Dog Signs of Stress
How many signs of stress can you find in the dog to the left? Stressed dogs give off a variety of sign, but many are easy to miss because they're as small as eye movements or just a few hairs standing up. The more we learn about these different signs and practice observing them in our dogs, the more quickly and accurately we will [...]
A Promise to Your Dog
Before you embark on your behavior and training journey with us, know that modifying behaviors is a process. There are no quick fixes or immediate solutions. Though they can seem tedious, small steps are usually the fastest and most effective path to lasting success. While our staff will be coaching you along the way, behavior change takes time and effort. To ensure we are [...]
How to Identify Resource Guarding
Though resource guarding is a perfectly natural impulse for a dog to have, it can also be an incredibly dangerous one. If resource guarding is not appropriately identified then a person, oftentimes a child, can get hurt. Most people know that dogs may resource guard their food but did you know there are lots of other things dogs resource guard? Dogs may resource guard their [...]
To Crate or Not to Crate
By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 designed by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI It has become a popular notion to crate dogs, especially during adolescence to encourage a reinforcement history with people rather than the environment. However, is keeping a dog crated for 23.5 hours a day appropriate? This article does not aim to exclusively answer any of the questions posed but [...]
Empowerment Training: Being the Best Dog Parent
1 You are limited to controlling your own behavior. You can’t truly control your dog. The only being we can control is ourselves. Remember how much power there is in being irresistible. Be irresistibly fun to your dog. 2 3 Spend time with your dog – talk, laugh, listen, be interested in them, and be [...]
The Problem With Shock Collars
It isn’t that shock collar training doesn’t work, because it does. The question is at what price? Some extremely skilled trainers may be able to offset some of the problems shock collars can cause. However, shock collars are for sale at almost every pet store making them readily accessible to the general public. A shock collar can potentially lead to very serious problems if not [...]
The Power of Fun in Dog Training
Being a fun detective pays off huge in dog training It’s six am and while sleeping in your bed, feeling cozy and content, your puppy has pounced on you! If your dog is mentally or physically under stimulated this could happen to you! Is this an annoying situation or fun detective opportunity? The truth is it can be both. Prevent early morning pouncing by spending [...]
Being Wrong is Right
Turns out that humans have a huge problem-- we love to be right. The problem is that this is dangerous and actually causes serious tragedies and even death, according to Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error author Kathryn Schulz. Schulz explains how planes crash as a result of a pilot refusing to admit error. And as Schulz delves into the topic you can’t [...]
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training?
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training? By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., CDBC, CAP2 edited by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI Clicker training is a training method using a handheld plastic box that makes a clicking noise when depressed by a trainer. This click allows a trainer to mark a very precise moment in time, communicating to a dog exactly when they did something desired. The [...]
The Truth About Dominance Theory
The Truth About Dominance Theory By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 The truth is there is nothing noble in being superior to another being. The only real nobility is in being superior to your former self. -Whitney Young, Civil Rights Leader What is dominance theory? As humans we view the dominant animal as superior. Labeling one being as superior causes problems, both in human [...]
Say “No” To Dog Parks: Here’s Why & Better Alternatives
Say “No” To Dog Parks: Here’s Why & Better Alternatives By Kimberly Archer Dog Behavior Technician As a dog parent you just want the best for your pup, and as such most of us want to provide our dog with a rich social life. The easy way to do this is to regularly take your dog to the dog park... or is it? Though dog [...]
Agility for Dogs with Issues
This means that for some dogs playing the game of agility around other dogs can make other dogs seem fun also. The same thing can happen if a dog is afraid of people, being around people when doing agility can come to signal fun.
