Fear Free cooperative care pet training involves teaching an animal to be an active participant in handling and other husbandry behaviors. An important component of cooperative care is giving that animal the ability, choice and control to be able to say YES or NO to moving ahead. This post will explain more with some examples of cooperative care training for dogs and pet birds. [Read more…] about Fear Free Cooperative Care Pet Training
In my mind, there is no such thing as ‘just a pet’. Animals that live and have lived in my home are very much part of my family. My dogs and birds have brought me comfort, listened when I needed an ear, been close when I just needed company, made me laugh and smile, and yes, sometimes want to made me want to get away from their challenges. Each time that I have lost one, I lost a big piece of my heart. If you too have shared your life with a non-human animal, you more than likely know what I am talking about. If you also share your life with a human child, that loss gives you even more to cope with. Leave it to my friends at Angel’s Paws Cincinnati pet hospice to publish a wonderful, Gaining Wings, a book all about helping families with kids deal with the grief of losing a pet when their pet goes over the Rainbow Bridge. [Read more…] about Gaining Wings Book Helps Families Deal With Losing A Pet
Why use good management when introducing your puppy to your dog? I am glad you asked! That can very well set the stage for your dogs’ future relationship. Let’s delve into this…with the story of my clients and their aussiedoodle dogs – Archie and Auggie. [Read more…] about Why Good Management When Introducing Your Puppy To Your Dog?
If you are a parent, you more than likely already know this. Parenting can be even more challenging when your family includes a baby, infant or kids and a dog. Even if human kids are not part of the mix, raising a puppy can have its frustrations, absolutely! Dog Success Stations (coined by my teacher/mentor Jen Shryock of Family Paws) prevent problem behaviors BEFORE those behaviors become a THING. [Read more…] about Dog Success Stations Prevent Problem Behaviors
I just earned a new certification. I am a ‘Certified Family Dog Mediator!’ This is an important accomplishment for me in my dog training career. I got into this field because I wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of others, to improve their quality of life and strengthen the relationships that give their life meaning. To that end, it is a priority to me to expand my own knowledge so that I am better equipped to help others. The Family Dog Mediator certification is a perfect next step for me! [Read more…] about I Am A Certified Family Dog Mediator
Let’s talk about dog resource guarding. Have you ever said this about your ‘bad’ dog? “My dog stays away from me or growls at me if I come close, when he has something, he KNOWS he should not have?” I hear this from dog owners enough so that I thought it would be worth talking about, to give you a different perspective. Is that REALLY the reason for your dog playing keep away? [Read more…] about When Your Dog Has Something He Knows He Should Not Have