Dog Training and Behavior
A dear friend of mine who does not LOVE dogs and lives in an elevator building often asks me how to politely tell her neighbors she does not wish to have dogs plunge their face into her laundry basket on her way home. Before you judge, she does not dislike animals. She simply does not …Read More
They lure you in with their good looks and charm. You spend countless hours together in the house, easily enjoying each other’s company. Yet, the instant you walk outside or have a friend come into your condo; your dog backs away, trembles and sometimes growls. If only people saw the wind-up tail bounding to you as you …Read More
Dog trainers often instruct clients to “manage” their dogs as the first step in any training routine. I love learning and as a student of kayaking, yoga, cooking or whatever catches my interest; I sometimes scratch my head at another instructor’s lingo. It reminds me how important it is to define shop talk and terms …Read More
Whether you frown or smile when snow falls, you have to remember your beloved dog(s) during winter months. With a few simple tips, you can keep your dog happy, healthy and training momentum strong even when life is thrown off by frigid temperatures. Health and safety are priority. Many Chicago residents live without a yard. …Read More
As a reward-based training advocates, we see remarkable transformations in canine behavior by tapping into each dog’s top motivator(s). We find it is much easier to determine what is expected of your dog in troublesome situations and train an acceptable behavior than to punish a naughty act. It makes perfect sense, good is behavior is rewarded, it happens more …Read More
Has peanut butter been met with less enthusiasm than it used to? Even if your dog has yet not turned up his snout, a little change here and there and can go a long way when filling a Kong or other treat dispensing chew toy. Consider yourself lucky if your dog goes nuts for empty hard rubber …Read More
In the dog world, it’s important to practice new behaviors without distractions and slowly introduce new noises, smells and sights. That all makes perfect senses in theory. But, how do you train your dog to walk on a leash inside when you really need a loose leash outside? It is all about foundation and setting …Read More
Oh, the joys of celebrating and amazing food with your family and friends. Entertaining guests is exciting but can be stressful, even without a bouncy dog to think about. If you plan to include your dog in dinnertime festivities, here are a few tidbits to make the event enjoyable for you and him. 1. Give …Read More
I often see sheepish looks and lowered eyes when I ask the question “is your dog allowed on the couch?” I would like to set the record straight that allowing shared couch time for most dogs does not mean your dog will assume ruler of your home. However, if your dog has ever growled or tensed as you …Read More
The Kong product line is popular for its durability and versatility. It is often my first choice to redirect innate chewing behaviors because it is virtually indestructible by most dogs. However, like any dog toy, there are exceptionally strong chewers who can annihilate even the Extreme Black Kong (considered the strongest). If your dog has destroyed every toy you …Read More
