Category: Guest Blogger

DR. NICHOLAS DODMAN: A LIFE AND DEATH MATTER

As Chief Scientific Officer for the Center for Canine Behavior Studies along with Dr. James Serpell PhD of the University of Pennsylvania, we propose an Animal Ownership Interaction Study designed to determine the precise impact dog owners have on their pets’ behavior. The Halo Pet Foundation has generously helped fund this vital study, which is
Read more

TRACIE HOTCHNER: CANINE “SURVIVAL” TIPS FOR (VERY) COLD WINTER WEATHER

We’ve been having some bitter cold days recently in parts of the country and there are a number of things you can do to keep your dog comfortable – and safe – outdoors. Do not assume they have the “common sense” to come indoors when they begin to get hypothermia or frostbite on their ears
Read more

TRACIE HOTCHNER: WHAT TO CALL YOUR NEW DOG? WHAT NAME CAN YOU GIVE LOVE?

On this week’s “Dog Talk” I interviewed Kim Dower, a wonderful California poet who read aloud many of her dog-themed poems. I was struck by one in particular, that will be appearing for the first time in her upcoming third book of poetry, “Last Train to the Missing Planet.” She gave me permission to reprint
Read more

TRACIE HOTCHNER: DOGS ARE NATURALLY GENEROUS WITH THEIR TREATS

We all know how difficult it is for the parents of human children to teach them to share with their siblings. How often have we heard (as children ourselves or as parents) “Share with your brother,” or “Give half to your sister” – with less than stellar results?! People try to teach the next generation
Read more

TRACIE HOTCHNER: ITCHY DOG? DON’T ALWAYS BLAME THE FOOD! GET THE SPOT TEST!

Does your dog scratch and lick and/or bite at her ears, feet, flanks or neck? Skin problems are probably the number one reason pet owners go to their vets. I get numerous emails asking for advice and suggestions about resolving skin issues like hot spots, hair loss, and other epidermal problems. Of course fleas are
Read more