New puppy owner’s may be unaware of the importance of Puppy Socialization Class. Puppies have a “Critical Period” in which they should be exposed to a variety of environments, noises, smells, strangers and, of course, friendly dogs. Without this process the puppy will grow up to be limited to where he can go and who […]
Puppy Socialization Classes Read More »
I recently attended a Behavior Clinic where we taught our dogs new behaviors using a technique called shaping which is where we rewarded our dogs for making the slightest attempt at the behavior we wanted. What I LOVED about this training seminar was that everyone was happy, smiling and really positive as they changed their
I try not to sound like a broken record, but I do continually hit home the fact that the environment is training your dog. Specifically, the environment is shaping your dogs behavior in small successes each day, each minute. Why is this important? If your puppy barks frequently to get your older dog to interact
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Many people are conditioned to put dog food in a bowl, ask for a sit and put the bowl down, end of story. But we know that dogs learn through repetition just like humans do, so why not use feeding to teach an automatic behavior? I believe we can truly prevent many unwanted behaviors by
How Best to Feed Your New Pup Read More »
I often visit families with a puppy that is biting much too hard. Puppies use their mouths to play, explore, taste and chew, so it is important that we teach them to use a soft mouth when they touch our human skin. Giving your puppy feedback is essential, so tell your puppy when it hurts,
Truman snuggling with Annie As many of you know, I am fostering this male 2 year old red bone hound mix named Truman. He is a sweet shy boy and has joined my family of 5 and 3 dogs extremely well! Truman loves to be with me and does follow me around. He is crate
Have you ever thought about how your dog has 2 trainers in most situations? It is true, both you and the environment are influencing your dogs behavior. Any stimuli in the environment (sounds, smells, people, dogs, objects, etc.) can effect your dogs behavior. Relaxed, Positive Energy Knowing how to use Classical and Operant Conditioning methods
Who is Training Who? Read More »
I love this photo! Not because the terrier is absolutely adorable when rushing at the Shepherd cross but because no one told him she was part “wolf”. He has no worries and simply wants to Play! Both dogs are only one year old. While it appears that a fight may begin, the terrier assures the
Looks are Deceiving Read More »
This handsome boy is a character, as he loves all dogs! He adjusted to my home very quickly showing no fear about the new environment. He is very friendly with all my dogs, is crate trained, comes when called and rubs on you like a cat. He is sleeping in his crate and is happiest
Rescue – Small Male Scottish Terrier Read More »
Dudley is my newest foster pup, at 2 yrs old he is a handsome Scottish Terrier. With a sweet disposition, a true love to play fetch, house broken, crate trained, good with dogs and children. He arrived last week for an evaluation and within minutes of arrival was playing fetch with a ball he had
