In the past few years, I’ve notice a resurgence of outdated tools and methods used for training our dogs. Choke chains and slip leads, pinch collars, electronic collars, air horns and other tools that cause discomfort, pain, startle, and fear. I want to very clearly state that we do not use these methods at Good… [Read More]
Training Tip: Teaching “That’s all!”
When we are training our dogs with food or toys, they often get very excited about training. We often pull out treats, do a training session, and then abruptly stop training (at least from the dog’s viewpoint). The same thing can happen when we play with our dogs or even when we are done with… [Read More]
You’ve got to love those adolescent yahoos!
When puppies start to grow up, sometime between four and six months, they become insatiable. They need more of everything—more training, more play, more attention, and even more sleep. This is what I call the age of “Oh my god, I can’t possibly give my dog enough exercise and attention!” Fortunately this is a stage, and… [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]
Does Your Puppy or Dog Bark When People Come to Your Door?
You are not alone. Most dogs bark some when there is a surprise visitor at the door. Here are some of the reasons they bark and what you might be able to do to help them stop barking sooner. The dog doesn’t know what to do when people come. One of the best things to do… [Read More]
Counter Surfing: The Key is Prevention!
Counter surfing is a fairly easy behavior to prevent, but it is a much more difficult behavior to fix once a dog is doing it. Make a plan. Don’t leave it to chance and just expect your puppy or dog to know they shouldn’t take things off of counters and tables. They are dogs after all,… [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]
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]
Make “Come” Fun!
Come is a serious behavior. We want our dogs to come to keep them safe and to keep us sane. Why should we make it more fun? Shouldn’t they just listen to us? Shouldn’t they come just because we say so? Well, perhaps in an ideal world, yes, it would be easiest if they came… [Read More]