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 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.” However, I ask you…is this affection or a Kiss to Dismiss? [Read more…] about Infant And Dog: Is This Affection Or Kiss To Dismiss?
Pet safety
Dog Success Stations Prevent Problem Behaviors
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 Jen Shryock of Family Paws) prevent problem behaviors BEFORE those behaviors become a THING. [Read more…] about Dog Success Stations Prevent Problem Behaviors
Winter Safety Tips For Your Dog
If you live in my Greater Cincinnati region, I don’t need to tell you we are just about on the verge of one of worst winter storms. Very quickly over the next few hours, outside wind chill temperatures will be dropping to minus 20 to 30 degrees or lower with snow and ice. We will be hunkering down for a few days. It is important to note winter dangers for dogs. I wanted to take time to share a few winter weather safety tips for your dog. [Read more…] about Winter Safety Tips For Your Dog
Understanding Flooding And Learned Helplessness In Training
I had been looking forward to that night for several months, since the day I first heard about the upcoming performance one of my favorite local bands. My friends and I got there over two hours early to reserve our spot, before heading across the street to get dinner. By the time we got back to our seats, the concert area was filled. There was not even space for two more chairs. I could hardly wait for the music to start. Then, in the empty seats in front of us, a man joined his party with his leashed dog. Let’s just say, my long-anticipated evening suddenly got off to an unexpected, unwelcome turn. And that is how I will begin this post that will talk about flooding and learned helplessness as it pertains to dog training. [Read more…] about Understanding Flooding And Learned Helplessness In Training
Four Things To Bring On A Walk With Your Dog
Here are four things you may want to on a walk your dog, for dog safety and your own safety, just in case of imminent danger from an off-leash dog. [Read more…] about Four Things To Bring On A Walk With Your Dog
Why Is Your Dog Stubborn?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard the complaint, “My dog is stubborn.” It seems to be an epidemic among the canine species and apparently it is easily spread from one household, one animal to another. But, it also apparently mutates. A stubborn dog could be one that stays standing or even lunges on the leash when asked to sit. A stubborn dog could be one that continues to sniff a flower or dig in the dirt when being called to come. Or a stubborn dog could be one that puts on the brakes, refusing to move in the direction you are trying to walk. Why is your dog stubborn and what can you do to stop it (at least in that moment)? I’ll talk more about that in this post. [Read more…] about Why Is Your Dog Stubborn?