added. Link’s research is promising because it incorporates cooperative care. This means that cats are allowed to decide how much they want to interact with the handler during the training process. Depending on their willingness to participate, the cats go through one of three scenarios with Link: a handling-only training protocol, a handling and nail-trimming protocol, or a control with no training and only a nail trim. Each interaction is recorded to be analyzed later. On the days when Link visits the shelter, the cats are removed from their cages and brought to a quiet room where Link is waiting, with a mat laid out before her. If a cat puts their front paws on the mat, they are given treats and cuddles. The idea is for cats to learn that Link interacts with them only when they put their paws on the mat. Once the cat leans this, Link proceeds with training protocols. Slowly, Link touches the cat’s legs, then the paws, and then the paws are gently squeezed. If the cat doesn’t resist, one nail is trimmed. The protocol builds on past steps and works up. When a cat goes through all the steps, they get a nail trim. If a cat doesn’t place their paws on the mat or rejects any step, Link stops the handling.“I think with cooperative care, it does seem to almost improve their trust in me,” Link explained. “They are more comfortable if we let them decide.”This research could make nail trimming at home much more comfortable for the cats and their owners. It can also decrease the number of visits to veterinary hospitals and clinics, where owners often seek help trimming their cats’ nails. The researchers still need to analyze the video sessions to finalize the protocol. And if the protocol is deemed helpful, they will share it with other shelters for more data.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Hypothermia in Cats: What You Should Know

Hypothermia puts your cat’s health at risk, and if not treated in time, can be fatal. So, it’s wise to know even just the basics about hypothermia so you can recognize the symptoms and get your cat the help they need right away. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

The Season of Giving Begins With A Leap

We're excited to announce a special initiative in celebration of the season of thankfulness and November's Senior Pet Adoption Month. Starting today, Leap Years is offering a free bottle of its daily chewable supplement to anyone who adopts a senior dog (over 5 years old) from a shelter or rescue. All you need is proof of adoption, and while supplies last, your senior pup can start benefiting from Leap Years' formula that has already changed the lives of dogs across the country.

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

Final Thoughts - Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?Excessive barking can be frustrating and, if left unaddressed, can put you, as the owner, in a difficult situation. In some places, this can lead to fines or even eviction due to noise complaints. Unfortunately, the process of training a dog to stop barking isn’t one that is usually solved overnight – but it can be done! While you might have seen it recommended to use an “anti-bark” muzzle to stop your dog’s barking, it is not recommended for anything more than a 10 to 15-minute quick fix. Not only does it not teach your dog not to bark in the future, but the muzzle's design could create a dangerous situation. Instead, start by identifying the cause. Is your dog overly excited? Is there a trigger that makes them feel fearful and stressed? Are they trying to protect you when someone walks onto your property? Knowing the trigger will help you not only stop it but also manage your dog’s barking in the short term. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer or certified behaviorist to offer guidance and direction. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Followers Cry Fowl as Staffie Peggy and Magpie Molly, Separated

Fans of the social media darlings start an online campaign to reunite the odd couple.

Amazon Took Some Heat with 2023 Super Bowl Ad

Rescues and dog experts alike felt solution to separation anxiety was a total fumble. Can they recover this year?