Most dogs are people pleasers. And if your dog is normally a friendly fellow, you naturally feel alarmed or worried when your dog is anything other than their usual happy-go-lucky tail-wagging self when they meet someone new, whether it’s a visitor, a new partner or one of the neighbors. Their defensive or fear response can make you wonder: Can dogs sense bad people?

Most dogs love to run and jump and play, so maintaining strong mobility is critical for their quality of life. Unfortunately, joint problems can reduce mobility and contribute to other health issues. Joint issues can affect dogs of any age or breed, and the severity and impact will vary for every individual animal. However, large dogs in particular are more likely to experience joint issues because of the extra weight they carry.

Dogs look sad when they see us leaving the house without them. They may even mope. That’s typical dog behavior. But when your dog is in full-on panic mode in your absence — barking, howling, chewing, and digging at entrances to escape — they’re suffering from separation anxiety. Literally, your absence sends your furry friend into a state of distress. In extreme cases, a dog might destroy a kennel or door to try and escape.In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect during their growth and development, followed by a troubleshooting guide to some of the most problematic kitten behaviors, like biting, clawing, and peeing outside the litter box.

Are you and your dog ready for a change in food, but worried about stomach upset? Switching from a low-cost supermarket brand to a premium brand can happen faster and more easily than you think. While many feeding guides advise pet parents to go slow to avoid gastrointestinal upset, it simply isn’t needed when you choose the right diet. The keys to a shorter adjustment period are brands that focus on restoring gut health.

Hip dysplasia is a serious and painful degenerative bone disease that starts in puppyhood, but can take years for pet parents to detect. As symptoms of hip dysplasia start showing later in life, your dog will mask their pain (as they often do), but you may notice a growing reluctance to move, particularly jumping up onto the bed or getting into the car or using the stairs. You may also notice a new sway in their gait.

Clicker training is a communication tool for dog training. When your dog does the correct action, you sound the clicker to “mark” the moment, followed by a tasty treat for positive reinforcement. Of course, that means the first step is conditioning your dog to recognize the clicker is good and means good things are coming. Trainers and pet parents like the precision of clicker training. You can mark good behavior the second it happens, sending a clear message to your dog.