Our Expert: Mikkel Becker
Ready, Set, Go: Running With Your Dog
By Mikkel Becker | May 20, 2013We know that running is good for humans, but it can be good for your dog, too. Not all canines are built for running, but most dogs in good health enjoy it, even if it’s only a couple of miles.…View Full Post ›
When Will My Puppy Start to Bark?
By Mikkel Becker | April 30, 2013Q. My Border Collie gave birth to a puppy who is now 1 month old. She doesn’t bark yet, just whines. When will she start to bark and be more vocal? A. Your puppy is around the age…View Full Post ›
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 ›
Should You Train Your Cat to Use the Toilet?
By Mikkel Becker | April 22, 2013A toilet-trained cat may seem like something only Hollywood could dream up, but you really can teach your cat to use the potty — and say goodbye to kitty litter forever. Inspired by a scene in…View Full Post ›
5 Ways to Take Great Photos of Your Cat
By Mikkel Becker | April 22, 2013Snapping a great picture of your cat can be a challenge. Often the cat is moving so fast the shot is blurry, or he’s looking in the opposite direction, or he darts out of range and all…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 ›
Why Won't My Dog Look Me in the Eye?
By Mikkel Becker | April 15, 2013Q. My rescue dog is uncomfortable with eye contact. Why does eye contact make her act so skittish? How can I teach her that eye contact is an OK thing? In many human cultures, eye contact is…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 ›
