Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT

12 Common Reasons Why Dogs Put Their Ears Back

Learn what it means when a dog’s ears are back, and how it tells you what they’re feelingWhen it comes to showing emotion, dogs tell us a lot through their behaviors and body language. But what does it mean when the...

How to Tell What Breed Your Dog Is

Analyzing your pup's traits to find their pedigreeThere are many reasons you might want to know your dog's breed, from curiosity to insights into characteristics or learning about any health problems they may encounter ...

How to Stop Cats from Rolling Around in Dirt: 9 Reasons Cats Love Dust Baths

Is it normal for cats to roll around in the dirt? Your questions answeredYou cat could be playing anywhere, but instead they’re rolling around in the dirt. What gives? As it turns out, your kitty has lots of reasons ...

How to Train a Kitten to Use a Litter Box

Learn when to start litter training, which supplies are best, & moreKittens are ready to use litter boxes at about 3 weeks old, when they can urinate and defecate without help from their mothers. Most kittens take to li...

How to

Get Your Cat to Tolerate a Bath

Cats aren't big fans of getting wet, and giving a cat a bath can result in an angry feline and lots of cat scratches. In fact, cats can groom themselves continuously throughout the day and don't need to be bathed every w...

How to

Remove Oil from a Cat

Cats are super inquisitive creatures, and the chances of them getting into something they shouldn’t, like oil, are high. Cooking oil, gasoline, essential oils, oil-based paint—it’s super easy for them to walk throu...

How to

Stop a Cat from Urinating in the House

Most cats learn to use the litter box without much training. However, sometimes a cat might have issues urinating outside his litter box. This can be caused by stress, the location of the litter box, the type of litter, ...

How to

Teach Your Dog Not to Get Into Garbage Cans

Much to your chagrin, your dog may see your garbage can as a source of endless culinary delight. Dogs love human food—even the food you throw away. In fact, he may actually be very excited and curious about sifting thr...

How to

Turn Your Cat Into a Lap Cat

Cats are the best. They're soft, sweet, independent little pets...but how can you get your cute cat to actually like cuddling with you? We've got all the expert-backed tips you need below. To turn your cat into a lap cat...

How to

Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Have you started to wonder if your cat might be lonely at home? They get tons of love and fulfillment from cuddling up with you and your family, but it's true that cats have social needs, too. If your cat needs more soci...

How to

Teach Your Dog to Herd

Some breeds of dogs have herding instincts that can be brought out with the right training and encouragement. Try some basic training exercises at home to teach your dog basic obedience and assess see if it displays herd...

How to

Slow Down a Cat Who Eats Too Fast

Many cats get excited at feeding time and can end up overeating or eating too fast. Your cat may vomit after eating too fast, develop digestion issues, or become overweight due to eating too fast and overeating. Cat owne...

How to

Live with a Pug Dog

Pugs are a popular breed. It's no wonder, considering their flat baby-like faces and large brown eyes, which make most people feel like they want to give the pug a hug. However, there are some problems with pugs. They ar...

How to

Try to Reduce Your Cat's Hunting

Because cats are natural hunters, it is almost impossible to stop your cat from hunting completely. However, you may be able to reduce the amount of hunting your cat engages in. By curbing your cats hunting behavior and ...

How to

Deter Coyotes

Coyotes are one of the top ten most fearsome predators in North America. These animals aren’t usually a threat to humans, but can make a mess on your land and become aggressive at close range. Simply preventing access ...

The 4 Common Reasons Behind Your Cat’s Chattering

There’s more to your kitty’s cute chatters and chitters than you might expectIt’s likely one of your cat’s favorite pastimes: sitting at your sunny window, chattering as they watch birds and squirrels wander by....

4 Reasons Why Your Dog Howls at Sirens (& How to Get Them to Stop)

Do sirens hurt your dog’s ears? We’ve got all the answers you needAs if sirens aren’t loud enough—now your dog is howling. Are dogs afraid of sirens? Do they think it’s another dog? Are they just trying to dr...

How to

Choose Between a Cat and a Dog

Have you always had a dream of owning an animal, but the circumstances were never right? Do you think you’ve finally reached a point in your life where you have the time and energy to give to something else? This is th...

How to

Choose the Right Place to Feed Your Cat

Feeding your cat doesn’t seem very hard—just set the food bowl on the floor, put some food in the bowl, and your cat will eat. Right? Well, not exactly. Cats have preferences for where they want to eat, and it’s up...

How to

Earn the Trust of a Feral Kitten

Kittens that are born in the wild and not used to humans are considered feral. You may spot one of these cute fluff balls in the country or urban and suburban landscapes. You may even find one or more feral kittens that ...