What is a good home for a dog or a cat? I believe my pets have a good home. Ace, Beamer and Scout get daily attention from me. They all eat grain-free, natural food. They go to the vet when they are sick. They are neutered. I never leave them home for more than eight …
Lindsay Stordahl
Foster dog Cosmo and I have a lot in common. We don’t like crowds or loud noises. We’d prefer to stay home most of the time. We’re not into meeting new people. We’re shy. We both show zero appreciation for people’s kids. But like me, Cosmo is learning to tolerate kids. He doesn’t have to …
The right dog training tool for my dog may not be the right tool for your dog. This post looks at Gentle Leaders vs. pinch collars.
Stop a dog from nipping for treats My foster dog Cosmo is nuts about food. He will take a flying leap into his kennel for one piece of kibble, for example. When I get out the treats, Cosmo’s eyes bug out and he pants frantically. It’s extremely annoying. Although it’s nice to have a treat-motivated …
My foster dog Cosmo is teaching me to rely mostly on positive reinforcement training, to be patient and relaxed and to be creative in finding ways to boost his confidence. He reminds me to simplify everything I ask of him. Instead of expecting Cosmo to remain in a 20-minute stay, yield to me in doorways …
I would rather not deal with the stress of buying all the ingredients, mixing the food and storing it. I would rather buy a few bags of pre-prepared raw dog food patties and call it good. I will probably make some raw meals for my dog in the future, but for now I’m more comfortable sticking with a dog food company like Stella & Chewy’s.
I doubt I will buy a puppy from a breeder unless the dog will be used for some specific kind of work. I am interested in buying a protection dog, for example, and it will not come from a shelter. People will criticize this decision. But I have made the choice never to judge anyone by …
Sitting in my office over a cup of coffee is not quite how people picture the life of a “dog runner.” But this is how I create balance. Part of my day is spent romping and braving whatever North Dakota throws my way. The winters can bring us -45 degree windchills. The next day it …
Sometimes I foster dogs and cats that are up for adoption with rescue groups. To foster an animal means to provide it with a loving home until it gets adopted. I usually post my foster animals on Craigslist one time each as a way to get more attention to them. Do you think it’s a good …
I have become very picky about which dogs I will foster. I have no interest in a high-energy foster dog. I do not have the patience for kennel training. I do not have the right set-up for working through dog separation anxiety. I don’t have the energy for a puppy. I won’t take anything that’s aggressive …