News, Tips, and Insights

When the weather outside is less than ideal - be it heavy rain, freezing cold, scary winds, scorching sun, or mud puddles everywhere - keeping your dog active and mentally stimulated can be a challenge. High-energy dogs especially need ways to burn off excess energy to stay happy and well-behaved. Luckily, there are plenty of indoor activities you can do to keep your pup engaged, exercised, and entertained. When outdoor time isn’t an option, here are some effective ways to manage your dog’s needs.

When it comes to effective dog training, understanding the basics of classical conditioning can be a game-changer. This tried-and-true psychological principle is a cornerstone of dog behavior training and can help you nurture positive habits while addressing unwanted behaviors. Whether you’re a new dog owner or an experienced trainer, grasping classical conditioning is essential for building a well-behaved, happy canine companion.

Providing a proper diet for your dog is one of the most important aspects of ensuring its health and longevity. A well-balanced diet can support growth, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the immune system, and improve overall well-being.

When we gaze into our dog’s eyes, we often wonder what’s going on in that furry little head. Do they understand us? Can they reason and solve problems like we do? At Duke University, the Canine Cognition Center is dedicated to answering these questions and more. Through innovative research, scientists at Duke are shedding light on the incredible mental abilities of dogs, offering insights that are as fascinating as they are valuable for dog owners and trainers alike.

When it comes to feeding your dog, one of the most critical choices you'll make is selecting the right type of food. Protein is a key component of any dog’s diet, and understanding the difference between high-protein and low-protein dog food can significantly impact your dog’s health and well-being. Additionally, knowing the best times to feed your dog can help in maintaining their energy levels and overall health.

Dogs have been an integral part of human history for thousands of years. Their journey from wild predators to beloved pets is a story of mutual adaptation, loyalty, and companionship. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating history of dogs, their domestication, and how they've become the cherished members of our families that they are today.

Keeping our canine companions happy and healthy is crucial for every dog owner. However, nail trimming is one aspect of their care that often slips through the cracks, which is essential. Regular nail trimming plays an essential role in a dog’s comfort, posture, and overall well-being. In this post, we'll cover why nail trimming is so importantnecessary, how it impacts your dog's health, and some tips on making the experience less stressful for you and your furry friend.

Ready to hear about more dog sport activities from Rick Markum, owner of Impactful Canine ? Today we’ll be reviewing NACSW, or the National Association of Canine Scent Work , is where the dog sport of nose work takes a fun and sniff-tastic twist! This activity turns every dog into a detective, minus the trench coat and magnifying glass, letting them use their Sherlock Holmes-like sniffing skills to solve mysteries of hidden scents. Let’s explore the playful world of NACSW nose work, where every dog gets to unleash their inner sleuth.

Impactful Canine Owner and Head Trainer, Rick Markum , started his training journey after working on a cattle ranch with heelers. His passion was ignited through his experience of working with cattle dogs on those ranches, and expanded into training his own working dogs. After moving to Alabama, he fell in love with Search and Rescue and other forms of detection work. Today, he’s here to talk about other types of tracking that people do with their dogs. Let’s get started!