I’m working with Jim, a soft-spoken gentleman, and his lively Border Collie mix, Spark. Jim called me because Spark has been chasing the chickens whenever they roam outside their coop. Jim’s goal? Stop the stalking and chasing—plain and simple. As a first-time dog owner, Jim is still learning the ropes of “dogness.” Working with Spark…
Today, I’m waiting for a home delivery. Both dogs are crated in my office as requested. When the delivery person knocks, Rio immediately starts barking—curious and frustrated she can’t say hello. Deuce joins in once he hears the commotion. I pause, then enter calmly, praising them for being quiet. But Rio starts barking again. I…
I’ve written before about why the old idea of dogs as “pack animals” blindly following a dominant “pack leader” is not only incorrect but harmful to dogs. Today, I want to focus on something more subtle and fascinating: the daily social negotiations dogs engage in with each other. Yes, social dominance does exist in animal…
Recently, a colleague and I engaged in a thoughtful conversation about the current state of animal training—specifically dog training. We found ourselves deeply affected by the recurring reports of misunderstandings and, unfortunately, inhumane training practices that claim to help animals but often do the opposite. These experiences weigh heavily on us. We mutually decided to…
Teaching your dog to “wait” — whether it’s before dashing out the front door or jumping out of the car seat — is one of the most valuable lessons you can offer your furry friend. This simple yet powerful command does more than just prevent chaos; it can literally save your dog’s life. Beyond safety,…
I recently discussed a challenging case with a colleague, exploring why training or behavior modification might not deliver the desired results. We identified four common reasons: Here’s a closer look: 1. Technique Misapplication A frequent mistake is using corrections like leash pops or yelling as the primary response to unwanted behavior—say, a dog lunging or…
When “Obedience” Isn’t So Simple: Rethinking Our Expectations for Dogs I was reading a new client’s intake form recently, and an internal alarm went off. The client emphasized that having an “obedient” dog was their top priority. I get it—who doesn’t want a well-behaved dog? But what does “obedient” really mean? By definition, obedience means…
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working closely with a small dog and his devoted family to help him feel more comfortable being approached, picked up, and transported in the car. This little guy struggles deeply with anxiety—he trembles like a leaf whenever someone walks toward him, and the shaking continues as he’s being…
Are you looking for a fun and innovative way to bond with your dog while enhancing obedience training and fitness? Look no further than FitBO™—a low-impact sport modality I’ve developed to increase subtle communication between you and your dog. With FitBO™, you can hone your obedience training with precision while also incorporating elements of canine fitness…
You may have come across studies exploring laterality—the dominance of one side of the body over the other. This phenomenon is well-documented across species, including dogs. Canines exhibit preferences in how they use their paws, how they gaze at humans, and even how they sniff their surroundings. But what about tail wagging? Could laterality play…