Articles by Ali Smith
Do Dogs Need Firm Training? What to Keep and What to Drop
“Firm” is one of those dog-training words that sounds sensible until you ask what someone actually means by it. Sometimes people use it to mean being clear, consistent and not letting a dog rehearse behaviours that make life harder. Fine. I’ve got no issue with that. But just as often, “firm” is a red-flag word.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Golden Shepherd? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Why Is My Puppy Crying? When to Comfort Them vs Wait Oct 24, 2026 Puppy crying isn’t one thing. Here’s how to tell toileting, overtiredness, frustration, crate discomfort and genuine distress apart — and when to comfort versus wait. When Should You Spay or Neuter a Sheprador?
Why Is My Puppy Crying? When to Comfort Them vs Wait
A crying puppy is trying to tell you something. The useful question is not “How do I make the noise stop?” but “What does this puppy need right now?” Sometimes the answer is simple: they need the toilet, they’re overtired, they’re hungry, they’re uncomfortable, or they’re struggling with a brand-new environment. Sometimes they’re frustrated because they want access to you. And sometimes they are genuinely distressed by being alone.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Sheprador? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Shepradors combine two large, highly studied parent breeds: the German Shepherd Dog and Labrador Retriever. Hart and colleagues did not study Shepradors as a separate group, so this article uses component-breed data. That means the German Shepherd and Labrador datasets stay separate. There is no legitimate Sheprador sample size and no direct Sheprador-specific recommendation from this research. If you want the general background first, start with my main spay/neuter guide. What is neutering?
Best Muzzles for Small Dogs: Tiny Dog, Same Responsibility
Photo by Jairo Alzate on Unsplash Photo by Jairo Alzate on Unsplash “But my dog is tiny. Do they really need a muzzle?” If your dog needs a muzzle, their size does not make that need disappear. A small dog may be physically capable of doing less damage than a much larger dog, but that is not really the point. A bite is still a bite. It can still have consequences for you and your dog, and — just as importantly — biting tells us that the dog is struggling with something. Small dogs deserve to be safe.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Shih-poo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Shih-poos are another small doodle cross where the parent-breed evidence is generally less alarming than it is for large dogs, but that does not mean the timing decision is irrelevant. There is no Hart study specifically on Shih-poos, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for a Shih-poo neutering age. The best available evidence is component-breed data from Shih Tzus and Poodles. What is neutering? Neutering usually means surgical castration of a male dog by removing the testicles.
Best Dog Brushes for Shedding, Detangling & Everyday Grooming (2026)
Buying a dog brush should be simple. Then you start looking and suddenly you’re choosing between slickers, pin brushes, rubber curries, undercoat rakes, de-shedding blades and half a dozen tools that all promise to remove an alarming amount of hair. The problem is that there really isn’t one best dog brush. There’s the best brush for your dog’s coat, the best tool for the job you’re trying to do, and the best option your dog can actually be comfortable being groomed with.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Pomapoo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Best Muzzles for Vet Visits & Grooming: Safety Without Making Fear Worse Oct 18, 2026 A muzzle can protect vets, groomers and your dog, but it should never be an excuse to force handling. Here’s how to prepare your dog safely for vet visits and grooming. When Should You Spay or Neuter a Schnoodle?
Best Muzzles for Vet Visits & Grooming: Safety Without Making Fear Worse
Photo by Jonatan Bustos on Unsplash My dogs go to the vet muzzled. That does not mean I expect them to bite. It means veterinary professionals work with animals who may be frightened, painful, restrained or overwhelmed, and bites are an occupational reality. A properly trained muzzle is a simple extra layer of safety.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Schnoodle? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Schnoodles are a cross where the answer changes quite a bit depending on whether the Poodle parent is Toy, Miniature or Standard. There is no Hart study specifically on Schnoodles, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for this cross. The most useful evidence is component-breed data from Miniature Schnauzers and Poodles, plus mixed-breed weight data where adult size makes that relevant. What is neutering? Neutering usually means surgical castration of a male dog by removing the testicles.
