Socialization (26)
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Should My Dog Meet Other Dogs On-Leash or Off?
By Dr. Marty Becker, May 11, 2012Q. Should dogs meet each other off-leash or on? At the dog park, the rules are to have them meet off-leash, but I think that's wrong. A. It seems counterintuitive, but it is better for dogs… Full Article ›
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Cats and Dogs Can Live Together — With Some Careful Planning
By Mikkel Becker, May 2, 2012The stereotype of cats and dogs is that when they get together, they fight like — well, cats and dogs. But this isn't necessarily the case; felines and canines can live harmoniously… Full Article ›
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Why Does My Dog Pick Up Bad Behavior From Other Dogs?
By Mikkel Becker, May 7, 2012Q. Whenever my dog gets with his canine friends, they all pick up each other's bad behaviors — but never the good behaviors. Why does this happen, and how do I make it stop? A.… Full Article ›
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How Savvy Shelters Are Bettering the Lives of Adoptable Cats Across the Country
By Arden Moore, Mar 20, 2012Walk into the San Diego Humane Society Shelter in Oceanside, Calif., and you won't hear a single bark. That's because the building houses only cats, rabbits and other small animals. The… Full Article ›
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Who Says Rabbits Lack Personality and Spunk?
By J.D. Biersdorfer, Apr 1, 2012Harrigan is desperate for attention again, persistently head-butting my leg as I sit on the floor, while also trying to get through the Sunday paper. When he doesn’t get what he wants, he… Full Article ›
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Is Your Puppy Playing Nicely? Is He Being Bullied? Here Are 5 Things To Look For
By Mikkel Becker, Apr 30, 2012Play has a crucial role in puppy development. Romping around with other puppies or well-mannered adult dogs teaches pups how to read other dogs' body language, how to use their own body… Full Article ›
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Understanding What Your Dog Is Telling You
By Carrie Sloan, Jan 30, 2012Does that wagging tail really mean that he’s happy? Don’t count on it. As is often the case with people who we think we know, there’s a lot of misunderstanding going on between… Full Article ›
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Is It OK to Leave My Dog Alone in the Yard?
By Mikkel Becker, Dec 15, 2011Q: Is it OK to leave my dog unattended in our fenced yard? A: I'm afraid the answer is no, as this can cause all kinds of behavior issues. Dogs may display escape behavior, fence fighting,… Full Article ›
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How Can I Tell If My Cats Are Just Playing or Actually Fighting?
By Arden Moore, Nov 29, 2011
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Will My Puppy Get Parvo if I Socialize Her?
By Dr. Marty Becker, Nov 4, 2011Q. I’ve read in training books that puppies need to be socialized. But my veterinarian says my puppy will get parvo and die if she leaves my house or yard before her last shot at 16 weeks.… Full Article ›
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What to Consider Before Getting a Second Dog
By Mikkel Becker, Sep 22, 2011The joy a dog brings to a household is unmistakable, which is why it's often hard to resist the idea of welcoming another pooch into your home. But before you start trolling the adoption sites… Full Article ›
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Is It a Good Idea to Adopt Two Puppies at the Same Time?
By Dr. Marty Becker , Oct 19, 2011Q. I'm thinking about getting a pair of puppies, so they can keep each other company. Would you suggest choosing two from the same litter or different litters? A. I don’t usually… Full Article ›