The first sign of healthy play is something called role-reversal. Role reversal means that there is a give and take, a back and forth, present in play. In other words, I chase you and then you chase me; I pounce on you and you pounce on me; I chew on...Read More
How do you know if a child is healthy?
Kids need to get enough calories to learn and develop well. Doctors measure a child's weight, length, and head circumference at each well-child checkup and put the results on a growth chart. Children may have failure to thrive if they weigh less than most kids their age or aren't gaining...Read More
How rough should puppies play?
If we roughhouse with our dog, because we’re not dogs, we don’t master the rules of play and will often bring the excitement level out of control. Dogs chase, grab, push and sometimes play rough with other dogs. When dogs have all the right social skills, they have many ways...Read More
What does aggressive puppy play look like?
It’s totally normal for dogs to play-bite, bark, chase, swipe, and lunge, as long as it’s in a gentle and friendly manner. Aggressive play can appear in a variety of different ways. When dogs play, it often takes the form of play fighting, play biting and wrestling. Although it can...Read More
What are the characteristics of healthy children?
Children need to eat well in order to grow, be healthy and strong. To grow and develop optimally, children need adequate nutrition, they need to be healthy, they must feel safe and secure, and have opportunities for learning starting from birth. Exclusive breastfeeding, immunization and timely care during illness all...Read More
What does a healthy childhood look like?
Positive childhood experiences are events, relationships, or environments that make a child feel nurtured, valued, and supported. PCEs fall into three main categories: Nurturing relationships: Feeling consistently loved, supported, and cared for by family and friends. Sense of belonging: Feeling included, valued, and that you matter to those around you....Read More
How rough is too rough for puppy play?
With puppies, this is rarely aggressive behavior in which the intent is to do harm. You must also teach your puppy to be gentle with hands, and that nipping results in unpleasant consequences for her. Teach your puppy that nipping turns off any attention and social interaction with you. After...Read More
How to tell if dog play is aggressive?
Signs of dog aggression include raised hackles, stiffness, snapping, or lunging. If either dog shows aggression, separate them immediately. Exaggerated growling or barking could sound scary, but if other behaviours show you that your dog and their friend are just having fun then don't be alarmed. Play Biting is typically...Read More
How do I get my dog to leave the park?
For a dog that chases moving objects, a standard recall, even a strong one, may not be helpful. There is a cue, though, that does the job and does it well: “Leave it!” The leave it command is a high value cue to teach a dog, and one of my...Read More
Is it normal for a dog to not want to go outside?
Dogs may resist going outside for various reasons. Identifying the cause can help you take the right steps to help your pet feel comfortable again. One of the most common reasons dogs avoid going outside is fear or anxiety. Health problems can also make your dog not want to go...Read More
What to do when your dog refuses to go outside?
Create a small outdoor confinement area. Your first step, and the most critical one, is to create a small, outdoor confinement area. If you live in an apartment or otherwise don't have direct access to an outdoor area, you can do this on a patio or balcony, or you can...Read More
What are the signs of a dog having anxiety?
Dogs are very expressive, so there is much to learn by observing their body language and behavior. An anxious dog may pant, pace, tremble, drool, withdraw from its owner, or hide. Alternatively, they may appear irritable or aggressive (i.e., bark or growl at someone). The dog’s tail may be low...Read More
Why do dogs like to go to the park?
For many dogs, going to a dog park is like Disneyland – it’s full of things to jump on and over, tunnels to explore, pools to splash in and acres of land for running around in. Dog parks allow dogs to play and interact with other dogs, often giving them...Read More
How do you get a dog to leave?
Wait for your dog to back off from your hand, even just slightly or for a moment. As soon as they back off and there's a small gap between your hand and your dog's nose, open your hand, release the treat and give them lots of praise. Once your dog...Read More
What does it mean when a dog wants to stay outside?
Most dogs cope well living outside if they have proper shelter, water, and protection from extreme weather. We understand that often, owners consider keeping their dogs outdoors because of behavioural problems that may seemingly prevent them from staying indoors. For example, a dog may be destructive or difficult to toilet-train....Read More