Author: Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA

Is your dog stealing? Dogs who turn to a life of crime stealing household objects can range from teething pups to bored adults. Reforming a canine robber requires that you first determine the motivation behind the crime and then formulate a plan to prevent future heists. If your dog is a common criminal, you’ll need to invest more time to help him walk the straight and narrow. For the small-time thief, a little creativity and planning might be all your furry burglar needs to change his ways.

Motion sickness is caused by stimulation of the ear’s vestibular system, which maintains balance and equilibrium, says Butch KuKanich, DVM, Ph.D., DACVCP, a professor and department head at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “It may be caused by motion, but other diseases that affect the vestibular system can cause it,” Dr. KuKanich says. “Anything that a dog travels in, from cars to boats and planes, can cause motion sickness.” Motion sickness is common in young dogs because their vestibular system isn’t fully developed. Most dogs grow out of motion sickness, but some equate car rides with feeling unwell, leading to a conditioned stress response that can last a lifetime.,Jump to section What Causes Dog Car Sickness? Signs of Dog Car Sickness Preventing Dog Motion Sickness Training Can Help Dog Car Anxiety Managing Car Sickness Regressions

Younger dogs wag their tails to indicate a variety of emotional states, from happiness to tension, but a dog’s most beloved communication aid can suffer the effects of aging as well.,As our dogs age, we need to be aware of the changes they experience. Our dog’s body language can provide clues into how they are feeling. But while dog body language has some universal hallmarks, and many body language postures remain the same throughout a dog’s life, senior dogs experience both physical and mental shifts that can impact how they communicate with us. Understanding dog body language in senior dogs can help you stay vigilant over the health and happiness of your aging pet. By understanding your senior dog’s body language, you can better understand what they are trying to communicate and if the response is a natural part of the aging process or indicates an underlying health problem.

Although a dog’s mouth is usually the epicenter of foul odors, a dog’s digestive system can also impact breath. Probiotics assist in the growth of beneficial bacteria in your dog’s intestinal track, which in turn aids in digestion and prevents lingering odors. According to Dr. Christina Moore of Thrive Affordable Vet Care, the main cause of bad breath, especially chronic bad breath in dogs, is bacteria that inhabits the mouth as well as further down in the GI tract. Moore says that probiotics are a natural way to help the body defend itself against bad bacteria, including the bacteria that causes bad breath.,You know you should brush your dog’s teeth frequently, and you do your best to do it, but the reality is that your dog’s dental care just doesn’t happen on the regular. The result? A buildup of nasty tartar and less-than-fresh dog breath. While nothing beats ongoing dental upkeep in conjunction with veterinary oral health exams, the following tips can help to keep your dog’s mouth smelling cleaner in between brushings:

A dog’s begging behavior can range from beseeching looks to full-on canine commentary, complete with whining, nose bumps and pawing in the hopes of a handout. It’s not fun to spend a meal competing with a pushy dog, but fortunately there are ways to put a stop to your dog’s panhandling. Here are our top four tips to break your dog of his begging behaviors:

Nothing beats a trip to the water park on a hot, summer day. Although you might hit up the water park with friends and family, your four-legged companions usually can’t tag along. So, when the pavement heats up during the dog days of summer, spoil your pooch by transforming your backyard into his personal dog water park. Even better, create his own “Backyard Water Bark.” Whether your dog’s a swim-aholic who loves to dive right in or a reluctant water hound who prefers to only get his paws wet, there are many ways to create a splashing good time for your furry best friend. At-home water park adventures with your dog are just a hose hook-up away.

Sure, you know your new dog will love you—or already does!—but will you be able to build strong bond with one another? While love is the reason a pup snuggles up to their pet parent at the end of the day, their bond is what keeps them from taking off out the front door without a second glance. The bond you share with a dog is a big part of why they trust you. And because bonding with your dog is built on trust, bonded dog-pet parent pairs experience less mutual frustration (yes, your dog can be justifiably frustrated with you!), get better training results, and are a joy to be around. A strong bond is your ticket to stress-free adventures together. So, if you want a better relationship with your new dog, try these dog bonding tips to get going.

Sharing doesn’t always come easily to dogs, but it’s an important skill for them to master in order to maintain household harmony. Whether it’s ensuring that your dog will gladly drop that stolen shoe when you ask, or keeping the peace in a “two dogs, one bed” scenario, learning to share ensures a safe and happy home. Keep in mind that a little resource possessiveness between appropriate dogs (meaning, both parties understand dog-speak) is usually okay. For example, if one dog has a bone and another approaches it with intent to steal, it’s fine for the dog with the bone to signal with a freeze or hard stare that he intends to keep it. An equally-appropriate dog will heed the warning and back off. Escalation is unnecessary, and everyone is safe. The following sharing tips are a great start for dogs who aren’t already guarding from other dogs in an over-the-top fashion or guarding from people. If your dog already exhibits guarding behaviors, like freezing over the resource, increasing the rate of consumption of it, growling, snapping or chasing others away when they get too close, seek help from a qualified positive reinforcement trainer.

Pups as young as 8 weeks old have the capacity to learn the basics, but remember: The younger the pup, the shorter the attention span. Puppy training lessons should be short, fun and supplemented with many opportunities for play. The best way to train a puppy is to conduct lessons when they are well-rested. Make sure they are ready to go but not too excited, as it might be tougher for them to focus. Before you begin, take your pup outside for a potty trip, and make sure to take them out right after you finish as well. You’ll need a pocket full of high-value puppy treats. Puppy training requires lots of rewards, so opt for something like Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, which are small but also tasty enough to keep your puppy engaged in the training game. Basic training lessons should take place in a familiar, distraction-free environment. You and your puppy will eventually transition to working outside and in new spaces, but the training initial stages should be happening in a low-key spot so that it’s easy for your pup to focus on you. It’s also helpful to have a few puppy toys ready to go so you and your puppy can take play breaks. A tug toy or ball for fetching are great options that allow your dog to burn through some puppy excitement before it’s time to focus again. If you’re looking for a budget friendly bundle with both treats and toys, a Puppy Goody Box is a great way to get all the basics.,Jump to section The Best Way to Train a Puppy Puppy Training Tips for Success Puppy Training Milestones by Age Crate Training a Puppy How to Potty Train a Puppy How to Train a Puppy to Sit Teaching Your Puppy to Come When Called Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve got a full schedule ahead of you and a dog who’s begging for your attention. While it might be tempting to go for a quick walk and call it a day, playing games with dogs is a better way to take the edge off pent-up energy. Dog games that tap into your pup’s natural drive, and incorporate the body and brain (mental stimulation FTW!), are great for keeping your pup entertained and can even strengthen your bond. The following easy and quick dog activities take just 15 minutes—and your dog will thank you for the good time.