Two Ways to Teach a Retrieve

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Many dogs retrieve (fetch) naturally, and begin to do so from puppyhood with no special training and no reward other than their enjoyment of retrieving. However, other dogs either don’t chase a ball at all, don’t … Read More

Provide for Pets in the Event of Your Death

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Nobody wants to think about dying, especially when they’re young and in good health; but, as a responsible pet owner, it’s your duty to ensure that if you were to pass away, your pets would be … Read More

5 Traits of a Good Dog Breeder

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We talked recently about bad dog breeders, and an owner’s recourse in case of receiving an unhealthy puppy. To balance things out a little bit, I’d like to discuss today a class of people who truly make … Read More

PetLvr Mailbag: Stung by a Bad Breeder

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Dear PetLvr Mailbag, I recently bought a registered Yorkie from a breeder and after 3 weeks and about $1,000.00 vet bill, we have found out that the puppy died of liver failure he was born with. The … Read More

PetLvr Mailbag: Dogs, Children, Resource Guarding, and Boundary Setting

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Dear Jelena … Is it ok for a dog to growl when they have their bone in their dog bed and a child approaches in a manner that the dog views as possible attempt to take … Read More

Letting Go of a Foster Pet

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As we discussed in my last post, “So You Want to be a Foster Home,” the hardest part of fostering is letting go. For every foster pet, there comes a time when she has gained all … Read More

So You Want to be a Foster Home?

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Fostering a homeless pet is one of the best things you can do for animals in need in your own home town. Watching an abused, neglected, or abandoned pet blossom and flourish in your home, then … Read More

Mean Kitty! Petting and Biting Syndrome

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Does your cat allow only a certain number of strokes before turning and nipping your hand? If so, you’re in good company. Many cats, of all genders, ages, breeds, sizes, and personality types, have the clearly … Read More

Preventing Allergies in Dogs

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For dogs with allergies, exposure to even a small amount of a food or environmental allergen can mean days of itching miserably, sneezing, and even outbreaks of hives or skin sores. Some dogs who have allergies … Read More

Missing the Litterbox?

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Not using the litterbox is among the most common reasons cats are abandoned, rehomed, euthanized, or placed in shelters and rescue. It’s understandable that nobody wants cat urine and feces all over their home, but what … Read More

Top Five Ways to Have a Better-Behaved Dog in 15 Minutes a Day

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It’s not always easy to find time for your dog, especially if you have work, a family, school, and other committments weighing heavily on your time. However, it doesn’t always take hours of hard work to prevent problem … Read More

Is Doggie Daycare a Good Idea?

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Doggie daycare can give owners a much-needed break from the exercise needs of a high-energy dog, as well as keep a dog with separation anxiety under control in the absence of his family. However, many pet … Read More

Help, There's a Feral Cat Colony in My Yard!

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If you’ve been glimpsing the yellow-green glint of cat eyes when you step outside at night, or a flash of tabby bolting out of your yard when you go out in the morning, you may have … Read More

The Dominance Myth

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It’s easy to explain most of the behaviors displayed by a dog as related to dominance. But is it correct? Sometimes, yes, but sometimes this over-simplified characterization of behavior does more for the human than the … Read More

Why "NO!" is a No-No

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It’s a familiar scene to many pet owners: Fido is gnawing the couch or has gotten into the trash and is dragging rubbish all over the new carpet. Naturally, your first reaction may be to shout, … Read More

Changes Afoot at Petco

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Let me begin by saying that, as a pet rat owner and fancier, I detest the mill-style breeding that Rainbow Exotics practices. As a result of these conditions, as well as the treatment of animals seen … Read More

Five Things You Can Do with Your Puppy to Prevent Future Behavior Problems

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You’ve got a puppy. Congratulations! Now is the time to prevent behavior problems in adulthood. Many serious issues can be prevented by properly raising your pup. More dogs die each year in the United States due … Read More

Might an OTTB be Right for You?

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By OTTB, I mean, of course, an Off the Track Thoroughbred. In other words, a retired racehorse, like my Ember, aka Embrace Reality, pictured below. OTTBs can excel in most disciplines, are generally inexpensive compared to … Read More

Curing Problem Barking Without a Bark Collar

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I cringe every time I see a dog wearing a barking collar, particularly the type that delivers a painful shock to a dog’s neck. These collars are stronger than many people think. When I put a … Read More

Ten Questions to Ask When Adopting a Pet

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You’ve made the decision to adopt your next pet, and you’ve located a nearby shelter. Now what? You’ll need to choose a companion for up to the next 15 to twenty years from up to several … Read More

Locating a Reputable, Responsible Small Animal Breeder

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If you’ve decided to add a small mammal like a rabbit, rat, or hamster to your family, the next step is to choose between adopting a rescued or rehomed pet, or purchasing from a reputable, responsible … Read More

Start Clicking With Your Horse

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Would you like to teach your horse to lie down on command? How about improving your mare’s flying lead changes, or testing a young horse’s jumping potential without needing to place a rider on his back? … Read More

Re-examining the "Goldfish Bowl"

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Wouldn’t a goldfish in a fish bowl be a cute gift for your six-year-old? It’ll teach her responsibility and be a source of constant entertainment. It’s a classic, seen in movies, comic strips, and children’s books … Read More

Top Five Myths About Pet Adoption

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Many people seeking a new pet bypass the adoption option for one reason or another. While there are certainly some situations in which purchasing from a reputable, responsible breeder is ideal, consider this list of five … Read More

What To Do If You Find A Stray Dog

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It happens to every pet lover eventually. You’re on your way to work, out walking your own dogs, or running an errand, and a loose dog crosses your path with no owner in sight. What now? … Read More

What to Expect When Your Kid's Expecting a Pet (But You're Not Ready)

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So you promised your child a pet for his birthday, or for Christmas, or if she did a particularly difficult chore, and forgot about it. Of course, the kid didn’t, and now you’re on the hook, … Read More

Can Cats Be Trained To Get Along With Rats?

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One question that I frequently hear from prospective rat owners is, "I have a cat. Will the rats be safe with a cat in the house?" Unfortunately, there is no single right answer to that question. … Read More

High-Energy Dog + Apartment: Exercise Can Avert Disaster

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The subprime mortgage crisis, declines in some sectors of the economy, and a rising cost of living have led to more families moving out of houses and into apartments, townhomes, and condos. I see ads on … Read More

New Author on PetLvr!

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My name is Jelena, and I’m a new author on the “LVR” series of blogs. You can find my author page here. As you can see from my list of pets — one dog, one cat, … Read More

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