The Articles section is meant to provide a quick overview and quick access to some of the articles I have written on this blog, which cover a little bit of everything from health to training to getting the right dog for your family. To further ensure individual articles are easy to find, this section has been split into three categories:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Articles
- DFD K-9′s Dog Book
The first of these addresses some of the common questions people ask about dog-related subjects, such as how clicker training works, why dogs howl when they hear sirens, or how they can stop their puppies from biting or mouthing. If you are looking for information on a common topic, that section is most likely where you can find your answers.
The Articles category covers some of the articles that are often linked from other websites or that people commonly find through Google Searches. This includes my article on Dog Safety, my 101 on Dog Packs and backpacking with your dog, and my Summer Heat safety study. It also includes new articles that were written on request or just because I felt like sharing my thoughts on a subject.
The last category, the Dog Book, is a series of articles I am planning to turn into a book, eventually. In the long run, this will address a lot of the commonly asked questions and information people look for when they first become (or are planning to become) dog owners, such as where to find a dog and how to select the right dog, bringing home a new dog, and getting started with training and caring for their new family member.
For your browsing convenience, all links on this page open in a new window.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Training
- What is clicker training?
- Puppies – biting and mouthing
- Housetraining questions
- General training questions
Food & Feeding
Health
Articles
- Dog Packs 101
This article covers the basics of “dog packing”. It covers how to find a quality pack, what features to look for, and how to properly fit the pack, as well as training a dog to carry the pack and increasing the amount of weight in the pack safely. Links to recommended packs and additional information are included.
- Dog Safety
This article is about teaching dog safety and bite prevention to young children. It includes illustrations that are suitable for printing and using as coloring pages, as well as talking points adults and educators should address with children – how to ask permission of both the owner and the dog, how to properly approach and pet the dog, and when dogs should be left alone.
- Going out in Public
This article presents a common-sense guide to bringing your dog with you to dog-friendly stores and restaurants, as well as other public places where dogs are welcomed. It covers behaviors your dogs should know, and what responsible owners should do to ensure that they and their dog leave a good impression.
- Keepin’ Cool – A Guide to Summer Safety
This article talks about some of the ways to keep our four-legged friends comfortable in the summer heat, from common-sense approaches such as bringing cool water with you any time you’re out for an extended time, to immediate measures to take when your dog becomes affected by the heat.Also check out the Summer Heat Study, part I and part II, for more information on how heat affects dogs, even with relatively little exercise, and what you can do to keep your dog more comfortable. Includes reviews of cooling products, too.
- Service Dogs
This article talks about Service Dogs – what makes a Service Dog, what type of dog is considered a Service Dog and which types are not considered Service Dogs, what the law says about where they’re allowed to go and what businesses can ask their handler. A basic introduction for those of us not familiar with the work Service Dogs do, with plenty of links to additional information.
- Definitions – Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Etc.
This article defines the terms Service Dog, Therapy Dog, Emotional Support Dog, Companion Dog, and Working Dog, and explains, in detail, the requirements that must be met for a dog to be considered a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, or Emotional Support Dog. A good introduction for those people who keep mixing up the terms or using them interchangeably.
- Apartment Living
This article talks about keeping dogs, especially Medium and Large breeds, in an apartment or small home while still meeting the dog’s needs for exercise and stimulation. It also points out that simply having a fenced yard does not make a person a “good” owner or that the absence of a fenced yard makes the home a “bad” one.
DFD K-9′s Dog Book
The articles posted in this section will eventually appear in a book form under the simple title, “Dog Book”, and will address a little bit of everything related to getting, caring for, training, loving, and living with your dog.
Chapter 1 – Getting a Dog
- Before you get a Dog
- Choosing the Right Dog
- Puppy or Adult?
- Where to get a Dog
Copyright Information
Please note that all articles found on this site are copyrighted to DFD K-9 and may not be used in whole without the express, written permission of the author. You are free to use excerpts, not to exceed 300 words, on your own page, as long as they are accompanied by attribution (copyright notice) and a link back to the DFD K-9 blog. If you would like to use any of the materials in an educational setting, such as in your school or for your dog rescue organization, please contact me.
