Back in 2004 when I first developed the Treat & Train for the Sharper Image (now the MannersMinder sold by Premier Pet), my official  designated use for the product was to solve unruly behavior that dogs exhibit when guests come to the house. But at the time, I had so many thoughts on how I wanted to use this device. Just imagine what you could do if you could finally reward your dog away from you, right as they were performing the desired behavior, and you could set the exact treat rate? And you could basically follow portions of the

Easter always makes me think of rabbits, which make me think of carrots and other vegetables, which then reminds me of nutrition question about cats. Several owners have asked me a question that goes something like this: “I’m a vegetarian and a cat lover. Are there any vegetarian diets that I can buy or make for my cat?” The question is  sometimes one of moral values for the human, but for animals, it’s one of nature. Herbivores such as rabbits and horses eat plants and cannot digest meat well. Omnivores such as humans and dogs can eat both meat and

Today we finally started the day off with a decent 6 mile run. We ran with our human friend Clare. By the end of the run when the humans were stretching out, it started to drizzle. I got rain in my eyes. Hey you dogs out there, make sure to tell your human that it’s important to take you running or exercising so you won’t get FAT! If they need to teach you how to enjoy staying at their side and keeping a constant pace next to you put this Runner’s World article in front of their face. Now I’m warmed up

By Jonesy Yin (a.k.a. Jonesy the Jack Russell Terrier) Pssssst! Over here! Over the last year it has come to my attention and to the attention of my beloved human, Dr. Sophia Yin…….. That I am a star!!! I’m practically the focal point of several chapters in the Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs & Cats Book, not to mention all of my video spots in the accompanying DVD. And I know how much my mom talks about me in her lectures and seminars around the globe. Which means my fame is international! Like my mom, I want to help people

With all the stories of dog bites in the news plus any personal experience you may have had of being lunged at or chased when walking or jogging by a house, have you ever wondered what you should do in case you ARE ever attacked by a dog? As a veterinarian and animal behaviorist, I deal with aggressive dogs on a daily basis and have rarely been bitten. Here are some tips that can help you: First, if a dog charges you, stay calm and stand still! That can be easier said than done, but here’s why it’s important: Most

For the last two decades, I’ve been telling myself that when I retire from veterinary practice, I’m going to open a fat farm for dogs. Here’s why: It all started nearly twenty years ago, during my first week in practice. I picked up my first patient’s file. “Sandy, five-year-old, female, spayed beagle,” read the medical record. “Here for a routine check-up.” I scanned her file. “Vaccines current. On heartworm prevention. Weight, 65 pounds.” Wait a sec — 65 pounds? Surely that was a mistake. No beagle could get that big. She must be a beagle cross. I entered the room.