Here is a fun game to help teach your dog that it is acceptable (even desirable) to look at another dog. It is important to play this game when your dog is sub threshold and relaxed. It is not time to play this game if your dog is having a reaction. Start by teaching this game […]
Read MoreCategory Archive for: ‘Training’
General Leash Reactivity Protocol 0
This protocol should be used for dogs who are lunging/barking/pulling towards certain triggers (dogs, people, cars etc.) when on a leashed walk. Generally, dogs are reactive for one of two reasons or a combination of both: Fear-based – most common (but not limited to) with small dogs and mature dogs. Lack of impulse control or […]
Read MoreStationary Cues – teaching Sit, Down, Stay & Wait 0
“Stationary Cues” are cues in which you are controlling the placing and specific body position of your dog. These consist of SIT, DOWN, STAY and WAIT. Granted, these are not very sexy or exciting cues but if your dog really knew just these four cues, you would actually have a “well trained” dog. Definitely, do some fun […]
Read MoreTeaching your dog to go to a mat 0
Teaching your dog to go to a mat is a great way to get him to a certain spot and have him settle. This is one of the very first things I teach a dog. If a dog can settle on a mat you can take that mat anywhere and in turn, have your dog […]
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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