Best Muzzles for Reactive Dogs: What to Choose & Why
Photo by Sára Sedlmajerová on Unsplash If your dog is reactive, a muzzle can be one of the most responsible pieces of safety equipment you use. But it is important to be clear about what the muzzle is actually doing. The muzzle is not there so your dog can cope with more pressure. It is there to make your existing training and management plan safer. You cannot simply put a muzzle on a reactive dog and decide the job is done.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Maltipoo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Maltipoos are a smaller doodle cross, and the parent-breed evidence is generally less concerning than it is for the large doodles. There is no Hart study specifically on Maltipoos, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for a Maltipoo neutering age. The best available evidence is component-breed data from Maltese and Poodles. What is neutering? Neutering usually means surgical castration of a male dog by removing the testicles. It prevents breeding and removes the main source of testosterone.
Best Muzzles for Bite-Risk Dogs: What Actually Matters
If your dog bites, the first question is not “what muzzle should I buy?” It is: why does your dog bite, and are you accidentally causing or contributing to it? That may sound blunt, but it matters. A muzzle can give you more room for human error and more reaction time when something goes wrong. It cannot fix forced handling, ignored boundaries, poor timing or an owner who does not understand what their dog is trying to communicate.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Yorkipoo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Yorkipoos are small dogs, but small does not automatically mean neutering age is irrelevant. There is no Hart study specifically on Yorkipoos, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for a Yorkipoo neutering age. The best available evidence is component-breed data from Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles. What is neutering? Neutering usually means surgical castration of a male dog by removing the testicles. It prevents breeding and removes the main source of testosterone. What is spaying?
Best Muzzles for Flat-Faced Dogs: Frenchies, Pugs & Bulldogs
Most dog muzzles do not fit flat-faced dogs properly. That is the most important thing to understand if you are trying to find a muzzle for a French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier or another brachycephalic dog. A conventional basket muzzle is designed around a dog having a reasonably substantial snout for the basket to sit on. Very flat-faced dogs simply do not have much nose to work with. That does not mean brachycephalic dogs cannot wear muzzles.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Newfiepoo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Newfiepoos are large, slow-maturing dogs, so a blanket six-month spay or neuter recommendation deserves a closer look. There is no Hart study specifically on Newfiepoos. That means this article uses component-breed data: the published UC Davis findings for Newfoundlands and Poodles, with mixed-breed weight data used only as supporting context. Important: this is not direct Newfiepoo evidence.
Best Muzzles for Dogs Who Eat Everything on Walks
If your dog eats everything they find on walks, a muzzle can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep them safe. And I am completely comfortable with a scavenging muzzle being a long-term management solution. Scavenging is hard to train, and your dog’s safety does not need to depend on them making the right decision every single time. But before you buy a muzzle, there is one question that matters more than almost anything else: what is your dog actually eating?
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Shepadoodle? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Shepadoodles are one of the doodle crosses where I would be particularly reluctant to default to an early spay or neuter date. There is no Hart study specifically on Shepadoodles, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for a Shepadoodle neutering age. The most useful evidence is component-breed data from German Shepherd Dogs and Poodles, alongside mixed-breed weight data for larger dogs. What is neutering? Neutering usually means surgical castration of a male dog by removing the testicles.
Puppy Daycare Age for New Owners: 12–16 Weeks and How to Start Safely
Most well-run daycares accept puppies around 12 to 16 weeks, but that number is really just a starting point. Readiness depends on where your puppy stands with vaccines, how a specific facility screens for temperament, and whether your dog can actually cope with a room full of strangers. Before you book anything, check both the vaccine schedule and your pup’s health and personality with your vet and the daycare itself.
How To Muzzle Train A Dog Positively: A Step-By-Step Guide
Muzzle training is something I think every dog should be comfortable with. A muzzle can be useful for a dog who bites, scavenges, needs extra safety for handling or veterinary care, or simply benefits from an additional layer of protection in case something goes wrong. Using one responsibly is good management, not a failure. But the goal is not to force your dog to tolerate something strapped to their face.
4 Step Road Trip Prep for Puppies: Build Calm With Short Rides
How to Train Two Puppies at Once Without Losing Your Mind Oct 7, 2026 Training two puppies at once is possible, but most foundation work should happen individually. Here’s how to make two-puppy training practical without encouraging dependency. Not a Safe Choice for Most Puppies: Shock Collar Risks and Safer Steps Oct 6, 2026 Studies and veterinary groups warn against shock collars for most puppies.
