by shorelocalnews | Aug 14, 2026 | What's Happening, Atlantic County, Features, Pets, Pleasantville, South Jersey
Looking for a fur-buddy companion as we move into fall? Your timing could not be better. Consider adopting a dog or cat from the Atlantic County Animal Shelter, August 28-30, when all adoption fees will be half price during the annual “Clear the Shelters” promotion....
by Heidi Clayton | Aug 13, 2026 | Pets, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Editorial, South Jersey
When training a leash-reactive/aggressive dog, the first consideration I have is that everyone from the owner, the dog, and other dogs is always safe. If you have never experienced a dog fight, they can be chaotic and terribly frightening for people. So, my first rule...
by Heidi Clayton | Aug 6, 2026 | Features, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Editorial, Pets, South Jersey
There are many terms floated around in the dog training and behavior world that center around when a dog displays less-than-favorable behavior towards other dogs on a leash. Whether you label it as leash aggression, reactivity, or leash frustration is irrelevant,...
by Heidi Clayton | Jul 30, 2026 | Features, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Pets, South Jersey
While walking my dog, Kabuki, at the Nature Reserve, we came upon another owner walking their dog, which happens occasionally. Good dog etiquette in these situations is to shorten your leash and give each other space, since there is never a guarantee that two dogs...
by Heidi Clayton | Jul 23, 2026 | South Jersey, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Editorial, Pets
Training your dog to come to you when called is perhaps the single most important thing they can learn. Of all of the things I attempt to teach my bull terriers, this skill takes precedence over everything else. Bull terriers are not necessarily known for being...
by Heidi Clayton | Jul 16, 2026 | South Jersey, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Editorial, Pets
Of any obedience-related commands that I teach my dogs, the single most important one is a reliable recall. Teaching a puppy to come to you when called can absolutely save their lives should they escape or get away from you, so I train this more than I train anything...
