Jeff Seidenfaden answers three common reader questions covering puppy house training, natural aquarium algae control, and whether a pet parakeet should have a companion.

What would your dog resolve to do in the new year? Jeff Seidenfaden answers with a humorous and thoughtful look at healthier habits for pets and the people who love them.

Jeff Seidenfaden looks back at a memorable Louisville pet fundraiser featuring Three Dog Bakery and the Shamrock Foundation, highlighting how community events have helped improve the lives of animals for decades.

Jeff Seidenfaden explores the common reasons dogs dig in the yard and shares practical solutions—updated with today's understanding of canine behavior and enrichment.

Jeff Seidenfaden shares timeless advice on protecting baby wildlife, explaining when to observe, when to intervene, and why respecting nature often gives young animals their best chance to survive.

Jeff Seidenfaden explains how early training, consistency, and positive habits help puppies grow into well-mannered family companions, with updated guidance based on today's training methods.

Jeff Seidenfaden shares practical advice for beginners on choosing, growing, and maintaining live aquarium plants while creating a healthy, beautiful planted aquarium.

Jeff Seidenfaden explores why guinea pigs have remained one of the best first pets for children and families, offering timeless advice along with updated care recommendations.

Jeff Seidenfaden explores the fascinating world of tarantulas, explaining why these often-feared spiders deserve understanding and sharing practical tips for responsible tarantula care.

One Isn't Always the Loneliest Number answers one of the most common questions cat owners ask: Does my cat need another cat? Originally published in 2000, Jeff Seidenfaden explains how to recognize whether your cat would truly benefit from a feline companion.

Choosing the right pet begins with choosing the right home. Originally published in 2000, this Pet Guy column explains how apartment policies, pet selection, and responsible planning can help keep pets in loving homes for life.

Originally published in LEO on March 29, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Good manners don't happen by accident—they're taught through patience, consistency, and positive experiences. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains that every dog, regardless of age, can learn appropriate behavior when owners invest the time to train them. While dog training techniques have evolved over the past two decades, the foundation of this article re

Originally published in LEO on March 8, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Spring in Kentucky means warmer weather, outdoor activities—and unfortunately, the return of fleas and ticks. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains why successful flea control requires treating more than just your pet and offers practical advice for keeping infestations under control. While flea prevention products have evolved dramatically over the past two

Bringing home a new baby is one of life's greatest milestones—but it can also be a major adjustment for the family dog or cat. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden shares practical advice for preparing pets before a newborn arrives, helping reduce stress, prevent jealousy, and build positive lifelong relationships between children and their pets.

Originally published in LEO on February 16, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Few things are more frustrating for both dogs and their owners than constant scratching, licking, and irritated skin. In this column from 2000, Jeff Seidenfaden explains some of the most common causes of canine itching and offers practical tips to help soothe dry skin and reduce discomfort during the winter months. Although veterinary dermatology has advanced cons

Originally published in LEO on May 10, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Last week we looked at preparing pets for summer through exercise, parasite prevention, and travel planning. In Part II, Jeff Seidenfaden turns his attention to some of the season's most serious—and often overlooked—hazards, including heat exhaustion, water safety, and the importance of responsible pet ownership during the busy summer months. While some recommendations

Originally published in LEO on May 3, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Summer is one of the best times of the year for people and their pets—but it also brings unique seasonal challenges. In Part I of this two-part series, Jeff Seidenfaden shares practical advice on preparing your pets for warmer weather, covering everything from exercise and heat safety to flea prevention, heartworms, and summer travel. Although veterinary medicine and pa

Originally published in LEO on December 15, 1999 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Originally published as part of Jeff Seidenfaden's weekly Like Cats and Dogs newspaper column, this article tackles one of the most common—and frustrating—problems faced by cat owners: litter box issues. When a cat suddenly stops using the litter box, many people assume it's simply a behavior problem. In reality, inappropriate elimination is often a cat's way of c

Originally published in LEO on December 8, 1999 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Originally published as part of Jeff Seidenfaden's weekly Like Cats and Dogs newspaper column in LEO, this article explores one of the most common questions that arises every holiday season: Should a pet ever be given as a Christmas gift? While the excitement of surprising someone with a puppy or kitten may seem heartfelt, responsible pet ownership begins with thou

Originally published in LEO on December 1, 1999 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 From The Pet Guy Archives Originally published as part of Jeff Seidenfaden's weekly Like Cats and Dogs newspaper column in LEO, this article offers practical advice for keeping pets safe during the colder months. Although winter pet care recommendations have evolved over the years, the fundamental principles remain unchanged: provide proper shelter, encourage exercise, protect paws from ice

From The PetGuy archive Originally published in LEO on November 24, 1999 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026 Originally published as part of Jeff Seidenfaden's weekly Like Cats and Dogs newspaper column in LEO, this Thanksgiving message is less about pet care techniques and more about gratitude. While many of these archived columns focus on solving behavior problems or improving pet health, this one serves as a reminder of the incredible bond between people and animals—and

Originally published in 1999, this classic Pet Guy article explains why crate training, consistency, and positive reinforcement remain the foundation of successful puppy house training.