Author: Dr. Shruti Bhattacharya

As I watched my 76-year-old neighbor Martha light up while petting Delta during our evening walk last week, I was reminded why I started this blog in the first place. “I miss having a dog around,” she confided, “but I worry I can’t handle one at my age.” Her concern is one I’ve heard countless times from my readers, and it’s exactly why I’ve created this comprehensive guide to the best dog breeds for elderly companions. Having shared my life with three very different dogs – energetic Delta, easy-going Zeus, and the mischievous Alpha – I understand firsthand that matching…

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…

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…

Dogs are highly expressive animals, using a rich repertoire of dog posture, gestures, and vocalizations to convey their internal states and intentions. As a dog owner or enthusiast, understanding the nuances of dog body language is crucial for building stronger connections and anticipating your canine companion’s needs. Dog posture At the core of this nonverbal communication are a dog’s dog postures – the positions and alignments of their body, head, ears, and tail. Each dog posture carries profound meaning, allowing dogs to wordlessly express emotions ranging from joy and confidence to fear and aggression. In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into 25 of the most…

Last week, my neighbor’s six-year-old daughter asked me why her dog Tucker always rolls over when she approaches him. Like many pet parents, she assumed he wanted a belly rub. Being a dog behaviorist, I knew Tucker was unfortunately showing appeasement puppy behavior. In fact, this was his way of saying “I come in peace” when he felt overwhelmed. Ultimately, understanding the dog body language could have made this interaction much more enjoyable for the dog. This common misunderstanding of dog body language happens more often than you might think. Dr. Sarah Chen, a certified animal behaviorist, reports that nearly…