Nonprofit Focus: United Pet Fund

I remember that day in 2015. I was standing amongst a crowd of people in an inconspicuous warehouse that sits in an office/industrial area of Blue Ash. It was a proud day for veterinarian Dr. Zeke Zekoff and his small army of volunteers. They saw a need. They set out to find a way to […]

Importance Of Salience In Dog Training

Salient. I noticed that I’ve been using that word more in my training…to describe cues, behavior markers (used immediately after a behavior), and environmental triggers. Why is that word important to dog training (or training any other animal)? To begin my answer, let’s look at the dictionary definition. According to Merriam-Webster, one meaning is – […]

Dangers of Retractable Leashes For Dogs

We were to the part of working on skills at a new client appointment the other day. She brought out a retractable leash. When I asked her whether she had a regular 6 ft leash, she first asked a pretty common question, “If I keep it locked, isn’t it ok to use the retractable leash?” […]

Teaching Nose Targeting Games

Have a rainy day? Here is a fun game you can teach your dog.

Thunderstorm Phobia In Dogs

If you’ve got a dog that suffers from astraphobia (yes, there really is a technical term for dog thunderstorm phobia and anxiety), you know, it can be just heart wrenching to watch.

Training, Not Luck, Gets Good Manners

Have you ever passed someone walking his/her dog on the street or in a store or park whose dog walked perfectly on a loose leash and sat to greet people… and wondered how that person got so lucky to have a dog like that?

Changing Criteria In Behavior

Does your dog know a hand touch from a standing position, but looks at you with a blank stare if you present your hand while your dog is sitting?

The Four Quadrants Of Consequences

I watched as a client’s puppy jumped and wiggled when she tried to clip a leash onto his collar. “Is that the behavior you would like for him to exhibit each time you present a leash?,” I asked. “No,” was her answer.

Keep Toddler Hands Away From Your Dog

A tip to parents of toddlers and a dog. Dogs do not appreciate having little hands and bodies around their valuables…including food and toys.

Plan Ahead To Lower Your Dog’s Stress After COVID-19

When it comes to this COVID-19 pandemic, people are not the only ones who can experience stress and anxiety. Dogs and other pets can too for a number of reasons.