In many parts of the country, Spring is the opening of months for snake sightings and dog owners the world over concern over their dogs being bitten by one. Some folks submit their dogs on a yearly basis to Snake-avoidance training. Their rational being that it’s best to have their dog zapped in the presence…
Category: How Dogs Learn
More Training at the Front Door
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…
Is giving praise good enough?
Recently I was asked in class by a participant if she could stop using treats and instead praise her dog to motivate her to do the behaviors they were learning. I know that every single trainer that uses food as a reinforcer has heard this same question thousands of times. A different variation to the…
Some Kind of Barking
I am back with Deuce from sheepherding and back at work in my office when I hear a “strange” bark coming from Deuce. I ask John if Deuce is with him in his office, which is on the opposite side of the house, and he tells me no. So I get up and go towards…
In and Out Privileges
I guess it has been a Lab-month in our household since I now have Roxie – another Lab mix here for board & train. I am teaching her how to use the doggie door that will give her access to our back area to go eliminate, sun herself and just take a walk of some…
Still Learning
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…
Now we are having fun
I am in the midst of making a DVD with fun training games for client’s and their dogs. My dogs and I are training and having fun with all the games featured just before we go on camera. As is customary of our morning routine, I think about practicing with Rio and the game of…
Unlabel Me!
I hear the trainer telling attendees about his concept of “Horsenality” on a recent TV program that I am watching. He is referring to “Horsenality” as in the horse having a personality. I get it. Anyone that has spent time with an animal can attest to the fact that they are indeed individuals. However, what…
How To Stop My Dog From Chasing Squirrels
Question: Zora, my 16 month old Husky/GSD mix, is very well-behaved MOST of the time. However, when we go for walks, she spots squirrels, birds or cats well before I do. With no warning, she good-naturedly, yet violently lunges towards the prey. When she does this, I make her sit to calm herself, but when we resume walking…
Under-trained. Period.
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…