Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or you’ve had dogs your entire life, there may be things about your dog that you don’t truly understand. Here are 15 things your dog wants to make sure you know.

From my new dog training friend, I love this. Nine times out of ten, if I’m having a behavioral issue with one of my dogs, it’s most likely because of something I have or haven’t done. I remember when Stella was about 7 months old, I considered re-homing her. I feared the salon life wasn’t enough for her. Her behavior was out of control. She ate my car. Had a hard time settling down. I got called out by an old boss, she asked how much time I had actually put into her training. It was hard to hear, but it snapped me out of whatever land I was in. […]

Have you ever been around your dog and wondered what she is thinking or feeling? Surely you have caught your canine doing something bizarre that has made you question his mental status. Even the position that your dog sleeps in means something. Well, wonder no more! Inno Asuncion from Animal Channel explains 50 of the most common dog behaviors in human terms. Enjoy!

If you’re a client of Sonny’s Spaw, I already know you’re a dog lover. But did you know petting a dog is good for your brain? New research is showing exactly how petting a dog affects our brains, and it’s just one more way that dogs make our lives better. Here’s how petting a dog impacts your brain, along with other ways dogs improve our lives. How petting a dog impacts your brain You might think that our brains process all the things we touch in the same way, but it turns out that isn’t true. The brain divides things that touch our skin into three categories: “pleasant,” “neutral,” and “unpleasant.” […]

Following is a good read on new information veterinarians have. It is an old-school train of thought that every dog, every grooming, needs their ear hair plucked. This is a short, to-the-point explanation of my why I feel the way I do—the only thing missing is the amount of discomfort it causes your fur kids to have their ears plucked. Can you imagine how it must feel to them? I know I wouldn’t like it. No technique or products can eliminate that pain—so I choose to stick to a more gentle approach and will only do it when it’s absolutely necessary. Read the article >>  

Did you know a dog’s nails grow at about the same rate your own do? If you are only trimming your dogs nails on a 6-8 week schedule, the quick is growing at the same rate as the nail itself. I can only trim so far back. More frequent nail trims, or even dremmeling, can keep the nails at a healthy length. If you’re not sure how often, think of it this way, about as often as you trim your own nails is about how often their nails should be trimmed.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, With no thought of the dog filling their head. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Knew he was cold, but didn’t care about that. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Figuring the dog was free and […]

Harsh. But true.

I want to address a tough subject. In the last month I have had two elderly clients pass away, one had a plan for their pet, the other did not. Both of the dogs are okay, with the help of our caring pet community they were able to find loving homes. I get attached to my animals, but also to their owners. This is part of my job, what I love doing. The loss hurts, but the best I can do is make sure their beloved pets are cared for after the end comes. Do you have a plan? If you do not have family who can adopt your pets, […]

End-of-life decisions for animals are difficult. I cannot tell you when the time is right, I can only tell you what I observe while your aging pets are in my care. It is not fair they do not live as long as we do, but it is our duty to ensure they are not suffering. Veterinarian Developed Scale to Help Clear Up Confusion Dr. Villalobos has dedicated her career to helping pet owners navigate end-of-life issues. To help pet owners make decisions about end-of-life care, Dr. Villalobos developed a decision tool based on seven indicators. A tough subject, this NY Times article is a good read. Read the article >>