Common Behavior Issues

A Senior's Guide to Selecting & Owning a Dog
All of us have the opportunity to enjoy the unconditional love a companion dog offers. This is especially true for senior citizens, as they typically have the time available to nurture and develop a strong emotion human-canine ... [view full item]

Avoiding Incidents with Stray Dogs
Stray dogs—dogs that have been abandoned and are homeless or dogs that are running loose without an owner—are a growing problem nationwide. By some reports, more than 500,000 dogs are lost or abandoned every month across the ... [view full item]

Black Dog Syndrome
At Bark Busters Home Dog Training, we have trained hundreds of thousands of dogs from around the block and around the world! We have taught dogs that are black, white and red – and every color in between! ... [view full item]

Bringing Home a Shelter or Rescue Dog
Each year the Humane Society of the United States (The HSUS) celebrates National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week during the first full week of November, as a way to honor animal shelters and the dedicated people who work ... [view full item]

Calm Your Dog's Thunderstorm Fear & Anxiety
While thunderstorms can instill fear in dogs, they can be trained to manage their reactions and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes. Thunderstorms are a common fear in dogs, causing many to panic ... [view full item]

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Your Dog
While humans may like to celebrate Valentine’s Day with chocolate, flowers and dinner at a fine restaurant, your dog would likely prefer a day of doggy fun, not people fun. So what would your canine pal value ... [view full item]

Choosing a Dog: The Right Age, Breed and Temperament for Your Family
In support of November's National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Bark Busters wants to help you choose the right dog for your family. A dog’s breed and temperament, combined with your lifestyle and personality, all play ... [view full item]

Choosing a Puppy
How to Make Sure the Puppy You Bring Home is the Right One for YOUR Family A dog’s age, breed and temperament, combined with your lifestyle and personality, all play an important role in determining what ... [view full item]

Communicating Leadership to Your Dog
According to research from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, many pets brought to shelters are surrendered because of behavior problems that their owners believe to be permanent. Approximately 70 percent of these animals end up being ... [view full item]

Cosmetic Surgery For Dogs
Just when I thought I had heard of everything as a Bark Busters Home Dog Trainer, I just read an article in The Baltimore Insider about cosmetic surgery for dogs. Before you totally discredit the idea as I ... [view full item]

Crate Training
Why crate-train your dog? A crate is your dog’s place of safety and comfort. Like a den in the wild, dogs prefer to settle into a dark, quiet, warm space. He is safe from kids, strangers, other ... [view full item]

Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard
Creating a dog-friendly backyard brings many benefits such as the dog’s safety, prevention of boredom and attendant misbehaviors, exercise, and enjoyment of nature. Remember, though, that while letting your dog have a free romp in your ... [view full item]

Destructive Behaviors (Chewing, Digging)
Boredom can lead your dog to misbehave or engage in destructive behaviors like chewing and digging; the following are some suggestions for keeping your canine friends entertained!        Buster® Cube (available from your local Bark Busters ... [view full item]

Does Your Dog Have Allergies?
Achoo! This is a sound heard around our household as Spring and Summer sets in and everything begins to bloom. Think about how miserable you are – your eyes running, your nose dripping and a general feeling of ... [view full item]

Does Your Dog Have Behavioral Issues?
At Bark Busters Home Dog Training, we are not just dog trainers – we are dog behavioral therapists. What exactly is a dog behavioral therapist? Essentially we work with you and your dog on behavior modification techniques.It ... [view full item]

Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?
Does your dog bark or howl incessantly when you leave? Does he engage in destructive behaviors?  Just like babies who cry when they leave their mother’s arms, some dogs do not like being left alone. They get stressed ... [view full item]

Dog Aggression
Does your dog exhibit aggressive behavior? If so, it is highly likely your dog feels vulnerable or under threat in those particular situations, and he will use his instinctive communication system to make his feelings known. These ... [view full item]

Dog Aggression Behavior Patterns
Dogs aren’t born aggressive—but when aggression occurs, especially toward humans, the problem must be dealt with firmly. For both safety and liability reasons, aggression is among the most serious issues dog training professionals are asked to address. ... [view full item]

Dog Etiquette Tips
Making sure our canine companions mind their manners at home and in public is our responsibility as pet parents. By observing these guidelines, you and your dog will avoid unsafe and unsavory situations. The following tips ... [view full item]

