Over the years, I have heard of many collar and harness accidents—some with tragic results. This story, thank goodness, has a happy ending. But it could’ve ended much differently. My client has two border collies who were approaching their first birthday. They both had beautifully woven martingale type collars that they wore all of the… [Read More]
Do you have home alone challenges?
As things open back up in our post-Covid-shut-down world, many of us will find ourselves leaving our dogs home alone more than we have in the past year. How does your dog do staying home alone? If you have been home with your dog for the past year, will they have separation anxiety now? It… [Read More]
Looking for Ways to Entertain Your Dog? Try Fun Brain Games
If your dog is sometimes bored around the house or missing their usual activities, doing brain games can help entertain, engage, and wear them out! Here are three of my favorites. Food puzzles. Dogs are both predators and scavengers by nature. That means that they are wired to search for food sources and work to… [Read More]
Preventing Separation Anxiety While Sheltering in Place
Are you loving staying home so much with your dog? I know I am. Spending 24/7 together is a dream come true for me and my pup. But (isn’t there always a but…), I know that all this together time will come to an end when I finally get to get back to working away… [Read More]
Help! My Puppy Bites My Legs When I Walk
Do you have a puppy that bites your feet or ankles when you walk? Does your pup grab your pants leg and start tugging? Are your toes getting bloody from his playful pounces? This is one of those puppy problems that I get asked about so often that I thought it might be helpful to… [Read More]
5 Tips for Surviving Your Dog’s Adolescence
Is your once cute, cuddly, and well-behaved pup suddenly acting out? Is your dog ignoring you, taking off if he sees something interesting, and chewing on everything in sight? Did his perfect “sit,” “down,” “stay” and “come” disappear overnight? Are his friendly, social ways being replaced with rowdy, over-the-top greetings? Is he sometimes cautious or… [Read More]
20 Fun Rainy Day Activities for You and Your Dog
As I write this blog post, it is pouring rain outside and has been for the better part of the last week. We walk in the rain, play in the rain, and even do some training in the rain. But having a young dog in the house, I know spending the day cooped up can… [Read More]
3 Reasons You Should Never Punish Your Dog for Growling
A dog growling, that low rumble, no one wants to hear it! It is not uncommon for a student or client to ask me how they should correct their dog for growling at someone or something. Let me tell you now: Please, please, don’t punish your dog for growling!! Here are 3 reasons why not.
Dogs Need To Be Dogs–But a Little Attention Never Hurt Anyone!
Have you ever considered the synonyms for attention? Consideration, kindness, thoughtfulness, responsiveness and of course devotion. Attention skills can foster these wonderful characteristics. People express consideration, kindness, and devotion to their dogs when they give them attention. Dogs who are offering attention to their person are often more thoughtful and responsive—extremely important traits when we talk… [Read More]
Let’s Talk About Off-Leash Etiquette
Boy, my dog loves to run off leash—tearing down the beach, chasing her ball in the park, or romping through the tall grasses on hikes. In the central coast area—Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties—we have limited areas where dogs are allowed off leash. And this can sometimes be tough when you have a dog that… [Read More]