How To Give Your Dog Enrichment

Enrichment is an important element when it comes to quality of life for captive and companion animals by reducing stress, providing needed mental and physical stimulation, encouraging species-typical behaviors, and empowering animals.

A Dog Training Lesson From Cheetos

I have a real weakness for some types of food that are not good for me…like Cheetos and yogurt covered nuts. It is why I do not have it in my house. Eating that stuff in large quantity causes my pants to get tighter and can make me bloated the next day.

Watch My Presentation At This Dog Summit

I am truly honored to have been asked to be among 25+ experts presenting at an upcoming virtual Summit, Dog Health Secrets, on dog behavior, health and grooming.

From The Field: Enrichment Builds Confidence

Sometimes I share stories and photos from the field. And today, I’ve got to share this of dear Alfie. I love seeing his happy body language in these videos. Alfie is so lucky to have such wonderful parents. When I first met him, he had his tail down and didn’t come to me. He was […]

Failing To Stop Your Dog’s Behavior May Create A Resilient Problem

Here is something to think about. Each time that you try to try to stop your pet from doing something you don’t like, you are making it that much more difficult to change the behavior in the future. In fact, you more than likely are actually making that unwanted behavior even strong and more resilient. […]

When Rolled Over, Does Your Dog Always Want A Rub?

There are so many different circumstances when I have seen a dog roll over to expose his belly.  At night time, my Dawson often jumps next to me on the sofa only to roll over in a total state of relaxation and will stay in that position for as long as I will continue to […]

Getting Your Puppy Off To The Right Start

If you have just brought a puppy into your home, NOW is the time to begin to build your relationship in a fun, loving and nurturing way. Your puppy needs to learn from you that his world is safe, that his needs will be met, and that YOU are worth listening to because good things […]

Making Less Probable Behaviors…More Probable

A client was telling me the other day how her dog has become so drawn to their basement. She told me there really isn’t much down there but her dog runs down the stairs at top speed, then either with or without a toy runs laps. Typically, her dog will solicit play more frequently in […]

Your Puppy Has Your Sock, Oh My!

This dog is a reminder…mistakes can happen. If you have left your things out, where a bored puppy has access to, don’t be surprised if you find something of yours in your puppy’s possession. Your puppy had a need to play, burn off energy and have something in his mouth. Without you giving him choices […]

Is Your Puppy Really Aggressive?

When I get calls about an ‘aggressive’ puppy, often, what I am really getting a call about is a puppy that is overly tired, is frustrated, plays roughly, is over stimulated, growls and/or barks during play, or has low bite inhibition.