Many of you have asked me about interactive toys to help keep your dog busy when left alone. Below are some of the toys I use to create positive associations for many dogs in many different ways. For example, when I leave I often say “Kong Time” and leave each dog with a stuffed toy. […]
While reading a book in the hospital waiting room last week, I heard these words spoken loudly over the speaker, CODE GREEN, CODE GREEN! Startled, I immediately looked at the staff workers all busy behind the check-in counter. Not one of them looked up, moved or even flinched. It was as though they heard nothing.
Our Small Dog Socialization class has been growing so I would like to enhance the format for each participant. Many small dogs become reactive on the leash and are difficult to walk in the presence of an unfamiliar dog or people. This may be the result of poor socialization, bullying behaviors, genetics, dominant aggression, fear
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I like to joke with my clients that my three dogs are over the age of 4, no more adolescents! Does this make a difference? Sure, but does it mean I am done training? Not even close! Behavior will continue to improve if you continue working with your adolescent dog, but it will definitely get
When to stop training Read More »
Looking forward to Outdoor Adventure Class today at the Eastern Prom! This class is about improving our dogs coping skills in different environments. It is not easy for a dog to sit and stay or focus on his handler when exposed to many different distractions. Using a reward based training method, we will set each
Outdoor Adventure Class Begins Today Read More »
The one area I believe we as humans confuse our dogs, is on the use of our voice to reward our dogs behavior. I find myself repeatedly asking dog handlers to use their voice as a reward so their dog knows they have done something right. I firmly believe, if you reward a behavior when
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Alex asking Annie to let go of the ball. I do not believe our dogs are trying to dominate us, yet they learn over time what they can get away with. Sound like some children you know? Just like children go to the parent who is most lenient, dogs quickly learn who will follow
Does your dog have a negative association with something or someone? Does he/she always bark or growl at a neighbor, mailman, motorcycle, cars, strangers, dogs? Would you like to change it? Try simple classical conditioning (make a new association) to whatever it is your dog fears or growls at. It is helpful if you
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Avoiding Behavior Problems I often here clients say “my pup was such a good boy, but now that he is nearly 2, he doesn’t listen” Adolescent dogs may become more confident, begin to ignore you, become hyperactive, be increasingly shy with guests and even lose their social skills. What can you do? Here are a
Many of you know I was in Rhode Island for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Conference, and loved every minute of it! The IAABC conference was not only enjoyable, it was very educational! It was fabulous to meet many dog enthusiasts, but also professional horse, cat and bird trainers. The IAABC representatives were
IAABC Conference – Life Changing Read More »
