Author: Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya

Did you know that by the time dogs are three years old, over 80% of them have teeth problems? Dog dental health is important for their general health and happiness. However, it is often forgotten. Just like with people, not taking care of your dog’s teeth can cause major health problems. One of them is painful tooth abscess in dogs. Taking care of your dog’s teeth and breath is more than just keeping their air fresh. It’s about making sure they’re healthy all around. Tooth abscesses, for example, aren’t just a dental problem. They can be very painful, and make…

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting adventure but often comes with unexpected challenges. Understanding puppy behavior and knowing how to respond appropriately can make the difference between a well-adjusted adult dog and one with ongoing behavioral issues. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate common puppy behaviors and provide effective solutions using positive reinforcement techniques. Normal Puppy Behavior: What to Expect Every puppy goes through developmental stages that can sometimes worry new pet parents. Rest assured that many seemingly problematic behaviors are completely normal parts of puppy development. During the first few months, your puppy is learning about…

Last week, one of my readers, Sarah, messaged me in a panic. “Help! My partner loves our Golden Retriever Max more than anything, and I am looking for some special Valentine’s Day ideas to get them both something special. But I’m tired of the usual heart-shaped dog treats!” I had to laugh because this is exactly why I started getting creative with Valentine’s Day ideas for my own dogs, Delta, Zeus and Alpha. After years of trial and error (and some hilariously failed attempts at baking dog treats), I’ve discovered some genuinely thoughtful Valentine’s day ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day…

Last week, Sarah from Minnesota sent me a photo of her backyard that looked like a miniature golf course – except the holes weren’t part of the design. Her Golden Retriever, Max, had turned her pristine lawn into what she jokingly called “Moon Surface Gardens.” Like many of my readers, Sarah wanted to understand dog digging behavior and how to save her yard without making Max miserable. As a dog behavior blogger who’s spent six years working with countless four-legged excavators, I’ve learned that dog digging isn’t just a random destructive behavior – it’s a fascinating window into our dogs’…

Last week, Sarah, one of my regular readers, sent me a heartbreaking email about her rescue German Shepherd, Max. She’d tried everything she could think of to stop him from destroying her furniture whenever she left for work. “I’ve watched countless YouTube videos about the best dog training techniques,” she wrote, “but nothing seems to work. I’m at my wit’s end.” Sarah’s situation isn’t unique. As someone who’s spent the last decade helping dog guardians navigate the complex world of dog training, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be. That’s why I’m diving deep into what actually works in…

That heart-wrenching whine, the scratched door, and those sad puppy eyes – if you’ve recently brought home a puppy, these might sound familiar. As a dog trainer for over 15 years, I’ve seen countless pet parents struggle with puppy separation anxiety, often feeling guilty and helpless when leaving their new family member alone. Take Sarah, one of my recent readers. Her Golden Retriever puppy, Max, would howl the moment she stepped into the shower. Her neighbors even started leaving notes about the barking while she was at work. “I feel like I’m trapped in my own home,” she told me…

Last summer, my neighbor’s rescue dog, Max, would tremble uncontrollably during thunderstorms. His reaction wasn’t just typical nervousness—it was a clear manifestation of deep-seated stress in dogs that many dog guardians overlook. Stress in dogs is more than just a fleeting emotional state. It’s a complex physiological response that can significantly impact a dog’s mental and physical well-being. Just like humans, dogs experience stress triggered by various environmental, social, and personal factors. What Defines Stress in Dogs? Dog stress is an adaptive reaction to challenging or threatening situations. It’s the body’s natural mechanism to prepare for potential danger, releasing hormones…

Last night, I found my little pup, Alpha (8 months old) sprawled on the living room floor, happily destroying my favorite leather boots. As a dog blogger for over 7 years, you’d think I’d have avoided this classic scenario. But dog chewing happens to the best of us, and if you’re reading this, you’re probably all too familiar with that sinking feeling of discovering your pup’s latest victim. Why Dogs and Puppies Chew? Remember when your teething baby needed a pacifier? Your puppy chewing everything in sight isn’t much different. Last week, one of my readers told me about her…

Initially, last weekend, my friend Sarah walked into her living room. Suddenly, she immediately got ambushed by her 80-pound Labrador, Max. Unexpectedly, as he launched himself at her, muddy paws and all, she realized something had to change. Notably, Max wasn’t being malicious—he was just trying to say hello in the only way he knew how. Knowing how to stop dog jumping is a critical lesson for every dog guardian Fundamentally, dogs jump for one simple reason: connection. Essentially, it’s their way of getting face-to-face with us, seeking attention, and expressing pure joy. Interestingly, when a puppy jumps and gets…

Last evening, my 2 year old Labrador mix Zeus let out a series of short, high-pitched barks while wagging his tail frantically. Having worked with dogs (indoors and outdoors both) for over 15 years, I knew instantly – someone was at the door, and it was probably my husband returning from work. Sure enough, moments later, there was my husband at the door, and Zeus’s excited dog sounds turned into what I can only describe as happy “talking” – a mix of whimpers, grunts, and playful growls that perfectly expressed his joy. Understanding Dog Vocalizations: A Scientific Approach Think of…