Space Invasion!

Common courtesy when out and about with your dog

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

Management

How to have a good dog, even when excited

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

The Right Way to Use Treats

Avoid common mistakes using treats in dog training

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

Leash Training for People

Jack Leash Walking

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

Teaching Kids to Say Hi to an Unknown Dog

Saying Hi

Many dog lovers’ initial response when seeing a dog walking towards them is to say hello while bending over and petting their new friend. This innate human behavior can send many dogs running for cover or even put them on the defense. Children tend to move more quickly, make higher pitched noises and touch dogs …Read More

Gentle Leader Training

Gentle Leader

The head halter is a great training tool. It is very helpful in redirecting attention and preventing pulling. It’s usefulness does require proper fitting, appropriate use and a training period so your dog learns to love putting his Gentle Leader on before he walks around the neighborhood. Here are some ways to train your dog …Read More