Normal Dog Behavior
A New Year’s resolution for your dog
If you ask your dog, here’s what he or she wants for the new year. Chances are your holiday shopping included a toy, a coat or sweater, something to chew…
Read MoreYour Dog’s Adolescence – Part 2
Keep training your teenager! I sometimes wonder if we should include an alert in our Puppy Essentials Class for puppies up to five months of age and the four and…
Read MoreYour dog’s adolescence – Part 1
When teen behavior rears its ugly head. I recently read an article in “The Whole Dog Journal” entitled, “Canine Adolescence: The Great ‘Unconsidered’ Life Stage.” Both the title and much…
Read MoreSay “Please”
Using every-day activities to reinforce polite behavior. Have you ever thought about all the pleasures a dog derives from everyday life: Eating a meal or a treat, going for a…
Read MoreInstant “Obedience”?
Can you expect compliance without training for it? Do you demand more “obedience” from your dog than you would from a spouse, a child, a friend or even yourself? Other…
Read MorePost-Covid & Socialization Issues
The unintended consequence of staying home. We recently hired a young woman for her first job. Because of Covid, she had spent the last two years unemployed and pretty much…
Read MoreHazardous & Safe Chew Toys
Like most dogs, my dogs love chewing things. I am really careful about what I give them to chew, and I supervise. Over the years, I’ve heard some horror stories…
Read MoreHugging Your Dog?
Most people like hugs … Do most dogs? One of our class instructors, Shari, talked to me about a situation in one of her classes. A student, Michelle, had a…
Read MoreDog Temperament
Dog Disposition & Personality. A simple truth: dogs have different dispositions and personalities. This seems so basic it needs no discussion. No one would expect a French Bulldog to have the…
Read MoreDog Communication
Your Dog’s Body Language and Subtle Signals. Life can be stressful—even for our dogs. Reducing stress is important to learning, and to life. Stress and anxiety interfere with learning and…
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