Understanding doggy body language (video)
Save this to Pinterest so you can come back to it later.
Author: Stella Vasileva
Hello! I'm Stella, a R+ dog trainer in San Francisco Bay Area. I offer in-person coaching, training walks and pet sitting. I use reinforcement-based approach and help pet parents to find a training solution to dog's behavior issues.
How to keep your dog cool in a summer heat.
The SF Bay area is experiencing a major heat wave this summer! This article recommends some tips for quickly cooling your dog and products that will keep it cool longer. Learn to recognize signs of overheating. First, let’s quickly overview the signs of your dog overheating. During hot summer days, dogs that exercise too much or cannot regulate their body heat can get
Calming solutions for dogs
This list covers calming solutions beyond prescribed medication. It can be used during stressful events, such as staying home alone, fireworks or storms, or if your dog is sound sensitive and needs help staying calm. These solutions can slightly or significantly reduce stress levels in your dog, but they are not guaranteed to create a miracle. Some of the listed items help a
How to keep your dog calm and safe during 4th of July fireworks
Dogs are not big fans of fireworks or busy, loud gatherings. Some of you already know that your dog will be terrified during fireworks, and some of you brand-new dog owners will yet discover that. Common issues during fireworks time: In this article, I will share practical tips for the safest way to survive fireworks with your dog. If this is your first
No-pull harnesses for dogs who pull on a leash
For strong pullers and dogs who are hard to control on a leash, I recommend using a no-pull harness with a front clip and, ideally, a double connection leash. The front clip reduces the effect of pulling, and the double-connected leash gives you a little bit more control over the dog. Ideally, you use a no-pull harness as a temporary solution while training
Questions to ask yourself before getting a dog
Is it the right time for me to get a puppy right now? [00:23]What are my expectations of having a dog? [01:05]Am I ready to change my lifestyle for a dog? [04:12]Am I ready to doggy-proof my house? [05:29]Did I research the breed I am planning to get? [06:44]What age of the dog would fit me best? [13:04]Did I research a place from
Doggy daycare facility red (and green) flags
If you’re at the point in your dog parenthood where you need to start sending your dog to a doggy daycare, ensure you take the time to choose a good one. While not all dogs benefit from doggy daycare, those who do will thoroughly enjoy their time with other dogs. However, even these dogs won’t benefit from an overcrowded, unregulated, unsupervised space that
Puppy Teething Toys
Around 12-16 weeks (3-4 months) your puppy’s adult teeth will emerge and replace milk teeth. Teething comes with lots of discomfort, so puppies relieve it by chewing on things. And unless provided lots of different chew toys and teething chews, they will end up chewing and biting on everything: furniture, shoes, socks, wooden sticks, and even your arms and legs. Get your puppy
Things to know before getting a puppy from a breeder
Before getting a pup from a breeder, always consider the “adopt, don’t shop.” For instance, San Francisco SPCA always has puppies and adult dogs of many popular breeds: huskies, Australian shepherds, heelers, German shepherds, labradors, Frenchies, and even toy terriers. Some rescues are dedicated to particular breeds; maybe you’ll get your luck there! If that is not an option, ensure you do lots
Tips for walking a reactive dog
Walking a dog that lounges and barks at dogs or people can be a daunting process. It is super stressful (I have to constantly watch out for other dogs, especially the off-leash ones), disappointing (that’s not how I imagined life with my dog), scary (what if they attack or get attacked), energy-draining (from being overly vigilant and tense all the time) and even