Every dog owner expects their dog to bark, especially when they see a delivery man at the front door or a stranger entering their house. However, there are countless other dog behaviors you might see daily, and you likely wonder what they mean. From high-pitched howls to walking in circles before lying down, we’ve compiled a list of the most common dog behaviors to educate owners about what they mean – and provide peace of mind that they’re completely normal.

It’s no surprise that households across the U.S. have been under increased stress since the start of the pandemic, with families working and learning from home, quarantines keeping people secluded, and anxiety about exposure to the virus. However, what might come as a surprise is the impact of the pandemic on our dogs, who are exhibiting uncharacteristic behaviors in response to their altered world.

Did you know that the first week of October is National Walk Your Dog Week? Going for a walk with your canine companion is beneficial every day of the year, but this week is a great time to think about how you can make walks with your dog safer and more enjoyable for you both. Proper walking techniques minimize stress, and they make it much easier to get out and enjoy a stroll with your pup. In honor of Walk Your Dog Week, keep reading to discover a few tips for waking your canine companion.

September 19-25, 2021, is Deaf Pet Awareness Week when owners of these special pets celebrate the lives of their faithful companions and the unique relationship they have. While deafness is considered a disability, it’s often overlooked since the pet isn’t struggling with mobility. However, deaf pets need to adapt to a different way of life, just as a dog with an amputated limb or a cat with a missing eye. Proper training and a devoted owner means a deaf dog can still live their best life.

Many new dog owners are surprised to learn that their puppy doesn’t instinctively know how to walk politely on a leash. They understand the reality quickly during the first few walks, when their new little fur friend is bolting until they run out of leash or tugging the entire way. Mastering the leash is something that requires training, and it’s surprisingly easy if you know what to do.

According to the Washington Post, there were 26,000 more pet adoptions in the first nine months of the Coronavirus pandemic than the year before, January 6, 2021. Puppies purchased from breeders were also dramatically increased. Rover.com polled 1000 owners and 68% of Generation Z owners, and 42% of millennials plan to hire dog walkers or reserve spots in doggy daycare for their transition back to the workplace.

Myths follow us through life, from the idea that lightning won’t strike twice in the same place to the infamous penny thrown off the Empire State Building being lethal for an unsuspecting pedestrian below. Our dogs are no exception, being the subject of many myths themselves. As veterinarians, we want to correct as many misconceptions as possible so owners can steer clear of falsehoods and let their dogs live their best lives. Following are some of the most common we hear, and the truth behind them.

It’s a hard concept to digest, but it’s been proven time and time again that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement over punishment – so get ready for extra praise, plenty of ear scratches, and a stockpile of treats if your dog needs training or has some behavioral corrections to make. We know that training a dog and, in particular, a puppy can be challenging and even frustrating but, as veterinarians, we also know that yelling and berating versus positive reinforcement is not going to work.