Make Having Fun A Dog Training Habit

Here is a simple dog training tip: If you want your dog to give you attention, check in, and listen to you outside, you have to earn that privilege. Practice showing your dog that YOU have the power to make FUN things happen when your dog CHOOSES to give you attention outside. Do it often. […]

To Learn About Dog Training, Watch An Athlete Train

To learn about dog training, watch an athlete train

To learn about dog training, watch an athlete train. When you watch professional sports, even amateur sports at top competitive levels, you probably are not thinking about how the genetics of the athletes can influence endurance and natural ability. You probably also are not thinking about the hours, days, weeks and years of fitness and […]

Consider Growly Zones In Dog Management

Whether you have a family dog that includes kids and a dog or are a multi-dog household, consider growly zones as an important dog management consideration.

Why is predictability important to the welfare of our pets?

Predictability can go a long way toward helping an animal feel safe, which ultimately leads to that animal experiencing less stress, more quality of life and a desire to want to participate.

Why is predictability important to the welfare of our pets? Predictability can go a long way toward helping an animal feel safe, which ultimately leads to that animal experiencing less stress, more quality of life and a desire to want to participate.

Distractions and Loose Leash Walking: Walking Dog Past Geese

Let’s talk about dog training with distractions and loose leash walking. With my maltipoo dog, Dawson, being prone to react by barking at other dogs while on leash and within close proximity, many of our walks are not on neighborhood streets. On this path we are pretty sure to not see any dogs BUT we […]

Infant And Dog: Is This Affection Or Kiss To Dismiss?

How often it is that I see pictures or videos with scenes like this one of a stressed dog and an infant. Usually, the caption refers to how the dog is comforting the baby or how the dog is being friends with the infant. I can understand how a parent who is not Dog Aware* may see that. Parents want their dog and child to be friends. It is a natural line of thinking for these parents to think the dog body language is saying, “I love you.” The reality is, this may be an instant of Kiss to Dismiss. As a licensed Family Paws parent educator, I want to encourage you to look at this interaction between dog and infant differently.

How often it is that I see pictures or videos with scenes like this one of an infant and dog. Usually, the caption refers to how the dog is comforting the baby or how the dog is being friends with the infant. I can understand how a parent who is not Dog Aware* may see […]

Gaining Wings Book Helps Families Deal With Losing A Pet

Leave it to my friends at Angel’s Paws pet hospice to publish a wonderful book, Gaining Wings, all about helping families with kids deal with the grief of losing a pet when their pet goes over the Rainbow Bridge.

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 […]

Why Good Management When Introducing Your Puppy To Your Dog?

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 housemates’ future relationship. Let’s delve into this…with the story of my clients and their aussiedoodle dogs - Archie and Auggie.

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.

Dog Success Stations Prevent Problem Behaviors

Success Stations (coined by my teacher/mentor Jen Shryock of Family Paws) are management strategies for kids and dogs (and puppies) aimed at preventing problem behaviors BEFORE those behaviors become a THING.

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 […]

I Am A Certified Family Dog Mediator

Certified Dog Trainer Lisa Desatnik is now a certified family dog mediator.

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 […]