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Dogs don't come pre-programmed to display excellent self control in tempting or exciting situations. In most cases, their motto seems to be [ grab/run/leap/escape ] first, ask questions later. So, if you leave a plate of your food unguarded, a dog will kick himself if he doesn't at least try to nab the yummies. If you open a door, he may dash past you with wild abandon, just to see what's on the other side. If you're preparing his meal, the dog may think jumping on you an

Updated Jan. 9, 2026 Do you have a dog who likes to grab the leash during walks and then tug on it, sometimes quite ferociously? If so, you know what a nuisance this can be, even if the dog is just doing it in a playful way. I've been working with a bunch of dogs lately who exhibit this behavior, and there are multiple reasons WHY a dog does this. Today's article will explore some of these reasons and provide some tips. Video thanks to Vivek A., Chappaqua, NY But first, cl

VagaBond is working on emptying a Kibble Nibble When I meet with clients, no matter the age or breed or energy level of the dog, I almost always discuss the topic of enrichment. When I say enrichment , I'm referring to items and activities that: Make their day more interesting Meet their natural doggie urges Burn excess energy Build confidence and problem solving abilities Keep them gainfully employed rather than getting into mischief You may already be familiar with intera

Many pet parents I meet have acquired their furry companions through adoption. There are so many wonderful dogs available, just waiting to bring joy to your life. I know this from personal experience: of the 21 dogs I've lived with (5 of whom ended up being long-term fosters), 14 of them were acquired through adoption or rescue. Whether you're adopting a dog or purchasing a purebred puppy, there's a lot of work involved to help your new family member settle into the home a

One of my favorite activities is watching dogs play happily together, without tension or rising arousal levels that shift the play from fun to annoyance. Some dogs just seem to be magical in their social skills and are able to peacefully navigate their way through interactions with many different doggie personalities. I was incredibly lucky to have a dog like that. Her name was Reina, and I called her a social Einstein. No matter the age, size, or energy level of the othe