Our Expert: Mikkel Becker
Preventing Play From Going Wrong
By Mikkel Becker | April 25, 2013Play is an important way to teach your dog good manners, but it's important to play right. Children are taught that if everyone playing the game isn’t having fun, then it isn’t a good…View Full Post ›
Managing Confrontation With an Off-Leash Dog
By Mikkel Becker | April 18, 2013It’s the scenario you fear the most: You’re on a walk with your pooch when an off-leash — and aggressive — dog approaches. Do you know what to do to prevent a…View Full Post ›
How Do I Manage My Dog's Barrier Frustration?
By Mikkel Becker | April 15, 2013Q. When he's off leash, my dog is friendly with other dogs. But when we're on a walk or when he's behind the fence in my yard, he lunges and barks at other dogs. I’ve been told that…View Full Post ›
Help! My Dog Guards Her Food
By Mikkel Becker | April 15, 2013Q. My dog growls at me if I come into the kitchen when my wife is about to feed her. She has never bitten me — should I be concerned? Any time a dog growls when you approach her food,…View Full Post ›
Your Guide to Canine Growling
By Mikkel Becker | April 15, 2013Dogs communicate in a variety of ways; one common strategy is growling. Depending on the context, a growl can be anything from a sign of enthusiastic play to a warning of an impending attack. It is…View Full Post ›
Help! My Dog Growls When Greeting People
By Mikkel Becker | March 20, 2013Q. My dog is a little standoffish when he meets someone new. If he can greet them at his own pace, he’s OK. But if they reach out to pet him too fast, he sometimes growls. He’s never…View Full Post ›
Can Dogs and Birds Live Together Safely?
By Mikkel Becker | March 20, 2013Q. My dog thinks our pet bird is prey. How do I get him to stop? A. Just because our dogs eat their meals out of a food bowl doesn’t mean predatory behavior is nonexistent. Predatory…View Full Post ›
Body Language: The Difference Between Cats and Dogs
By Mikkel Becker | March 20, 2013Can cats and dogs ever be friends? Some can, while others will fight like — well, like cats and dogs. Why the inconsistency? The problem may be that the two species don't always speak…View Full Post ›
Your Dog's Whining Decoded
By Mikkel Becker | March 20, 2013Q. What does it mean when my dog whines — and how can I stop it? A. At my house we affectionately call our Pug Willy Whiner. As a puppy, whenever he was tense, anxious or…View Full Post ›
Stuff Your Kitty's Kong With Bacon and Eggs
By Mikkel Becker | March 18, 2013While the canine version of the Kong is well known, the Kitty Kong is not. But your cat can benefit from a food puzzle in the same way your dog does. Cats go absolutely crazy over the Kitty Kong…View Full Post ›
Teach Your Dog the Right Way to Play
By Mikkel Becker | March 4, 2013Do you like playing with your dog, or do you approach it as one more pet care chore? Playing is fun — especially when the game is engaging for all those involved. Play can build trust,…View Full Post ›
Put a Stop to Leash Chewing and Tugging
By Mikkel Becker | March 4, 2013Q: Sometimes my dog gets really excited about going on a walk and he will jump and chew at the leash. How can I teach him to stop? A: One way canines release excess energy or built-up…View Full Post ›
