Despite the slow start to winter this year, it’s getting colder outside! While the snowy months may make some of us less inclined to spend time outdoors, our dogs still need enrichment. On days when there’s snow up to your knees, there are plenty of easy activities you can do inside that keep you warm and your pet enriched.

We’ve probably all seen cats chase shadows on the floor, or light when it reflects from our phones onto the wall. Laser pointers are often marketed as fun, easy-to-use toys to entertain pets. They’re inexpensive and capture attention right away. While it can seem harmless and even funny, to watch a cat jump for a tiny red dot or a dog run across the room after it, this type of play can have serious consequences on physical and emotional well-being.

Crate training is a recommended tool for both dogs and puppies. If used correctly, it can create a safe space that your pet enjoys. While some use crates for life, others prefer using them just for training (house training, chewing, etc.). Whatever works best for you and your dog is great!

Taking the right steps to properly introduce a new cat to existing cat(s) in your home will let the cats get comfortable slowly while hopefully avoiding litterbox issues, stress, or fights.

Scratching is normal, healthy feline behavior, not misbehavior! Cats scratch to sharpen and maintain their claws, mark territory (visually and with scent glands in their paws), get exercise, and relieve stress.

We all want our dogs to be loyal and attached to us. But what happens when your dog has separation anxiety and can’t stand to be away from you? Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in dogs, characterized by excessive stress when left alone.

Imagine calling your dog or puppy, and they abandon whatever they’re doing, their eyes locked on you, tail wagging, and sprinting back with joyful enthusiasm. That’s the power of a solid recall.

Teaching a dog to walk politely on a leash is a journey. Leash pulling is natural for dogs and changing this behavior takes time and consistency. Some dogs will grasp the concept quickly, while others need more patience and repetition.

How long does it take to know if a dog or cat is the right fit for your home? Adopting a rescue dog or cat is an exciting time. You decided to add a new family member, you fell in love, and now it’s time to bring her home. Sometimes it goes smoothly, but there will likely be an adjustment for you and the animal.

Like human development, the early stages of puppy development have a huge impact on a dog’s life.  When becoming a puppy parent this responsibility must be taken seriously.  Proper training and socialization can prevent many of the “problem behaviors” that dogs develop later in life which sometimes means they are surrendered to us or other shelters as young adults.