Getting a puppy through fear periods
During the critical socialization period, which occurs during the first 14 weeks of a puppy’s life, every puppy goes through a fear period. This fear period occurs in most cases between eight and 11 weeks. A brave, happy puppy will suddenly, without warning or having...
Puppy playdates: How to safely socialize pups
When it comes to puppies, you have a very small window in which they need to be exposed to the world and learn about interactions with other dogs that are not their littermates. The critical socialization period in all puppies, regardless of breed, ends about week 14...
Stop the pull: Leash-walking tips for puppies
Starting leash-walking training with your puppy early will help you manage one of the biggest complaints I receive about walking: pulling. Training a puppy to walk nicely on a leash is like a puzzle where you can only add one piece at a time, so breaking down the...
Humans Sit Here: Saying goodbye to our 18-year-old dog, Eddie
Life is What Happens Last Thursday I found myself sitting in a chair that read, “Humans Sit Here,” in an exam room at Ventnor Veterinary Office. But there was no dog with me. “Am I your first human patient?” I asked Dr. Jessica Grant. “Not at all,” she said gently....
Teaching dogs how to walk on a leash: The role of harnesses
When teaching a dog or puppy to walk nicely, many believe that purchasing a harness will give them either more control or will stop the pulling altogether. However, neither thought is exactly true. It’s important to know that there is only one type of harness that is...
