In our daily lives, we constantly make decisions that balance the needs of others—children, friends, parents, and yes, our pets. But when one of the individuals affected by our decisions can’t speak up, their needs may be overlooked. That silent participant is often the family dog. When we change routines or lifestyles, we may unintentionally…
Morning chaos. I’m in the middle of my usual AM routine — dogs fed, coffee somewhere on the way, and I’m hustling to get out the door. John is in town, toggling between his home office and the kitchen, while the dogs — in true form — are already on post-breakfast patrol. Once their bowls…
Dinner was on the table, and as part of our evening routine, both dogs were happily engaged with their nightly chewies. Deuce had settled into his treat, while Rio was lingering nearby—clearly monitoring the situation, as if anticipating an opportunity. Sure enough, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye: Deuce walked into…
🌟 Introducing the EMOTIONAL Dog Support & Learning Community! 🐾 Living with a dog who is fearful, anxious, or reactive can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. After 18+ years of working with Emotional Dogs and their humans, I’ve created a supportive, professional space just for you. Inside our private online group,…
As part of my continuing education, I regularly attend monthly webinars that explore current research and practices in the world of animal behavior and dog training. A recent session posed a question that struck a deep chord with me—both professionally and personally: Are we asking too much of our dogs? And if we are, in…
For many people, a barking dog is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood aspects of canine behavior. It often feels intrusive, unpredictable, and even stressful—especially in environments where quiet is expected or preferred. But barking, when viewed through a behaviorally informed lens, isn’t just “noise.” It’s communication. And like any form of communication, barking…
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…