Sara Seitz
Bite Inhibition Training: How to Train Your Dog Not to Bite
Everyone loves puppies. They’re cute, cuddly, and fun to wrestle with. That is, until those tiny puppy teeth come out. As much as most people don’t want to deal with a bitey puppy, the reality is that all puppies use their jaws during play. Like house training, bite training just one of those things you …
How to Perform an Elimination Diet for Dogs with Food Allergies
Itchy, flaky skin. Gas and runny stools. Ear infections and hot spots. While these symptoms may seem unrelated, they can all be caused by the same thing: a food allergy. If your dog has ever suffered from that constant itch or the red, irritated skin that comes with it, you probably already know that an …
Cues, Markers, Release Words: Essential Tools for Training Success
When you think of positive reinforcement training, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably said treats. Lots of yummy, high-value treats. While it’s true that rewards (whether they are treats, toys, or praise) are a huge piece of training, they aren’t the only “tools” you’ll need. Your dog looks to you …
How to Train Your Dog to Heel Without a Leash
Back when I taught obedience classes, the heel command was one of my favorite behaviors to teach. If there are communication problems between dog and owner, training this command will make them obvious. Teaching your dog to heel without a leash is key to creating a reliable behavior that can be used in very distracting …
Dog Anaphylaxis: What It Looks Like and What to Do If It Happens to Your Dog
If you’ve ever experienced a situation involving anaphylaxis, you know how terrifying it can be. Whether the victim is a dog or a human, the situation can turn deadly in the blink of an eye. Anaphylaxis can strike anywhere from a field full of buzzing bees to dinner time in the house. Knowing what your …
The Best Calming Supplements for Anxious Dogs
Does your dog hide in the bathtub during thunderstorms or bark excessively when guests enter the house? Or do they spend most of their day trembling and looking for dangers behind every corner? If so, you understand the hardships of living with an anxious dog. The destructive behavior. Accidents in the house. Maybe even a …
9 Common Causes of Dog Diarrhea and When You Should be Worried
It’s not something dog owners usually want to talk about. But it is something all of them will experience at one time or another. It’s the big D word: Diarrhea. For some dogs, diarrhea is a frequent occurrence. For others, it’s a rare and unnerving experience. No matter where your dog lies on the spectrum, …
How to Help Your Dog Overcome Noise Phobia
Does your dog flee to the bathtub every time the sky darkens with a summer storm? Or shake uncontrollably with every bang from fireworks on the fourth of July? If so, you’re not alone. Noise phobia is a serious problem that can lead to a sharp decline in your pooch’s quality of life, especially if …