How to Train Two Puppies at Once Without Losing Your Mind
Training two puppies at once sounds efficient. You have two puppies, one bag of treats and one training session. Surely you can just teach both of them at the same time? Sometimes, yes. But if you’re raising two puppies together — particularly littermates or puppies of a similar age — I want you to think of them as two individual training projects who happen to share a home. I’m a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, and I’ve also raised littermates myself.
Not a Safe Choice for Most Puppies: Shock Collar Risks and Safer Steps
Everything You Need to Know About Cockapoo Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide Oct 6, 2026 Cockapoo puppies can be brilliant dogs, but they’re far less predictable than the teddy-bear marketing suggests. Here’s what to know about temperament, coats, grooming, health testing, training and choosing a breeder. 3–10 Minute Introductions for New Puppy Owners to Other Dogs, AVSAB/AAHA Backed Oct 5, 2026 AVSAB and AAHA aligned steps to safely introduce your puppy to other dogs before full vaccination.
Everything You Need to Know About Cockapoo Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide
Cockapoos are enormously popular, and I understand why. Cocker Spaniels and Poodles can both be fantastic dogs, and a puppy combining the two can be clever, funny, active, affectionate and extremely engaging. But here’s the bit I’d want you to understand before buying one: a Cockapoo is not a predictable halfway point between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. There is no single Cockapoo breed standard controlling size, coat, temperament or working traits.
3–10 Minute Introductions for New Puppy Owners to Other Dogs, AVSAB/AAHA Backed
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Pomsky? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests Oct 5, 2026 Pomskies combine Pomeranian and Siberian Husky ancestry, which makes them an interesting neutering-timing case because the parent breeds sit at very different ends of the size spectrum.Hart and colleagues did not study Pomskies as a separate group, so this article...
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Pomsky? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Pomskies combine Pomeranian and Siberian Husky ancestry, which makes them an interesting neutering-timing case because the parent breeds sit at very different ends of the size spectrum. Hart and colleagues did not study Pomskies as a separate group, so this article uses component-breed data. The Pomeranian and Husky samples stay separate. There is no legitimate Pomsky sample size and no direct Pomsky-specific recommendation. For the general background first, start with my main spay/neuter guide.
Puppy Car Travel for New Owners: Try This 5 Step Acclimation Plan
Yes, puppies can travel safely by car when you secure them properly, take steps to prevent motion sickness, and build in regular breaks. The flip side: car travel isn’t safe if you plan to leave your pup alone in a parked vehicle, even for a quick errand. Our top three priorities for any trip are restraint, comfort, and timing, and if your puppy is very young, unwell, or showing real panic in the car, a quick call to your vet beats guessing.
How Old Can a Puppy Be to Get a Bath?
People love giving puppy care an exact number: bathe them at this age, every X weeks, use this product from this date onward. Real life is less tidy. Most puppies do not need a regular bath schedule. For a lot of dogs, drying them off, brushing out dirt once it has dried, and spot-cleaning what actually needs cleaning will do far more than constantly reaching for shampoo. My general advice is simple: bathe your puppy when they actually need a bath.
5 Minute Triage for New Puppy Owners When a Puppy Pees in the Crate
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Goldador? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests Oct 3, 2026 It’s hard enough deciding when to spay or neuter a purebred dog. With a Goldador, you’ve got two well-studied parent breeds pointing in broadly the same direction, but not always for the same reason.Goldadors are a Golden Retriever × Labrador Retriever cross. Hart and...
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Goldador? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
It’s hard enough deciding when to spay or neuter a purebred dog. With a Goldador, you’ve got two well-studied parent breeds pointing in broadly the same direction, but not always for the same reason. Goldadors are a Golden Retriever × Labrador Retriever cross. Hart and colleagues did not study Goldadors as a separate group, so there is no true Goldador sample size and no Goldador-specific recommendation from the UC Davis data.
