Straight From the Dog's Mouth Archives

Category: Straight From the Dog’s Mouth

June 3, 2010

Take Your Dog to Work, Make Them Employee of the Month

Dear Inquisitive Dog Parents, My sidekick Poncho and I are fortunate enough to work together, and we enjoy sharing our office while writing and educating others about the dog-human relationship. We wanted to encourage others to share in the…

March 3, 2010

A Useful Approach to Listening to Your Dog is Simple Observation

A recent Dear Inquisitive Canine reader asked about her beagle Bill and his enjoyment of playing with larger dogs. I explained the similarities of how humans of different shapes and sizes can learn to play with one another without…

October 1, 2009

Inquisitive Canine: My Dog Is a Party Pooper Around the Pool

Dear Joan: We have a 4-year-old German Shepherd. He’s very intelligent and generally a good dog, but we’re concerned and frustrated with his behavior whenever anyone is swimming in our pool. He doesn’t seem to understand that there’s no…

September 30, 2009

Many Dogs Prefer Sunbathing Versus Swimming

Throughout the summer, and even heading into our warm-weathered Fall, Poncho and I have received a few questions from dog guardians regarding their dogs “freaking out” when it came to swimming pools. The dogs either didn’t want to go…

September 3, 2009

Reasons Why and Solutions for Paw Licking and Chewing Behavior in Dogs

Joan: I have a quick question for you. My dog is always chewing on her feet. I’ve heard it’s allergies to grass. Is that true? Also, is there something I can do to make her feel better? — Emily…

August 23, 2009

Paw Chewing Behavior in Dog is Cause for Concern: Dog Behavior Advice for Alleviating Irritated Paws

Mom and I have received an interesting question through our dog behavior advice column about a dog that licks her paws. Although this question was addressed to my mom, who happens to be certified professional dog trainer, she and…

July 18, 2009

I’m No Crash Test Dummy Dog, And Neither is My Ventura Dog Trainer Mom

Back in the day my own mom, who is a certified professional dog trainer, got to ride in her parents laps while driving, helping steer the car and giggling. But fortunately thanks to statistics, our culture (and laws) have…

July 2, 2009

Inquisitive Canine: Fourth of July Precautions for Pooches

Dear Inquisitive Dog Guardians: It’s that time of year again when Americans enjoy celebrating their country’s independence with barbecues, alcohol and explosives. As a U.S.-born pooch, I enjoy many of the customs that are part of this festive holiday,…

June 25, 2009

Training Dogs to Discriminate – When it’s OK to be on the couch, and when it’s not

Dear Inquisitive Canine: I really want to be able to “invite” our dog onto the sofa, but we don’t want him jumping around on our furniture or other people’s furniture whenever he wants. My husband says, “You can’t give…

June 15, 2009

Dog Birthdays: More excuses for humans to humiliate us dogs

Well, today is my birthday! At least that’s what my mom the ventura dog trainer says… It was actually anniversary of the day she and my dad adopted me from the animal shelter. I’ll never forget it…They were so…