On a recent trip, I found myself in a nice hotel lobby visiting friends. I decided it was time for “goodbyes” so I headed for the elevator. When the door opened, there were three rather imposing-looking men standing along the back wall. I froze for a second! Do I get in and turn my back […]
Fight or Flight Response in Dogs? Read More »
Do you own a dog that does not act “normal” when he sees another dog on leash? Many dogs do not have good coping skills to greet another dog when confined by a leash. You may describe this type of dog as fearful, hyper vigilant, aggressive, reactive, out of control, barks all the time,
Why is my Dog Lunging on the Leash? Read More »
Many of you have read Karen Pryer’s book, Don’t Shoot the Dog It is an educational book for parents as well as dog owners. After 20 years, Karen explains how the use of jackpots can work when used effectively. The below insert is straight from Karen’s Blog and is worth reading: Remember, though, that no one
Don’t Shoot the Dog – Jackpots Revised Read More »
Why is my dog so aggressive to other dogs? This can usually be diagnosed with a detailed history: no play ever, hereditary, mother was sick or a guarder, or over socialized with aggressive or rough playing dogs. Cycle of On-Leash Aggression (created problem from humans), as described in the Culture Clash, by Jean Donaldson, “The Bully
Dog Aggression and Communication Signals Read More »
Protect your dog from becoming aggressive by knowing where he is and who his playmates are. The topic of leash aggression arises so often, I feel the need to address it often in my blogs. For dog trainers it is very clear why we do not let our dogs greet unknown dogs while on leash.
Preventing Dog to Dog Aggression Read More »
When I think of unwanted behavior, I think of stress as the two are often related. My goal here is to help you identify your dogs stress signals so you can get them help before this stress causes unwanted behavior. Science clearly states that stress leads to health problems, negatively affect relationships with others and
What Does Stress Look Like? 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
Many dogs are afraid of other dogs, men, strangers, children, loud trucks, bikes, scooters, skate boards, odd scents, noises, and many more stimuli. I have spent the last 10 years helping my own dogs and many others live happier, less stressful lives. The first thing you need to realize is that you are not alone!
When a dog is repeatedly frightened by the same stimuli, and is not ever given a chance to think and feel differently about this stimuli, you will likely see the same reaction long term to this stimuli whenever it presents itself. Systematic Desensitization and Counter Conditioning is the process of learning to think and feel
Have a Plan When Changing Behavior Read More »
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
Behavior is Shaped by the Environment Read More »
