Parents: You Are Always Modeling Behavior
Parents, it is important that you remember, you are ALWAYS modeling behavior for your child to learn. The way that your child sees you behaving around others is very likely to be repeated. When you do things to or around your dog (or other non-human animal), your son or daughter may end up doing that […]
Holding A Successful Dog Play Date
Playing is such a great for form of enrichment, exercise and practice of social skills. That is…so long as it is good, healthy play. If it isn’t a positive experience for both dogs or puppies, it could be teaching and strengthening behaviors you don’t want to see. And, be aware that, just like with human […]
Dog Stress Around Kids: Proximity Matters
Dog Bite Prevention Myth About Dogs And Kids: A child has to be directly interacting with a dog before a potential problem can occur. This past fall/early winter, I completed a 13-week program to be certified as a Family Paws parent educator. This topic was a discussion point in one of our group calls.
Dog Self-Handicapping In Play
I smile every time I see this video of Auggie, an aussiedoodle client of mine, and the little puppy. When a larger dog – who rumbles and tumbles and chases with the best of the other large dogs – flops over on her belly with loose muscles to play differently with a puppy or small […]
Motivating Operations And Training
You may not be familiar with the phrase motivating operations, but you have very likely seen it in action.
What Ziplining Can Teach Us About Dog Training
Yes, ziplining at Hocking Hills can teach us about dog training.
Teaching Puppy To Go Down Stairs
Going up and down stairs can be scary for puppies. This little boy would not go into his garage on his own. I suggested we use pads to lessen the height between steps and make it less intimidating for him. It didn’t take long before he went down them. Then we practiced it multiple times […]
Understanding Puppy Fear Periods
A story to help with your understanding of puppy fear periods: Eighteen-week-old Louis, a Westie puppy, was very relaxed behind a gate that divided his area and the living room where I sat with his human mom. He quietly played without crying or pawing to get to us. Even when we walked outside for a […]
Should Your Child Walk Your Dog?
Should your child walk your dog on a leash? There is a lot to think about, even for adults. Every dog is different, so I may teach loose leash walking differently depending on the dog…and the handler. And I may break down the behavior in many smaller components. Keep in mind, that maintaining no tension […]
How To Greet An Unknown Dog
There has been a lot published about the subject of how to greet an unknown dog. Many written with kids and dogs in mind, and dog bite prevention. Ask permission from the handler. Ask permission from the dog. Allow the dog to approach you. Stand sideways, present your fist or palm, and let the dog […]