Behavior & Training

An animal’s brain has an intricate network of connections to all parts of the body. Scientists have discovered that part of this network originates from the gut. Bacteria can send signals to the brain, which could have implications for mental health -- including aggression and depression -- and might lead to better treatments in the future.

Some dog parents are reluctant to put their dog in a crate. Typically, this hesitation results from a belief that crates are the equivalent of prisons for dogs. In truth, a crate is a critical component of a dog’s life, not only making her life (and yours) much easier, but allowing your dog to rely on her instincts to claim a comfortable spot to call her own.

Dogs have approximately 300 million receptors in their noses; in contrast, humans only have six million. The section of the dog’s brain that works in tandem with these receptors analyzes the scents dogs encounter.

Although some research shows that dogs may have a rudimentary concept of morality, they generally do not go out of their way to do “bad” things on purpose. Since dogs have relatively limited ways to communicate with their human family, engaging in bad things is typically a sign that they need something from their pet parent.

Mealtime can be a struggle for some families, but it does not have to be. As with any part of dog training, it is important that the pet parent always takes full ownership of the dog’s behavior and the outcome of the training. Your dog can learn positive behaviors but only with your support and patience.

Many people hear the word “alpha” and immediately think of harsh or dominating tactics to get a dog to behave or submit. This is definitely not the goal you want to keep in mind when working with your dog and becoming the alpha in their life.

Dogs have been known to exhibit a certain behavior that causes deep concern and disgust in their parents: eating feces, known as coprophagia. If a dog is so smart, why would he eat something most people find deeply repulsive? And more importantly, how do pet parents stop it?

Exercising a dog means more than just a daily walk, especially for working breeds, but also for dogs who prefer to be couch potatoes. When it comes to exercising dogs, the breed and size will have an impact on their willingness to engage in rigorous activity.

Providing the pets with whom we share our home with a solid training foundation is one of the most important things we can do.  This training can establish the relationship that will define both our own interactions with our pets and their interactions with other humans and fellow pets.

For the parents of picky eaters, Nom Nom has heard your plea! We've taken a clinical and behavioral approach to getting your best friend the right training to end mealtime nightmares.  Through a training program designed by board certified veterinary nutritionist, your picky eaters learn to eat the food given to them, when it's given to them. No huff, no fuss!