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]
A cautionary tale about collars and dog-to-dog play…
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]
Puppies put everything in their mouths! What can you do?
Puppies put everything in their mouths. They all do it to some extent—it is perfectly normal for puppies to explore the world with their mouths. Most of the time it is not a big deal and no harm comes from pups learning about their environment in this manner. Puppies will pick things up, chew a… [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]
Puppies and Kids Together
We think of kids and puppies going together like peanut butter and jelly—a perfect pairing. But there are some significant challenges that come when you have puppies and younger children together. Here are some things that might help you keep everyone safe, calm, and happy. Children 0-4 years: With very young children you will need… [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.
Do You Experience Ups and Downs in Your Dog Training?
Have you ever had this experience? Your training or behavior plan is moving forward. You are doing well. Your dog is responding. Life is getting better. Then all of a sudden, everything falls apart and it seems like you are back to square one. I certainly have. This week, my dog has taken a turn… [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]
Help, My Dog Is a Barkaholic!
My dog Shadow is a barkaholic. If there were a 12-step program for such a condition, she would surely be a good candidate to attend. She likes to bark when she is happy and excited, when she is concerned, when she would like something from us, when something surprises her, when other dogs bark, and… [Read More]