Written for AKC by Kathy Santo If you’re considering getting a second dog, there are questions you should answer and steps you should take to prepare for the responsibility that comes with training the new dog and helping your current dog adjust. Questions to Ask Yourself Before you jump into this new commitment, ask yourself these questions: Is your current dog out of puppyhood and completely trained and bonded to you? It’s often more than twice as difficult for one person t

Written for Johns Hopkins Medicine Adopting a pet may seem like a selfless act, but there are plenty of selfish reasons to embrace pet ownership. Research has shown that owning a pet provides an amazing array of health benefits, says Jeremy Barron, M.D., medical director of the Beacham Center for Geriatric Medicine at Johns Hopkins. Not ready for a full-time furry friend in your home? Offer to walk a neighbor’s dog, cat-sit for a friend, or donate time at a local animal shelt

Written by Nicola Davis for The Guardian Dr Lucy Asher, co-author of the research, with her dog Martha. Photograph: Glen Asher-Gordon/PAMoody, unpredictable and with a striking disregard for the rules, teenagers can be hard to handle. Now it turns out the same is true for adolescent dogs. Researchers say they have found that pooches become less responsive to instructions from their carer during adolescence. And the parallels go further. “Generally teenagers that have a less s

Written for AKC by Sassafras Lowrey, CTDI Dogs thrive on consistency and benefit from knowing what to expect. Routines can support every aspect of your relationship with your dog, from house training to grooming to preventing some behavioral challenges and boosting canine confidence. Puppy Routines Getting your puppy onto a regular routine for sleeping, eating, bonding, and potty training is key. Routines can help puppies adjust to their new homes and families. Give them oppo

Written by Claire Epting for Bustle.com Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could speak our dogs’ language? Luckily, we have the next best thing— these genius tricks dog owners can use to better communicate with their canine companions. You’ll find several helpful training aids and ideas, which come recommended by trusted professionals. Whether it’s enriching your pup’s day with a mentally stimulating puzzle toy, or discouraging pulling on walks with a padded harness, each of these