June is Foster-a-Pet month, a month the Petco Foundation sets aside to encourage people to temporarily house a homeless dog. The Petco Foundation estimates that if only 2 percent of U.S. households fostered one pet a year, unnecessary euthanasia in shelters could be eliminated.

One of the biggest barriers to this, though, is uncertainty over what’s involved. There are a few misconceptions about dog fostering that can keep you from missing out on a great experience. Here are some of the...

Mr. Rogers said that in times of trouble, his mother would have him look to the helpers. If something good has come from our strange days, it’s how many people have responded to the call and offered to foster a dog from a shelter.

Thankfully many of these open-minded fostering pet parents are transitioning to permanent pet parents. And adopting a dog has become the new norm when it comes to dog ownership. It’s almost becoming politically incorrect to buy a dog.

Don’t get me...

I am often found enjoying country life on my farm. Sprawling with different species of animals behind a post and rail fence, there is plenty of open space and ample room for everyone to get along untethered with safe boundaries.  

However, lately I have been called upon by several of my city clients to help them navigate their concrete jungle, New York City.

Leash Be With You!

As I specialize in modifying aggressive behavior, many of these clients who call have dogs with some level...

When the weather cooperates, a trip to the park is a great way for your dog to get some exercise and burn off all that excess energy. But the weather doesn’t always cooperate. When it’s rainy or chilly outside, your dog may still crave that exercise—not to mention some fun bonding time with his humans.

The good news is, there are plenty of games you can play indoors that will keep your dog engaged while also helping him get a little exercise and mental stimulation. Mental...

Your dog probably spends more time outdoors than you do. When he goes outside, he’s also walking around in the grass, and his body is closer to the ground than yours is.

That means your dog is likely more at risk than you are to have ticks attach themselves. If ticks are in your yard, they hang out on tall grass and shrubs, becoming dislodged as your dog brushes against them. Some ticks carry something called Lyme Disease, a bacterial illness that causes issues in organs and joints....

Service dogs are trained for a very specific job. Once that training is complete, your new helper should be able to navigate a wide variety of environments, from airplanes to restaurants to grocery stores.

If you have a new service dog, though, it’s only natural that you’ll have a few questions about venturing out into public together. Here are a few tips that can help.

Taking Your Service Dog Out in Public

Understanding Service Dog Rights

Before you leave home, first familiarize...

Are you ready for the arrival of your new puppy? This cute little creature is going to require a lot of work. The good news is, with training and the right supplies and equipment, raising your new puppy can be easy and stress-free. In the days leading up to your new puppy’s arrival, there are some things you can do to help transition your new puppy into a happy and healthy member of your family.

Getting Your Home Ready for Your New Puppy

Invest in a Crate

For your puppy’s safety...

Is putting my dog in a crate like putting my dog in jail?

That must be one of the most commonly asked questions when training begins.

Many people see a crate as a mean and unjust way to manage their dogs (just ask PETA). In Europe, most people do not use crates (except during transport) for their dogs and don’t find it necessary in the home.

So is it cruel to use a crate? Are you being mean to leave your dog in one?

I think it depends. A crate is a tool and like all tools can be...

By now, the way we live and interact will have dramatically changed. Nearly everything about our day-to-day lives has been altered in some way. Hopefully, soon things will return to normal. But for now, we are in unchartered territory.

It can scary.

But it’s important not to trade one danger for another. A stressful diet of 24-hour news and live virus-tracking maps can take nearly as much a toll on our well-being and health as a virus.

Mastering Pandemic Panic

But, Chris, how about my...

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."

That quote by Dr. Ian Malcolm from the movie Jurassic Park applies to so many situations. Deciding if you are ready to join the league of animal caretakers is absolutely one.

It's not enough to think you are ready; this is a life-changing decision, one must know it. Picking the right dog for you should take almost much thought as finding the right life partner.

Are You Ready for a...