Preventing Separation Anxiety as We Return to Work

For many of our dogs, the past few months have been a blessing. They’ve had their people home all day. Every day. It is their dream come true. A dog’s heaven. And now we’re beginning to head back to work. A lot of dogs will feel this shift very strongly. After months of total togetherness,…

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Canine Enrichment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

As communities begin taking direct action regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, people will be stuck at home for 2-4 weeks (or longer). Some areas have already begun this self-isolation while others are just gearing up. Working from home might keep you busy, but what about our furry family members? They may be used to going to…

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Our Response To COVID-19

Update 6.1.20 – All classes are currently in session and in person school visits have continued. We are continuing to follow safety protocols recommended by St. Charles county and the CDC for the safety of all students and guests. Update 5.7.20 – St. Charles County has officially lifted their stay-at-home order, but construction on the…

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New Veterinary Assistant School in St. Louis

Image of man at Veterinary Assistant School holding a cat

ST LOUIS, MO – January 13, 2020 – With the recent closing of Vatterott College, not far behind Hickey and Sanford Brown, the St. Louis veterinary community is left with an unprecedented demand for qualified pet professionals.  The Academy of Pet Careers hopes to fill this void by opening St. Louis’ only Vet Assistant School.  …

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Invisible Fences: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Dog in front yard behind an invisible fence

Many homeowners rely on underground, or invisible fences to contain their furry family on their property. Sometimes this choice is made because the property is quite large, and a physical fence would be cost prohibitive. Other times, it’s the community rules that prohibit physical fencing for aesthetic reasons.   The Good The only “good” part…

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Common Myths About Leptospirosis

Dog with Leptospirosis playing in water

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called leptospira spp. Since leptospirosis can be transmitted between animals and humans, it is labeled as a “zoonotic disease” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A leptospirosis infection can cause animals and humans severe health issues including symptoms that can lead to death…

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Canine Enrichment for the Real World

Canine Enrichment for the Real World Book Cover

By Allie Bender, CDBC & Emily Strong, CDBC Book Summary A major focus in all my training and behavior modification work is ensuring sufficient and appropriate enrichment for my client dogs. But, what exactly is enrichment? Is it just physical exercise? Just mental stimulation? And if it is those things, what constitutes “sufficient and appropriate”?…

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Tips to Improve Your “All Over Trims”

Dog demonstrating what an all over trim looks like in dog grooming

It is important for dog groomers to know how to make all over trims look good, despite not having much fur to work with. Even if a dog is being trimmed short due to matting, we should try to make the trim look cute. Here are some helpful hints.   Fluff Drying All Over Trims…

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Sequential Overload in Pets

Sequential Overload in Pets Infographic

Stress isn’t all bad.  Stress is needed to avoid potential dangers; it’s part of animals’ natural responses to threats: if they don’t respond to threats in nature, they don’t survive!   Some level of good stress (eustress) is even needed for learning. Learn more in this blog on The Canine Learning Stress-O-Meter.   Certainly, too…

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