New Puppy Owners: Reduce Overstimulation with Five Minute Daily Routines
Puppy overstimulation happens when your pup’s nervous system gets more input, noise, movement, excitement, or activity than it can process, and the fastest fix is calm withdrawal: scoop up the leash or gently guide your puppy to a quiet, dim space and let the world stop for a bit. Below, I’ll walk through the signs to watch for, why it happens, what to do in the moment, and how to stop it from becoming a daily event.
Dog Won’t Go Outside After Fireworks? How to Rebuild Confidence
After a frightening fireworks event, some dogs temporarily avoid the yard, street or time of day when it happened. That makes sense. The location has become part of the prediction: outside, darkness or a particular doorway may now mean “that terrifying noise might happen again.” Make the First Trips Tiny Photo by Alex Avila on Unsplash Use the quietest area, keep the trip brief and reward easy success.
Stop Puppy Chewing in the Next Hour with Vet Safe Training
In the world of purebred dogs, kennel club registrations serve as a hallmark of authenticity, confirming a dog’s lineage and adherence to the breed standard. However, it’s important to recognize that registration alone does not guarantee a dog’s health or temperament. Responsible ownership goes beyond paperwork, encompassing ethical breeding practices and a commitment to the well-being of the animals.
TL;DR: Rebarkable is the top online puppy training program for consistent, structured guidance delivered through weekly emails. Matching the training format to an owner’s learning style is essential, with curriculum transparency and scope of topics being key decision factors. A well-structured, schedule-based program helps owners sustain progress, especially during critical socialization windows in the puppy’s first year.
After Fireworks: How Long Does It Take a Dog to Calm Down?
Some dogs recover within minutes after fireworks stop. Others are still noticeably stressed the next morning. There is no single normal recovery time because the intensity of the event, the dog’s history and how long they were frightened all matter. Recovery Is Individual A dog who heard a few distant bangs may settle quickly. A dog who spent hours hiding, panting or trying to escape has had a very different experience.
Dog Escaped During Fireworks: What to Do First
If your dog bolts during fireworks, organize the search quickly and do not turn it into a crowd chase. A frightened dog may run from familiar people, travel farther than expected and behave very differently from normal. The calmer and more coordinated the search is, the better. What to Do First Photo by Audri Van Gores on Unsplash Alert local shelters and animal control. Flag the microchip as lost. Post one clear recent photo and the last confirmed location. Tell helpers not to chase.
Fireworks Medication for Dogs: When to Talk to Your Vet
If your dog is panicking during fireworks, medication is not a failure of training. It can be part of humane treatment for significant noise fear. Training and environmental management matter, but some dogs are too frightened to learn or settle without additional medical support.
Can You Comfort a Dog During Fireworks? Yes — Here’s Why
Yes, you can comfort a dog who is frightened by fireworks. Fear is an emotional response. Letting your dog lean against you, sit beside you or receive calm reassurance does not teach them to be afraid. You Cannot Reward Fear Like a Trick Behaviors can be reinforced. Fear itself is not a deliberate behavior your dog performs to earn attention. If your dog is scared and seeks safety from you, providing that safety is not going to make the emotional response stronger simply because you were kind.
How to Calm a Dog During Fireworks: What to Do Tonight
If fireworks are happening tonight, stop thinking about training progress and focus on reducing fear and keeping your dog safe. This is a management night, not a test of whether your dog can “get over it.” If your dog is already panting, pacing, hiding, shaking, barking, refusing food or trying to escape, their nervous system is telling you the situation is too hard. Your job is to make the environment easier. What to Do First Bring your dog indoors before fireworks intensify.
Should You Walk Your Dog on Fireworks Night?
I would move the main walk earlier on fireworks night rather than trying to squeeze it in once bangs have started. A missed evening walk is far less important than avoiding a frightened dog bolting, backing out of equipment or having a panic response far from home. Walk Before Dark if You Can Photo by Andriyko Podilnyk on Unsplash Exercise and toileting are easier before fireworks begin and before your dog is already worried.
How to Set Up a Safe Room for Dogs During Fireworks
A good fireworks safe room should feel familiar, quiet and optional — not like somewhere your dog has suddenly been trapped. You do not need to build a bunker. The goal is to reduce the intensity of the noise and flashes, give your dog somewhere predictable to settle, and make escape much less likely. Choose the Right Room An interior bedroom, bathroom, basement or other familiar room away from large windows is often a good option.
