Is an Axolotl Right for You? What New Owners Often Overlook

Giving Animals an Exit Strategy from Deep Water Is Simple

City of Amsterdam's famous canals are now safer for animals. How safe is your pool or pond?

3 Adorable Christmas Sweaters for Small Dogs

As the holidays roll around, it’s not just humans getting into the festive spirit. Our furry friends deserve to look just as merry, and stay warm doing it. Whether you’re taking family photos, visiting friends, or enjoying a walk in the cold, a Christmas sweater for your dog can make the season extra special. Here are three charming options.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Impulse Control Is the Secret to a Happier and More Confident Dog

Impulse control is often the differentiating factor between a stressful outing and a seamless, enjoyable one. While the term is frequently used by dog trainers, it’s a concept many dog parents are unfamiliar with. So, let’s talk about it!Understanding this concept is about much more than just demanding your dog “stay” on command. It is about helping them to develop the ability to pause, think, and choose a calm response over a reactive one. Whether it’s waiting at an open door, ignoring a dropped piece of food, or remaining settled as a cyclist flies by. Impulse control is a skill that directly impacts your dog’s safety and their ability to navigate the world with confidence. This isn’t about suppressing their personality, but about giving them the tools to manage their big emotions in a variety of environments. In this article, I’m going to share the foundational steps needed for your dog to start learning self-regulation and impulse control today!Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.What Exactly is Impulse Control?At its core, impulse control is the ability to resist temptation in favor of a better outcome later. While humans might practice this by skipping a sugary snack to reach a fitness goal or pass on going out with friends to study for a big test to achieve a desired grade, for a dog, it is the mental effort required to not chase a squirrel, not jump on a guest, or not bolt through an open door.In the dog world, impulse control is about learning how to let their rational mind keep their first instincts in check. Understanding that this is a sophisticated cognitive process, rather than just a matter of being a “good dog” or not, helps us approach training with more understanding, empathy, and patience.It is helpful to view self-regulation as a muscle. Just like a physical muscle, it can be strengthened through consistent practice and exercise. However, as with working a muscle, your dog can also become tired and worn out.When working on improving your dog’s impulse control, we need to be mindful of both timing and intensity to set realistic expectations. If your dog has spent an hour resisting the urge to sniff every item at the hardware store during your visit, their “impulse control tank” might be empty by the time you get home. You wouldn’t expect a beginner to lift a heavy weight on day one. Similarly, we cannot expect a dog to resist a high-value distraction without first practicing on smaller ones.The Difference Between Obedience and Self-RegulationMany dog parents confuse a dog who follows a command with a dog who has good impulse control. While obedience is certainly important and should be part of the puzzle when raising a happy, healthy dog, the underlying motivations of the two are distinctly different.Obedience: This is a “bottom-up” response where the dog waits for a specific cue from you, like “stay,” before acting. The responsibility for the behavior lies with the handler.Self-Regulation: This is a default behavior where the dog assesses the situation and chooses the calm option without being told. For example, a dog with strong impulse control sees their food bowl being lowered and automatically sits and waits because they have learned that’s the right way to respond without having to be told each meal.Why Impulse Control is So Important for Your Dog’s Quality of LifeDeveloping these skills is about much more than just good manners; it is necessary for your dog’s safety and emotional well-being. When a dog learns to control their impulses, their world actually becomes much larger.Safety and Risk MitigationThe most obvious benefit is your dog’s safety. A dog that lacks the impulse control to wait at the threshold of your door is at a higher risk of dashing into a busy street. By teaching your dog that pausing at the door should be the default behavior, you create a built-in safety buffer for higher-risk situations, like getting out of a crate, exiting a vehicle, or crossing a street.Reducing Environmental StressDogs that react impulsively to every trigger they encounter, like a passing cyclist, a barking dog, or a dropped leash, live in a constant state of high arousal. Constantly being on edge is hard on their nervous system. Teaching impulse control helps lower their baseline stress levels, allowing them to process their environment more calmly rather than feeling the need to react to every change around them.Expanding Their Social WorldThe reality of our modern society is that well-behaved dogs get invited to more places, and for good reason. A dog who can settle under a table at a café or walk calmly through a crowded market is a dog that gets to spend more time out and about with their family, because they can do so while respecting everyone else around them. By prioritizing these skills, you are allowing them to participate in a wider variety of experiences and adventures by your side.The Warning Signs of Low Impulse ControlBefore we start talking about improving your dog’s self-regulation, let's start at the beginning. We must be able to recognize when they are struggling. Low impulse control often manifests as over-arousal, in which the dog’s physical reactions move faster than their ability to think. By identifying these signs early, you can intervene before a behavior becomes a deeply ingrained habit. Common warning signs of low impulse control include:The Frustrated Greeter: This is a dog who may be friendly but expresses their excitement about meeting others by whining, barking, or lunging on the leash. They lack the control to remain calm when they cannot immediately get to what they want.Mouthiness and Nipping: When a dog becomes excited, perhaps during play or when you reach for their leash, they may revert to the puppy-like approach of using their mouth on your hands or clothing. This is a sign that their excitement and arousal in that moment are outweighing their impulse control.The Threshold Bolt: If your dog pushes past your legs the moment a door cracks open, or leaps from the car before you’ve given a release cue, they are operating on pure impulse rather than waiting for direction.Inability to Settle: Some dogs struggle to find an “off-switch” even after their physical exercise needs have been met. They may pace, demand attention, or react to every small sound in the house because they haven’t learned how to choose stillness. The Role of Body LanguageUnderstanding the physical cues of a dog nearing their limit is one of the most important skills you will develop as a dog parent. A dog with low impulse control often shows signs of tension, both physical and mental. You may notice a stiff posture, dilated pupils, or a tail that is wagging quickly, but in a very tense, narrow way. These are all signals that your dog is reaching their limit of what they can handle, and their ability to make a calm choice is diminishing.

