Puppy Training Guide Your puppy is an open learning funnel and training this learning funnel is key to your dog's success. The puppy learning funnel closes around 16 weeks of age. Implement these 10 puppy tips the moment your puppy is welcomed into his new home. We'll train your puppy to learn the importance of polite manners from the beginning. Taking the time to train … [Read more...]
What Every Dog Owner Should Know
7 Things Dogs Want You to Know If dogs could speak, this is what they would tell their pet owners. As a professional dog trainer with more than two decades of experience, I often explain these concepts to pet owners every day during consultations. Before you continue reading, throw away your perceived notions of how dogs should think and behave and remember they are dogs. … [Read more...]
Next Time Someone Wants To Greet Your Dog, Ask Your Dog First
Give Your Dog Choices During Greetings It’s all about choices, especially for dogs. Let’s face it: Dogs really don’t have many choices in life. Dogs don’t choose their roommates (i.e. other dogs), veterinarian, food, treats, daily walking path and potty times. While I have discussed choices extensively in other articles, let's discuss giving our dogs choices when … [Read more...]
Throw Away That Spray Bottle!
Spray Bottles Have No Place in Animal Training Spraying naughty dogs with a water bottle has been used for decades. Cats are lumped into this punishment-based technique too; they’re often sprayed for scratching furniture or climbing on countertops. Dogs are sprayed for anything their owners find inappropriate. But does it work? It’s a new day, and we have newer and very … [Read more...]
The Right Way to Do Lure Reward Dog Training
Using a Food Lure During Dog Training Using food lures during dog training can jump-start a behavior. However, it’s important to understand how to use a lure effectively. Check out these steps and video on using food lures while training your dog. Lure is not a four letter word—it's a valuable tool in dog training! A Bit About Food Lures Somehow, using food lures and … [Read more...]
Is Your Dog’s Behavior Improving?
Improve Your Dog's Behavior in 3 Steps When teaching a dog one or several new behaviors, it can be tricky to gauge if a dog’s behavior has permanently changed. Dog behavior can fluctuate depending on the situation and your dog’s health (hey, he might not feel well that day). Before assuming your dog’s behavior has changed, it’s best to follow these steps to ensure your … [Read more...]
Stop Walking Your Aggressive Dog In Public
Why You Shouldn't Walk Your Aggressive Dog Yes, this is a very strong statement, but allow me to explain why you shouldn't walk your aggressive dog in public. As a professional dog trainer, who works mostly with reactive dogs, there’s a reason for this strong position. Of course, it’s a free country and you can make your own decisions, but are your choices making things … [Read more...]
House Training An Adult Dog
How to House Train an Adult Dog Potty accidents, caused by adult dogs, is much more common than you think. Most adult dogs will potty outside in the backyard, but will also potty inside when the right opportunity arises (e.g. when it's raining outside :)). Regardless of the reason, some adult dogs may need a house training refresher course. If your dog potties inside your … [Read more...]