Dog Body Language

When we share our homes with animals who speak a completely different language than we do, misunderstandings can happen so easily and with misunderstandings stress, anxiety and even aggression can easily erupt. I spoke with residents yesterday of a local retirement community where many people share their apartments with furry companions and much of that […]

Do Puppies Grow Out Of Problems?

Puppies chew. They play. They run. They get into things we do not want them to. They vocalize. They grab things on impulse. They also may show signs of backing away from unfamiliar things in their environment of signs of pulling toward other things. Oh so cute they are! We love them for their adorableness […]

Impact of Good Moments

Parents, please remember. Past experience is how animals learn. Every interaction between your child and your dog teaches your dog whether or not to feel good about being near your child. Dogs may tolerate bear hugs but they do not enjoy them. This dog’s open mouth, relaxed body muscles, and posture (close to the child […]

A Game To Teach Self Control

The Red Light, Green Light game uses play and exercise to build skills of self-control in your dog. It is a ton of fun for both you and your four legged friend.  A pre-requisite for this game is to first work on teaching your dog controlled behaviors such as sit or down. This is a […]

Proofing and Fluency In Dog Training

It happens so often. People will tell me their dog knows behaviors such as sit, down, and stay but when I ask them to show me, either their dog does not immediately do the behavior or does not do the behavior at all. Or many times a dog will do the behavior that is cued […]

Dog On Leash Greetings: Good or Bad?

I was at a park the other day when I saw a mother and her two children walking their goldendoodle puppy, a 40 to 50 pound teddy bear who very clearly found interest in everything going on around them. I knew that by seeing his alertness in looking around, his tail held high or wagging, […]

Tips for Acclimating New Dogs

It is not uncommon for people to bring home a second dog, and often do not know how to help facilitate a positive introduction. This video does an excellent of of demonstrating how to do that in a neutral place. It also talks about acclimating a newly adopted pet upon your first arrival home.

Benefits Of Kongs To Dogs

There are so many benefits to giving your dog a stuffed Kong, or other food chew toy or activity toy. When you just put food in a bowl, typically either your dog will either gobble it up quickly or graze slowly which may lead to your leaving food out all day. In either case, there […]