Why Your Dog Follows You Everywhere (And When It’s a Problem)

Some dogs follow their people around like they’re glued to them. Most of the time, this is normal canine behavior, but it can sometimes mean your dog is anxious, insecure, or not feeling well. Here’s what you need to know.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Introduce a Cleanse to Your Dog's Health Regimen

Maryland County Scraps Pit Bull Ban

Latest county to join a rising number of cities and states now putting responsibility back on the owner.

The Reason Your Dog Training Isn't Working (Hint: It's Not Your Dog)

You've watched the YouTube videos. You've read the books. You're using the same commands as the professional trainers. So why does your dog still look at you like you're speaking a foreign language?

Do Pets Feel the Winter Blues Too? What Every Pet Parent Should Know

As winter rolls in, many people notice changes in their own mood and energy levels. Shorter days, colder weather, and less time outdoors can take a toll. But what about our pets? While animals don’t experience depression in the same way humans do, they can be affected by seasonal changes that influence their behavior, activity, and overall wellbeing.Understanding how winter can impact your pet is the first step toward keeping them happy and healthy through the colder months.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization to Treat Screwworm in Dogs

On October 24, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement regarding the use of Credelio for screwworm in dogs. By issuing an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for this medication, they are making a treatment available in the United States for dogs who are diagnosed with New World screwworm (NWS).  

Dog Park Dedicated to Disabled Pooches Is First of Its Kind

Offering a safe space for differently abled pooches to romp and play, this seven-acre spread in the UK is nirvana for dogs and their humans.

5 Amazon Gadgets To Make Owning Pets Easier

Owning a pet is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can sometimes get a little messy and hectic. Luckily, technology’s got our backs. From keeping your furry friend hydrated and fed to making sure your home stays clean and secure, Amazon has a ton of gadgets designed to make pet ownership that bit easier.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

It's Winter! Let's Keep Your Backseat Companion Safe and Warm.

