SECRETS TO HELP A SCARED DOG BECOME A BRAVE ONE – A PERSONAL JOURNEY

  In October of 2008, I brought a scared dog home from the shelter to join our family.  What follows is our story in the evolution from a shy, terrified creature, to the almost self-assured dog we have today.  I say almost, because she still has her moments.  But, for the most part she’s confident and happy. Will the methods I used work for every scared dog?  No, all dogs are different.  I’m hoping that some of them, however, will guide you towards calming your frightened pet. THE DOGS I MET ON MY FIRST DAY OF VOLUNTEERING After having signed up with a local shelter to volunteer (Briggs Animal Adoption Center), I decided to work with dogs of all different personalities that first day to see where my talents and interest would be best used.  I don’t remember all of the dogs I interacted with that day, but here are the three that stood out.  Winnie, an energetic terrier mix, large, hairy, slobbery, with a joyful, rambunctious personality, Dino, a Jack Russell terrier with a Napoleon complex, known for toy possessiveness…

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7 WINTER BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR DOGS

  SEVEN WINTER BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR DOGS When it's too bitter to be outside, here are seven ways to beat the winter boredom blues! The polar vortex arrived, and all of us, animals and humans, were stuck indoors and bored.  For humans, we have our books, our television, and our computers to keep us happy.  But for a dog, whose interest is piqued by smells more than by sight, the cold winter months can be boring and depressing. Below find a few ideas to perk up your pet in the middle of a cold snap (most also work well for rainy days, too): Take a Different Route Since you can’t walk your dog for as long as you would in the warmer months, vary the route.  Put your pet in the car, drive to another part of your neighborhood, and do your brief walk there.  Or get extra adventurous and go to a different area altogether. Chances are there is a whole new world of scents just a few blocks away – something to perk up even the saddest dog. Add…

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