We’re excited to introduce you to a new series of books by Dr. Jason Nicholas, founder of Preventive Vet. Dr. Nicholas, better known as “Dr. J,” a very well-respected veterinarian and expert in pet safety.  He has traveled the world to share his knowledge and raise awareness about pet illness and emergency prevention. In 2011 he established Preventive Vet as a type of “one-stop shop” for online resources where pet owners can get reliable information from a variety of veterinary specialists, ranging from emergency practitioners to board-certified surgeons, oncologists, and even behaviorists. Dreamstime60 Preventive Vet’s mission is to help change the

This hold controls direction in 6 ways to reduce movement and provide staff safety from head flip or bite attempts. Combine this technique with targeting to help the dog focus and learn to stand in place for blood draw, injection, palpation, and nail trims.

Teach your dog to go to a bathroom, basement, or closet during storms for safety and calming. Getting to the safe room while calm prevents escalation to fear and ensures safety.

    1. Take the first part of the meal every day for a short 3–5-minute training session. Hold the food in your hand – I prefer not using a treat bag. I want the dog to think at any time I may have a reward not just when I have a treat bag on.    Enter Title. [Required]    2. Control release of food – only release food for correct behaviors – no grabbing!      Enter Title. [Required]    3. Stand upright – your dog can read what you are going to do Hold 1–3 nuggets between your

Question: HELP!! My 9 and half week old lab puppy is pretty good at night in her crate, but during the day, she barks, digs, salivates for the entire time. When I let her out she comes out crying and follows me everywhere crying. I find this extremely upsetting and I’m ready to give her back. Will she get used to it eventually by continuing to put her in her crate? When the crate is open she goes in on her own to sleep and play but the second you close the door, all hell breaks loose. I have tried

It is April, and thunderstorms are upon us here in the Midwest.  Many dogs are fearful of thunderstorms.  It is the most common subtype of noise phobias in dogs.  The behavioral response may vary from mild pacing or panting up to escape behaviors such as digging repetitively at the door,  trembling severely, or injuring teeth and nails to get out of confinement.  Triggers for the fear include falling barometric pressure, wind, rain, cloud cover,  and thunder (1) Many of these triggers are present hours before the storm develops.  When the thunder and lightening occur, often the dog escalates into full