Blog — Husbandry

Let’s talk desensitization and husbandry. Dogs don’t come to us being comfortable with handling, we can’t verbally tell them what we’re doing and why, so we need to go slow and build trust by listening to their body language and creating positive associations. We’ll be using counter-conditioning, which means pairing something bad with something good, to slowly change your dog’s association with the “bad” thing. The first step is to figure out what is triggering the fear response, for example with nail trimming, does seeing the trimmers make them back away? Or are they okay until you pick up their...

If your dog has recurring ear infections, there is likely a lifestyle or diet change that will help prevent them. Food sensitivities, environmental allergies, wax buildup, and moisture all contribute to chronic ear infections, and can be managed at home. Remember that only a vet can diagnose and treat an infection. If there seems to be pain, your dog is walking in circles, the ear canal is hot and inflamed, get them checked out by a vet. Other factors include autoimmune disorders, and endocrine disorders, which can be aided by diet switch but should have the guidance of your vet....