Dog Training & Behavior Tips
Why Your Dog is Still Pulling on Leash
Many dogs struggle with loose leash walking, even after consistent training, the right tools, and professional help. We’ll look at why some dogs continue to pull despite doing everything “right,” and what might really be going on when progress stalls. We’ll review subtle signs that something deeper could be affecting your dog’s ability to walk comfortably, and offers a different way to move forward when training alone isn’t enough.
Helping Reactive Dogs: When Emotional Arousal Is Linked to Pain
This blog post explores how emotional arousal, commonly referred to as "reactivity," in dogs can often be linked to underlying pain or discomfort. Emotional arousal is characterized by heightened responses to stimuli, such as excessive barking, lunging, or hypervigilance, which can interfere with a dog’s ability to calm down…
Can Dogs with Chronic Pain Experience the “October Slide”?
This blog post explores the concept of the "October Slide" and its impact on dogs with chronic pain conditions. The "October Slide" refers to the worsening of chronic pain symptoms during colder months, often starting in October, due to environmental factors such as cooler temperatures, damp weather, and reduced daylight. These changes can lead to increased pain sensitivity, decreased activity levels, and behavioral shifts like irritability or avoidance.
When Dog Training Isn’t Enough - a Dynamic Dog Case Study
The case study of A, a 2.5-year-old Feist mix, illustrates how persistent behavior issues often have deeper, underlying causes. Despite extensive training, A continued to struggle with aggression, pulling on walks, and inconsistent eating. A key observation of A's unusual hind-leg skipping led to further investigation. This was when a Dynamic Dog Assessment, an approach that considers the whole dog's physical health, behavior, and environment, revealed subtle discomfort signals that changed A’s life.
How Pain Can Lead to Undesirable Dog Behavior (And What You Can Do About It)
We explore the often-overlooked connection between pain and undesirable behaviors in dogs. It provides a comprehensive guide on recognizing the subtle signs of pain, such as changes in sleep patterns, mobility, and social interactions. By understanding how pain can impact a dog's behavior, owners can take proactive steps to improve their dog's well-being. The article includes practical advice on tracking symptoms, consulting with veterinarians and Dynamic Dog Practitioners, and managing pain effectively…