Chris was asked to discuss dog safety during the July heat wave that gripped almost the whole country.

He offered some tips that could save dog life and limb.

https://pix11.com/new-york-living/protecting-your-pets-from-the-heatwave/

 As a dog owner, you likely take pride in the things you do for the canine in your care.

The walks, the games, the cuddles, and training. You do things yourself because nothing builds a bond with your dog better than doing stuff together. And we all that the bond between you and your dog is priceless.

But you may choose to leave grooming to the professionals.

I can understand that.

The idea of trimming your pet’s fur or clipping nails can be daunting. But it’s actually not as...

I have been working with Mystic on socialization on the farm.

Remember, Mystic is going to be a farm dog. He will be working with birds and animals on a real farm. And animals are less predictable than people or even other dogs.

The wild birds and domesticated chickens I have on my farm in Connecticut are not trained. They don’t follow a script. Mystic will need to get comfortable with the natural comings and goings of wild birds.

I even have some horses that Mystic will need to be...

Todd started working with Mystic at Dog Gone Smart. 

Maremmas are not known as easily trained. They are just too independent. But Mystic is taking to it very well.

Todd started Mystic with the basics in swimming and leash walking.

Since that went so well we progressed to standard commands and behaviors like sit and stay until released and “Go to Bed’.

Todd used the standard techniques we use at the canine center for training.

For sit and stay, Todd started Mystic with a sit...

In communication between people, how we say things can often change how things are heard. We use nonverbal cues to change or refine the message.

Ask any couple in a relationship and they’ll tell you about the argument that stemmed from how something innocent was said.

And this is true in anywhere where people communicate. Entertainment, politics, advertising, media, and on and on.

You can go to school for years to learn the ins and outs of all of this.

But what if I told you that the...

This week I am in Bologna, Italy attending Zoomark, the only international pet industry trade show in Europe taking place in person. It's exciting for all the participants as the last time this show was held in person was in 2019.

I am always energized and inspired by all the people in our industry who create products for pets and the people who love them. It’s great to be surrounded by so many pet people from so many different countries all unified by the love of and...

When it comes to dog training, especially in the case of a dog that must be socialized slowly and carefully, it’s always a good idea to enlist help. 

Fortunately I have some of the best help around at my canine center, Dog Gone Smart. 

Mystic enjoyed visiting Dog Gone Smart. The puppy playtime was a great help for him in learning how to interact with other dogs. 

Until he was too big for puppies his age. He pounces harder and nips too roughly. He started to outweigh the...

After Mystic spent some socialization time at my canine center with other dogs, it was time to introduce to more people.

Maremmas are an independent breed of dog. They hail from the Maremmano and Abruzzo regions of Italy with their expansive farmlands and open spaces. They are independent out of necessity. They have a job to do and nobody else will be around to help them.

Pretty straightforward.

But, Mystic, is far away from that life. We live in the lower Fairfield County region of...

It's time to begin indulging in Pumpkin Spice and decorate for fall!

Did you know that pureed pumpkin offers loads of benefits to your dog's health? They can easily get in on the fall fun with some fun treats! But first, let me explain why pumpkin is so good for your four-legged friend. 

First of all, this winter squash is a nutrient-rich food that is low in calories but absolutely packed with essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to its high levels of vitamin A, pumpkin...

When it comes to training a Maremma to work on the farm, it will all be about balance.

Maremmas are naturally intelligent and independent. Their instincts to be guardians of livestock come from generations and generations of breeding. They are used to working independently and with very little human interaction.

They are lone sentinels on the hill.

Batman in a white fur jacket.

Which is all well and good when you are guarding sheep in the vast farmlands of the Maremmano and Abruzzo regions of...