Training Tips
Bringing up Puppy! We have a name!
Join us in this series, where we follow in the footsteps of our lead trainer and owner Linda Brennen, as she gets her new puppy and experiences all the challenges and joys of adding a new puppy to the family. Each day we will be sharing videos, pictures and blog posts that includes great tips…
Read MoreBringing up Puppy! Puppy Proofing & Redirecting to Toys
Join us in this series, where we follow in the footsteps of our lead trainer and owner Linda Brennen, as she gets her new puppy and experiences all the challenges and joys of adding a new puppy to the family. Each day we will be sharing videos, pictures and blog posts that includes great tips…
Read MorePuppies and Cookies and Teeth, Oh My!
Are you living with a land shark? When you give your dog a treat does he take a finger with it? There are several reasons dogs take treats too hard: they haven’t been taught not to, they are overly aroused or anxious, or you are simply holding the treat too high. The most common reason…
Read MorePreventing Separation Anxiety – Teaching your dog to be alone (part 2)
In Part 1, we discussed using strict supervision to teach your pup proper potty and chewing behaviors, and the importance of confining your pup to a crate or puppy-proofed safe room when unsupervised (so he won’t have the opportunity to develop bad habits). But our ultimate goal is to have an adult dog who behaves…
Read MorePreventing Separation Anxiety – Teaching your dog to be alone (Part 1)
Once upon a time, dogs spent their days outside as their people went to work (many times they were actually working side-by-side with their people on farms, ranches, etc.). These days, most of our dogs spend their days in the house, alone and waiting for you to come back. Often they’re bored and lonely. Sometimes…
Read MoreDoor Dashing
Does your dog make a mad dash for freedom every time he sees an open door? Door Dashing strikes fear in the hearts of most dog owners, as every dog will try it at least once. Knowing what to do could save your dog’s life. First let’s talk about what you can do to prevent…
Read MoreYogi the Corgi
For my Training Tip this month I had to look no further than the internet. It amazes me the things that dogs do that people think are funny, until they are not. For those who missed it, check out this video that went viral of Yogi the Corgi setting his kitchen on fire. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEtg7QZCbPk The…
Read MoreDog Training while Playing Games: Tug and Chase
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! In our busy daily lives it’s very easy to become focused on all the things we have to do, and forget about all the things we like to do. And while I’m the first to point out how important it is to spend time training your dog, playing with your dog…
Read MoreHolidays with your Dog
It’s that busy, crazy Holiday time of year again! Here are some Holiday Training Tips for your dog: 1. Maintain as normal a schedule as possible for your dog, including feeding, walking, and quiet or nap time. 2. Make sure your dog is getting plenty of regular exercise, with walks, trips to the park, or…
Read MoreTrain your Dog to Stop Jumping
Dogs jump up on people for two reasons. Jumping begins because it is s normal greeting behavior among dogs, especially for puppies greeting older “pack members”. It continues because it works. Dogs always get attention for jumping. In some cases, especially with smaller dogs, people will actually reward the puppy by petting him when he…
Read MoreDog Leash Manners
The concept of dog leash manners is really simple, but to be successful you must consistently follow these rules: 1. Don’t pull on your dog. Many people try to use their leash to control, and to communicate with, their dog. If you steer your dog with the leash or you pull your dog along when…
Read MorePuppy Socialization
I talk a lot about socialization with young puppies both in my seminar Understanding Your New Puppy, and in Puppy Kindergarten class. But even after laying a firm foundation in early puppyhood, socialization is an ongoing process, as Karl reminded me over the last few days. He recently began showing fear towards unfamiliar men in…
Read MoreBe A Good Dog
What does “Be a good dog” mean, really? During my first contact with a client, either on the phone, or in class, I always ask “What are your goals?” I usually receive one of two answers. Either they reply “I just want the dog to be good”, which I will follow with “define good”. Or…
Read MoreWhat’s In A Dog’s Growl
Often clients will ask me, “My dog growled at (me, another dog, my neighbor, etc.), what should I do?” By growling, your dog is trying to tell you, in the least threatening way possible, that he feels uncomfortable with what is happening. So what you shouldn’t do is reprimand or punish him. By correcting him…
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