4Knines Blog Home Page
Why You Need to Teach Your Dog Tricks
When was the last time you taught your dog a new trick? Been a while? Sometimes when we get a new dog/puppy we spend a lot of time teaching tricks and behaviors and once we feel the dog is “trained” we… well stop. Dogs love, love, love to train and learn behaviors. The AKC has launched a new trick dog program and it is just the ticket for some fresh new ideas. Why train tricks? Dogs love to learn new things Mental stimulation and activity helps improve your dog’s overall behavior New tricks prevent boredom (which can lead to bad … Continue reading → The post Why You Need to Teach Your Dog Tricks appeared first on 4Knines Dog Blog.
Learn more
How to Train Your Dog to Heel on a Loose Leash
To train your dog to walk to heel, it is vital they are calm and responsive. This allows them to have the focus to learn what you are asking of them. To accomplish this, it will help to plan the walk in a series of stages, starting off at a place with minimal distractions so you have the dog’s attention and...
Learn more
6-Simple Steps to Learn Animal Communication!
Would you like to explore what Animal Communication is all about? Maybe you have wanted to learn how but didn’t know where to begin? Or do you already know how to communicate with your animal and would like some extra tips? Whatever your goal may be — you have come to the right place to get the answers to these questions and some others that you may have. Before I share with you the 6-Steps of what I exactly teach my Animal Communication students (see my bio below for more details), here are some are some things to consider. Let’s … Continue reading →
Learn more
Doggy, It’s Cold Outside: How Cold Is Too Cold for Your Dog?
It’s that time of year where I get asked how cold is too cold to leave your dog outside during the day and some I know have their dogs outside all the time. The answer depends on the following factors: where you live, the size of your dog, the weight of your dog, the type of coat your dog has, the color of your dog’s coat, the type of condition your dog is in, your dog’s overall health and your dog’s age. Not all dogs are alike nor are the temperatures. When it comes to the temperature you have to … Continue reading →
Learn more
The Truth Behind Loose Leash Walking
As a trainer, often I get asked how a client can teach their dog to walk on a loose leash. Dogs sometimes pull on the leash because the dog walks at a faster pace than the person or because he has been inadvertently rewarded for pulling (like when they see someone they like and pull toward them and then get a greeting from the person) or perhaps the dog is very interested in the environment and pulls to investigate odors and other things he is interested in. Not only is this often uncomfortable for the person at the other end … Continue reading →
Learn more
K9 Epilepsy: What’s in Your Dog’s Epi First Aid Kit?
It is November and with it comes the time of year when many of us are busy with the hustle, bustle, and preparations for the upcoming holidays. November is also Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to support those living with epilepsy—humans and canines. So while you are making lists and checking them twice, I encourage you to do a purple awareness ribbon in support, and if you share your life with a dog who has Canine Epilepsy, to use this time to take inventory of your dog’s Epi First Aid Kit. First, and foremost, if your dog has a seizure...
Learn more
How to Help Relieve Dog Joint Pain
Over the last few years, I have been really privileged to work with a number of different dog patients, especially older dogs, all with different physical challenges. I really enjoy watching the transformation in my patients, seeing a dog with joint pain, being stiff and struggling to move; to then relaxing into...
Learn more
Should You Switch Your Dog to a Raw Food Diet?
Last year, I rescued a German Shepherd named Neko from a shelter in Southern California. Aside from being a certified dog trainer, I am also the director of the German Shepherd rescue Sylvester’s Haven. Neko had been diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) by the shelter vet. We saved Neko under the assumption that he would probably only have seven months to live given his condition and we had enough donations lined up to give him a good end of life. As I took a personal interest in this amazing dog, I researched nutritional protocols to slow the progression of his … Continue reading →
Learn more
Not All Dog Toys Are Alike
Why do we buy toys for our dogs? Is it really for them or do the companies really market to the pet parents to sell ‘cute’ toys? Maybe a little of both? A lot of toys in the stores sell dog toys that aren’t cheap but most don’t last very long once you get it home. Take time to shop around so that you can find toys...
Learn more
12 Pet Tech Apps to Make Caring for Your Pet Easier
It’s stating the obvious to say that your pet’s health is very important. Just like their human companions, this includes mental health and stimulation – this last is really important in helping alleviate common problems for dogs such as boredom, loneliness, separation anxiety and lack of mental stimulation.
Learn more
Halloween Do’s and Don’ts for Your Dog
Spooky costumes, scary decorations and let’s not forget candy, candy, and more CANDY! Is it that time of year already? October is here and Halloween is coming. Personally, Halloween is one of my favorite times of year. I love decorating, and dressing my kids (furry and human) up in costumes, and I love seeing the neighborhood all decked out with scary decor. But… for our dogs, the experience may not be so thrilling. Today lets think about some Halloween do’s and don’ts for your dog. Do’s: Have fun with costumes. Just keep in mind the happiness of your dog. If … Continue reading →
Learn more
5 Health Benefits of Adding Pumpkin to Your Dog’s Diet
Ah, October! Here in the northeast, it is truly one of the most beautiful seasons as trees become emblazoned with leaves changing from bright orange to sunny yellow and apple red! There is a crispness in the air that puts pep not only our steps, but our dog’s as well! Along with the drop in temperatures, the season is ripe for fun with apple and pumpkin picking at area farms! And who hasn’t seen the “pumpkin is the spice of life” on t-shirts and in everything from coffees, teas, and cereals (for humans) to delectable treats for both people and … Continue reading →
Learn more
