Every once in a while I hear the opposite of what I usually expect from people who are having issues with heeling. Usually people have forging issues. This is where the dog is pulling you ahead, instead of remaining at your side.

So not all of us were wise enough to decide on a dog breed that does not shed. Most of us choose our dog because of character, temperament and appearance

Last summer as I was spending a few days with my son at Worth Scout Ranch here in Texas (which I quickly nicknamed Molten Lava Scout Ranch), I decided that I have never been anywhere so hot, so humid and so utterly unbearable weather-wise. Thankfully I love scouting, so I made it. But the high temperatures, lack of shade and virtually no wind made it a tough week for this city girl.

Now that school is out, the fun factor for your canine companion can really go up a notch. Kids just need gentle prodding and fun suggestions to interact with the family dog.

When faced with a litter of precious baby puppies, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your family. A decision this important cannot be made quickly or ruled by emotion. Choosing a puppy with a stable personality is a great investment and a wonderful start to this long term relationship. While this cannot be done with absolute certainty, there are a few things to look for that will provide you with information on personality.

Food aggression in dogs can stem from many things. A dog who was jail broken from the shelter who may have had a questionable past as far as food availability could be an example. In a multi-dog household, a more dominate breed could exhibit aggression over the other dogs is another example. Sometimes there is just no obvious explanation.

As you can imagine after competing in dog shows with two labs for 4 years, approximately 40 times in the show ring, my family is a little immune to the sights, sounds and “ambiance” of the dog show.

The stay command is one of the most useful and necessary commands you can teach your dog. Imagine a dog that sits and does not move when you stop to talk to a neighbor.

Digging is one of the most complained about dog behaviors out there. There are many reasons dogs dig, but the most common is that the dog has been left outside to its own devices for too long.

Therapy dogs are pet dogs that have been trained to enter into hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, mental hospitals and schools.