Our Expert: Mikkel Becker
What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Listen
By Mikkel Becker | May 14, 2012There’s nothing more annoying than feeling like you’re not being listened to. When it’s your dog who’s not listening, though, the situation can be more than annoying; it can…View Full Post ›
My Dog Growls When She Greets Other Dogs. Should I Worry?
By Mikkel Becker | May 13, 2012As part of an ongoing series, dog trainer Mikkel Becker teaches you how to address common behavior problems at the dog park. Q. When another dog sniffs my dog's face at the dog park,…View Full Post ›
When Is the Best Time to Train My Dog — Before or After a Walk?
By Mikkel Becker | May 11, 2012What is the best time of day to train my dog? Should I train him before or after his walk? My problem with training him before walking him is that he is too excited to pay attention, but I worry…View Full Post ›
Why Does My Dog Compulsively Lick The Air?
By Mikkel Becker | May 10, 2012Q. Why does my dog lick the air? She does it for hours. A. There are various reasons your dog may be licking the air, but the fact that she does it for long periods of time is suggestive of…View Full Post ›
Decipher What Your Dog Is Saying With His Tail
By Mikkel Becker | April 23, 2012Ever wish you knew what your dog was thinking? You can — just watch his tail! Instead of using words, your dog uses body language to communicate. While a dog's message can only be fully…View Full Post ›
Get Your Kids Involved in Training Your Pets
By Mikkel Becker | April 23, 2012Today is National Kids and Pets Day — and we all know that there's nothing cuter than a polite child with a well-behaved pet. But, like children, many dogs and cats misbehave because…View Full Post ›
Cats and Dogs Can Live Together — With Some Careful Planning
By Mikkel Becker | April 9, 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…View Full Post ›
Why There Are Some Tricks You Shouldn't Teach Your Dog
By Mikkel Becker | April 9, 2012There's nothing cuter than a dog doing a trick — and, sometimes, nothing more annoying. Although it may not sound like a big deal for a dog to do a trick without a signal from his pet…View Full Post ›
Why Does My Dog Pick Up Bad Behavior From Other Dogs?
By Mikkel Becker | April 9, 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.…View Full Post ›
How Can I Get My Cat to Stop Waking Me Up?
By Mikkel Becker | April 9, 2012Q. How can I get my cat to stop waking me up at 4:00 a.m. without revoking her bedroom privileges? A. Cats’ natural sleep cycles are at odds with the average human sleep cycle. Although…View Full Post ›
How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Nipping at My Fingers and Toes?
By Mikkel Becker | April 2, 2012Q. My dog loves to nip at my fingers and toes. I know she's just playing, but it can hurt, and the more I try and get her to stop the more she does it because she thinks it's a game. I've…View Full Post ›
How Can I Teach My Dog Not to Zigzag in Front of Me on Walks?
By Mikkel Becker | April 2, 2012Q. My dog loves to go for walks, but he's constantly running back and forth in front of me. How do I get him to stop? A. Walks are often the most anticipated part of a dog’s day. An…View Full Post ›
