Woman Books Vacation, Golden Retriever Has Other Plans
Alexandra Bassett, the lead dog trainer and behavior consultant at pet training website Dog Savvy Los Angeles, said dogs suffering from separation anxiety can act out because of "extreme frustration they feel about being left behind when their pet parents leave home or leave them somewhere else, like a boarding facility/with friends when they go for a vacation."
She told Newsweek: "Dogs are sensitive to any change in their household routine and can definitely remember that when luggage is pulled out of storage and their pet parents start packing, their absence is imminent."
Bassett went on: "For dogs with separation anxiety, this can cause a lot of anxiety, so they may develop a furrowed brow, whale eye—when you can see the whites of a dog's eyes—and keep a close watch on their pet parent, following them around with a worried expression as soon as the luggage gets pulled out."
Fun Puppy Games for Training, Exercise, and Enrichment
Playing with your puppy is one of the best parts of adopting a young dog. But did you know that play is more than just fun for your pup? Experts say that playing is a crucial part of your dog’s development, setting them up for success later in life. Puppy games a great way to get in some extra training time, to challenge their growing minds, and to expend some of that seemingly unstoppable puppy energy.
What to Do if Your Dog Gets Jealous
Jealousy-like behaviors in dogs stem from inherent dog behaviors, like resource guarding or reactivity (redirected excitement), says Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, Lead Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant at Dog Savvy.
Regardless of the underlying cause or whether dogs do get jealous, these behaviors can and should be addressed—read on for expert-approved tips to help restore harmony in your home.
Should Your Bring Your Dog to a Fourth of July Celebration?
Depending on the size of the gathering, there’s a possibility your dog will be around strangers. Try and introduce him to each person and gauge each individual’s reaction. “Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and dogs can sense a person’s fear,” says Dr. Fox. In any new environment, it’s best to keep your dog on a leash; that way you can control how any new encounter goes. The friendliest, most socialized dog can also be afraid. Alexandra Bassett, a dog trainer and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy Los Angeles, says having your dog on a leash allows you to easily calm him should he feel uneasy.
Understanding & Preventing Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Dog Separation Anxiety Trainer, Alexandra Bassett, explains what causes separation anxiety in dogs.
How to Train a Dog to Show Self-Control
Training a dog should be a fun, interactive experience. One of the most innovative training method’s is called “Learning Through Games Of Choice,” a game-based training system that is designed to teach dogs self-control. Dog Savvy Los Angeles is proud to be using this methodology to train dogs in Los Angeles.
Training your dog is easier than ever thanks to the help of a huge array of toys and resources that are available at the click of a button. The items on this list focus on the physical energy your dog needs to work off, all while engaging their mental energy, too. There are things to encourage a daily play or exercise routine, which is a great step towards maintaining a well-behaved dog. The second part of the puzzle is toys and tools that help keep them focused and exercise their brain.
How Long Can You Keep Your Dog Outside
Dogs come in all sizes and breeds, which can affect how long it’s safe to leave them outside. While larger dogs with thick coats may enjoy outdoor romps for longer periods in chilly temperatures, their smaller single-coated and hairless counterparts, on the other hand, can spend more time outside on sunny days but not in the cold.
Why Does My Dog Like Belly Rubs So Much?
Does your dog flip onto his back every time you go to pet him?
It’s actually super common for dogs to show their bellies off to humans — literally begging you for a belly rub.
So you’re probably wondering: Why do dogs like belly rubs so much?
To find out more, The Dodo spoke with Lydia Hunter, a trainer at Dog Savvy Los Angeles.
Why Do Dogs Stare at You When They Poop?
Dog Trainer Alexandra Bassett provides expert insight into dog and puppy behavior.
Why Dogs Eat Dirt, Rocks, & Other Non-Food Items
A dog's mouth is the only part of their body that can grasp things, so picking things up with their mouth is one of the ways that they explore the world and satisfy their curiosity about the objects that attract them by sight, scent or sound—much like a human toddler," Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, the lead trainer and behavior specialist at Dog Savvy Los Angeles, tells BeChewy. However, if your dog is eating dirt, it may indicate a serious underlying problem like hyperthyroidism.