Fireworks Desensitization for Dogs: How to Train Without Flooding
Fireworks desensitization only works when the dog is comfortable enough to learn. If your dog is already panicking, freezing, trying to escape or refusing food, the session is too difficult. The goal is not to make your dog endure fireworks recordings until they stop reacting. It is to introduce the sound at an intensity they can cope with and build a safer emotional response over time.
Why Velcro Dogs Need Independence
Some dogs follow their people everywhere. You get up from the sofa, they get up too. You walk into the kitchen and they’re already behind you. For a companion dog, that can be completely normal. The problem comes when following you is the only thing they ever practise. A puppy that spends nearly every waking minute beside somebody can find the first real absence much harder than expected.
Chilly Dog Sweater Review: Warm, Adorable Coonhound Pajamas
In the world of purebred dogs, kennel club registrations serve as a hallmark of authenticity, confirming a dog’s lineage and adherence to the breed standard. However, it’s important to recognize that registration alone does not guarantee a dog’s health or temperament. Responsible ownership goes beyond paperwork, encompassing ethical breeding practices and a commitment to the well-being of the animals.
Wilderdog Fleece Jacket Review: Fine, But Overhyped
I have a slightly awkward relationship with the Wilderdog Fleece Jacket: there is nothing particularly wrong with it. It fits Shelby fine. It moves fine. It has held up fine. It is easy to put on, and unlike some fluffy dog coats, it washes really well. I also almost never reach for it. Ours has ended up being less of an adventure jacket and more of a pair of pajamas for Shelby. If she starts shivering indoors because she is apparently a very sensitive soul, the Wilderdog fleece is perfectly useful.
The Ruffwear Stumptown Dog Coat – An Honest Review
Quick verdict: I’ve tested the Ruffwear Stumptown on both Lucy and Shelby, and my biggest problem with it is surprisingly simple: I don’t really know what I’m supposed to use it for. It isn’t a terrible coat. It looks good, it’s easy enough to use, and it can offer some protection in a light shower. If you handed me a Stumptown and a Climate Changer and told me I could only keep one, I’d probably keep the Stumptown because it’s a little more versatile. But when I have all of our dog coats available?
The Ruffwear Powder Hound – An Honest Review
Quick verdict: I like the Ruffwear Powder Hound. I’ve used it on both Lucy and Shelby, and it genuinely helped in cold and snowy weather. It’s easy to put on, it looks great, and I particularly like the stretchy neoprene-style lower section that keeps the coat snug without making the dogs look or move like they’re wrapped in a duvet. But I don’t think it’s the best value in Ruffwear’s winter coat range. My biggest frustration is simple: it doesn’t cover the butt.
Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket Review: What Is This Coat Actually For?
I have tried the Kurgo Loft Dog Jacket on all three of my dogs: Indie, Lucy and Shelby. And this is one of the very few dog coats I own where I genuinely struggle to tell you who I would recommend it for. It is not because it twists around. It does not. It is not difficult to put on. It isn’t. I have no particular reason to think the materials are badly made, either. My problem is much more fundamental: I don’t think it does enough of the job I want a dog coat to do.
The Ruffwear Climate Changer Dog Coat – An Honest Review
Quick verdict: The Ruffwear Climate Changer is decent. I’m not disappointed with it at all, and I’d buy it again. It’s particularly useful in that awkward bit of weather where a sweater isn’t quite enough, but a proper winter coat feels like overkill. Lucy has worn ours most, and the thing I like best is the fit. It sits close to the body, stays out of the way and snags much less than looser dog coats. It gives her useful warmth and some protection in unpleasant weather without feeling bulky.
GF Pet Puffer Review: Warm, Cute, But Is It Durable?
I like the GF Pet puffer more than I expected to. It is genuinely warm, it looks good, it is easy to put on, and both of my coonhounds have worn it comfortably in the snow. But after actually living with one, I think there is a fairly specific dog I would buy it for. This is a lovely winter coat for neighborhood walks, city dogs and relatively civilized adventures. It would not be my first choice for a dog who spends winter crashing through woodland, brush and undergrowth.
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