Fear Free Happy Homes
Reading Time: 3 minutes Since enrichment is a cornerstone of the Fear Free Shelter Program, it’s always exciting to hear of creative ways shelters work to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) while providing for the physical and emotional wellbeing of animals in their care. The Hotel for Homeless Dogs is a shelter founded on the notion that reducing […]
Reading Time: 4 minutes My 80-pound Labrador, Logan, was quivering in excitement to meet his new little brother. “Little” was not an exaggeration. My new Papillon puppy, Finian, weighed a scant 1.2 pounds. Was the size difference between the two a big deal? Yes! Planning ahead, I had prepared everything for a safe, positive introduction. I sat on the […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes As a baseball fan and dog nut, I was delighted a few years ago when the Colorado Rockies announced tickets were on sale for a dog-friendly event called Bark at the Park. Rockies fans could bring their socialized, vaccinated dogs to Coors Field to watch an actual MLB game. I bought tickets, submitted my dogs’ […]
Reading Time: 4 minutes Being in a shelter is stressful for any dog. But does the color of a dog’s fur determine how long they will be in that shelter? The idea that black-coated dogs are more likely to stay longer than others is known as Black Dog Syndrome (BDS) and is a controversial topic. Is it real? Here’s […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes “I don’t understand why my dog is so aggressive toward other dogs when she’s on leash. When she’s off leash, she’s great with other dogs!” my client said. “When does she get to interact with other dogs off leash?” I asked. “We go to the dog park at least four times a week,” the client […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes Who doesn’t love giving treats to their pets? It’s a great way to reward them for behavior we like, to signal bedtime, or just to say “I love you.” But can you give too many treats? A good rule of paw is that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes It is okay to play tug with your puppy? It used to be considered a no-no, but dogs love playing tug, and it’s a great game for them when done right. Our handout explains how to keep it fun and safe for both of you.
Reading Time: 5 minutes Years ago, I adopted a Rottweiler we named Peanut. I remember the first time she growled at me over an object. It was a treasured bully stick. I was approaching her and had yet to even reach for or talk to her. I remember feeling insulted that she would respond to me that way. After […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes Being in a shelter is stressful for dogs. They’re afraid, anxious, and frustrated, bouncing between boredom from lack of activity and excitement when they see people who may interact with them. Or they may have medical issues that are contributing to their behavior. Our handout explains the signs of FAS and offers ways to help […]
Reading Time: < 1 minutes Do you hate the thought of taking your pet to the vet because the visit is so stressful for them? We’re here to help! Our handout shares ways you can start at home to prepare your pet for a veterinary visit so they stay calm and happy during the car ride, the exam, and the […]