Dog Talk With Dr. Jen

Having a multi-dog household is great… when everyone is getting along!  Who doesn’t love watching their pups romp and play in the backyard, or snuggle up together on the couch for a nap? But what happens when there’s trouble in paradise?  Housemate dogs who fight with each other can make life stressful for everyone involved, and it’s not always easy to figure out how to restore peace and harmony.  So if the fur is flying at your house, join Dr. Jen for a discussion about possible causes and solutions for this common (but frustrating!) problem. 

It's no secret that most dogs aren't thrilled about going to see the vet.  (Understandably so!)  Shots, blood draws, and even physical exams can be stressful, even for dogs who are normally easy-going and friendly. But the good news is, it doesn't have to be this way!  Join Dr. Jen for some simple suggestions to make things easier and less scary for your pup, starting at his next vet visit.   Also: a bonus listener question about treats for food allergy dogs.

When it comes to keeping our canine pals healthy and happy, we all know that outdoor activities like walks, visits to the park, and games of fetch can be great ways to burn off energy.  As the saying goes – a tired dog is a good dog!   But, did you know that physical exercise isn’t the “end all, be all” of keeping your pup entertained and well-behaved?  In today’s episode, Dr. Jen takes a look at some easy indoor additions to your dog’s daily routine, to make life better and more fun for both of you.

Choosing a new family member is a big decision that we shouldn't take lightly.  Unfortunately, trainers and veterinarians see a lot of dog and owner "mismatches" - these can be challenging to resolve from a training standpoint, and often result in lots of frustration for both parties.   If you're thinking of adding a new dog to your household, join Dr. Jen for a discussion about how you can make the best choice possible for your specific situation.

How much do you know about resource guarding in dogs?  If your pup growls at you over his food bowl or his favorite rawhide, don't be embarrassed - you're not alone!   It might surprise you to learn that this is a normal canine behavior, and one that's usually fairly easy to modify with some smart management and a good training plan.   Also, a bonus listener question on crate training - is it confusing for puppies to have more than one crate?

In today's episode, Dr. Jen tackles some common myths about using treats in training.   Does using "human food" to train your dog make him more likely to beg at the table?  If you use treats to train a behavior, is it true that you'll always need have food on hand to get your dog to listen?  And why do we need food rewards, anyway - shouldn't our dogs do what we say because they respect us?

Today's episode is all about dog parks!  Is your pup a good "dog park dog," or would you be better off finding other options for exercise?  How can you tell?  What does appropriate play look like, and how can you make sure your dog isn't being bullied? Plus, a bonus listener question about cat training!  (But still tangentially related to working with dogs, since learning and behavior are the same across species.)

The conclusion of Dr. Jen's two-part series on barking - this time, the discussion is focused on leash reactivity outside the home.  Why do some dogs go crazy at the sight of another dog or a strange person, and what can you do to help them learn better behavior in public?

Join Dr. Jen for the first of a two-part series about excessive barking!  Does your dog spend his afternoons looking out the window for things to bark at, or go crazy when he hears a noise outside?  Today's episode breaks down the issue of "alert barking" in the house - why dogs do this, and what we can do to calm the chaos when the barking is too much to handle. Also, a bonus listener question about dogs who hump other dogs during play.  Why does this happen, and what should we do about it?

Are you confused about the best time to spay or neuter your dog, or have questions about whether this procedure is really necessary in the first place?  If so, you're not alone! Spay/neuter recommendations used to be very simple - have it done, as early as possible.  But in recent years, new research on how sex hormones influence growth, behavior, and certain types of medical issues have made this a much more complex topic than we previously believed. Join Dr. Jen for an overview of the factors you should consider when deciding when (or if) to spay or neuter your best friend.

Does your dog come when you call him, every time, no matter where he is or what he's doing?  This is one of the most important skills you'll ever teach your dog, so it pays to do it right! In this episode, learn how to build a reliable recall from the ground up - whether you have a new puppy, or an adult dog with a history of ignoring you.  Dr. Jen will also discuss the most common mistakes she sees with recall training, with tips on how to avoid them.

Does your dog hate car rides?  In today's episode, Dr. Jen breaks down how differentiate motion sickness from anxiety, and discusses how to help your dog get more comfortable in the car no matter what the underlying problem is.   She also tackles a quick bonus question from a listener - why do some dogs eat grass, and is this behavior anything to worry about?

Do you have a new puppy who can't seem to figure out where to potty?  Today's episode will cover the "ins and outs" of housetraining - including how puppies form their potty surface preferences, setting an age-appropriate schedule for trips outside, and dealing with accidents when they happen.

"Socialization" is a popular buzzword when it comes to puppies, but do you really know what it means?  This question isn't just academic - socializing your pup properly (or not!) can have a huge impact on his personality and behavior for the rest of his life.   So when should you start getting your new puppy out and about?  Should he have his vaccines first?  Where are some good places to go, and what should you be doing while you're there?  Join Dr. Jen for practical tips to set your pup up for success.

If you ever find yourself feeling frustrated about your dog's behavior, welcome!  Never fear - you're in good company. In this episode, Dr. Jen talks a bit about her background and lays out what to expect from the podcast - practical, science-based advice on everything from puppy problems and common training issues, to more serious behavior problems like aggression and anxiety.   Listener questions, or suggestions for topics you'd like to see addressed on the show, are always welcome!  Submit questions or comments to jen@drjensdogblog.com.