Dogs are social animals and actively seek out our companionship. They can quickly become accustomed to being part of a group 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whenever a new dog is brought into a home, especially a young, playful puppy, people have a tendency to interact with them constantly. While this interaction is a very important part of socialization and bonding, you need to make sure that you are not setting your puppy up for a big disappointment when you must leave him at home alone. Including some 'alone training' right from the beginning will be beneficial to both your puppy and you.

BANGOR - Green Acres Kennel Shop will be hosting the first Maine screening of the new documentary 'Tough Love: A Meditation on Dominance and Dogs' on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. Seating is limited, so please pre-register by calling 945-6841.

It's a commonly accepted idea that dogs are 'man's best friend.' We give them a special place in our lives and they are, in turn, loyal companions. At the same time, many modern dog owners also believe that they are meant to establish themselves as the 'alpha dog' in relation to their pets. This is a status supposedly achieved through attitudes and acts of domination, varying by emphasis on physical restraint and disciplinary 'correction.'

New wearable pressure wrap can help storm phobic pooches

BANGOR - Thunderstorms can be a pet owner's worst nightmare, and this time of year it's almost impossible to get away from them.

"You may have some dogs that hide behind a chair or under a bed. Some dogs may bolt out of any opening, even a window, breaking the glass. Then you can have the real odd dogs, like our Gus, who growled, barked and snarled, wanting to get to whatever it was [making the noise] and tear it apart," explained Don Hanson, owner of Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor.

Fortunately, there's now a new tool available locally to help ease the anxiety of pooches who fear thunderstorms.