Category: Positive Dog Training
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Puppy Care Guide: Week by Week
Week-by-week notes on routine puppy care, development, health checks, and behavior milestones to support safe growth and learning. Weeks 0–2: Birth & Neonatal Care Newborn puppies typically need an ambient temperature of about 85–90°F (29–32°C) during the first week and around 80°F (27°C) by the second week to maintain normal body heat[1]. Keep bedding dry…
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The Call of the Wild: When Can I Take My Unvaccinated Puppy Outside?
Deciding when to take an unvaccinated puppy outside requires balancing infection risk with opportunities for healthy social development. Owners should consider vaccine timing, local disease pressure, and safe exposure practices. Vaccine schedule and milestone timing Core puppy vaccines are commonly administered in a series at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks of age to…
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Dog Sniffing Each Other. What Does It Mean?
Dogs rely heavily on scent to gather information about their environment and other animals, using specialized anatomy and behavior to sample and interpret chemical cues. Why Dogs Sniff: The Biology of Canine Scent The canine nose is anatomically and neurologically specialized for detecting, separating, and interpreting odor molecules. The nasal cavity contains complex turbinate bones…
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My Dog Is Obsessed with Stones. Help!
Stone-eating in dogs can create immediate hazards and longer-term problems that owners should assess and address. A calm, systematic approach to safety, medical evaluation, and behavior change helps reduce risk. Quick safety check If the dog is actively choking or cannot breathe, seek emergency veterinary care right away; if the airway is clear and you…
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My Dog Lifts the Leg at Home. Marking Behavior
Leg‑lifting marking is a specific urination posture some dogs use to leave scent on vertical surfaces inside a home. The behavior looks different from a full, floor-level void and is usually brief and targeted. What Is Leg-Lifting Marking? Leg‑lifting marking is a communicative urination pattern in which a dog raises a hind limb and deposits…
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My Puppy Is Afraid of Everything – What Should I Do?
Many puppies show worry or avoidance when faced with new people, places, sounds, or handling. Recognizing fear early and responding calmly helps keep the puppy safe and makes behavior change easier. Signs Your Puppy Is Afraid Fear shows in both body language and behavior; noticing consistent signals lets you respond without escalating the stress. Watch…
