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.
Tag Archives: dog training
My Position on The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Training Position
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has strengthened their position statement on training methodology and has come out to say they recommend reward based training methods only for training. You can read that position statement here. What does that mean in English? No shocks, no prongs, no mother’s bites, no choke chains, no “stim”Continue reading “My Position on The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Training Position”
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”
My meatballs bring all the dogs to the yard.
More specifically the kitchen, but, that does not fit the song as well. Confession – as much as I love a cheese stick for high value treats, Jasper is a total meat dog. I am not a huge meat eater, and hot dogs have a lot of stuff in them, so, I have been experimentingContinue reading “My meatballs bring all the dogs to the yard.”
What to do if your dog gets lost . . .
This is by no means a definitive list of what to do, however, having lived through the fear of a lost pet, and having dealt with lost rescue dogs new to homes, I know having a check list in the middle of a crisis can help. First things first: Grill! This sounds absolutely ridiculous butContinue reading “What to do if your dog gets lost . . .”
Daisie!
Daisie came into our lives when her life turned upside down, and we were happy to have a spot for her. Daisie arrived a little stressed and unsure, which translated into an easily excitable dog, which meant there were lots and lots of walks that first day helping her burn some of that excitement off. Continue reading “Daisie!”
Quarry Quest
Wag It Games’ Quarry Quest is something I did not get the chance to try with my own dog so when I started to teach it I don’t think I realized how much fun it was, now I am a total convert and I think it may be one of my favorite scent classes! BestContinue reading “Quarry Quest”
Happy Birthday Jackson!
When you are taking Beginning Scent Work on your birthday, sometimes the finds are a little extra special! Happy Birthday Jackson, aka Bubs, aka The Cheese Thief! And thank you for bringing treats to share with your friends. And great work to all the dogs in class, I’ll be posting more videos soon –Continue reading “Happy Birthday Jackson!”
Low Impact Agility – Week 1!
I am just so impressed, so impressed! Three dogs, all seniors, two of which have never even been to a class of any kind, and by the end of one session they were all doing small courses! These guys are the perfect example of older dogs still enjoying learning, and being active – look atContinue reading “Low Impact Agility – Week 1!”
Old Dogs New Tricks Dog Training 