Blog Content
Our most recent posts are shown first. For a complete listing of our content, please visit our sitemap page.
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 [...]
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 [...]
Hiking with your dog? Keep an eye out for ticks
Summer is great for getting out and doing more hiking, camping and other outdoor activities with your dogs. But it also is a time to be careful about things like mosquito bites, heatstroke or ticks. [...]
Do you have an evacuation plan in case of emergency?
If you were required to evacuate your house today, are you prepared? What if you had 3 hours to prepare? How about 30 minutes? What would you take with you? Do you have easy access [...]
Training tip – incorporate quickie training sessions into your dog's routine
I hear it often. . . “I didn’t spend as much time training this week as I should have.” Or, “I didn’t have time to train my dog this week.” It’s true that most of [...]
Should dogs greet other dogs when on leash?
Some people take their dogs to day care. Some go to training classes. Some go to the dog park. Others meet dogs when out on walks. There are a variety of ways and places to [...]
Does your dog hate getting a bath?
I am happy to spend hours and hours training my dogs, but grooming is just not my thing! And I am sure there are many people who would say just the opposite. One of the [...]
Which breeds are more likely to be aggressive on leash?
Think you know your dog breeds pretty well? Ok, then, here’s a test for you. From the following list, rank the order in which you think each breed is most likely to show aggression or [...]
Training tip – chase game with kids and dogs
A chase game with kids and dogs is often a favorite among both kids and puppies. Kids love to run. Puppies love to chase. Sounds like a great way for both to burn off energy, [...]
Kids and puppies go together – or do they?
Kids and puppies in the same household sounds like the perfect match. Kids love puppies and talk their parents into bringing one home. Puppies love kids and their energy levels can be a good match [...]
Help, my dog doesn’t listen when we’re outside!
As spring arrives and the weather starts getting warmer, more people start getting outdoors with their dogs. For those who have not been walking their dogs regularly during the winter, this hopefully means they start [...]
Ever lost your dog?
As I write this, we are having an April snowstorm and the thermometer says 19 degrees outside. Our dog and our visiting dogs are safe and warm indoors. My husband just happened to look out [...]
Eat your veggies, and you can have dessert!
What does “eat your veggies and you can have dessert” have to do with dog training, you might ask? Any good dog trainer will tell you it has a lot to do with dog training! [...]
What is “maintenance” training for your dog and do you need it?
Some questions commonly asked of trainers is “How long will it take?” or “When can I expect my dog to be completely trained?” or similar thoughts. In many cases, it seems to imply that people [...]
Review of book Homeless People and Their Pets
I love to read – mostly nonfiction. Most of my reading consists of dog training and behavior books, other dog related topics, or books about human behavior. You’ll see what I mean if you search [...]