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Some situations call for a default behavior from our dogs
When most people train their dogs, they expect their dogs to respond to verbal cues, hand signals or both. However, there are times when an automatic or default behavior is better. What is an automatic [...]
Successfully training a dog not to chase cars or anything else
I recently received an email from a client who had completed our Basic Training Online Course. Training was going well except for one specific distraction: this dog loves to chase cars. When this dog accidentally [...]
The benefits of play for dogs
Play is fun for our dogs. It’s fun for us to watch our dogs having fun. But we often don’t consider all of the possible benefits of play for dogs beyond just having fun. [...]
“Out” is a useful cue with your dog when preparing your holiday meal
The last post included training tips for setting your dogs up for success over the holidays when we often do not stick to our normal routines. For this post, I am including a tip for a specific [...]
Set your dog up for success over the holidays!
The holiday season tends to be very hectic for most of us. This means some of our usual routines go out the window. Unfortunately, for our dogs, this often includes training, walks and other important [...]
Testing off-leash readiness with your dog, revisited
In my last post on off-leash readiness, I discussed testing off-leash readiness with our dogs. As I described in that post, I am working toward off-leash reliability with Romeo, my Vizsla. (November 2011) This past week, [...]
Testing off-leash readiness with your dog
How do you know if and when your dog is ready to be allowed off leash? Many people want to be able to take their dogs hiking off leash but aren't sure how to know [...]
Emotions in dogs – acknowledge but don’t overanalyze
The better I am able to understand dogs, the better trainer I will be and the better I will be able to help my clients understand and relate to their own dogs. One topic of [...]
Case study: relinquished dog has trouble with household dogs
Working with shelters and/or rescue groups has always been a part of my work in helping dogs. I recently conducted a behavior consultation with a Greyhound in the Colorado Greyhound Adoption (CGA) foster program. At 6 years [...]
Are your dog’s chew toys safe?
The December 2011 issue of Prevention Magazine had an article by Lisa Hoehn called The Best Chew Toys to Choose. Did you know there is no governmental oversight for the manufacturing of dogs’ chew toys? [...]
Have you heard of the sport of K9 Nosework for dog training?
It's no secret that our dogs' senses of smell far surpass our own. Most dogs love to sniff when out on walks, sometimes to the point that it becomes difficult to get much exercise. At [...]
Safely breaking up a dog fight
If your dog has ever been involved in a fight with another dog, you know what a scary and stressful situation it can be. Professionals often recommend not trying to break up a fight simply [...]
Preventing, treating and diagnosing diabetes in dogs
The November 2011 issue of Prevention magazine has an article by Karen Asp called The Diabetes Danger. According to the article, diabetes in dogs has increased 32% in the past 5 years. Symptoms generally show up when dogs are [...]
Aggression toward other dogs and resources for help
Does your dog have issues with other dogs? Our society seems to assume that all dogs should love all other dogs. Those of us who live with dogs know that is not always the case. [...]
What does sheep herding have to do with dog training? Hint: body blocking
Ever tried your hand at sheep herding? Not with your dog, just you. Not something most of us would think of trying ourselves, but I got my opportunity quite unexpectedly. (November 2011) We were out [...]
Training challenges: overcoming “My dog will only come when she wants to”
I’ve heard it many times. And I heard it again at one of my classes recently: “My dog only comes when she wants to. How do I get her to come EVERY time?” While this [...]
Addressing separation anxiety in dogs
Separation anxiety, or a lesser form now often referred to as separation distress, can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially if your dog is destructive when separated. However, many people think their dogs [...]
Is your dog jumping on you when you arrive home? Try this!
Overly enthusiastic dogs jumping on family and visitors is a common issue, especially for adolescent dogs. Since it is such a pervasive issue, we have in our online training a module dedicated specifically to jumping. [...]
John Rogerson Seminar provides thought-provoking ideas
I spent four full days at a seminar with dog trainer John Rogerson. John lives in the UK and travels all over the world, so he’s not often in the U.S. He has been spending a [...]
Is your dog suddenly afraid of familiar things?
If you have read about puppy development stages online or in books, you most likely have heard of a fear period that puppies can experience between 8 and 11 weeks of age. I cover it [...]
Is this a behavior or a medical issue?
I received a phone call from a client I had not heard from in a year or two. They had taken a Puppy Preschool Class with me and had since added another dog to the [...]