Golden Shepherds combine two parent breeds with some of the most useful breed-specific neutering data available: the Golden Retriever and German Shepherd Dog.Hart and colleagues did not study Golden Shepherds as a separate group, so this article uses component-breed...
The Positive Puppy Expert
Hey! I’m Ali Smith, the Positive Puppy Expert.
I’m a multi-award winning professional dog trainer. I’ve helped to train over 1200 dogs, and I’m the proud owner of the worlds top pet blog!
I’m here to help you and other puppy owners to make the very best out of that little bundle of fluff (and teeth!) so that you can raise a fun, capable, confident and fun member of your family – in the easiest and most reliable way possible.
And to do that affordably.
Why Is My Puppy Crying? When to Comfort Them vs Wait
Puppy crying isn’t one thing. Here’s how to tell toileting, overtiredness, frustration, crate discomfort and genuine distress apart — and when to comfort versus wait.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Sheprador? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Shepradors combine two large, highly studied parent breeds: the German Shepherd Dog and Labrador Retriever.Hart and colleagues did not study Shepradors as a separate group, so this article uses component-breed data. That means the German Shepherd and Labrador datasets...
Best Muzzles for Small Dogs: Tiny Dog, Same Responsibility
Small dogs deserve properly fitted, comfortable muzzles too. Here’s what to look for, why pant room matters, and why a small bite shouldn’t be dismissed.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Shih-poo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Shih-poos are another small doodle cross where the parent-breed evidence is generally less alarming than it is for large dogs, but that does not mean the timing decision is irrelevant.There is no Hart study specifically on Shih-poos, so there is no direct UC Davis...
Best Dog Brushes for Shedding, Detangling & Everyday Grooming (2026)
A trainer-led guide to choosing the right dog brush for shedding, doodles, double coats and short-haired dogs, including the tools I actually use and the ones I avoid.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Pomapoo? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Pomapoos are small doodles, but the Poodle side still matters when you are thinking about spay and neuter timing.There is no Hart study specifically on Pomapoos, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for a Pomapoo neutering age.The best available evidence is...
Best Muzzles for Vet Visits & Grooming: Safety Without Making Fear Worse
A muzzle can protect vets, groomers and your dog, but it should never be an excuse to force handling. Here’s how to prepare your dog safely for vet visits and grooming.
When Should You Spay or Neuter a Schnoodle? What the Parent-Breed Data Suggests
Schnoodles are a cross where the answer changes quite a bit depending on whether the Poodle parent is Toy, Miniature or Standard.There is no Hart study specifically on Schnoodles, so there is no direct UC Davis recommendation for this cross.The most useful evidence is...
Best Muzzles for Reactive Dogs: What to Choose & Why
A muzzle can make a reactivity plan safer, but it cannot replace training. Here’s how to choose the right muzzle based on your dog’s actual bite risk.