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Basic Training Tips

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  • It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and Farewell

    It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and ...

    I was so naive“I’m going to enter her in obedience competitions. I know she’ll do great! She’s fully trained now!”    I laugh when I think back to what my inexperienced...

    It Has Been a Great Ride! Happy New Year… and ...

    I was so naive“I’m going to enter her in obedience competitions. I know she’ll do great! She’s fully trained now!”    I laugh when I think back to what my inexperienced...

  • “Do You Feel Safe?”

    “Do You Feel Safe?”

    “Are You Having Fun?” An unfamiliar approach to trainingI recently worked with new clients and their lovely 6-month-old pup Luna here at my studio in North Yarmouth. They’d taken dog...

    “Do You Feel Safe?”

    “Are You Having Fun?” An unfamiliar approach to trainingI recently worked with new clients and their lovely 6-month-old pup Luna here at my studio in North Yarmouth. They’d taken dog...

  • Changing the Channel

    Changing the Channel

    Sometimes It’s the Best – and Simplest – Option   “If you are scared or feeling down flip the thought and turn it ‘round”* Canine Hopes and DreamsMy dog Skipper said...

    Changing the Channel

    Sometimes It’s the Best – and Simplest – Option   “If you are scared or feeling down flip the thought and turn it ‘round”* Canine Hopes and DreamsMy dog Skipper said...

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Furry Words

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  • Furry Words April 2026

    Furry Words April 2026

    Can you hear that? It’s the crocus and spring bulbs poking through the thawing earth!! Or it’s the sound of dogs covered in mud trampling through the house giddy that...

    Furry Words April 2026

    Can you hear that? It’s the crocus and spring bulbs poking through the thawing earth!! Or it’s the sound of dogs covered in mud trampling through the house giddy that...

  • Furry Words March 2026

    Furry Words March 2026

    We’ve made it to March!!! We should throw a party on the first of every month with music and dancing and hammocks for people who want a little more quiet....

    Furry Words March 2026

    We’ve made it to March!!! We should throw a party on the first of every month with music and dancing and hammocks for people who want a little more quiet....

  • Furry Words February 2026

    Furry Words February 2026

    How are you and your pups enjoying the new year? We have five in the house at the moment, and I know that ours are loving the snow but definitely...

    Furry Words February 2026

    How are you and your pups enjoying the new year? We have five in the house at the moment, and I know that ours are loving the snow but definitely...

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Veterinary Specialist

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  • Chemo… oh no?!

    Chemo… oh no?!

    By Brooke Chauncy, DVM, PVESC                 Hearing that your dog or cat has cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. For many pet owners the diagnosis...

    Chemo… oh no?!

    By Brooke Chauncy, DVM, PVESC                 Hearing that your dog or cat has cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. For many pet owners the diagnosis...

  • No Anesthesia, No Problem… or Is It?

    No Anesthesia, No Problem… or Is It?

    By Alex Juriga, DVM, PVESC, pvesc.com                 In dogs and cats, the American Veterinary Dental College recommends an anesthetized dental cleaning, or “COHAT,” be performed...

    No Anesthesia, No Problem… or Is It?

    By Alex Juriga, DVM, PVESC, pvesc.com                 In dogs and cats, the American Veterinary Dental College recommends an anesthetized dental cleaning, or “COHAT,” be performed...

  • Mastcatory Myositis in Dogs

    Mastcatory Myositis in Dogs

    When “Tight-Lipped” Is Not a Good Thing! By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Masticatory myositis is a disorder of the immune system in...

    Mastcatory Myositis in Dogs

    When “Tight-Lipped” Is Not a Good Thing! By Dr. Gail Mason, DVM, MA, DACVIM Chief Medical Officer, Portland Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care Masticatory myositis is a disorder of the immune system in...

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Veterinary Behaviorist

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  • Understanding Compulsive Behaviors

    Understanding Compulsive Behaviors

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Does your dog chase its tail for ten minutes straight or lick the same spot on its paw until the skin...

