In some dogs, training approaches repeatedly fail to yield emotional and behavioral changes. It is well-known that neuroendocrine responses can become dysregulated due to past stress. They may not function properly for the individual, rendering the animal incapable of coping and responding appropriately in certain environments or around stressors. This can lead to excessive fear or even aggression. Learn what this looks like and how integrative approaches can help this.

By: Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc Does your dog play jokes on you, laugh, or have a sense of humor?   Mine undoubtedly do. ...

Cultural attitudes toward animal welfare affect veterinarian and owner perceptions of their dogs' pain levels with spay and neuter. There are no federal or state law covering sterilization or pet welfare in these procedures. Messaging has focused heavily on the idea of spay and neuter solving unwanted behavior issues. Yet, shelters overflow with surplus pets, and the top reason cited by owners is "behavior issues". How do other countries compare? How can these issues be

If it had not been for a car harness and being restrained, our dog would have most likely died in the car accident...but he did not suffer a scratch.

"I am a good dog owner and a confident person so why does my dog have behavior problems?"

Step-by-step tips to introduce your overly excited or fearful dog to visitors at the home.

Stress and Reward-seeking Behaviors     By:  Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc       A major frustration for some owners is their...

Explore the causes of serious newborn/child-directed dog attacks, early warning signs, and how to prevent these from occurring.

Whenever problem behaviors arise, people often seek a “trainer", but behavior outcomes can worsen significantly with the wrong professional.

What does your dog perceive as being so extremely valuable that nothing else compares? 

The vet clinic lobby is a pet patient's first encounter when they enter the vet clinic. Is it calming? Stressful? Or is it terrifying?

Anyone teaching something new has experienced this. You may want to encourage them, but you are afraid of rewarding unwanted behavior.

"He won't do anything I ask unless I have a treat!". If this sounds familiar, then read on....

Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc "Leadership" is one of those hot button words in the companion animal world that divides owners...

By: Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA Grief and sudden loss bring about deep and lasting emotions. It forces change upon us whether...

By: Eileen Koval, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, MSc Pulling is not just a human problem, and not just a big dog/small owner problem. No-pull...

Aging is inevitable, but there may be solutions to make aging a little bit easier for our pets.

If you allow your big dog to jump on people then I have some words for you...BAD OWNER.

We can never know what, where or whom a dog may associate with a traumatic experience. How we approach and handle trauma makes or breaks it.

What makes a dog a "dog" and why does this matter to dog owners? My recent visit to Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Alberta, Canada....