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Goal: Move beyond the “6 months for everyone” default. You will learn the pros/cons of Early vs. Late alteration, specifically regarding joint health (ACL tears) and cancer risk, so you can choose the timing that fits your dog’s future. Important: Educational only. This decision must be made with your veterinarian, who knows your local laws, […]

Goal: Survive the 4–6 month teething phase without scars. You will learn why puppies bite (it isn’t aggression), how to choose safe chews that won’t break teeth, and how to spot “retained deciduous teeth” before they ruin the adult bite. Important: Educational only. If your puppy is growling/snapping over food or toys (resource guarding), this

Goal: Understand why “running them ragged” ruins joints. You will learn what Growth Plates are, when they close, and how to use the “5-Minute Rule” to tire their brain without breaking their body. Important: Educational only. If your puppy is limping, holding a leg up, or bunny-hopping (using both back legs together), restrict activity and

Goal: Learn to safely feel your pet’s abdomen to detect distention (bloating), splinting (tensing up from pain), or obvious asymmetry (masses). You will learn the “Flat Hand” technique that avoids hurting them. Important: Educational only. Bloat (GDV) in dogs is a top-tier emergency. If the belly feels hard/tight like a drum, or the dog is

Goal: Ensure your pet’s daily equipment helps rather than harms. You will learn to fit a harness that protects the shoulders, check collars for thyroid/trachea safety, and audit crates for ” entrapment points.” Important: Educational only. If your pet has a collapsing trachea, cervical disc disease, or glaucoma, never attach a leash to a neck

Goal: Understand why the first 14 weeks are critical for your puppy’s future confidence. You will learn how to safely socialize before full vaccination (the “Paws Off the Ground” rule) and use the “Rule of 7” to build resilience. Important: Educational only. Parvovirus is deadly and lives in the soil for years. Never put an

Goal: Recognize the “Fear Period” (typically around 6–14 months) so you don’t panic when your confident puppy suddenly regresses. You will learn the “Treat & Retreat” game to help them overcome sudden phobias without traumatizing them. Important: Educational only. If your dog shows aggression (snapping/lunging) during a fear episode, consult a certified behaviorist. Do not

Goal: Detect subtle signs of joint pain (like the “Sloppy Sit” or “Head Bob”) before they become a blowout injury. You will learn to perform the Sit Test and analyze your pet’s gait to catch ACL tears and arthritis early. Important: Educational only. If your pet is non-weight-bearing (holding a leg up), this is an

Goal: Master the inspection of the three main sensory organs. You will learn to distinguish “old age” eye cloudiness from blinding cataracts, recognize the “coffee ground” sign of ear mites, and spot a broken tooth (slab fracture) before it becomes an abscess. Important: Educational only. Eye injuries are emergencies. If your pet is squinting, has

Goal: Recognize the subtle signs of adrenal disease (Cushing’s = “Too Much Steroid,” Addison’s = “Not Enough Steroid”) and distinguish them from normal aging or kidney failure. You will learn why one dog looks “pot-bellied” and thirsty while another collapses from stress. Important: Educational only. Addisonian Crisis (collapse, slow heart rate) is a life-threatening emergency.