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How to Train a Reactive Dog Not to Jump on People

Arrow is a happy, excited boy! He loves to greet people as enthusiastically as he likes to play.  Not necessarily typical Aussie behavior, but I’ll take it over shyness or aggression. Much easier to train!

So we’ve had to jump back into some remedial training. Here are some quick tips to help you if you are facing similar challenges.

Understanding Reactive Behavior

Before diving into training techniques, it’s important to understand why your dog is jumping. Dogs may jump for … Read More

Best Weighted Blanket on the Market

Thinking of getting a weighted blanket? There are so many to choose from, but this is my recommendation.
weighted blanket

This brand of weighted blanket is like a warm, cozy hug. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep quality, as it may increase serotonin and melatonin levels while reducing cortisol. The gentle pressure from these blankets can also help prepare your body for rest by calming your heart rate and breathing. This can make it easier to fall … Read More

Are Bull Terriers Good With Children?

bull terrier carrying big stick. created with AII know. What am I doing, including an article on Bull Terriers? I thought you could use a good laugh. And this is one of the funniest articles I’ve ever read. That’s by way of a warning that you should not be drinking coffee while reading this.  Try substituting your breed’s name and see how much of it would apply to your beloved—unless, of course, you have one of the smaller, delicate breeds.

“Are Bull Terriers Good With Children?” by … Read More

Shootout at the O.K. Corral

If you’d just walked in on this scene unawares, you might think you were in the middle of a shootout at the O.K. Corral, with fallen bodies strewn about. Nope. Just another day of trying to feed my picky eaters.
half-eaten dog food bowls and dog toys strewn about

I’ve written before about the joys of getting my dogs to eat. We’ve reached comical new heights. Like toddlers, these guys now also need to have their lovey toys join in on the fun. Riley, my very sensitive boy, … Read More

If There Ever Was a Time to Start Growing Your Own Food, That Time is Now.

homegrown organic raspberries and concord grapesUnless you’ve been living under a rock, you, too, are shocked and dismayed at the rapid rise in food costs. But there is a way we can all fight back that’s not only good for our wallets but our bodies, too.

This is one day’s haul from my grape and berry patch: 3.5 lbs of raspberries and 4.75 lbs of Concord grapes.

Let’s do the math.

Today’s price for 6 oz of organic store-bought raspberries is roughly $5.99, and for … Read More

Top 5 Game-Changing Dog Gadgets You Didn’t Know You Needed

austrailian shepherd sitting among 5 Game-Changing Dog GadgetsIt’s true—I’m a gadget person. My father ingrained in me that the right tool for the job is worth the search. Because when you find the right tool, it is often game-changing in time, effort, and enjoyment of the task at hand.

It’s no surprise this also applies to my dog equipment. If it doesn’t make my life easier and my dogs’ lives better, it doesn’t make the cut. So, without further ado, here are my:

Top 5 Game-Changing

Read More

Is My Australian Shepherd Puppy’s Energy Level Normal?

running aussie with grass in mouthFrom the Mailbag: Stacie writes: My daughter brought home a 2 month old Aussie pup. I had never had one or didn’t know anything about the breed. I have 2 dogs that got along great and just need affection and some backyard time and they are fine. I have some major medical challenges and am trying to make this work with the new pup. He ,as everyone says is super smart but I’m just not sure I can provide what Read More

INOH Dogs

inoh shelter rescue dogI was having a conversation with a friend who works with Australian Shepherd Breed Rescue. We were discussing how we both wish there was a better word than “Rescue.” It’s pejorative to all the people who have legitimate reasons for having to relinquish their dogs, and not sufficiently incriminating to those who irresponsibly or impulsively get a dog and then irresponsibly or impulsively look to dump the dog.

So, we were trying to come up with a new term that … Read More

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