The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is hosting the 5th annual “Train Your Dog Month” in January 2015. The goal is to encourage people to work with their dogs. The focus for this year is basic training. Is there something you never got around to …
Boarding your dog
Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of the busiest travel times in the United States, and inevitably people with dogs need to find someone to take care of Fido while they are out of town. If you can’t take your dog with you, the next best option is to have a …
Surviving the holidays with your dog
The holidays are a great time for feast and family, but we all know sometimes hosting visitors can be stressful for you and for your dog. The last thing you need is conflict between your dogs and your guests. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your guests …
I don’t like dogs, what should I do?
This is the dog article for people who don’t like dogs, or are afraid of dogs, or just don’t want to be bothered by a dog at the moment. Arlington and the greater Washington, D.C. metro area is very dog-friendly. Just walking around town or navigating a walk …
The scoop on dry food
The dog food market has exploded. There is almost an endless variety of dry dog food options, making it more difficult to determine what the best option is for your dog. Here are some tips to help you make an educated decision. Read the label Make sure …
Is “people food” okay for dogs?
We often hear people say, “I NEVER give my dog people food.” This surprises me because I do almost all of my dog training using “people food” as treats. My favorites are hot dogs, string cheese and rotisserie chicken. So is it ok to give dogs people food? …
Should my dog go to daycare?
Many dog owners want their dogs to go to the dog park or attend daycare. Both are great places for dogs to be social, run and play and expend some of that excess energy. Dog owners are often rewarded within a tired and content dog. But as the owner of two …
What is socialization?
Socialization is the process of positively introducing your puppy to new things so that as they grow into adulthood, they are able to adapt to new situations without fear or anxiety. The most important thing to know is that most puppies are only open to the …
Surviving the “dog days” of summer
Yup, it’s hot. What’s a dog owner to do? Here are some suggestions to stay safe and cool for the next few months. Avoid midday outdoor activity Play early, late or indoors. Walking your dog in the heat of the day is a really bad idea. Just because you …
What to know about tiny dogs
Small dogs are great for urban environments. They are generally easier to exercise than large dogs and take up less space with their small crates and small beds. Small dogs are also just as smart and trainable as large dogs. Small dogs sometimes get a bad …
On-leash greetings
Urban living can be tough on our dogs. And meeting and greeting other dogs on leash can be one of the toughest situations our dogs encounter in their daily life. Meeting on leash is a completely artificial situation for dogs. The leash and the resulting …
Dining out with Fido
One of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather in Arlington is to enjoy a meal outside at one of the many restaurants that offer patio seating. But what about bringing your dog along? Unfortunately, it’s not always a good idea.In most cases, restaurants …
