A muzzle can be a fantastic tool to use in a variety of situations but it is (very, very!) important that the dog has a positive association with the muzzle. We do NOT want to slap a muzzle on a dog and put him in a situation in which he is uncomfortable. We actually want […]
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How to use a clicker or marker 0
First, pick a marker. The marker may be a clicker, a word “yes” or even a pen light that you flash to signal for a deaf dog. The click or verbal “yes” sound is the a marker. These are mix and match! You can use a clicker and/or a verbal marker interchangeably with a dog (as […]
Read MoreStranger Danger! 0
To put it mildly, some dogs are not particularly fond of humans they do not know. They may not like them approaching or even being around them, and can thus, behave in ways we are not happy with when they are confronted with said stranger. If your dog is growling, barking, snarling or snapping at a […]
Read MoreDog-Dog Play! 0
How do you know when your dog is playing well with others and having a good time? Owning a dog day care, I have seen a lot of dogs playing together. Sometimes the play is great and sometimes well, not so great. How can you tell if your dog is truly having a good time […]
Read MoreHow to Introduce Dogs 0
Whether you are looking to bring a new dog into your home or you just want your dog to hang out with your friends or family members’ dog, being able to read the dogs’ body language is imperative for success when introducing dogs. Be sure to give yourself an education on canine body language before proceeding […]
Read MoreWhen Day Care is Bad for Your Dog 0
If your dog currently attends dog day care or you are thinking about starting, here is some food for thought… I have owned and operated a dog day care and training facility for over 18 years now. I have a lot of experience in this arena, have learned a ton (thank goodness) in the past […]
Read MoreTeaching your dog to “GO SAY HI” 0
I am not a fan of dogs greeting on leash for several reasons but I do like to teach dogs a “GO SAY HI” cue for the following circumstances: Times when it may be OK for the dogs to meet on leash. For emergencies when another dog or human is approaching without consent. Therapy work. GO SAY […]
Read MoreVariety is the Spice of Life! 0
When I opened a dog day care 19 years ago, I did so because I had been working a shelter and noticed that the majority of the dogs in the shelter were there because they were not getting enough stimulation, both physical and mental. I thought a dog coming to day care five days […]
Read MoreSmall Dog Handling Tips 0
I see a lot of fearful and stressed small dogs who very often have issues stemming from human handling. My heart breaks for the little guys because I see them sending out signals to the humans around them that they are uncomfortable but no one seems to be listening! Many of these stressed little dogs would […]
Read MoreLeave It! 1
I love the Leave It cue but I call it the second most ignored cue (after Come!) because so often I see people telling their dog to “leave it” and then just dragging the dog away. The dog did not leave anything, he was just physically removed! If done correctly, Leave It is incredibly useful […]
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