Training Methods in a Magazine Article
My sister read an article about the inspiration that can come from having a dog. Then she asked me some questions about training methods that came up for her while reading. Even though I’m about to pick apart one aspect of the article, it’s a good story about a guy and his dog and well […]
Teach Your Dog to Wear A Cone!
Since it’s April Fool’s Day, let’s fool your dog by playing pretend games to prepare for real experiences! You never know when your dog will be asked to wear a cone to prevent licking a wound or surgery incision, or to allow a skin problem to heal. It’s only fair to help him learn to […]
Cognitive Dissonance: Who Do You Want to Be?
This is a long one! But there’s so much to unpack concerning cognitive dissonance and who we want to be for our animals. Positive Training on TV? People don’t always use positive methods to interact with animals on TV or in real life. There have certainly been wonderful animal-centered shows that inspired and amazed viewers. […]
Easy Riders: Car Rides can be Fun
If your dog is less than thrilled about riding in the car, this one’s for you! Behavior is never stagnant. It is heading in some direction. Closely observe your dog and the behaviors he is showing you. Which Car Riding Dog is Yours? * Your dog’s behavior may not match any of these scenarios exactly! […]
Many Dog Breeds, Many Dog Temperaments
Temperament? Personality? What are they? Are they forever? A dog’s temperament can be considered his personality or disposition, who he is, what he likes or dislikes, how he tends to respond to things, and what kind of companion he is to humans or other animals. But temperaments are not set in stone; they’re affected by […]
Doorway Treats: No Running Out the Door!
Pets running out the door: Dangerous, Annoying, and Stressful! Pets happily waiting inside until they are invited to go out (IF they are invited!): Priceless. When you want to “stop” a behavior, simply envision the opposite behavior that your pet could do instead. Teach this alternate behavior to “replace” the behavior you don’t want. In […]
Humility in Animal Training: Bridging the Communication Gap
“The animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours, they move finished and complete, gifted with extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren; they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with […]
Magical Dogs in My Life
Like many people, a few dogs in my life have taught, amazed, and inspired me. I have loved all of my own dogs and many dogs who were not mine, but these four stand out as special gifts. The approach of the holiday season seems like a good time to share their stories. CINDY My […]
A New Dog Changes Everything!
Expectations Daisy the dog has come to stay with us for a while! Daisy is family, so we already knew her. She and my dog Albert have visited each other’s homes several times, and played together well. At both homes, they have successfully worked through small problems like one wanting to play when the other […]
Halloween
We all want our dogs and cats to enjoy the excitement and joy of Halloween with us! But can they? Yes, if we set things up so that they can enjoy our celebrations in their own way. Halloween is frightful This month, Halloween commands a lot of attention. How does your dog respond to all […]
