I recently saw a video of a trainer teaching relaxation, the dog was tethered to the ground, muzzled, and in both a prong and shock collar. The dog was trembling, any experienced dog person would recognize the tenseness, the stressed eyes, the trembling – it was the farthest thing from relaxed. Was the dog down? Yes. But was it relaxed? No.
Category Archives: Training
Giving Thanks for a Prepared Dog
Thanksgiving is coming – it is my favorite holiday! Mainly because of the stuffing, but also because we get to gather with family, friends, and relax and enjoy some great food. Thanksgiving for the dogs can be tricky for the same reasons though: lots of temptation and not a lot of supervision, and sometimes wellContinue reading “Giving Thanks for a Prepared Dog”
Preparing for Halloween and Dogs
I love Halloween! I currently live in the country and no longer get trick or treaters and I miss it, I love seeing the costumes and talking to the kids and prepping fun things to hand out (pencils, slime, candy, etc!). When I lived in Albany it used to be a steady stream of kidsContinue reading “Preparing for Halloween and Dogs”
“But e-collars aren’t shock collars!”
Petco announced they would no longer sell remote shock collars, a huge step forward for the dog training industry, and I join the many voices applauding that change and their #StopTheShock Movement. You can read more about it here. But as I read the posts what is jumping out is the amount of people inContinue reading ““But e-collars aren’t shock collars!””
Socialization and Social Distancing
With puppy classes on hold, and people practicing social distancing I have had a few clients reach out and ask what they can do to keep their puppy socialized, and to expose them to new things. I did my best to put together some things to do, this is not a definitive list, it isContinue reading “Socialization and Social Distancing”
Raising a Perfect Puppy
Each and every puppy class I teach I am surrounded with owners who want what is best for their dogs. Best food, best treats, best training, best play, best toys – and I get it. I also want what is best for their dog, and for them. I am right there with them determined toContinue reading “Raising a Perfect Puppy”
Double Trouble – A Tale of Two Puppies
Some people have asked me if I think it is better to get two puppies at once, or one. To them I tell the story of Empanada and Nacho. Empanada and Nacho were litter mates from Puerto Rico who I agreed to foster. I knew it would be a lot, but we needed two fosters,Continue reading “Double Trouble – A Tale of Two Puppies”
When the Perfect Dog is not the Perfect Fit
We all have a dream dog, that dog we envision in our lives. Maybe it is based on a dog we had growing up, or a dog we saw in the movies. Or a dog we once met and loved – but it is there in your mind and you hope someday you will meetContinue reading “When the Perfect Dog is not the Perfect Fit”
Old Dogs New Tricks Dog Training 