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Dogs, Heat, and Stress: Understanding the Link Between Temperature and Behavior
Ghost and a disc When summer rolls in, many pet owners prepare for obvious seasonal concerns, which are generally hot pavement,...

Rachel McMichael
Jun 224 min read


Creating a Confident Canine
Ghost joyfully leaps over a hurdle Six months ago, I welcomed Ghost, a 2½ year old Hungarian Mudi, into my life. He'd been returned to...

Rachel McMichael
Mar 175 min read


Sailing on Choppy Waters: Finding the Right Behavior Professional in the Sea of Trainers
Navigating the world of dog behavior and training really can feel like sailing on choppy waters, especially when you're facing...

Rachel McMichael
Feb 155 min read


When Play Isn't Really Play: Decoding Your Dog's Faux Fun
Lochlan and Ghost tugging a unicorn toy while getting to know each other. Social media is always abuzz with videos of dogs engaging in...

Rachel McMichael
Dec 15, 20244 min read


'Tis the Season to be Naughty? A Cheerful Look at the Adolescent Dog
The holidays are finally upon us! As we are close to wrapping up our year, it is a time for festive cheer, twinkling lights, and… a...

Rachel McMichael
Nov 23, 20245 min read


The Silent Language of Dogs
Fall colors and crisp air brings warmth despite cooler temperatures, inviting both us and our canine companions to embrace the outdoors....

Rachel McMichael
Aug 18, 20243 min read


Summer Fun with your Pup!
Summer is here, and it's absolute the perfect time to soak up the sun and create some lasting memories with your dog. Of course, with the...

Rachel McMichael
Jun 15, 20243 min read


Dog Walking and Dog Park Safety
As the warmth of summer draws near, outdoor adventures with our beloved dogs beckons. From leisurely strolls through the neighborhood to...

Rachel McMichael
May 26, 20245 min read


Potty Training 101: A Guide to Successful Housebreaking
My family adopted a puppy from a rescue last August. He was almost 12 weeks old at the time and the rescue told me he had zero clue on...

Rachel McMichael
Feb 25, 20243 min read


Safety During Holiday Get-Togethers
November has arrived, the leaves are all falling and families are planning their seasonal gatherings. Holiday get-togethers can be a...

Rachel McMichael
Nov 5, 20236 min read


Halloween: Safe Pups in the Spooky Season
Halloween is just a week away and it is a very exciting and festive time of the year, filled with fabulous costumes, decorations, and...

Rachel McMichael
Oct 23, 20234 min read


Combating Counter Surfing
Counter surfing, the act of a dog jumping on countertops and taking items, can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous behavior that...

Rachel McMichael
Oct 15, 20235 min read


Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in canines
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a behavioral disorder that affects not only humans but can also manifest in canines as well. This...

Rachel McMichael
Oct 5, 20233 min read


Ethical Approaches to Dog Training: Promises, Guarantees, and the Fallout of Aversive Methods
As a credentialed, educated, and experienced dog trainer, my primary goal is to foster a positive and healthy relationship between you...

Rachel McMichael
Sep 25, 20234 min read


New Dog? Keys to Successful Dog-Cat Introductions
Introducing a new dog or puppy to a household with a resident cat can be a very delicate process. It requires careful planning, patience,...

Rachel McMichael
Sep 19, 20234 min read


Impacts of Outdated Advice from Dog Rescues
Dog rescues play a vital role in providing shelter and care for homeless, abandoned or mistreated dogs. However, it is important to...

Rachel McMichael
Sep 9, 20234 min read


Choosing the Right Breed of Dog
Recently our Behavior Consultant, Rachel, traveled to an Ohio rescue and adopted an 11-week-old puppy. She is hoping that this pup is a...

Rachel McMichael
Sep 5, 20235 min read


The Importance of Training in Shelters
The Importance of Training in Shelters By Nicana Garmon and Savanna Zerfoss Over 3 million dogs find their way into shelters across the...

Rachel McMichael
Aug 21, 20233 min read


Kids returning to school? How your dog may feel about it.
As Summer draws to a close, the anticipation of kids returning to school can be an overwhelming thing for both parents and children....

Rachel McMichael
Aug 13, 20233 min read


Autumn - the perfect time for training!
Autumn is right around the corner in Western Pennsylvania with its crisp air and vibrant colors. Fall is not only a truly delightful...

Rachel McMichael
Aug 5, 20232 min read
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