Training & Behavior

Sometimes called “garbage gut,” dietary indiscretion is an issue that affects many pets, though it’s most common in dogs.  What is dietary indiscretion? Simply put, dietary indiscretion refers to any time your dog eats something they shouldn’t—including garbage, table scraps, or non-food items. It is often accompanied by signs of gastrointestinal (GI) upset, such as...

Anxiety in dogs is rarely a simple diagnosis. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, anxiety is a response to fear and agitation, or apprehension when your dog anticipates a scary situation. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help your dog cope. What causes anxiety in dogs? There are many possible causes of...

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that Embark may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. All linked products have been reviewed by a veterinarian.  Pet stores and online retailers offer modern dog owners a dizzying array of training and walking tools. Collars, harnesses, leashes, and other equipment keep your dog close...

Dogs need regular exercise, whether that’s a daily walk or playing with friends at the dog park. But when the weather is too hot or too cold for long walks, it can be challenging to find ways to keep your dog entertained indoors. A mix of activities your dog can do on their own and...

Looking for advice on how to train your shelter dog or new puppy? Embark spoke with Carrie Weber of Good Dog Training to learn more about dog behavior and how DNA testing can help you and your trainer better assist your pup. Whether you have a puppy that’s still learning their manners or a senior...

Has your dog ever eaten something they shouldn’t have?  You’re certainly not alone! Although some of the things dogs eat are surprising to us, often they are instinctively appealing to them. Some of these “weird” things are not usually problematic for your dog to consume in small quantities (grass is a good example). Others can...

Bringing home a new pet is exciting and joyful, but welcoming a dog — particularly if he or she is a rescue — can also be a bit nerve wracking at the same time. And if you, as the pet parent, are feeling this kind of anxiety, just think about how your new puppy or...

If your dog licks you a lot, you aren’t alone! Licking is a very natural canine behavior and highly enjoyable for dogs like nipping and mouthing. After giving birth, mother dogs will lick their newborn puppies to stimulate them to breathe and eat. Licking also releases endorphins that make dogs of all ages feel relaxed...

Trembling or shaking can be a telltale sign your dog is feeling particularly cold or fearful, but it can also be an indicator that they are sick or in pain. Understanding some of the common behavioral, medical, and genetic reasons for shaking in dogs can help you better evaluate if there is a cause for...

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine reports that 20 to 40 percent of dogs exhibit separation anxiety. Through our survey research, we discovered that before the COVID-19 pandemic, only 11% of respondents spent 21-24 hours per day at home with their dog. Today, that number has grown to 38%. While going back to...

With an estimated 3.2 million cats entering the shelter system across the U.S. every year, there are clearly many deserving cats and kittens who would love nothing more than to curl up on a warm pillow next to you. The only problem? There’s currently a resident dog curled up in that exact spot — and...

Meet Erika Gonzalez, certified dog trainer, behavior consultant, dog lifestyle expert, and founder of From Dusk Till Dog. We’ll be partnering with Erika to share training lessons in the weeks to come. To kick things off, here are 5 questions to get caught up to speed on her style of dog training. If you’d prefer...