In a world full of buzz-words and marketing messages, it sure pays off to put on the breaks every now and then to reassess what we mean behind marketing messages such as training with “positive” techniques and even our own philosophies. The term “positive reinforcement” is one of those terms that needs clarification. In essence,…
There are many examples that illustrate how our nature is so different from our dogs. Both species are highly social beings, but how we go about being social really differs. I realize in talking to clients that they think it is a good idea to have their dog meet others on leash because they want…
This morning I am hanging out with the dogs. Deuce comes over to me and wants my attention. I began by gently stroking his ears, which he enjoys. Rio, whom is close by, pushes her body onto Deuce hoping to stop my interaction with him and getting some of the affection. Deuce turns towards her…
Tools such as a Flexi leash are supposed to help us accomplish something either in an easier or more efficient way. The Flexi leash has been around for a while and I would argue that its use is quite popular. Most folks that use a Flexi leash to walk their dog might do it for…
I am heading towards our front gate to retrieve a package. And I am also waiting with Deuce and Rio for a friend of mine that is bringing her dog over to play. She shows up a bit earlier and spots the package. With the front gate now wide-open she retrieves the package. I guess…
For some dogs impulse control at the front door is literally mission impossible. Rio is one of those dogs! Her impulse control in other circumstances such as waiting to be released to go after a toy is superb. The reason behind the lack of impulse control at the front door could be for a myriad…
Before I was a professional trainer, I consulted with a well-known trainer in the San Francisco Bay area where I was living at the time, about how to help my dog not feel so afraid of other dogs while on a leash. I remember much of what we talked about with a comment being very…
Here is a not-so-trivia question for you…. Of all the things that your young puppy needs to learn pronto is… 1. To interact with friendly adult dogs. 2. To avoid eating foods that can make him sick. 3. To control the pressure of his bite on human skin. If you checked number #3 you deserve…
I am working with some clients and their dog in teaching the dog not to pull on leash. They had come to me after a frustrating full-time pulling outing with their dog. I take the dog’s leash from my client’s hand and we take off walking, the dog was barely pulling and very interested in…
If you just got a new puppy a congratulations is in order. Now that you have your puppy at home, you will have to have all sorts of protocols in place so that your puppy can thrive and you can get some sleep while your home remains undisturbed. Puppy-hood can be a real challenge for…