Fear, stress and anxiety are at the root of many problem behaviors in cats and dogs — and in some cases, human behavior is the direct cause of a pet’s actions. Many pet owners fail to understand this, though, and instead blame the dog or cat for the “bad” behavior. In...

Thinkstock Digging in the carpet may be your dog's way of releasing stress. What is it about carpet that seems to incite some dogs to want to ‘dig to China’? Do you cringe when you hear the telltale scrape of canine toenails furiously trying to scratch their way...

Your dog loves the dog park, and you love taking him there to play. But you both need to be on your best behavior while you’re there. Here are six simple ways to be a good dog park citizen and help your pooch and his friends enjoy their play time together. Dog Park...

There are a number of ways in which a dog or cat can be good for a child. Pets give kids a way to practice their social skills at the same time that they encourage much-needed physical activity. The strong bond between a child and an animal assists in development of...

If you were told you needed to be on bed rest for the next few weeks to allow an injury to properly heal, you probably wouldn't be thrilled, but you'd understand the reason for it — and, most likely, follow your doctor's orders. After all, bed rest is just an excuse...

Our friendly, happy puppy hates having his fur brushed — he will run and hide when he sees the brush come out. What can we do to get him used to being groomed? Dogs tend to remember experiences that are painful, scary or otherwise upsetting, especially if the negative...

It might surprise you to learn that some first-time puppy owners are shocked to find the sweet, soft, puppy-breathed angel they thought they were bringing home actually seems to be a (tiny) marauding Tyrannosaurus rex, intent on destruction and mayhem. OK, perhaps...

One of the most common behavior problems among adult dogs is overly reactive or fearful behavior. People frequently think that when they see a dog that barks and lunges at other dogs or people on the leash that the dog was not properly socialized as a puppy. However,...

At a new center in northern Virginia, special-needs children are working on everything from social skills and communication to reading and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills — all with the assistance of about a dozen delightful furry friends. The...

Dr. Marty Becker DVM One of the sweetest things about my profession as a veterinarian is the opportunity to see the love shared between people and pets. What’s even more special is seeing the accommodations people make for pets with disabilities. Deafness is a common...

Myths about dogs have been swirling around since canines were first domesticated thousands of years ago. And while they are no doubt fascinating and intriguing animals, if given the chance, they would probably like to dispel some of the misconceptions humans have...

My dog likes to bury his toys in our bed and furniture. Can I teach him to not do this anymore? Just like circling and digging at bedding before lying down, hiding prized possessions may be an ingrained ritual that comes naturally to some dogs. Your dog's wild...

Couples getting ready to tie the knot often want to make their dog part of their wedding day. Many envision their furry loved one sweetly walking down the aisle, wearing a beautiful dog-friendly wreath or matching bow tie. Quite the picture, right? But if you're...

We used to call our late Cavalier, Darcy, “the quicker licker-upper.” From puppyhood on, she loved to give kisses — the bigger and wetter, the better. No amount of trying to train her out of it worked, mainly because other people encouraged it. “Oh, I don’t mind. She...

There’s nothing better than being greeted by a friendly canine. But not everyone is comfortable being approached by a new dog, and not every dog wants to get close to a new person. Teaching your dog to wave hello (or goodbye) gives him another way to interact with...