Dogs are gifted with enthusiasm — a good trait if you and your pet are playing fetch in a field. On the other hand, it can be a potentially dangerous trait if you’re strolling along a busy sidewalk. An untethered animal poses many risks: It could jump on strangers, get into fights with other dogs, […]
In 1973, Kay Laurence got her first dog, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and a life-changing piece of advice from her father. “You’d better take a training class,” he said. Thirty-five years later, Laurence is the head of the class. Based in the UK, she runs Learning About Dogs, a business that organizes conferences and […]
Try a little experiment with your dog: Have it stand perpendicular to you, with another person facing your pet about 3 feet away. Ask the other person to call your dog. As the dog moves toward that person, look at which foot it moves first. Chances are, you won’t be able to tell — but […]
Researchers at Wofford College have been working with this border collie, Chaser, for a while. As of early this year, it was reported that Chaser knows the names of 1,022 objects, with no upper limit to his extensive vocabulary in sight. Says Wofford researcher Alliston Reid: “This research is important because it demonstrates that dogs, […]
Tethers are ropes, chains or other leads that, when fastened to a stationary object like a pole or stake, allow you to restrict your dog’s movement while also permitting some freedom. According to the Humane Society of the United States, “Placing an animal on a restraint to get fresh air can be acceptable if it […]
Some dogs may inherently have more self-control than others, but proper training can solve most canine behavioral issues. Self-control is a complex behavior that involves many components. For example, it’s tied to an individual’s state of mind. If you — or your dog — are anxious, you will likely feel more jittery and less in […]
If your dog gets a bit overeager on walks, it might pull you along, making it hard for you to control it. That’s where a head halter comes in handy. These devices are also used by people who have service dogs, again for better control. The Humane Society of the United States provides instructions on […]