Posts in Category: Training & Behavior

There’s a reason training a pet is such a big deal. For starters, training helps them behave in ways that make it easier to live together. When pets understand what is expected of them in human society, they are safer and happier and can enjoy more experiences overall.

When it comes to house training your pet, it’s essential to realize that it is a process full of roadblocks. But with the right approach, you can help your pet become a happy member of your family.

Training is an essential part of dog ownership, but no one said it was easy. One of the most necessary tasks a dog can undertake is learning where to do their business. As a dog owner, you may wonder if your puppy or adult dog will ever master this basic skill. 

Most dogs can be house trained with the right technique, patience, consistency, and repetition. The team at Arlington Animal Hospital  is here with some effective tips to help you do just that. Let’s begin!

Life as we once knew it may never be the same. But, as many cities begin to reopen or have already, returning to work, school, and other daily obligations seems like a major change. After all, having to set the alarm, anticipate commute times, get the kids ready for the day, and other normal routine activities can be an adjustment!

Now, imagine what our pets might be feeling through this change. They’ve had our 24/7 attention for several weeks, and suddenly we are gone much of the day. 

At Arlington Animal Hospital, we have seen many new cases of separation anxiety in pets after the re-opening. This is why we’re here to help pets adjust after COVID-19 social distancing.

Puppies may be among the cutest things on the face of the planet. Sometimes, it seems like that cuteness may be a bit of a survival mechanism, though. As adorable as they are, puppies can come with certain habits and qualities that are less than endearing.

Potty accidents on your new rug, chewing up shoes, whimpering for attention while you try to sleep; these are all trying, but common, experiences for new dog owners. Most difficult puppy behavior is temporary. Just as a human baby must learn about their world and grow comfortable in it, so must our puppy population.

Some puppy behavior is cause for concern, though. Arlington Animal Hospital wants to be sure that dog owners know what is normal for puppies and which puppy behavior needs to be addressed right away.

Every dog owner thinks they know what their dog needs and wants, and most of the time, you’re probably right! Humans and dogs have been evolving together for over 14,000 years, so it’s no surprise that we’ve become pretty skilled at reading each other’s emotions.

However, even if you’re fairly certain that you and your dog have excellent communication, there may still be a thing or two you can learn about these familiar, yet mysterious creatures. Dog body language is more nuanced than many people realize, and understanding it is the key to leading a harmonious life with your dog.

It seems like the internet is simply full of funny cat videos, doesn’t it? Even people that aren’t self-proclaimed cat lovers admit to enjoying feline antics once in awhile, and why wouldn’t they? They’re funny, adorable, amazing, and unpredictable. While it may be fun to sit back and marvel at various cat behaviors, it’s important to be able to recognize the difference between the amusing ones and the potential warning signs.

So Weird!

Expounding on the full extent of funny or odd cat behaviors could take awhile. There are just so many! You might see some familiar ones on the list below, or your cat might be a trendsetter with their very own idiosyncrasies. Either way, cats are clear contenders in the animal antics department. Continue…

There’s nothing quite like a confident, well-behaved, and happy dog. Their enthusiastic tail-wagging can bring a smile to every dog lover. But dogs do not just innately know how to behave, how to play well with others, and how to be a good canine citizen in a very big world. All dogs need training and socialization to set them off on the right paw.

Training is more than just a few basic commands (although these are essential); it is your pet’s form of lifelong education, instilling the confidence and understanding needed to have a healthy life. Learn more about why we at Arlington Animal Hospital encourage all dog owners to put importance on training and socialization – the keys to your pet’s lifetime well-being!

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Ew! You just stepped outside and stepped in a pile of dog poop! Scenes like these may make the mantra, “Scoop the poop!” a well-deserved one, but more importantly, cleaning up after your dog helps prevent the spread of parasites and disease.

That’s right. There are several risks to the health and wellbeing of your pet, as well as other pets and people, when animal waste is allowed to accumulate in public places.

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