Careful- Expectations
In a great many ways, dogs have a lot in common with humans – and in probably just as many ways, they have huge differences. We do expect a lot from our pets, in some cases unreasonably and unrealistically so! Sometimes it can be hard to know where the similarities …Read More
The Value of Rewarding Your Dog
Identifying and providing high-value rewards for good behavior is a crucial element to positive reinforcement. Often referred to as ‘reward-based’ training, the appropriate and timely delivery of a reward during training makes a dog more confident and able to manage successfully in a domestic environment. Importantly, this positive interaction between dog …Read More
Why Nosework Works
In its early years Nosework was recognized as the sport of choice for shy or reactive dogs. In many ways it was the go to sport when other sports were out of reach. Times are changing… now it’s “the thing” to start with a puppy. I myself will be choosing …Read More
Top Five Tips For Training Your Dog
Train early and practice often. Early training (at 8 weeks) trumps genetics. Be proactive and you can prevent many problems
Socialize, socialize, socialize. Socialization is the most important thing your dog will ever learn. Socialization skills with humans, other dogs and tolerance of moving objects are the most difficult challenges.
Listen to what …Read More
Aggression
Aggression in dogs is a massive issue. From dog bite prevention and public safety to the pet overpopulation problem due to over-capacity animal shelters, aggression is a leading cause of many of the major problems in the dog world.
Dogs aggress under many different circumstances from leash reactivity to territorial issues, …Read More
Ten Reasons Why Your Dog May Develop Behavior Problems
A solid foundation in positive training gets you off to great start, either with that new puppy or with your older dog. But training has to be more than just a foundation, especially if there are any undesirable canine behaviors on the scene. Consider the whole picture when it comes …Read More
Who Shouldn’t own a Dog
Every dog deserves a loving home, but should every person have a dog?
As much as I advocate adopting unwanted pets and opening your home and heart to a homeless pup, some people just should not have dogs. People often brush over the chores associated with living with a dog. You …Read More
“And He hasn’t Barked Since”
The nation was outraged just a few weeks ago when a woman taped her chocolate lab’s mouth shut because she was barking too much. Her face book post, “This is what happens when you don’t shut up… Don’t panic everyone it was only for a minute but hasn’t barked since… …Read More
Leash Walking – Nothing Natural About It
Always remember when leash walking is not going well, you can stop, stand still and wait – for attention from your dog. You cannot expect to be successful walking if you can’t maintain your dog’s attention standing still.
So you have your dog’s attention, great! Let’s walk, easy right? Probably not! You …Read More
Shock Collars Need To Come Off The Table
For a force-free trainer, shock collars are off the table. There is never a need or time when considering using one would be acceptable. Why?
An effective pet dog training program is one component of your dog’s physical, mental, environmental and nutritional well-being. Training should be conducted in a manner that …Read More