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Helen Nicholls For The Insider

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Pet corner

Taking poochie to the dog park

A dog park is a great place to let your dog mingle, play and have some safe off-leash time, especially if it doesn't have a yard to play in. There are many great things about Concord's dog park, but there are a few things owners should keep in mind when visiting. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip! Make… 0

June 29, 2010
Pet corner

Tips for socializing your puppy this summer

Socialization is one of the most critical aspects in raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. It shouldn't end with meeting a couple of neighborhood dogs and family friends. Your new puppy should meet hundreds of new people and dogs, step on every kind of surface and be exposed to hundreds of stimuli before reaching 16… 0

May 25, 2010
Pet corner

Puppy or adult from a rescue?

I get asked whether it is better to rescue a puppy or an adult dog several times a month. There is no easy answer, but there are a few things to remember. Before you decide on a puppy or adult, assess your rescue and decide if they have a behavior evaluation policy that is to your liking. Some shelters and rescues… 0

April 20, 2010
Pet corner

Tips for off-leash walks

Spring is here, and off-leash walks are coming up fast! Now is the time to work with your dog on a reliable recall. Remember that it takes time, consistency and patience to have a dog that will come back reliably, but it can happen! You'll need some fantastic treats (cheese, hotdogs, boiled chicken), a favorite toy,… 0

March 23, 2010
Pet corner

Keep kids and dogs happy

Kids and dogs living happily together is one of the sweetest sights to see, but there are a few things to remember when letting your child interact with the family dog - or any dog - safely. First, supervision is vital. Dogs have a tolerance level just like we do, and kids don't always recognize when they are pushing… 0

February 16, 2010
Pet corner

Neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom of night . . .

The hardest time of year for dogs has to be winter. It's cold, it's icy, and we humans can't stand the thought of going for a 2-mile walk with our dog when the wind chill is so cold your eyes sting. Dogs end up sitting indoors, desperate for some way to release pent up energy. We usually find that they do it by chewing,… 0

January 19, 2010
Pet corner

Any puppies under the tree?

The holiday season is here - it's the time of year that makes us want to run out and buy something for someone we love. It can be hard sometimes to resist splurging on them, or maybe even making a big decision too quickly. Over the years, I have seen many people get themselves or their loved ones a puppy or dog for… 0

December 15, 2009
Pet corner

Dog training benefits

Life is getting harder for dogs. They are being forced out of public places, locked away and even euthanized because of one thing: us. If we all changed a few aspects of our lives with our dogs, life might get a little easier for them. Training, owner-education, management and responsibility are the key to having a… 0

November 17, 2009