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Going “green” for your dog
The push to “go green” is everywhere these days. Choosing options that are better for our environment and for us are also better for our dogs. We are always trying to choose better options in [...]
What causes our strong connection to dogs?
Do you ever wonder why humans have such strong connections with other species, especially dogs? As a society, we tend to think there is something wrong with the “crazy cat lady” or “crazy dog person” [...]
Is my dog being “dominant”?
If I had a dollar for every time people tell me their dogs are being dominant, my bank account would look a lot better than it does right now. If I then lost a dollar [...]
Autism, oxytocin and dogs
I read Meg Daley Olmert’s book Made for Each Other. (I got a copy from the local library, but when I look up the title on Amazon.com, the cover is different. It has a Vizsla on [...]
Modern wolves and domestic dogs are distantly related
I have mentioned John Bradshaw’s book Dog Sense in a previous post, and will discuss parts of it further in future posts. There is so much good information in there, it’s hard to choose just one thing [...]
Walking can be such a drag!
The title of this post, for most of you, conjures a picture of your dog dragging you down the sidewalk. However, for a few people, this title conjures another picture – one of you having [...]
Does our connection to animals make us human?
We, as humans, have to keep changing our definition of what makes us human. For example, we used to claim that one way we are differentiated from other animals is through our use of tools. [...]
The domestication of dogs
It is commonly believed that dogs have been around for around 12,000 years give or take a couple thousand. But new evidence is beginning to show that the change from wolf to dog might have [...]
Good dental health can prolong your dog’s life, says article in Prevention Magazine
According to an article in the September (2011) issue of Prevention magazine, dental disease affects 78% of dogs (and 68% of cats) over 3 years of age. In addition to the risk of losing teeth, [...]
“Alpha wolf” – reality or myth?
In recent years, the terms “alpha” and “dominance” and the whole “wolf pack theory” of dog training have become popular again. The appeal, I think, lies in the way it is sensationalized on television and [...]
Behavioral signs of cancer in dogs
More info from the talk by Christine Hardy, DVM, MBA, MPH from the CSU Animal Cancer Center. In an earlier post, I listed the Top Ten Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets. This post lists [...]
Top 10 Warning Signs of Cancer in Pets
At my most recent Colorado Dog Trainers Network meeting, we were fortunate enough to have Christine Hardy , DVM, MBA, MPH from the CSU Animal Cancer Center speak with us about cancer in dogs and [...]
Where did Momma go?
For those who follow my blog or hear about my escapades in person, you know that when Romeo was an adolescent, I was working on off-leash reliability with Romeo. While I want him to always [...]
How I Use Off-Leash Control With My Dog
Clients often want to know what off-leash control looks like with my 2 year old Vizsla, Romeo, so here it is. In places where it is not safe to be off-leash, Romeo is attached to [...]
Cool dog treats for hot summer days
When the weather is hot, your dog might not get as excited about her/his training treats as s/he usually does. Ok, some dogs get excited about the prospect of food no matter what! But not [...]
“Dog training” works on people too!
One of my job titles is "Dog Trainer" but I often tell my clients that in reality, I am a People Trainer. While I can and do train dogs, the bulk of my job is [...]
What’s the “magic” number for maturity?
My most popular group class is Juvenile Delinquents. I work with more adolescent dogs than any other developmental stage. It should come as no surprise that the majority of dogs relinquished to shelters and rescue [...]
Could massage help your dog?
Most people are quite familiar with massage therapists for people, but did you also know that there are professionals who provide massages for dogs? Do you live with a dog who might benefit from regular [...]
The ultimate “drop it” test – baby bunnies version
Training sessions are all good and fun (or should be!) but the real measure of your dog’s skills is when a real-life situation puts your training to the test. I had a chance to test [...]
Dog social skills with puppies
When you live with an adolescent dog, there are some days when you wonder if s/he will ever mature. I certainly have had those thoughts about Romeo some days. (July 2011) One of my objectives [...]
What is the most important thing you can teach your dog?
I spend much of my “spare time” thinking about dog training and the dogs with whom I work. The time I invest in the dogs with whom I work is not limited to the actual [...]