Positive Dog Training for Hunting Dogs
Depending on who you talk to, “hunting dog” means very different things. The only thing in common may very well be that the human end of the leash historically toted a gun in pursuit of some type of “game.” The game in question was not after-dinner parlor entertainment, but the entree on your dinner table. That might be pheasant, duck, or squirrel. Through hundreds of years, the real-life pursuit of food for one’s family has morphed into a competitive sport for people who rely upon Safeway to meet their nutritional needs.
Extreme Anxiety in Dogs
Most of us have had moments of anxiety in our lives, and while it’s not fun, most of us survive those moments and get...
How to Keep Dogs Off Furniture – If You Want To
There's a method to keeping your dogs off the furniture if you don't want them there. I personally love a dog on my lap or under my arm when I'm sitting on the sofa. Not only do I enjoy the cuddling, I also get cold easily and love the warmth of dog bodies next to me. In our home, we keep the furniture covered with blankets for easy removal when company comes (dog hair begone!) and both dogs are taught to get off and/or stay off when asked to do so.
The Play Way for Shy and Fearful Dogs
Play is a widespread feature of social animals. Humans play. Dogs play. Maybe our shared need for and love of play is part of...
Sit Happens
and Wow! Sandy says
When Your Dog Refuses To Walk On A Leash
It’s frustrating and embarrassing when your dog puts on the brakes and refuses to move. If he’s small you can pick him up and carry him; although that might not be the best training solution, at least it gets you out of there and you can save face. But what if it’s a Great Dane, a Newfoundland, or any breed – or combination of breeds – that’s too big to be portable?
Why Do Dogs Hump (and What You Can Do)
You may be embarrassed by your dog’s proclivity to mount other dogs, cushions or pieces of furniture, or even (horrors!) humans. You are not...
Tracking Your Dog’s Training Progress
Lately, it seems like there's an epidemic of people around me who can't see their own and their dog's progress. In a similar vein, I've been surprised by the number of clients who seem to take their dog's improvement for granted, yet continually expect more and more.
Tethered for Success: The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Tethers
I’ve long been a proponent of the appropriate, judicious use of tethers for dog training and management. This doesn’t mean tying up your dog...
Angst With Your Adolescent Dog
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the puppy months pretty much in one piece and hopefully laid a solid foundation for your many years together...
Why Punishment-Based Dog Training Doesn’t Work
By definition, punishment is something that will decrease the probability of the occurrence of a certain behavior. Generally, this punishment involves something that is sufficiently startling or aversive so as to thwart the “problem” behavior. If the dog has benefitted from the behavior in the past, it will take even more startling or aversive punishment to override his expectation of getting that reward again. Frequently, a punished dog stops attending to you; you become something to be avoided.
Qualified Professionals for Dog Aggression Modification
Mild aggression cases might involve a dog who growls and might even air-snap
Latest Blog
How “Bird Flu” Could Threaten Your Dog
The “bird flu”, or avian influenza, has been around for a long time; it’s circulated in wild birds since the late 1990s. But like all viruses, it mutates over time—and influenza viruses are known to mutate very quickly. What’s more, some emerging strains are deadlier than others.