Victoria Schade

It’s a heartbreaking scene; after a short time away from your house, you return to a dog that’s wet from drool, trembling and wide-eyed with fear. There’s a mess by the door, and the TV remote and couch cushions are chewed to bits. It’s clear that you’re dealing with more than just canine mischief. This is a case of a dog with separation anxiety, which can cause stress for your pup and...

Is your dog bossy? When it’s time to go for a walk, does he leap on you when you try to leash him up? Or, does he demand his meals by barking as you prep his food? Bossy dogs have learned that manners don’t matter because they usually get what they want if they push hard enough. But, teaching your dog manners, specifically how to say “please,” can transform your dog’s behavior as well...

There’s nothing quite like using dog treats for positive reinforcement, which is why you probably have a cupboard full of dog training treats for your pup. There seems to be real power behind a tasty goody—but what if your dog is not food-motivated or you don’t have any treats handy? Dog treats are not the only types of rewards that our furry best friends appreciate. In fact, the best dog...

Fireworks might be awe-inspiring for some people, but many dogs are scared of fireworks and find the sound and spectacle of them terrifying. Dog fireworks anxiety can leave your pets in a panicked state. It should go without saying that anxious dogs don’t belong at fireworks displays, but even dogs that are at home can be overwhelmed by the noise, especially if the neighbors are setting off...

Many pet parents don’t recognize that encountering a vacuum for the first time can be a traumatic experience for dogs. Canine reactions to vacuums can range from entering attack-mode to running away in fear. Since vacuums are a necessary evil, the best way to help your dog tolerate cleanup day is to train him to make a positive association with his dust-sucking nemesis. Here’s some insight on...

Your senior dog might be less willing to get off the couch than before, but he still needs new experiences to enrich his daily life and keep his brain active. The latest way to connect with dogs of any age is through touch screen games, and since app games for dogs don’t require much movement, they’re fantastic for senior dogs dealing with aches and pains. While low-impact games and basic...