My dog barks at the front window all the time. How can I stop the behaviour?

Like all issues where multiple variables may be at play, the answer is ‘it depends.’ It depends on why she is barking (e.g. is she alerting you to the presence of others; is it frustration barking because she can’t access the ‘person/thing’; is she barking because she is bored)? Once you understand the ‘why’ of the behaviour you are in a position to manage and then retrain a preferred behaviour. Understanding your dog’s motivation is the first step to determining which methods will be most effective. Whether you decide to work on the issue yourself or with a Trainer, please ensure the approach takes the dog’s mental state into consideration, is taught in a positive manner and employs a series of progressive steps to help the dog learn at its own pace.

My puppy is 8 weeks old. Do I have to wait until he has had his full series of shots to begin Puppy Socialization, including training?

The short answer is, as a rule, no you do not have to wait. We recommend, however, that owners first consult with their Vet. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB.org) recently issued a position statement confirming the importance of socializing puppies during the first 12 weeks of life (generally before they have completed a full series of vaccinations). Provided health and safety precautions are observed, it is desirable that your puppy begin a series of low stress exposures to novel sights, sounds, experiences, people and trusted, calm & gentle dogs during this critical developmental period.

My senior dog is having a hard time standing up from a sit or down, and walking on our hardwood floors. She has been on pain medication the past 18 months, but I hate seeing her struggling so much to get up and move around. Is there anything more we can do to help her?

In all likelihood, yes. For starters, we recommend you book a Seniors’ Examination with your Vet to rule out any changes to her health status since the last visit. The appointment may include blood-work, a thorough physical examination, as well as other diagnostic procedures your Vet considers appropriate. If they recommend exercise/activities to support your dog in maintaining and/or improving physical mobility, strength and flexibility, then consider an age appropriate fitness & conditioning program with a qualified Instructor. Over a series of several sessions, you will learn how to safely and effectively carry out a home exercise program with your Senior, that is fun for you both. This has the benefit of maintaining and potentially improving your dog’s comfort and mobility, (a significant component of their quality of life), while providing them with mental enrichment and the opportunity to spend time with their favourite person. You will also want to evaluate the home environment with a view to making passage through the house safer and easier for your dog. Something as simple as using several yoga mats or non-slip runners to create a path for your dog to walk on, will go a long way to improving their confidence and physical security.