Help! My dog has become a juvenile delinquent!
The transition from puppyhood to canine adolescence can be a rapid and jarring one.
Don't Label Me!
Something I see a lot of in the dog training world is labels, specifically those applied to our dogs. I myself use labels regularly - 'reactive dog,' anyone?
I understand the appeal behind a label; it's a convenient and straightforward way for us to explain often complex behavior. However, these labels can be doing our dogs more harm than good, and we need to tread lightly when using them.
Is Effectiveness Enough?
Lately I've been feeling burnt out. The reason for this burnout is due to the overwhelming number of clients I have seen recently who were previously instructed to train their dog using punitive or aversive methods, and are now experiencing the fallout from these techniques.
Science & Dog Trainers: better do your research
I've been a certified, professional dog trainer for over 8 years now, and I can count on my hands the number of times that I have been questioned by potential clients about my education, and training methods.
Positive reinforcement doesn't work for every dog, and other assertions.
When you claim that positive reinforcement 'doesn't work for your dog' it's because you are doing it wrong.
Trigger Stacking: the straw that broke the camel's back
Today I woke up with a weird funk hanging over my head. Everything I did, however ordinary, seemed to be met with resistance.
Lost in translation: how to say "I love you" in your dog's language.
As Valentines Day creeps closer, it has me thinking about the various ways that humans show love to the people in their lives.
All played out: social maturity in dogs.
Our dogs go through various stages of physical and social development through their lives. From the adorable days of puppyhood, to the gangly and uncoordinated time as a juvenile…
What do you expect?
The New Year always ignites a flurry of activity amongst people: slates are being wiped clean, goals are being set, and resolutions are created.
Chew on this
Chewing in dogs can be real problem, and one that we humans do not cope with well.
Taking the 'Pull' Out of Leash Walks
It's a beautiful, sunny day and you're heading out for a walk with your dog to stretch your legs. You take a deep breath of fresh air, and....YOINK!
Can old dogs learn new tricks?
I'm often approached by clients who want to further their dog's skill set, manners or obedience. Frequently, these clients have dogs who are no longer puppies, and may even be seasoned adults.
On the Mark: Hand Targets
Targeting is a useful behavior where we teach our dog to touch a specific part of their body to a specific object/location.
Crash! Boom! Storm Phobias
What a month we've had. Record breaking temperatures and minimal precipitation almost makes you forget about our 7 months of cold, cruel winter, doesn't it? No? Too soon? I agree.