Disclaimer
The most important thing to know before you follow any tip here. Leer en español →
Educational information, not professional advice
Everything New Dog Co publishes — the free guides, the articles, and the paid printables — is for general education and information only. It is not veterinary advice, not a medical diagnosis, and not professional training or behavior advice for your specific animal. Reading it does not create a veterinarian-client-patient or trainer-client relationship.
Always consult the right professional
Your pet is an individual, and nothing online can replace hands-on care. For anything involving your pet's health — illness, injury, diet changes, medication, or any physical symptom — consult a licensed veterinarian. For behavior concerns, work with a qualified, reward-based professional: a certified trainer (CCPDT), a behavior consultant (IAABC), or a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB). When in doubt, rule out a medical cause with your vet first.
Emergencies
If your pet is in distress — not eating or drinking, in pain, struggling to breathe, bleeding, straining to urinate, or otherwise acting seriously unwell — contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately. Do not wait to read an article. Sudden litter-box avoidance in cats and a bloated, unproductive-retching dog are two examples of things that can be true emergencies.
Positive methods only
Our guidance is reward-based and force-free, consistent with the position of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). We never recommend shock, prong, or choke collars or other aversive tools. Even so, apply any technique thoughtfully and stop if your animal shows fear or distress.
No guarantee of results
Animals differ, and so do homes and histories. We can't and don't guarantee any particular outcome from using our content. You are responsible for deciding what's appropriate for your pet and situation, and for using the information safely.
About our sources
We cite recognized bodies (AAHA, AVSAB, AVMA, ASPCA, AAFP, International Cat Care, Fear Free) to be transparent and checkable. New Dog Co is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or speaking for any of them; we reference their public guidance. See how we work on our About page.
Questions? Contact us here.