    Understanding Compulsive Behaviors

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Does your dog chase its tail for ten minutes straight or lick the same spot on its paw until the skin...

  • Giving Your Dog a Say in Veterinary Care

    Giving Your Dog a Say in Veterinary Care

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Most people take their dogs to the veterinary clinic because they want them to stay healthy. Your dog, however, may see the...

    Giving Your Dog a Say in Veterinary Care

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBBoard-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, www.caldervbs.com Most people take their dogs to the veterinary clinic because they want them to stay healthy. Your dog, however, may see the...

  • A Puppy’s First Six Months Shape Lifetime Behavior

    A Puppy’s First Six Months Shape Lifetime Behavior

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Why Does My Dog Behave This Way?You may ask why your dog seems nervous around strangers or why your friendly puppy...

    A Puppy’s First Six Months Shape Lifetime Behavior

    By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVBCalder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com Why Does My Dog Behave This Way?You may ask why your dog seems nervous around strangers or why your friendly puppy...

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Training Your Performance Dog

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  • TRACKING –The Importance of Starting Out Correctly

    TRACKING –The Importance of Starting Out Correctly

    One of the greatest games you can play with your dog is teaching the dog to use its sense of smell to find a great reward. Dogs like to use...

    TRACKING –The Importance of Starting Out Correctly

    One of the greatest games you can play with your dog is teaching the dog to use its sense of smell to find a great reward. Dogs like to use...

  • Agility For All

    Agility For All

    Agility, if introduced and taught correctly, can be a wonderful experience for almost any dog. Agility can help build confidence by exposing dogs to different surfaces, textures, and shapes dictated...

    Agility For All

    Agility, if introduced and taught correctly, can be a wonderful experience for almost any dog. Agility can help build confidence by exposing dogs to different surfaces, textures, and shapes dictated...

  • Thoughtful Training: When You Do It Right, It Works

    Thoughtful Training: When You Do It Right, It W...

    Your job as a trainer/teacher of your dog is to design a learning situation that will encourage success. No one likes failure, your dog included, so do not “teach” your...

    Thoughtful Training: When You Do It Right, It W...

    Your job as a trainer/teacher of your dog is to design a learning situation that will encourage success. No one likes failure, your dog included, so do not “teach” your...

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Words, Woofs & Meows

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  • BOOK REVIEW

    BOOK REVIEW

    Beyond Belly Rubs: The Compassionate Pet Guardian by Niki Tudge and Louise Stapleton-FrappellHow to Truly Connect with Kindness & Love – Your Guide to A Lifelong Bond If you include a cat,...

    BOOK REVIEW

    Beyond Belly Rubs: The Compassionate Pet Guardian by Niki Tudge and Louise Stapleton-FrappellHow to Truly Connect with Kindness & Love – Your Guide to A Lifelong Bond If you include a cat,...

  • Please, Be Polite to Your Dog

    Please, Be Polite to Your Dog

    In my November column, I indicated that Jean Donaldson’s book, The Culture Clash, played a major role in refuting the dominance myth.  However, her most astute observation is in the...

    Please, Be Polite to Your Dog

    In my November column, I indicated that Jean Donaldson’s book, The Culture Clash, played a major role in refuting the dominance myth.  However, her most astute observation is in the...

  • Muppy & Don–Our Journey with Cancer An Update

    Muppy & Don–Our Journey with Cancer An Update

    Muppy was diagnosed with bladder cancer on June 20th. As I write this on January 8th, I am very pleased to tell you that Muppy is still with us, and...

    Muppy & Don–Our Journey with Cancer An Update

    Muppy was diagnosed with bladder cancer on June 20th. As I write this on January 8th, I am very pleased to tell you that Muppy is still with us, and...

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Rescue of the Month

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  • Catahoula Rescue of New England

    Catahoula Rescue of New England

    Two Decades of Caring for Houlas and Heelers By Susan Spisak             Twenty years ago, Shannon Nachajko immersed herself in the world of Catahoula Leopard Dogs,...

