Blog Content
Our most recent posts are shown first. For a complete listing of our content, please visit our sitemap page.
Training tip – working with multiple dogs
I am often asked how to handle training with multiple dogs in the same household. As a multiple dog household myself, it’s something I practice regularly. In the early stages of training, best results will [...]
Adjusting to a new dog sibling – Romeo and Zuzu
Bringing home a new baby brother or sister can be tough on the older sibling. New babies require a lot of time and attention, and that can be tough for a big brother (or sister) [...]
When to start training a new puppy
How soon can I start training my new puppy? It’s a question I get frequently for clients who have just brought home a new puppy. Many people are under the unfortunate idea that they need [...]
Prepping for a puppy
Bringing home a puppy is exciting. It’s also a lot of work! We brought home a new puppy on Saturday, December 7, 2013. Zuzu is a Greyhound mix whose mom was brought into rescue, [...]
Training tip – teach your dog a new holiday dog trick!
For most of us, the holiday season means more time with family and friends and hopefully a little less time at work and/or school! Things can get hectic, and for our dogs, that might mean [...]
Your dog is talking – are you listening?
Sometimes I hear people say, I wish my dog could talk. I wish he could just tell me what he wants or what he’s thinking. What these people do not realize is that their dogs [...]
Training tip – teach puppies to enjoy grooming & handling
One of the things we work on in my Puppy Preschool Classes is learning to tolerate and hopefully even enjoy handling and grooming. I wish we had more time to spend on it, and I [...]
Does your puppy seem to eat everything – grass, dirt, sticks, rocks?
Original Post The original content for this post is below, followed by a major addition we made to update new research and learnings we have come across to help dog owners address this issue. [...]
Puppy Nipping Dog Training Video and Handout
The Puppy Nipping Dog Training Handout and Video Resource includes a downloadable PDF and video that covers the following: Good vs bad nipping; Why your puppy is nipping; What to do and what not to [...]
Are you a “natural” when it comes to working with dogs?
While I can and do teach people how to work with their shy dogs, some people just seem to be naturals at this kind of work. My nephew seems to be one of those. Perhaps [...]
Dog training tip – changing your household rules for your dog
In my earlier article about household rules, I asked what your rules were. But how easy is it to change those rules or implement new ones? Some of my clients are hesitant to change the rules. [...]
What are your household rules for your dog?
When I meet with clients for behavior consultations and private training, I start by sitting down and asking lots of questions. One of those questions is often: “What are the rules of your household?” Sometimes [...]
Does the weather affect your dog-walking?
The first dog of my own as an adult was a retired racing Greyhound named Gunner. When I first adopted him, I did not have a fenced yard so we had to go out on [...]
Choosing the right dog training equipment
Ultimately, it should not matter what equipment you are using with your dog. Our goal with training is that your dog be responsive to you regardless of what he’s wearing, where he is, or what [...]
Breaking a bad habit – for both you and your dog
There have been several books in the past few years about willpower, habits and the like. The one I most recently read was Making Habits, Breaking Habits: Why We Do Things, Why We Don’t, and How to [...]
Do dogs really develop a “taste for blood”?
You’ve probably heard the dire warnings before. . . Once a dog has killed another animal, he develops a taste for blood and you’ll never be able to stop him. You may have heard similar [...]
Use chilled or frozen treats when it’s hot out!
You’re conducting a training session with your dog, but he’s spitting out the treats you give him. Normally, he loves these treats but now he has no interest. It might be that he’s simply full [...]
Ever been to a chiropractor for your dog?
Many of us have been to specialists when we throw our backs out, can’t turn our necks normally, or are limping around due to knee pain. We can go to primary care physicians, acupuncturists, chiropractors [...]
Do you know the signs of heatstroke in your dog?
Summer is the time of year when many people think of being more active. However, when it comes to our dogs, we need to be careful about not being too active in the summer heat. [...]
Dog training tip – timing is everything!
You’ve heard the saying “timing is everything” right? When we think of timing in regard to dog training, we often think of the timing of the consequences to our dog’s actions. The reward should happen [...]