In previous posts, I’ve discussed why the dominance model—the belief that dogs are pack animals in need of a “pack leader”—is not only flawed but also harmful to our canine companions. Today, I want to focus on an important aspect of dog behavior: the daily negotiations between them. Firstly, let me clarify that social dominance…
The early morning sun peeks through the curtains, casting a warm glow as I find myself still cocooned in the comfort of my bed. Eyes closed, I sense the presence of eager eyes fixated on me—a familiar morning routine with Rio, my spirited four-legged companion. A gentle whimper breaks the silence, and in a playful…
Struggling with dog issues at home is a common occurrence. But it does not have to be so! We first need to understand why our dog behaves the way it does. Secondly, we need a strategy to teach our dog, be it better manners, more confidence, or learning how to provide appropriate “legal outlets.” It…
Struggling with dog issues at home is a common occurrence. But it does not have to be so! We first need to understand why our dog behaves the way it does. Secondly, we need a strategy to teach our dog, be it better manners, more confidence, or learning how to provide appropriate “legal outlets.” It…
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…
Adding a new dog to your home could be one of the most challenging things you might have to do with your existing pup (s). But it doesn’t need to be so. If you plan ahead and follow a few simple rules, your dogs will stand a better chance of getting along and even becoming…
I often get asked if it is “okay” to sleep with a dog in bed. This is one of the issues that is actually quite personal. Some people – I would say most people, love sleeping with their dogs but other folks would rather not. And sometimes the “rather nots” do not know how to…
As I am writing this I am sitting next to my two dogs. They are both lying down, but Rio unfortunately is wearing one of those very cumbersome Elizabethan collars. She just underwent surgery a week ago and we are looking at to 8 -10 weeks of lying low with little in the form of…
People choose to put their dogs in crates for a myriad of reasons. First there is the thinking that dogs “like dens” and as such they must like crates. Second, people crate their dogs as a lifestyle instead of managing their dog and teaching the dog how to “behave” in their home. Others have chosen…
Ah, the world-wide web and even books are a lovely thing. However, like all things in life there are also some sore spots about both of these venues. Ask any professional on pretty much any field how they feel about the advice promulgated on the web or in “how to books” and you will get…