    Catahoula Rescue of New England

    Two Decades of Caring for Houlas and Heelers By Susan Spisak             Twenty years ago, Shannon Nachajko immersed herself in the world of Catahoula Leopard Dogs,...

  • PAWS

    PAWS

    Their Vision is a Humane World for Every Animal   By Susan Spisak             PAWS mission and core values align with their passion to support a...

    PAWS

    Their Vision is a Humane World for Every Animal   By Susan Spisak             PAWS mission and core values align with their passion to support a...

  • Franklin County Animal Shelter

    Franklin County Animal Shelter

    A Safe Haven for Homeless Animals By Susan Spisak             Since 1974, Franklin County Animal Shelter, FCAS, has provided compassionate care, safe shelter, food, and adoption...

    Franklin County Animal Shelter

    A Safe Haven for Homeless Animals By Susan Spisak             Since 1974, Franklin County Animal Shelter, FCAS, has provided compassionate care, safe shelter, food, and adoption...

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Guest Contributor

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  • Canine Fitness 101: How a Fitness Routine Can Help All Dogs Live Healthy Lives

    Canine Fitness 101: How a Fitness Routine Can ...

    By Rebeccah Aube CCUI, CCMP, CPCFTOwner of Power Up K9, LLC Did you know that doggie gyms exist? Many people are surprised when they first hear that, but canine fitness has...

    Canine Fitness 101: How a Fitness Routine Can ...

    By Rebeccah Aube CCUI, CCMP, CPCFTOwner of Power Up K9, LLC Did you know that doggie gyms exist? Many people are surprised when they first hear that, but canine fitness has...

  • What Services Do Dog Groomers Offer?

    What Services Do Dog Groomers Offer?

    by Elsebeth DeBiase, coastalcreationspetsalon.com When people think of professional pet grooming, they picture a dog having a bath or a cute haircut. Today, grooming is far more specialized. Groomers tailor services...

    What Services Do Dog Groomers Offer?

    by Elsebeth DeBiase, coastalcreationspetsalon.com When people think of professional pet grooming, they picture a dog having a bath or a cute haircut. Today, grooming is far more specialized. Groomers tailor services...

  • Louise Cheese: The Gentle Giant Making a Big Difference

    Louise Cheese: The Gentle Giant Making a Big Di...

    When Jamie Sprague walks into a room with her 6-year-old bullmastiff, Louise Cheese, hearts instantly soften. Whether it’s a hospital corridor, a school library, or a yoga class for children...

    Louise Cheese: The Gentle Giant Making a Big Di...

    When Jamie Sprague walks into a room with her 6-year-old bullmastiff, Louise Cheese, hearts instantly soften. Whether it’s a hospital corridor, a school library, or a yoga class for children...

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Hot Dog News

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  • April 2026 Adoptable Dogs

    April 2026 Adoptable Dogs

    CHUBBS & CHERRY 1 year old, Mixed Breed Chubbs & Cherry are siblings.  They are both male. They are playful and very sweet.  They get along with other dogs.  They...

    April 2026 Adoptable Dogs

    CHUBBS & CHERRY 1 year old, Mixed Breed Chubbs & Cherry are siblings.  They are both male. They are playful and very sweet.  They get along with other dogs.  They...

  • Soul Friends Pet Expo

    Soul Friends Pet Expo

    A heart-forward event dedicated to local rescues, second chances, and meaningful connections held at The Furniture Gallery in Bangor, May 17th, 11-3.    This expo is all about giving our amazing...

    Soul Friends Pet Expo

    A heart-forward event dedicated to local rescues, second chances, and meaningful connections held at The Furniture Gallery in Bangor, May 17th, 11-3.    This expo is all about giving our amazing...

  • Pet Expo – Looking for Rescues & Vendors

    Pet Expo – Looking for Rescues & Vendors

    Soul Friends Pet Expo will be held on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Furniture Gallery in Bangor. The event will feature local animal rescues as...

    Pet Expo – Looking for Rescues & Vendors

    Soul Friends Pet Expo will be held on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Furniture Gallery in Bangor. The event will feature local animal rescues as...

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