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Separation anxiety is a common problem encountered by dog owners. It can be a very frustrating problem and is one of the most common reasons people give their dogs to shelters or have them euthanized. There are some techniques that can be very helpful in solving the problem of separation anxiety, and can be used to save your relationship with your dog.

Summer is finally here. The weather is beautiful, and you want to take your dog everywhere with you. Dogs love to ride in the car, go to the park, and just hang out outside. It's a great way to bond with your dog and add some excitement to his life, but beware of hidden dangers lurking in the summer fun for your beloved friend.

Many dogs really enjoy going for "car rides." Most dogs cannot contain their excitement upon hearing these words and realizing that they are going for a ride. If your dog is like this, it can be great fun to take your dog all over the place: to the park, on vacation, even tagging along with you on errands! However, there are some safety precautions that you should take when traveling with your dog to ensure everyone's safety.

If you ever wonder if there is more to "dog-life" than lying around the house and going on the occasional walk in the park, this article is for you! If you are experiencing behavior problems with your dog, it may be because he is bored! Dogs love to play and learn. There are numerous fun for the whole family activities that you can engage in with your dog. This article is meant only as an introduction to some of these activities. A good website for more information on many of these activities (and others) is www.dog-play.com.

Independence Day, 4th of July. When most people hear these words they think of the American flag, patriotism, celebrations and fireworks. Dogs, however, do not have such happy associations with this holiday. To a dog, 4th of July can mean intense heat and fear due to the fireworks displays going on all around them. Some dogs are so afraid of fireworks that they may crash through a window in their anxiety. Others are not quite so fearful but may cause destruction to your home. Please see the article "Fear of Fireworks," if you have similar problems with your dog.

Fireworks are an integral part of any 4th of July celebration. To most Americans, watching the fireworks on Independence Day is a lifelong tradition. This celebration evokes the feelings of pride and joy in our country and freedoms that we are all thankful for. However, while you are oohing and aahing over the extravagant display, your dog may be absolutely terrified.

Noise phobia is a fairly common problem for dog owners. Many dogs don't even develop this phobia until they are at least 5 years old! A phobia is defined as a persistent, abnormal, and irrational fear of a specific thing or situation that compels one to avoid it, despite the awareness and reassurance that it is not dangerous. Now, your dog may not be aware that the noise is not dangerous, but his response is certainly inconsistent with the amount of danger the sound poses to him. The most frustrating thing about phobias is that they often get worse over time instead of better!

It's that time again. Your dog's nails have gotten to be excessively long, and they need to be trimmed. For some dog owners, this is a fairly easy and pleasurable experience. For others, this is a burdensome task in which your dog will fight you every step of the way.

Obedience training is an important part of every dog's life. Wouldn't you love to take your dog to the park or have friends come to your home without being embarrassed by Rover's behavior? With a bit of obedience training this will be possible. The basic commands that every dog should know are: sit, stay, come, heel, and down. Teaching these commands to your dog will improve your relationship. Your dog will be well-behaved and everyone will be much happier.

So, you've brought a new puppy into your home!! This is a very exciting time for everyone in your family, including the puppy. One of the first important steps that you can take to successfully integrate your new puppy into your lives is to visit your veterinarian.