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…
Is Love Enough? Rethinking What It Means to Truly Care for Our Dogs I have a bone to pick with many rescue organizations that equate a good home for a dog purely with love. Yes, really. This raises an important question: 💡 How does our love for dogs translate into our daily lives with them? Let me explain. Not…
The title might seem like a trick question, but there’s a valid concern behind it. Some dogs do gain excessive weight due to overfeeding—especially when high-calorie treats are given in addition to their regular meals. Even a few extra pounds can push a dog into the overweight or obese category, which is why it’s crucial…
I recently noticed that my dogs showed little interest in chasing a poorly thrown Frisbee. This led me to rethink our training sessions using key principles of animal learning—concepts that anyone working with animals, whether professionally or as a pet owner, should understand. One of the most effective ways to modify behavior is by changing…
Here’s a not-so-trivial question for you: Of all the things your young puppy needs to learn right away, which is the most important? If you chose #3, congratulations—you deserve a gold star! If you thought #1 or #2 was the most important, keep reading! One of the biggest areas of confusion for pet parents is…