So, you’re thinking about having or adopting a child…congratulations! Regardless of the age of the child you are bringing home (infant, toddler, or older child), children can be a big adjustment for any dog. The truth is, any dog can have trouble with this huge life change, and any dog can bite (more on that … Continue reading Preparing your Pup for a Child
In a previous blog post, I explored how decompression walks can benefit your dog. Here, I'll dive into more practical tips regarding the leash skills you might need for these types of walks. How do you do a "decompression walk" when being off-leash is not a suitable option? While you can take a decompression walk … Continue reading Essential Skills and Safety Tips for Long Leashes
I could sense the woman’s exasperation over the phone. “I don’t understand it,” she said. “Max* used to LOVE doggy daycare. He’s been going to daycare three days a week since he was a puppy. Now, within the last few weeks, he’s been in several scuffles, and today, he got in a big fight where … Continue reading Fido and Friends: Why Changes in Dog Sociability are Normal
There was Henrietta, whose owner told me: “The UPS man told me that he will not deliver packages to my address again until I get Henrietta some training. She barks and throws herself against the glass so hard when he comes to the door that he’s afraid she’s going to crash through the window at … Continue reading The Watcher at the Window
In my last blog post, I explored how regular enrichment helps to prevent or reduce common behavior problems in dogs. This month, let’s explore another method for helping dogs achieve a happy, relaxed state of being: decompression walks! What’s a decompression walk? Let me start by saying that I am not the first trainer to … Continue reading Why your Dog needs Decompression
If I told you that there was an ethical method that prevented many behavior problems in domesticated dogs…would you use it? The Animal in the Zoo I was introduced to this thought exercise in a podcast by Sarah Stremming. You can find her Cog Dog Radio podcast here. It’s one of my favorite things to … Continue reading My #1 Tip for Behavior Problem Prevention
Recently, I posted a video on Wiggles and Woofs’ TikTok account featuring Meatball, an all-star Miniature Australian Shepherd who was learning to be comfortable around strangers and walk on a loose leash. I was intrigued by a commenter who posted that loose leash walking was not acceptable, and that dogs should heel at all times. … Continue reading Stuff Dogs Do
The spread of coronavirus across the globe has meant sweeping changes for humans and their pets. While some pets are delighted to have their humans home 24 hours a day, others are going a bit stir crazy. They are likely going on shorter walks, interacting with fewer visitors, and missing out on hitting the trails … Continue reading Surviving Canine Quarantine
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