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  • What is normal and what is not? The answer is: when the behavior is harmless or just annoying, it is probably normal. When the behavior is destructive, disruptive, or places people or other pets at risk, it is not normal. Addressing the problems early, before they become ingrained, is the best hope for avoiding future problems. Dogs will be dogs, but people are still ultimately responsible for them.

  • On your marks, get set, go! Dogs running, jumping, catching balls, making razor sharp turns, and racing to a finish line; that's the canine sport of flyball.

  • Dogs love to run. Dogs love to jump. Dogs love to swim. If your dog likes to do all three, why not investigate the relatively-new canine sport of Dock Diving?

  • Field trials focus on team-hunting and allow humans and their pet dogs to rekindle their hunting instincts in a fun, competitive format.

  • Treats are a great way to bond with your dog but are an additional source of calories that must be considered within the overall diet. Treats should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake and, in greater quantities, can create a nutritional imbalance. Consider choosing lower calorie treats for your dog to avoid exceeding the 10% rule.

  • Walking is great exercise for both you and your dog. This article outlines some tips, requirements, and best practices to ensure you both have a safe, enjoyable walk. Make sure your veterinarian clears your dog for any new physical activity.

  • Dogs, especially puppies, are extremely playful and investigative. While play with people and other dogs is an important part of socialization and social development, exploration and object play are important ways for dogs to learn about their environment.

  • Digging behavior in dogs can have many motivations. Some breeds, such as the Northern breeds (Huskies, Malamutes) dig cooling holes and lie in them. On a very hot summer day any dog may dig a hole to cool off.

  • This handout discusses the causes and potential treatments for excess gas (flatus or flatulence) in dogs. Factors such as diet, speed of eating, exercise and foods to avoid are highlighted.

  • The relationship between people and their dogs is an unconditional bond where dogs understand more about us than previously thought. They know how to read our feelings and respond appropriately to either help us or celebrate with us. A combination of visual, auditory, and even scent cues help them put together a full picture of our current emotional state.