As a pet owner, when it’s time to travel, you have an important choice. You can board your dog or pay someone to pet-sit in your home, both of which cost money and have you missing your favorite family member. But another, growing trend, has emerged over the past decade. An ever-increasing percentage of pet owners now choose to take Fido on the road with them.

If you’ve already joined these pet-toting travelers, you probably already know that taking a dog on the road has a few challenges. But w...

It can be tough not to shower your dog in treats and extra food. They give you so much love and affection, and nothing gets that tail wagging like something yummy. But more than half of all dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese, and if your dog is among that statistic, there’s a reason your vet may suggest you cut back a little.

We have some tips for getting the weight off, as well as details on the health risks those extra pounds bring.

Is Your Pet Overweight?

The first thing you should d...

Just setting down a water bowl for your pets may not be enough, especially in the summertime. If you take your dog for long walks or have a strenuous play session, your pet may need even more. You’ll probably notice your dog heads straight to the water bowl after dinner or a salty treat.

Don’t count on your pet to know exactly how much hydration he needs, though. As a general rule, dogs should have one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. But you can supplement the daily water bowl...

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 most com...

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 wrong, I do think i...

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 of reactiv...

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 stimulation requiring ...

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. It’s probab...

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 yourself wi...

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 and to facili...