Dog Park Safety
Dog parks can be a great way to socialize your dog, but can also be unsafe if proper measures aren’t taken. The following tips will help you keep your dog safe and happy at the park. ... [view full item]

Dog Safety Tips for Parents & Children
We’ve all seen them: those carefree dog food commercials that feature adorable, furry puppies jumping on the laps of children, licking their faces and, for the most part, being on their best behavior. Unable to resist the ... [view full item]

Dog Walking for Weight Loss & Exercise
Turn on any TV or radio, and it won’t be long before a pitch for the latest fad diet, exercise gadget, or weight loss book surges through the speakers. But missing from the over-hyped offers is the ... [view full item]

Exercise with Your Dog
Just like people, dogs need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them in tip-top shape, both physically and mentally. And since dogs crave human companionship, then who better to choose as your exercise partner than your pooch? ... [view full item]

Fire Safety for Dog Owners
Your pets are treasured family members and need protection as much as your own family in the event of fire. Sadly, some 500,000 pets are affected by fires each year, and over 40,000 of them die. Most ... [view full item]

Helping Your Dog Recover From An Injury
Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, illness or surgery, it is important to look after his needs, ensure he has the time to recuperate fully, and follow the veterinarian’s instructions. Sometimes this is harder on ... [view full item]

Helping Your Dog Recover From Injury, Illness or Surgery
Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, illness or surgery, it is important to look after his needs, ensure he has time and space to recuperate, and follow the directions given to you by your veterinarian. ... [view full item]

Housebreaking
Housebreaking or "potty training" for your puppy or dog should start as soon as he is home with you. You must be prepared to be patient and observant! There are six times a day a puppy ... [view full item]

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
How often should you bathe your dog? Should your dog be groomed once a week, once a month?  The answer to this question depends on the breed, the environment, your dog’s level of activity and any skin issues. ... [view full item]

How to Prevent Dog Bites
Nationwide statistics underscore the need to raise awareness around the dangerous problem of dog bites, and to educate the public about what can be done to prevent them. According to the American Veterinary Association and Centers for ... [view full item]

How to Show Affection to Your Dog
Humans use touch to communicate greetings, connection and affection via a handshake, hug or kiss. Dogs use gestures to communicate affection, too—they nuzzle, nudge, rub up against and even groom each other. Using human gestures on our ... [view full item]

How Your Dog's Behavior is Linked to Nutrition
Just as we humans need good nutrition to function at our best, your canine companion also requires a balanced diet for optimal health and wellbeing. With proper nourishment, your dog can grow and develop to his full ... [view full item]

Indoor Games for Your Dog
All dogs need exercise, even when there is inclement weather or you just don’t feel like going outside. Try playing some of these indoor games with your dog to keep him healthy and happy. In addition, playing ... [view full item]

Introducing a New Dog to Your Household
Bringing a new dog into the family is an exciting time for the human “pack” members, but can create stress for the non-human pack—whether dog (both new dog and resident dog), cat, bird, or other small pet. ... [view full item]

Managing a Multi-Dog Household
If you currently have one dog and are considering getting another, think carefully first. While the joy of dog ownership grows with each new “family” member you add, the challenges of managing the household can also increase. ... [view full item]

Mental vs. Physical Stimulation for Your Dog
Does this description sound familiar to you: “My dog, Ranger, just won’t settle down. He seems to have an endless supply of energy, even after running around all day.” This is a common description shared by many ... [view full item]

Moving Tips: Helping Your Dog Ease Into Your New Home
Moving into a new home can be both an exciting and stressful time for humans and pets. While we are able to understand why we have changed our dwelling, your furry companion may have a harder time ... [view full item]

Natural Disaster & Preparedness & Safety for Pets
If you live in an area prone to weather-related catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or floods, remember to include your pets in your emergency safety plans. Below are general guidelines to help you prepare for a ... [view full item]

Natural Dog Behaviors
Let’s face it. Some of the things dogs do drive us crazy! And yet, digging, chewing and jumping all come naturally to dogs. Even so, while some bad behaviors are natural, they do not have to be ... [view full item]

Not Respecting Boundaries
Boundary control is teaching your dog that he is not allowed in certain rooms or, for example, on the carpet, unless you have invited him. To reinforce the idea of boundaries for your dog, he ... [view full item]

