Ever wonder why dogs stop every few steps on a walk, nose to the ground, sniffing as if their lives depend on it? It’s easy to think they’re just stalling, but there’s a fascinating mix of science and social magic behind this behavior! For dogs, sniffing is far more than a quirky habit—it’s their way of experiencing life, gathering vital information, and keeping tabs on their community. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of sniffing and discover why...

Gear Up Your Pet: Next-Gen Tech for Your Furry Friends!

Alright, tech lovers, here’s something for you and your furry friend! The pet tech scene is absolutely booming. In the ever-evolving world of technology, pet care is seeing some revolutionary changes, making it easier, safer, and more interactive to care for our furry friends. From GPS-enabled devices that help keep tabs on wandering pets to AI-infused health monitors that provide real-time updates on a pet's well-being, the...

Ah, the Fourth of July—fireworks, family, and freedom! While we humans revel in the festive glow of Independence Day, our four-legged friends might not share the same enthusiasm. Yes, it's that time of year again when the sky lights up, and so do the stress levels of many a pooch.

Why the long faces on such a festive occasion? Well, it turns out that many dogs are about as fond of fireworks as they are of having their toenails cut. Those loud booms, pops, and cracks that bring joy and...

 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...