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
desensitization and counterconditioning in dog training
How I Crate Trained My Puppy, Dawson
I’ve written before about the importance of crate training your puppy (teaching your puppy that the crate is an awesome, safe place to settle). When I brought Dawson, my maltipoo, home, teaching him that lesson was high on my list of puppy training priorities as I knew I would be wanting him to spend time in his crate during our life together. [Read more…] about How I Crate Trained My Puppy, Dawson
For Outdoor Activities, Dog Paw Wax Can Protect Your Pet
This week, on a very cold morning, I had an outdoor loose leash walking lesson. We needed to drive to several areas to find a place that was not covered with salt. At this time of year in Cincinnati, salt on surfaces is pretty common place Chemicals and extreme temperature surfaces, can be very harmful to your dog’s paws. Dog paw wax can protect your dog’s paws in conditions like snow/ice, heat or rough surfaces, or chemically treated areas. [Read more…] about For Outdoor Activities, Dog Paw Wax Can Protect Your Pet
Tips For Helping Your Dog Feel Safe
The other day I had an appointment for a dog that would react by trying to escape and hide, having an elevated heart rate, stiffened muscles, lowered tail, inability to take food. As soon as I walked in the door, he bolted from one place to another before running into his crate at the far side of the room and behind the couch arm. I suggested that his crate be covered; and once done, he remained there for the rest of the visit. I did not approach any where near the crate. Instead his caregiver and I sat away from him to talk about what was happening and suggested next steps. [Read more…] about Tips For Helping Your Dog Feel Safe
Fearful Dogs And Crowded Places
I have seen it happen so often…very well intentioned people walking their dog through a crowded event thinking they are helping their favorite pet overcome fears by getting Fido used to being around lots of humans and other stimulus. [Read more…] about Fearful Dogs And Crowded Places
Steps To Stop Barking At Doorbell
Wow, I could not believe my ears when I arrived at my most recent appointment with these girls and their human dad.
Normally I would hear their resounding barking as I was walking down the driveway. But on this day, I got to the door and rang the doorbell hearing nothing but the sound of distant cars on a nearby street. I wondered if the doorbell was working, so I tried again. There was still silence from inside the house. [Read more…] about Steps To Stop Barking At Doorbell