When you see pictures of dogs performing these behaviors what goes through your mind?? You might think “How’d they get the dog to do that”? or “Wow, that’s a really well-trained dog”! I have to admit, these are really cool tricks! But do you really care if your dog...
Let face it, even the most outgoing person on the planet doesn’t like every person they meet! Some of us have huge circles of friends, while others of us stick to a select few. Dogs are no different. Even well socialized dogs don’t like every other dog they meet. Most...
Just because I train my dogs using positive reinforcement does not mean I am permissive. I do not simply ignore "bad" behavior, I address it. In my training, I choose to use a mix of acceptable reinforcers and acceptable punishers. However, that never includes...
Safe, healthy play between dogs can provide exercise, fun and help build social skills. Puppies need play to learn proper dog – dog communication and how to get along with others. Rough or inappropriate play can cause more harm than good. “Bad” play can leave a dog...
For many of us the 4th of July means fun, friends, food and fireworks. But it may not be so much fun for our dogs. Fireworks can be terrifying to some dogs! Shelters report that the 5th of July is the one of busiest days of the year. More dogs are...
As a dog trainer, I hear this all too often. So, why it is some dogs hate crates and others love them? I think a lot of it has to do with the way the crate, or confinement in general, is introduced to the dog. For instance, the vast majority of pet store puppies are...
