Dogs play for a variety of reasons. Not only does it help them learn motor skills, but it also teaches our dogs about social structure. Dog play styles vary from dog to dog and breed to breed. And while many dog to dog interactions are positive, it’s important to recognize what normal dog play looks … Read more
Most of us at one time or another have seen our dogs make a quick exit from a room or taken a wide birth around an object. Most often, it’s because of a smell in the environment that our dogs find unpleasant. So what smells do dogs hate? We’ve uncovered the top nine scents that … Read more
Teaching your dog commands not only makes life with your dog more enjoyable, but it can help keep your dog safe too. While all training is an excellent way to bond with your dog, we’ve chosen the following dog commands to a) keep your dog away from danger and b) ensure that they become a … Read more
Giving our dogs the freedom to play with other dogs and have a good off-leash run tempts many of us to take our dogs to a dog park. In fact, dog parks have become so popular that they have become the fastest-growing segment of city parks in the USA. But are dog parks the ideal environment for … Read more
We love brain games for dogs at Practical Paw, so we thought we’d share our favorites. Not only do brain games keep your dog’s mind active, but they also tire them out much more effectively than physical exercise. What’s more, brain games are suitable for all ages of dog. Whether you’ve just taken on a … Read more
Teaching a puppy not to bite is one of the more challenging aspects of getting a dog. Nipping and biting is a natural behavior for dogs. While it may seem funny when your dog is young, it’s vital to stop puppy biting as it’s not something that should be encouraged into adulthood. Although their needle-sharp … Read more
Crate training a puppy is a controversial subject. Some people think that crate training is nothing short of dog imprisonment. In contrast, other people insist that a crate offers a cozy and safe den-like retreat for a dog to enjoy. The debate for the pros and cons of using a crate rages on, in part … Read more
Does your dog love to lay in the sun? Do they seek out a sunny spot and sleep the afternoon away? It seems that, like us, our dogs enjoy the feeling of the sun warm on their backs. But do we need to worry about a dog sunbathing, or can we just let them enjoy … Read more
Whether you’ve got a feisty Fido or calm canine, you’ve probably, at some point, been aware of your dog’s hackles. For many owners, raising the fur along a dog’s back and shoulders is cause for alarm as most people associate it with aggression. But raised hackles are a much more sophisticated form of communication than … Read more
It can be frustrating, can’t it? You spend a fortune on high-quality dog food and buy the latest doggy treats. Yet your dog prefers to get his teeth stuck into the mud, tree roots, and bark. Although we may view dirt as something unpleasant, our dogs do not agree. As adults, mud is usually something … Read more