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Dog Training

Helpful Pointers for Training Your Dog

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

How to Stop Your Dog From Marking in the House: A Comprehensive Guide

Wlaking 3 dogsYou may have noticed lots of pics with Arrow lately. That’s because we’re keeping him while Cait finishes up a master’s program. And while I love this dog to pieces, going from two to three dogs wasn’t in my plan. It changes the whole dynamics from eating to who gets affection when, to playtime, to walks, to… you get the idea.

And from the title of this post, you should have guessed that having two males with a female, also … Read More

Introducing New Dogs to A Dominant Dog

Introducing a dominant dogI recently received this question from a reader. Her situation brings up several tricky greeting/living situations, so I wanted to share my response with all of you. The way she writes her questions already lets me know that she’s more than a little worried and stressed about this. Anyone who’s had to deal with dominance issues can likely relate. It ain’t fun.

We have 2 female show Miniature Bull Terriers aged 5 yrs and 3 yrs both intact. There were Read More

Step-by-Step Guide to Help Your Puppy Overcome Separation Anxiety

red tri australian shepherd puppyCait’s puppy, Arrow, has started experiencing some separation anxiety. Cait, having grown up in a house that has always had dogs, knows the drill. But for those of you who don’t have a lifetime of experience, here is a step-by-step guide to help you help your puppy overcome separation anxiety.

Since I’m all about getting to the point quickly, while you can do this on your own, and the information that follows will help you do this on your own, … Read More

Remedial Potty Training

2 dogs sleeping in a crate We’ve had a little back-sliding going on with potty training.

Before we got Kenzie, I made sure that Riley was solid with going outside. He would go to the door when he needed to go. And if I wasn’t right there, he’d ring the potty bells I have hanging on the door.

And Riley did a lot of the heavy lifting with helping to potty train Kenzie. Simple case of monkey-see-monkey-do.

But lately, we’ve been having some mishaps late at … Read More

Housetrain Your Puppy in One Week

Housetraining quickly, and teaching Potty and putting it on cue is not hard. But it does require dedicated consistency on your part to help your puppy get it quickly.

This is what good house training should look like after one week. The word “Potty” has been put on cue and Riley solidly knows that outside is for doing his business. So when I say, “Go Potty,” he quickly gets down to business.

Daytime Strategy and Steps for Quick and Successful

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What I Really Think About Having 2 Dogs vs 3 Dogs

3-aussies-playingQ: From the Mailbag: Natasha asks, I currently have two male dogs (a Labrador 5 yrs and a Yorkshire Terrier 2 yrs) and they both get along great. I’ve always wanted a Rottweiler. Do you think it would be a bad idea getting a 3rd dog? What sex would you say would be better? Thanks.

A: Natasha, having had one dog, two dogs, three dogs, and four dogs at various times, my favorite number is two. Adding a third

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Five Facts You Need to Know Before Choosing an Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Updated May 9, 2022

She’s beautiful, isn’t she?

She’s also smart, athletic, a snap to train, devoted, telepathic, and my right-hand girl. In fact, she’s everything you could want in a dog — and more.

It’s the “more” part that gets most people into trouble. The truth is — for as beautiful and brainy as Australian Shepherds are — they aren’t for everyone.

The question is: Are they for you?

Let me walk you through a few key points … Read More

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