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…
Category: How Dogs Learn
Is Love Enough? Rethinking What It Means to Truly Care for Our Dogs
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…
Are Dog Training Treats Making Your Dog Overweight?
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…
Explore Why Dogs Pull on Their Leash
As I sat at a local restaurant, enjoying the passing scenes, my attention was drawn to an older man walking a young Golden Retriever. The dog, curious and full of energy, occasionally wandered away, only to be pulled back on the leash. The interaction was automatic, devoid of communication or connection. This scene is all…
Should You Share Your Bed with Your Dog?
A question I often hear is whether it’s “okay” to let a dog sleep in bed with you. The answer is deeply personal and varies widely. Many people love sharing their bed with their dogs, while others prefer not to—sometimes without knowing how to gently discourage their dogs from taking over the bed. Addressing Common…
Kinder Pup 1: The Perfect Start for Your Puppy’s Journey
Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyous experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring they grow into well-behaved and confident companions. That’s where Kinder Pup 1 comes in! This class is tailored to meet the unique needs of puppies and their families, laying the foundation for a lifetime of positive…
New Puppy? No Problem: Join My Free Webinar!
Are you a proud new puppy parent? Congratulations! Bringing a puppy home is one of the most rewarding experiences, but let’s be honest—it’s not all wagging tails and cuddles. Puppies bring immense joy, but they also require effort, patience, and know-how to grow into well-mannered, happy dogs. That’s why I’m hosting a FREE webinar to…
Reinforcement Over Intimidation: A Lesson in Positive Training
Today, as I waited at home for a delivery, I found myself navigating a common challenge: managing my dogs’ excitement while ensuring a calm environment. Before the delivery arrived, both Rio and Deuce were crated in my office, as per our usual routine. When the knock on the door came, Rio immediately began barking, likely…
Frisbee Fun: Building Bonds and Skills with My Dogs This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a fantastic time to recharge. Beyond catching up on sleep and connecting with friends, I like to maintain a sense of routine for my dogs. While we might explore a new spot or enjoy some extra downtime together, this Thanksgiving weekend, I’m focusing on something a little different: leveling up my…
Decoding the Bark
After a productive sheepherding session with Deuce, we returned home, and I got back to work in my office. Before long, I heard an unusual bark from him. Assuming he might be with John, whose office is on the opposite side of the house, I called out to check. John said Deuce wasn’t with him,…