It has been my good fortune to have met and worked with so many wonderful people who love their dogs and want the best for them. Whether in classes or privately, I have enjoyed spending time with people, helping them teach their dogs behaviors that allow the dog to be an integral part of the...Read More
At this time most people either think about or even write down resolutions for the New Year. Everyone is optimistic and has good intentions. As I think about what my resolutions are, one readily comes to mind – post blogs more frequently. While it is easy to say or even write a resolution, it is...Read More
I met Bailey, though he was named Chewy at the time, when I began dog walking at the old Humane Society off of Central. He was kenneled with Badger. The two were best buds, and playmates to many dogs that enjoyed a trip down Central to the small play yard behind the building that housed...Read More
Recently, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) came out with its Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines to provide veterinarians and staff with “evidence-based information to ensure that the basic behavioral needs of canine and feline patients are met.” Those who work in, volunteer at, or are in any way involved with animal shelters know...Read More
Dog owners know which foods are poisonous for our canine companions. The list includes apple seeds, the pits from pitted fruits, chocolate, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, walnuts, and xylitol, which is found in sugarless gum. I am fully aware of the list and am careful whenever cooking with foods that are on it....Read More
Fear has been defined as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat” according to Oxford Dictionaries. Dr. Karen Overall, in Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats, further defines fearful behavior in dogs as “responses to stimuli (social or physical)...Read More
We often hear talk about bullying in our schools. Thinking about this, I paused to wonder if dog owners might sometimes bully their dogs. Yelling at them, physically manipulating them into position, using force-based training equipment (shock collars, pinch collars, choke chains), and popping their leashes are just a few examples that come to mind....Read More
Adolescence: What happened to my sweet little puppy? Puppies are not puppies for long. Soon they are teenagers, and their desire to test their world increases. Suddenly your cute, innocent little puppy no longer comes when you call her, or he is more determined to get your attention and has begun jumping on you. Welcome...Read More
Even before you take that cute bundle of fur home, your puppy has been exposed to training from his or her mom, siblings, and the environment in which he or she was raised. If you want to continue your puppy’s training and help him or her get off on the right paw, you need to...Read More
Some people view training as that “t” word, a boring part of having a dog that takes too much time and effort. If you share your life with a dog, training is a necessary part of their lives and your responsibility. Training is boring; oh how far from the truth that assumption is! Why do...Read More