(photo credit: Anna Averianova / shutterstock.com)It’s winter, and for anyone living in the northern states or Canada, driving conditions can quickly turn hazardous with minimal warning. White-outs, black ice, freezing rain… all create the perfect setting for accidents. And frigid temperatures can cause the most well-maintained vehicles to stall or not start when you need them most.Whether you’re dealing with an accident or a breakdown, waiting for help can easily leave you sitting in a disabled car for hours. And when you’re travelling with a fur-kid or two, that immediately introduces another element of concern because the temperature inside your car is going to drop – rapidly – until it matches that of the outside. In short, within 15 minutes or so, your car will get very cold. Within one hour, it will be frigid with you and your pet sitting inside what can best be described as a refrigerator. Your goal as a pet parent is to keep both you and your furry travellers as warm as possible until help arrives. And here's how you do it!Tips to Keeping that Furry Backseat Passenger Warm

3 Adorable Facts About Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are some of the sweetest companions you can bring into your home. Their gentle personalities and cute little habits make them incredibly endearing. Whether you already adore them or you are just curious about what makes these small creatures so charming, here are three adorable facts that show why guinea pigs have won so many hearts.

What Does Your Cat's Raised Cat Tail Mean?

We see it all the time, but are we picking up the message?

5 Ingredients That Are Great For Your Dog

When it comes to choosing the best food for your dog, the ingredient list can feel overwhelming. With so many formulas on the market, it’s helpful to understand which ingredients truly support your dog’s health and happiness. While every dog has unique needs, the following five ingredients offer great nutritional benefits for most of our canine friends. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Anti-Aging Vaccine for Dogs Still Requires a Healthy Lifestyle

(photo credit: Deathshow/shutterstock.com)How do we keep our dogs fit and healthy over the long haul? We include top-quality food in their diet and keep snacks and treats down to no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake to keep weight in check and prevent obesity and joint issues. Then there’s regular exercise for muscle health and mental stimulation. And of course, regular vet checks and appropriate vaccines to protect them from viruses and disease. But for those of us with four-legged family members, we already know that time marches on and aging can often claim our dog’s mobility, sensory skills, and comfort far earlier than we could ever want.That was, until veterinary science decided it was time to look for a time machine. Actually, an anti-aging strategy that could be applied universally to dogs of all breeds, ages, and parental income levels. Now, research into what can best be described as a silver bullet to canine aging began almost 10 years ago, but recent developments are suggesting the outcome is “promising,” and bigger still, coveted FDA approval is now in place.The biotech company behind this long-awaited advancement is San Francisco-based Loyal, which has developed both a periodic injectable (LOY-001) and daily pill-based (LOY-002) format that target age-related metabolic issues and hormones. The ultimate goal? To enhance something the pet industry refers to as “healthspan,” which refers to a longer life in a healthier state. Now, we’re not talking about taking your pooch into his twenties, but simply adding a few more healthy years.If you’re intrigued about how to get started, speak with your vet to come up with the right plan for your pet. But in the meantime, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your pup as active and healthy as possible, for as long as possible.Let’s Start with NutritionAs your dog ages, his sense of smell and taste diminish, and that’s why you want to feed him flavorful, nutrient-rich options specifically formulated to meet the needs of a senior dog. And this means high-quality proteins, increased fibre, and lower calories. It also includes adding supplements such as Omega 3’s, antioxidants, as well as prebiotics and probiotics to help with digestion and boost his immune system.

Which Cat Breeds Are The Most Expensive?

While many cats can be adopted from shelters for a small fee, some purebred cats command staggering prices due to their rarity, unique appearance, or specific breeding requirements. If you’re curious about the most expensive cat breeds, here’s a quick guide to some of the priciest felines in the world.

Hairless Dog Breeds That Lack a Fur Coat

Did you know there are dogs who don’t sport fur coats? That’s right, there are several hairless dog breeds, just like there are hairless cat breeds, and these dogs are full of love and personality just like their coated counterparts. Here’s a look at four hairless canine breeds that make wonderful companions.