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Image via iStock.com/nycshooter By Victoria Schade Fetch is the go-to game for many pet parents because it’s simple; a dog plus ball equals fun. It’s a great way to exercise dogs, and most pups love to play it. Show them a tennis ball and they’re good to go! But that’s not the case for every dog. Some dogs have no interest in playing fetch with their person, and even though it’s far from a make-or-break problem, a fetch-resistant dog can be a bummer. However, there’s hope for dogs that don’t dig fetching. Whether it’s introducing the parts of the game in segments or trying a new version of the game, there’s a way to go from “My dog won’t fetch” to “My dog loves fetch.”   Breaking Down Fetch Refusal Some dog breeds are literally born to retrieve, so making a game of that inherent desire is simple. For others, running after a ball over and over doesn’t make sense, so they opt out. Dogs that won’t fetch often react to the game in the following ways: No interest in chasing the ball: These dogs refuse the very first step of the game. The ball flies overhead and they just watch it sail by. Chase but no retrieve: Going after the ball isn’t a problem, but these pups don’t want to pick it up or bring it back to their person. Retrieve but no relinquishment: For these pups the first two steps of the game, the chase and the retrieve, are no problem, but the aspect that keeps the game going (releasing the ball) isn’t an option. These pups either play with the ball by themselves or settle down to chew on it. There’s a chance that fetch-resistant dogs haven’t had exposure to fetch. Even though it seems like a simple game, the sequence of steps isn’t necessarily natural for dogs. Chasing a rapidly retreating object is easy, but relinquishing that object once captured isn’t. The good news is that it might be possible to teach your dog to fetch.

Bringing home a new dog or cat is so exciting that it can be easy to forget how taxing it can be on your new pal. Going into a foreign environment with strange sounds and smells—and possibly other animals—can be stressful for your furry friend. Fortunately, it’s simple to ease her into her new home with a little planning, preparation and the right dog and cat supplies.

Image via DenisProduction.com/Shutterstock By Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT and owner of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles If you’re like most pet parents, getting your dog to lie down and relax while out in the “real world” can be frustrating. But if we become frustrated, we are not at our best, and the dog is not learning in an ideal setting. Not only is it important to teach a dog the “down” cue, but it’s also important to transition your dog from lying down in your living room to following the cue in real-world settings. Of course, you should first teach a dog the down cue at home, since dogs learn best in less stressful, less distracting, familiar environments. But once your pup has mastered the cue, it won’t be useful if your dog only listens to you while you’re in your pajamas at home. Clients often tell me, “My dog does great in the living room but doesn’t even know I exist in a restaurant, park or store.” You want to be sure that your dog can follow the down cue while out on a walk or surrounded by unfamiliar stimuli, animals, sights, sounds and smells. What’s the secret for getting your dog to lie down in any environment? In dog training and obedience, there are no secrets. Your success in teaching a dog down is based on practice, your skill set, the dog’s athleticism and consistency in teaching your dog. The more you learn about your individual dog’s temperament and what motivates them, the faster your dog will learn to lie down. A good dog trainer or behaviorist will not only teach your dog, but will primarily teach you and your family how to teach your dog. 

Pet parents should always feed their diabetic dog as directed, based on their veterinarian’s recommendation. “The ideal diabetic dog food should have between 20%–25% carb matter on a dry matter basis—anything higher than 30% is considered high-carb for a diabetic pooch,” says Jeff Werber, DVM, chief veterinarian of the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Werber adds that the single-most important thing for diabetic dogs is to stay away from carbohydrates as much as possible. “The more carbs we give the body, the more sugar is being produced, which in turn spikes blood sugar levels,” Dr. Werber says. A fiber-rich diet for dogs is important for regulating their blood sugar levels. Both soluble and insoluble fibers are essential for helping to minimize glucose fluctuations in diabetic dogs. Soluble fibers become a gel-like consistency and attract water, slowing digestion. Insoluble fibers don’t dissolve in water, causing foods to go through the digestive tract close to its original form. These both contribute to healthy digestion and reducing the occurrence of blood sugar spikes. Dr. Werber notes that “different dogs need different types of fiber and fiber content,” so make sure to check with your veterinarian for which fibers are best for your dog.,Jump to section What Should Diabetic Dog Food Consist Of? How Often Should I Feed My Diabetic Dog? What Not To Feed a Diabetic Dog Preventing Diabetes in Dogs