What is ‘bitey-face’ and is it a safe way for dogs to play? “Bitey-face” is a normal and healthy way for dogs to play that involves wrestling and “play biting” each other. While a vigorous game of bitey-face might look and sound to an observer like the dogs want to kill each other, it is […]
Great Dane Integration: A Guide for Dog Owners
How should I introduce a new Great Dane to my existing dogs? Introducing a Great Dane to your existing dogs involves many of the same foundational steps as any other breed, but their massive size, clumsiness, and unique play styles require some specific considerations. Great Danes are affectionately known as “gentle giants” and are often […]
Reduce Tension in Multi-Dog Homes with Training
What training techniques help reduce tension in multi-dog homes? To reduce tension in a multi-dog household, training should focus on teaching patience and politeness rather than pushy, demanding behavior. Rather than supporting an outdated “alpha” or “dominant” hierarchy, the goal is to consistently reward the dog that is behaving the most appropriately. Here are several […]
How to Introduce a New Dog to Your Home Safely
Teach me how to introduce a new dog to my household. Preparation and Assessment: Before bringing a new dog home, evaluate whether you have the time, space, and finances to properly integrate the new dog, and learn as much as you can about the new dog’s history with other dogs. Understand that integrating a new […]
Effective Training Techniques for Multi-Dog Homes
What training techniques help reduce tension in multi-dog homes? To reduce tension in a multi-dog household, training should focus on teaching patience and politeness rather than pushy, demanding behavior. Rather than supporting an outdated “alpha” or “dominant” hierarchy, the goal is to consistently reward the dog that is behaving the most appropriately. Here are several […]
Signs Your Dogs are Playing vs. Fighting
How can I tell if my dogs are playing or fighting? Signs of Normal Play. It can sometimes be difficult to tell if dogs are playing or fighting, as normal play can be loud and look out of control. However, there are several key indicators of healthy play: • Willing Participants: Both dogs should want […]
The Reality of Raising Great Danes: Expecting the Unexpected
The first thing that comes to mind is a mix of puppy breath and dog farts. That is the unedited reality of living with and raising Great Danes. People see the photos of majestic dogs, but they do not always see the 3:00 AM wake-up calls, the constant cleaning, or the unique smells that come […]
Memorable Moments: Kindness from a Stranger
When I lived in Florida, my boys and I frequently visited a grocery store called Piggly Wiggly. There was an older gentleman who used to sit out front playing his guitar. He was a homeless man, but he was also one of the kindest and most respectful people I have ever met. He would open […]
Understanding Dog Calming Signals Around Children
Do dogs use specific calming signals for human children? Dogs do not use a separate or specific set of calming signals exclusively for human children. Instead, they use their universal canine calming signals—the exact same cues they use with other dogs and adult humans—to communicate discomfort, diffuse tension, and indicate that they mean no harm. […]
How Going Back to School Changed My Understanding of Dogs
The decision to go back to school was made to better help the needs of my dogs. Even with my experience, I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of nutrition, body language, and psychology. This choice has helped me grow by giving me the tools to more effectively address their physical and mental requirements. It […]