All posts by Alex Boston OLK9
Why Neutral Territory Matters When Introducing Dogs
Why Neutral Territory Matters When Introducing Dogs Where a dog introduction takes place can be just as important as how it happens. Neutral territory removes territorial pressure, reduces anxiety, and allows dogs to interact without feeling the need to defend space or resources. Choosing the right environment sets the tone for respectful, low-stress introductions. What […]
Continue readingKeeping Your Dog Calm During Snowstorms
Keeping Your Dog Calm During Snowstorms Snowstorms don’t just change the weather — they change your dog’s environment, routine, and emotional state. Strong winds, falling snow, pressure changes, and reduced activity can cause anxiety or restlessness in many dogs. Even dogs that normally enjoy winter weather may struggle during intense storms. Keeping your dog calm […]
Continue readingWalks Help Me Feel Calm and Confident
Walks Help Me Feel Calm and Confident Hi. It’s me — your dog. I know you sometimes worry about me.You wonder if I’m anxious. If I’m nervous. If I’m confident enough to handle the world. Here’s something important I want you to know:Our walks help more than you realize. They don’t just move my body […]
Continue readingDog-Friendly Winter Events in the Boston, MA Area
Dog-Friendly Winter Events in the Boston, MA Area Winter in Boston brings snow-dusted streets, historic charm, and plenty of opportunities to explore the city with your dog. While colder temperatures may change how you spend time outdoors, Boston and the surrounding area still offer a variety of dog-friendly winter events and activities that keep both […]
Continue readingThe First 3 Weeks: Building Routine, Trust, and Confidence
The First 3 Weeks: Building Routine, Trust, and Confidence Why the First 3 Weeks Are a Turning Point After the initial decompression period, your rescue dog enters a new phase of adjustment. According to the 3-3-3 rule for dogs, the first three weeks are when dogs begin to understand their environment, form expectations, and test […]
Continue readingMy Resolution to Build Confidence and Independence
My Resolution to Build Confidence and Independence Dear Human, I Want to Feel Braver This Year This year, my New Year’s resolution is to build confidence — not just in the world around me, but in myself. Sometimes I hesitate. Sometimes I pause before stepping onto a new surface, meeting a new person, or entering […]
Continue readingConsistency, Routine & Emotional Safety
Consistency, Routine & Emotional Safety Emotional safety is the invisible foundation of a strong relationship with your dog. When dogs feel emotionally safe, they are more relaxed, confident, and open to connection. Without emotional safety, even well-trained dogs can struggle with anxiety, reactivity, or withdrawal. Consistency and routine are the tools that make emotional safety […]
Continue readingManaging Jealousy and Attention Changes
Managing Jealousy and Attention Changes Dogs don’t feel jealousy the way humans do, but they do experience changes in routine, attention, and emotional security. When a baby arrives, dogs often notice: Less one-on-one time New smells and sounds Changes in schedules Increased household stress These changes can trigger anxiety, attention-seeking behaviors, or withdrawal. Understanding this […]
Continue readingSunlight & Vitamin D — Why It Matters for Your Dog’s Health
Sunlight & Vitamin D — Why It Matters for Your Dog’s Health Understanding the Sunlight–Vitamin D Connection in Dogs We often hear about how important sunlight is for human vitamin D levels—but what about dogs? While dogs don’t absorb vitamin D through their skin the same way we do, sunlight still plays a major role […]
Continue readingThe Bland Diet — Your Dog’s Best Friend During Tummy Troubles
The Bland Diet — Your Dog’s Best Friend During Tummy Troubles Few remedies are as trusted—or as effective—as the classic bland diet when your dog is navigating diarrhea or an upset belly. Gentle, easy to digest, and soothing to the GI tract, a bland diet can help firm loose stools, calm inflammation, and give your […]
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