Some people don’t like teaching their dogs “tricks”. Somehow, it’s just doesn’t seem dignified or worth putting in the effort to teach these frivolous cues that have no value. Or do they? Whether something is considered a trick or a useful cue is really all a matter of perspective. Something that seems like a useless [...]
In my earlier post on this subject, I started the discussion of what to do when a dog misbehaves. First, we need to ensure the dog understands what is expected. Then we need to make sure we have provided appropriate incentives for doing what is expected. Let’s say you’ve done all that, and now he misbehaves. [...]
We know that our own stress can greatly affect our performance and ability to function, but do you ever consider how your dog's stress level might affect his/her performance? Not only your dog's stress level, but your own stress level can affect his performance as well. My Sunday afternoon Basic Training Class graduated recently. Our [...]
One question I am often asked is this: “How do I correct my dog when he doesn’t do what he’s told?” In our society, we tend to be quick to want to dole out punishment for “misbehavior” or doing something “he knows was wrong.” Dogs are often labeled stubborn, defiant, dominant or other terms that [...]
If you think your dog doesn’t have a very good memory, just try walking past the spot where he found a dead animal or other equally smelly and enticing (to our dogs) object. If your dog is anything like mine, he will make a beeline for that spot. While I love living in a rural [...]
