There are many who, if they passed us on that day, would have thought, because this dog did not bark or lunge at the person or car he saw at a distance…that he was FINE. He may have looked like he was enjoying being on leash in the community. What do you think? Actually, while he may look fine, this is a fearful dog with anxiety. The story of his dog behavior is below. [Read more…] about While He May Look Fine, This Is A Fearful Dog With Anxiety
dog body language
Is Your Dog FINE?
Is your dog fine? When clients tell me their dog was FINE at the groomer, FINE at the vet, FINE when accompanying them to a busy park, FINE when children are running and screaming…my question to them is, “What does FINE look like in that context?” [Read more…] about Is Your Dog FINE?
Dog Training Is About Teamwork
Dog Training is about teamwork. The way I see it, teaching and learning is a collaborative effort. My student and I are a team. It is my goal to create an environment that is going to inspire the learner in front of me to want to participate, not through force but through choice. I value my learner’s feedback. I become a more effective dog training when I pay attention to the dog’s body language, interest in the lesson, and ability to get what I am teaching. That input will help me to know whether I am on the right track or whether I should step back and strategize what I can change about that particular lesson. [Read more…] about Dog Training Is About Teamwork
Infant And Dog: Is This Affection Or Kiss To Dismiss?
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?
Trigger Stacking In Dogs
A woman was telling me the other day about how she couldn’t understand why her dog ‘out of the blue’ barked and lunged at someone he sees and solicits pets from all the time. Someone else was telling me about how his dog, that is very friendly, ‘out of the blue’ growled at a child who walked up to him as they were leaving the groomers. If your dog has ever reacted in an unusual (for your pet) outburst of behavior in a situation. it could be because of trigger stacking. I’ll explain.
Reframing Thoughts About A Social Dog
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard from dog owners that they would like to have a more social dog with other dogs. They are frustrated and even embarrassed taking their dog for a walk because their dog barks at certain neighborhood dogs. Usually, the topic comes up when they tell me about their reactive dog on leash, making a generality about their dog’s leash behavior. Let’s reframe our thoughts about having a social dog who is friends with all other dogs. [Read more…] about Reframing Thoughts About A Social Dog