Awesome Students!
The first time I met this beautiful little girl, she was very timid and backed up and barked a lot from people and dogs and her environment. Now her tail wags a lot, she has initiated play with other puppies we’ve socialized her with, and she is one smart student. […]
Does Your Dog Like His Halloween Costume?
If you want to dress your dog in an outfit, please make should make sure your dog is comfortable. Dogs will communicate this with their bodies. Some signs of a happy dog are: relaxed body muscles; loose lips or even open mouth with loose tongue; rhythmic panting. Some signs that a dog is not […]
Are You Helping Your Pet Succeed?
Such a great quote. It reminds us, as our pet’s teacher it is our job to do what we can to help our pets to succeed. Ask yourself these questions: Am I teaching in an environment where my pet is not too distracted? Do I have high enough value reinforcers? Am I breaking down […]
Halloween Behavior Tips For Your Dog
We’re coming up on one of my favorite holidays, Halloween, but it is not necessarily the favorite holiday for pets. Here are a few behavioral tips to help your pet have a stress free holiday.
Join Me At The Paw Joggers Run
I am so looking forward to the Paw Joggers Rescue Run on October 18, and hope you will join me.
Six Tips To Use Distractions In Dog Training
It is a very common problem of companion pet owners. Their dog ‘knows’ a particular behavior like sit or stay but seems to completely forget or tune out when there are distractions around. And often that dog may be labeled bull-headed, stubborn, dumb, or dominate.
Self Control Is An Important Skill For Dogs
A reminder, teaching your dog or puppy self control skills and to stay is important in so many contexts…waiting at an open door, for calm greetings, for YOU to initiate play as just a few examples. Here are some tips for beginning to teach it. The game that I show here for teaching self control can […]
Rescue Dog Finds Forever Home After Nine Years
Most of my posts have to do with pet behavior but this story is one that I really wanted to share.
How Crate Games Make Going Into The Crate Fun
I have been working with this Havanese puppy, Migo, on training him to go into his crate. I did this by making the crate a hugely valuable place to be (from his point of view), by using clicker training and positive reinforcement.
A Tip For Petting Dogs
I wanted to share this reminder to you about little dogs especially. Leaning over them can make them uncomfortable, as can giving them massive head rubs. One clue is if the dog leans or moves away. This is a much better way to give a dog reinforcement.