Decisions have consequences. Adult dogs teach puppies this valuable lesson with great efficiency. For example, if you leave the older, grumpy dog alone when he growls at you in warning, nothing bad will happen to you. However, if you pester the older grumpy dog when he growls at you in warning, you likely will get […]
Everyone wants a well-socialized dog. But what does that mean? To most owners it’s a dog that plays nicely with and gets along well with any and every other dog it meets. That’s it. End of definition. But, is that the best definition of a well-socialized dog? And is that really what you want? A […]
Dogs are not always receptive to change. They quickly get set in patterns and routines, and they take comfort in the predictable. Try feeding your dog at 6:00 p.m. when he’s used to eating at 5:00 p.m. and you likely will have some explaining to do. That’s the nature of the beast. Like dogs, people resist […]
Have you ever wondered how people get their dogs to dive off a dock or run on a treadmill or jump on a trampoline? Many dogs have adventurous personalities and natural physical abilities that make them want to do what seem to be hard or unusual behaviors. Other dogs learn to do hard or unusual […]
The other day I saw an adult Yellow Lab, sprawled out on the dash area in an RV – right up against the windshield. The RV was not parked. In fact, it was turning onto the entry ramp of Hwy 10, probably heading north for the July 4 weekend. All I could think of was […]
Why I Keep My Dog On Leash Way too much information is available over the internet these days on every topic under the sun – dog training and dog behavior included. Much of it is good and useful, but so much more of it is misinterpreted at best, and that can be harmful. One topic […]
Are Dog Parks Worth It? Many people take their dogs to dog parks nowadays. While the parks offer a chance for dogs to run and play and expend some energy in large, contained areas, they can be dangerous places. I’ve been on the rehabilitation end of some pretty bad dog park experiences, where a dog […]
A question I’m often asked is “when can I stop giving my dog treats?” The answer is not a simple one, and there are a few things to consider when deciding if/when to quit using treat rewards when training your dog: Three Questions 1) First, think about how long you would work at your job – […]
Do You Have A Pudgy Pooch? I recently saw a dog I fostered a couple of years ago. When he was with me, he was fit, active, happy and at a perfect weight for an average size Cavalier. I sent him off to his new home with specific feeding instructions that would allow him to […]
