To Sit? That is a nice default behavior, but not the most important one to teach. To Come? Great behavior to have consistently for sure! To Leave it? Awesome behavior to have, great on walks both on and off leash! How about not to bite human flesh? Sounds pretty important to me! Bite inhibition is the […]
One Behavior You Must Teach Your Puppy? Read More »
FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO TO A PUPPY: (harsh handling a pup can create aggression in your pup later in life)
1. Never hold his mouth closed when he bites you.
2. Never stick your fingers down his throat.
3. Never grab him by the scruff and hold him down until he submits.
4. Never stare him in the eye until he submits.
5. NEVER use your hands to cause physical pain in any way.
Five Things You Should Never do to a Puppy! 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 »
If you are enjoying the beginning of 2014 with a soft cuddly new puppy, then congratulations! As the owner of a new puppy, you have some responsibility to the puppy and to those who come in contact with your new puppy. While you must certainly be enjoying the new puppy smells, sounds and soft fur,
New Year! New Puppy? Read More »
I am happy to announce that Portland, Maine has an official Chapter for the Pets for Vets Program and I am the official trainer of the canines for this wonderful program. I will be assessing, training and matching dogs with Veterans in need of a companion dog. Tom Targett, Chapter Director is to be recognized
Pets for Vets Program Launched here in Portland, Maine Read More »
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 »
While working with a private client and her pup this week, she repeated herself many times by saying, “she is so smart”, “I had no idea my dog was so smart!” The funny thing is, I hear this from many clients when teaching their dog a new behavior. When pet owners learn to teach their
Positively Rewarding Read More »
When changing your dogs behavior or habits it is best to go slow and keep it simple. Changing habits takes time and while the process may seem overwhelming at times, remember small successes are a big deal! Steps to changing your dogs behavior: 1. Make a plan, put it in writing, including specific detailed goals
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