Nuisance Barking
While many people consider barking to be a normal behavior, excessive barking is a behavioral problem and is often a sign that your dog is stressed—not to mention that it can cause great stress for YOU in ... [view full item]

Outdoor Games for Your Dog
Your dog loves fresh air and sunshine as much as you do—not to mention all the new and interesting sights and smells the outdoors brings! Try some of these outside games and activities to keep your dog ... [view full item]

Playing Fetch With Your Dog? Be Careful!
Ah the joys of Spring and Summer, when you can be outside with your dog enjoying the fresh air! You’re hiking along a trail and your dog picks up a stick. Your instinct is to throw it. Although ... [view full item]

Poisons in Your Home & Yard
Since dogs, especially young dogs, are naturally curious creatures, it is important that we know and remain vigilant about potential poisons that our inquisitive pooches may find and ingest. Numerous toxic items can be found both ... [view full item]

Pool Safety for Dogs
Keeping your dog cool during the summer months is extremely important. It can prevent heat stroke, dehydration or even death. Dogs not only need to drink plenty of water to keep cool—many of them like to swim ... [view full item]

Prepare Your Dog for a Visit to the Veterinarian
Visiting your veterinarian is essential to keeping your dog healthy and happy, and it is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. However, a routine checkup can sometimes be distressing to our canine companions. ... [view full item]

Prepare Your Dog for Holiday Visitors & Stress
The holidays are a busy time for many households. Friends and family come and go, deliveries are made to the door, delicious smells emanate from the kitchen, and a general happy hubbub means that something special is ... [view full item]

Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby
If you are expecting a baby and you have a dog, you will want to prepare your dog for the day you bring home your child. Dogs can feel shunned and become confused and stressed when parents ... [view full item]

Pulling on the Leash
Does your dog take YOU for a walk, dragging you at the end of the leash? You are not alone, and the solution is easier than you might think. Equipment: For proper leash training, ... [view full item]

Read Your Dog's Body Language
Just like us humans, dogs use a body language all their own to communicate with one another. They use that language to communicate with us, too; it’s just that most of us aren’t tuned in to it. ... [view full item]

Removing Your Dog's Tear Stains
Does your dog have reddish tear stains around his eyes? Unfortunately discharge from a dog’s eyes and tear stains can be common problems among certain breeds. What causes these stains and what can you do about them? ... [view full item]

Separation Anxiety
If your dog howls, whines, barks or is destructive when you leave him, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. Dog separation anxiety simply means the fear of being left alone. Your dog may be stressed and ... [view full item]

Should You Buy Pet Insurance?
Do you get sticker shock when you go to the Doctor? Not only do you pay for the visit, but if you have to have blood work or any additional tests, it costs extra. The same can happen ... [view full item]

Speak Your Dog's Language for Better Communication
To communicate with one another, dogs use body language and guttural sounds, such as barks and growls. When they first meet, dogs use their body language to assess each other. Signs of assertiveness and confidence are a ... [view full item]

Spring Care & Safety Tips for Your Dog
Have a great spring with your furry friend by following these health, safety and training tips! Heartworm infection The American Heartworm Society recommends that all dogs be tested annually for heartworm infection. Transmitted by mosquitoes, ... [view full item]

Summer Care & Safety Tips for Your Dog
Summer may be your favorite time of year, but with it comes the heat, humidity and summer storms—all of which can be very hard on your dog.  When planning your summer, it is important to remember your ... [view full item]

Taking Care Of Your Dogs Eyes
When was the last time you checked your dog’s eyes for tearing, cloudiness or inflammation? These can all be signs of a more serious health problem. It’s not that hard to check them. In a well-lit area, ... [view full item]

Tame Halloween Fright
Keep dogs safe during Halloween—the most dangerous holiday for dogs—with tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company. Halloween brings a fun time for most of us. Lots of great costumes with little monsters and ... [view full item]

Technology and Your Dog
There is no doubt that we humans are into technology … if we forget our cell phones, we feel naked. And where would we be without our computers, iPads and laptops? In fact, I read an interesting statistic ... [view full item]

Tips for Dog Owners in Apartments or Condos
We all know what joy having a canine companion can bring, no matter where we call home. However, for those who live in multi-unit dwellings, a misbehaved dog whose barking and bad manners disturbs others can easily ... [view full item]

