Dog Decoder

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An Open Letter to Veterinarians

Recently, Krista Magnifico, DVM and practice owner of Jarrettesville Veterinary Center in Maryland, posted a video on Facebook of herself speaking her outrage about the high cost of emergency hospital visits, calling out the need for transparency in standards of care and for more options to be given to pet parents. A second video in…
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Leash Reactivity: How to Relieve Your Dogs Anxiety

Just walking dogs on leash poses anguish for many people and dogs. It’s no wonder dogs suffer from leash reactivity. It doesn’t need to be this way. We have domesticated dogs and they have adapted very well to us and our environment, however, we do things with dogs that may perhaps not be in their…
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How To Prevent Dog Bites By Knowing The Signs Of Stress

Is your dog stressed at the vet, on walks, when she sees other dogs, when company comes? If so, you can help relieve her stress by learning how to recognize the signs and things that cause stress. Signs of stress in dogs are many and some not so obvious, but I can’t tell you how many…
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Why It’s A Good Idea To Learn How To Speak Dog

Learning how to read dog body language is not as easy as you think. Here’s just what you need to speak dog. Dogs are always communicating. They don’t speak our language, they speak dog. A dog’s first language is body language and energy. They have very elaborate ways of expressing how they’re feeling. They can…
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Dear Faithful Facebook Friends

Dog Decoder has reached 10,000 likes and while that’s really exciting, for me it’s more about your eagerness to learn and share for the sake of the human – dog bond. I am humbled by your support and blown away by your thoughtful comments and willingness to speak your mind, ask questions, share your sorrows,…
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Why I Feel Like Spending More Time With My Dogs Than People These Days.

I went to bed feeling helpless and hopeless and woke up feeling angry. Here’s why I’m feeling this way:  Dogs are continuing to be abused. Our current administration just rescinded a basic human right to the LGBT community. The dog training community continues to be small minded rather than support each other for the sake…
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I Saved A Puppy’s Life And It Changed The Way I View Booster Vaccinations

Are booster vaccinations necessary for our pets? Ask your veterinarian about current protocols on yearly vaccinations? You’ll be glad you did. While I was training a puppy in my local community park in Los Angeles, I saw a puppy that had been seen running and playing there, for about a week. She was super friendly but seemed to…
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Why Having A Safety Checklist For Your Dog Is Important.

Whether you are a new dog guardian, a pet caregiver, trainer or dog lover; there are some very important, often neglected things to consider to keep dogs safe when left alone. Recently, I went for a day trip with a friend of mine in his car. I brought my dog TIMBER with us for the…
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Is It OK To Play Tug – O – War With My Dog?

Dog games are fun and a wonderful way to bond with your dog. There is quite a bit of misinformation with regard to playing tug-o-war with your dogs. Some think doing so will make dogs aggressive. The bottom line is that it is actually safer to play this game because while playing you are teaching a release cue….
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