Those who follow this site know I'm a huge "behavior" proponent, not just teaching basic puppy training skills but really understanding why dogs behave they way they do. Only by understanding canine behavior--the language, the social and emotional needs, and how dogs interact in their world--can we hope to provide the best homes for our beloved dogs.
Too often, a behavior "problem" actually is normal--or it gets out of hand because well meaning dog lovers react in a less than ideal way. Even puppy and adult dog health intertwines so much with behavior that the two can't be separated. Yet the understanding of dog behavior continues to evolve faster than a Border Collie herding sheep!
That's why I
'm delighted to shine a spotlight on the Marcia Polimer Abrams Canine Behavior Studies Fund created by my colleague and dog behavior expert Darlene Arden in honor and memory of her mother, who adored dogs. It's administered through the AKC Canine Health Foundation but works on behalf of ALL DOGS of every breed--that's a tail-wagging benefit to your puppies, don't you think?
In these challenging economic times, many of us look for help funding regular vet care to keep our puppies well. It's a comfort to know that funds exist to not only help in times of trouble, but also to prevent problems by studying and better understanding pet challenges.
With Father's Day approaching, maybe your dad would welcome having a donation given in his honor, or in memory of the doggy friends he's loved over a lifetime of canine companionship. Or perhaps someone you know would benefit from a helping "paw." Check out this article that lists pet-centric foundations including the Marcia Polimer Abrams Canine Behavior Studies Fund, as well as ways to get help with vet bills.
Image © Darlene Arden
It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week--do you know how to protect yourself and your kids from bites? Most dog bites can be prevented simply by learning to 
Modern human medicine offers incredible technology with MRI testings, 
Last week over on Facebook I noticed a post about one of my friend's dogs meeting up with a certain black-and-white noxious visitor, and offered some advice about getting rid of the stink. Last summer, I wrote about my own Magical-Dawg getting too up-close-and-personal with Pepe LePew. You'd think he'd learn his lesson.
I gotta say, the combination of the homemade bath coupled with the CritterZone got rid of the odor more quickly than I could imagine! Within an hour, my house was once again fresh. Now, if I can just keep Magic from trying to make friends with wildlife!