Tips for Grooming Your Dog
Whether you opt to take your dog to a professional groomer, use a self-service dog wash, or handle all of your dog’s grooming at home, regular grooming will keep your dog healthy and happy. In addition ... [view full item]

Tips for Responsible Dog Ownership
Dogs need order and leadership from their “pack leader,” which means that good canine manners start with you! Here are some basic tips for responsible dog ownership that will help you have a long and healthy relationship ... [view full item]

Tips for Taking Your Dog to Work
Many workplaces now permit their dog-owning employees to make every day “take your dog to work day.” If you are one of these lucky people, strive from the outset to promote acceptance and harmony between your dog ... [view full item]

Tips to Prepare Your Puppy for Handling
During your puppy’s life, there will be many times when it is necessary for you or someone outside your family to handle him physically in ways that may seem strange to him. At home, during quiet times, ... [view full item]

Top 10 Tips EVERY Dog Owner Should Know
A dog is a dog. The greatest misconception many dog owners have is to assume their dogs communicate the way people do. Dogs instinctively follow the same rules and exhibit many of the same behavioral patterns ... [view full item]

Training Dogs the Aussie Way
While pet owners would prefer their dog’s bark be worse than his bite, constant barking can be particularly biting to the ears—and patience. A dog that jumps up on people, is too aggressive, or does not come ... [view full item]

Travel Safely with Your Dog
When traveling to visit family and friends for the holidays, more and more pet owners are taking Fido and Bowser along too. Whether you travel by car, truck, plane or train, help ensure a safe and pleasant ... [view full item]

Understanding & Managing Senior/Older Dogs
In support of November's National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, Bark Busters wants to share tips on Understanding and Managing Your Older Dog. Our dogs give us so much throughout their lives, including love, companionship, loyalty and protection. As ... [view full item]

Understanding & Training Dogs with Separation Anxiety
At times it may seem like you own two different dogs when you really only have one. Is the following a familiar scenario for you? When you are at home, your dog is very well behaved. ... [view full item]

Using Crates & Barriers with Your Dog
A dog’s most basic need for safety is shelter, or a den. While your dog may feel that your whole house is his den, it can sometimes be too large of a space for him to feel ... [view full item]

Want To Know Your Dog’s DNA?
Many times dog owners rescue dogs from animal shelters or rescue organizations, and they have no idea what breed the dog is. You may think your dog is part lab, part golden retriever, but you don’t really know. ... [view full item]

What is Your Dog Learning Today?
Compared to our hectic schedules, our dogs have very little to do or think about every day. Often, our dogs are simply observing the activity around them. They watch us, study us, and learn from us. Our ... [view full item]

What is Your Leadership Style?
Every mammal has a social structure—especially those that live in groups. Packs are the social structure that dogs understand, and every pack requires a leader who can accommodate the pack’s complex decision-making requirements, such as food, entertainment, ... [view full item]

What to Expect During Your Puppy's First Year
Understanding a puppy’s stages of development during the first 12 months can help you create a stronger, richer relationship with your new companion. This article addresses what to expect during the first year and provides tips for ... [view full item]

What Your Body Language Tells Your Dog
Dogs have a specific way of interacting, which includes an instinctual manner of communication. Learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language he understands is the first step in establishing your leadership. By leveraging ... [view full item]

Why Adopt a Rescue Dog
We often hear from pet owners that they are in the midst of getting a new dog. One of the main reasons Bark Busters came into existence, was our mission to rescue dogs from animal shelters. Too often ... [view full item]

Why People Don't Train Their Dogs (& Why They Should)
Many of us consider our dogs to be members of our family. In many ways, they are. We form a special bond with dogs that few other animals share. Some dog owners go so far as to ... [view full item]

Winter Care & Safety Tips for Your Dog
There’s much talk during the summer months about the importance of protecting your dog from the blazing sun and how to keep it from suffering the ill effects of heat stroke, dehydration or worse. However, it is ... [view full item]

Working From Home With Your Dog
With the rise of telecommuting and self-employment, many dog owners are able to work from home and don’t have to routinely leave their furry friends for the day. Some dogs ease into this scenario and are able ... [view full item]

Working Out With Your Dog
Fortunately, dogs don’t have to worry about getting into a bathing suit or the flab around their arm muscles or “muffin tops.” However, it is good for both you and your dog to stay in shape and at ... [view full item]