Why Dogs Chew
It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog. For young dogs, it’s a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean. Chewing also combats boredom and can relieve mild anxiety or frustration.
Echo Park Dog Trainer
Dog trainer, Alexandra Bassett, is the owner and behavior consultant at Dog Savvy Los Angeles, an online private dog and puppy training company. She specializes in game-based dog training and solving problem dog behaviors.
Is Adopting a Dog Good for Your Health?
If you're convinced that having a dog makes you a better person, you're probably right. Study after study has shown the health benefits of having a dog, from reduced stress to improved heart health, to a better social life — the list just goes on and on.
Why Do Dogs Sniff Babies?
Ah, that new baby smell. There is truly nothing like the scent of a newborn. I know that I can get lost in a good cuddle session with a bundle of joy and the intoxicating smell of their newness, but what about my dog? Is there a reason why dogs sniff babies?
How to Choose a Dog Walker
Los Angeles Dog Trainer, Alexandra Bassett (CPDT-KA), comments on how to choose a dog walker for Pet Coach.
What Is the Best Age to Get a Dog?
Nearly a year ago, we said goodbye to our family dog, Rudy. He lived for almost 15 years and had a full life. But no matter how many times we tried to reassure ourselves of that, we were grief-stricken. Rudy, it turns out, was more than just our furry family member — he was also the carrier of so many of my childhood memories with my parents and siblings.
Should You Take Your Dog To The Dog Park?
Dogs that live in an urban environment spend the majority of their outdoor time on the end of a leash. That makes dog parks extremely attractive to dog parents who want their pooches to experience the joy of running freely as they provide an outdoor environment where dogs can romp with other pups off leash. City dog parks also serve as modern day village greens where humans can meet other dog people and socialize. It’s a win-win situation, right?
Dogumenta L.A.: America's First Art Show for Dogs
An art exhibition for dogs. No, not created by or consisting of dogs, but works created for dogs on which to scratch, sniff and jump—and probably pee. This Los Angeles import is free to attend, though you and your on-leash pooch will need to reserve a time. Dog trainers from the Los Angeles Dog Trainer Alliance will be on-site to ensure all the dogs get along.
How to Protect Your Pet: The Ultimate Pet Custody Guide
Both dogs and people suffer when there is a divorce. Get tips from an experienced lawyer and expert dog trainer in Los Angeles on how you can protect your dog when you and your spouse split up.
8 Ways to Help a Depressed Dog
For folks who call themselves dog people, they probably love the fact that pups seem to always be happy, energetic, and excited to see you. If your dog is depressed, it can be hard to know what to do, because this seems to go against the very nature of what it means to be a dog. According to experts, keeping their minds and bodies stimulated can make a big difference.
Why Do Dogs Protect Human Babies
Like humans, dogs are extremely social creatures. Alexandra Bassett, lead dog trainer and behaviorist at Dog Savvy Los Angeles says, “All dogs have a mating drive and den instincts; it’s part of what’s called their ‘pack drive.'” When a dog has a strong pack drive and is tightly bonded with his family, it’s only natural that he becomes protective of a new baby when he or she arrives.
The No. 1 Sign a Dog Has Separation Anxiety
"All dogs are born with an array of survival instincts that can be classified as 'respondent behaviors,' meaning that they are inherent from birth and not a learned behavior," explains Alexandra Bassett, CPDT-KA, lead trainer and behavior specialist at Dog Savvy Los Angeles. One such involuntary response is pack instincts. "Since survival in the wild dictates staying together at all costs, pack instincts compel a dog to keep an eye on you and follow you wherever you go—that's why our dogs follow us from room to room." She notes that this is referred to as the "velcro dog." Of course, when you're not around at all, it can exacerbate this instinct.
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I found Alexandra when I was looking for a trainer to help me with my dog’s incessant biting. I am so grateful to have found her! We did a virtual session which was honestly amazing. She walked me through each step of each training tool and it was great.