Dog training is hard. Sometimes it can feel like you’re doing the best that you can, and still not seeing the results that you’ve been hoping for. Being able to recognize that is a good thing, and can lead you to realize where you might be going wrong. There’s a plethora of easy mistakes to make when it comes to dog ownership, and listed are some of the most common.

Litter box training comes naturally to most cats. Adult cats tend to seek out grainy places to go to the bathroom, even if they’re strays. However, older cats and young kittens that have never been exposed to a litter box may need a bit more help to learn where it’s appropriate to go while inside the house. 

Changes in pet behavior can occur for many reasons. If your dog or cat is suddenly acting unlike their usual self, it’s always a good idea to have them checked by a vet first and foremost. Many illnesses, such as chronic pain, can show symptoms that are very similar to depression. Ruling out physical causes helps to determine how your pet is truly feeling and why. If your vet determines that your pet is physically healthy, it can be time to consider depression as a possibility. While depression in pets isn’t clinical in the way that it is for humans, it can still affect their quality of life.

As professional dog walkers, we have had the opportunity to work with many different types of dogs, including those that need to be walked in groups. Walking multiple dogs at the same time can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and equipment, it can also be a rewarding experience for both the dogs and the owner.

One of the most common reasons that people hire house sitters is because they have pets that need to be cared for. However, there are plenty of benefits to having a house sitter, even if you don’t have any furry friends at home.  It would seem easy to lock up and walk away hoping the dead bolts and codes will ward off any potential ill-willed visitors but unfortunately, that just isn’t always the case. Your home is probably by far your biggest asset and should be treated as such. Protect it and everything inside, living or not.

Hiking and exploring is a favorite pastime of many people and their dogs. Not all trails allow pets, so finding a place to do this can be challenging. Luckily, Springfield has plenty of opportunities to get outside and bring your four-legged companions along. 

Dogs eat poop due to different behavioral and physiological issues. It can be disgusting but there’s a reason why and hopefully an answer to the problem. There are a few theories as to why dogs may eat poop. One theory is that they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet, so they eat poop in an attempt to supplement their nutrients. Another theory is that they are simply exploring their environment and trying new things.

Before you adopt, you should plan. Having everything in place before bringing your dog home will help with their stress, and yours. You should prepare a safe space for them and dog-proof the area. Remove anything that you don’t want chewed on and anything that could be harmful.

Kidney stones form due to an imbalance of calcium, protein, and salt and are more common in female dogs of certain breeds. These breeds include Bichons, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. Kidney stones can occur naturally over time, or may be influenced by medicines. Kidney stones in dogs can be painful and can cause health problems if left untreated. They can cause blockages in the urinary tract, leading to difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain.

When your dog pulls while on a walk, you may ask several questions. Am I too slow? Are they too excited? Are they trying to establish dominance over me and take over? While the first two questions may be factual, your dog is not pulling because they want to achieve dominance. They simply want to explore and cover a larger area than us humans typically do. The only surefire way to stop this behavior is to avoid walking altogether, but that is not something that is recommended. There are too many benefits to getting outside with your loved ones to let a behavior such as pulling get in the way. 

The holidays can be stressful for humans and pets alike. The anxiety that arises with visitors coming and going, making and changing of plans, and end of the year bustling can be overwhelming. If you’re planning to have a party or gathering at your home, it’s important to consider your pets' safety. There’s a few things we can do to help them be extra comfortable and safe while entertaining guests or having family over for an extended stay.

With the holiday season coming up, many plants can make their way into your home by way of decoration or gifts. Many of them can be harmful to your pets if swallowed and some if touched. If the unthinkable happens, pet parents have options. The best option is to call your veterinarian. If that option is unavailable the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) are available.

When getting a puppy the greatest time frame for learning starts at 3 weeks and ends between 16-20 weeks. This is time they can be exposed to an array of sights, sounds, and smells without becoming afraid. Puppies who don’t experience these sensations never learn to be comfortable around unfamiliar surroundings and may have aggressive tendencies.

Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will protect your pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable. We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional.

What happens with a silly pup is left alone with chicken wings? Bullitt the Magician finds a way to make them magically disappear. Chicken bones can be quite dangerous and you should watch your dog very closely!

Mary Bly was once quoted as saying, “Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” Some find dogs to be lazy, while others find them loyal. Some find cats to be independent, while others find them aloof. Whatever your perspective, there seems to be a consistent theme in the differences between dogs and cats, as well as in dog people and cat people. While it is possible to love both (I do!), most people seem to be either a dog or a cat person. So why is that? What makes us more drawn to a cat over a dog or a dog over a cat? The answer is simple; you find the animal that best suits YOU! 

Most pet owners know the ins and outs of their property pretty well. They know where to avoid that stubborn hole and where the ant hills have taken over. What pet owners don't know are the ins and outs of other yards. If you and your pet regularly leave for outings,there could be other unseen dangers to be precautious about, specifically lawn treatments. Certain fertilizers, insecticides or weed killers can go unnoticed and be potentially harmful to your pet if found at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Electronic pet doors can offer a wide variety of access options. Some work with a tag implanted in the pet and others work with a tag inside a collar, either magnet or RFID. Some newer doors can actually detect if your pet is holding something in their mouth and bar access. You should consider an electronic door for pets that need or want to go in and out at will. But since your dog or cat may be outside when you are not home to supervise, you’ll need to make sure he is safe in his own backyard.

Have you ever seen a sweet little face at the shelter that you couldn’t say no to? From fostering to adoption, integrating your new furry friend into your household can be an exciting - but often stressful - experience. Cats are especially prone to stress and agitation when introduced to a new environment, so it is important to pay attention to any signs that might indicate agitation.

We love our pets and it gives us joy to spoil them endlessly with our love and of course, healthy treats! Here are some good recipes to give our fur babies something they can enjoy with us everyday. It’s always important to consider your pets diet and any restrictions before giving new food. These treats are not intended as a replacement for regular daily meals.