Author: Peggy Swager
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A rescue, or what was simply meant to be?
Some Dogs are Custom Made Jessica, a Maltese, had a perfect home. Jim and Marietta Bollinger bought her as a puppy and couldn’t have loved the dog more. As far as Jessica was concerned, she was made for this older couple and she wouldn’t be happier anywhere else. Sadly, when Jessica was two years old,…
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Den instincts, positive reinforcement can aid in crate training dogs
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save PETacular Magazine is a quarterly Gazette publication featuring stories sponsored by pet businesses and organizations in the Pikes Peak region. You’ve heard the arguments: crates are cruel and should not be used; you must crate…
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Quiz: Test your ability to solve house training issues
House training failures can frustrate pet owners and often send dogs to rescues. Take this house training quiz to see how you fare with the more difficult house training issues. Choose the true statement under each topic. Punishment and house training: A. Rolled up newspapers can be used to teach a dog not to mess…
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Puppies benefit from time spent with their siblings
State law mandates that puppies not be sold until they are 8 weeks old. Some argue that it is better to leave puppies in their litters until they are 12 weeks old. This wide range can leave a dog owner wondering: What’s the right age to bring home a puppy? To answer that question, I…
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Training can keep your pooch from snatching treat from a child
Treats can be as irresistible to your pooch as they are to your child, and unfortunately, some dogs have the anti- social habit of snatching food. This summer, ice cream cones could be the tasty target. Teaching your dog the “leave-it” command can help train him not to take food items from a young child.…
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Emotional departure can lead to separation anxiety
When it comes time for your vacation, are you an overly happy person, bubbling with excitement about the upcoming trip? Or are you a worrier, tense and sometimes cross about all the packing and preparations? You might be surprised to learn that either behavior can adversely affect your dog. Consider what happened to Carry and…
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Properly using a crate can be beneficial when training a dog
Some people worry that using crates for pets is a cruel practice. If used right, however, crates can create security in a dog and can become a valuable tool for house training. First, let’s address what not to do when crating your dog. Don’t keep a dog in a crate for too long. The Humane…
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Cold days or bad weather can be trying for people with children and high-energy dogs. When stuck inside, both can develop cabin fever. I remember years ago dealing with two lively children and three spirited Jack Russell terriers. To keep my sanity, I let them play an inside game of hide-and-seek. Together. Here’s how: Find…
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Dogs help canine comrades by donating blood
For those of you who donate blood, kudos to you. This is a heroic action. My husband began doing so when he was 19 and in the U.S. Army. Even if you are not a blood donor, your dog might be able to fill that role. Just as people have blood needs, dogs might require…
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Don’t neglect a dog’s social and training needs
When I hear trainers say, “Don’t treat your dog like a kid,” perhaps what they really mean is don’t spoil your dog. Because when it comes to training and socialization, we should treat our dogs a lot like we treat our children. With children, you send them to school where they begin basic education as…