4 Ways To Improve Fetch

“Apport!” “Drop it!… droooop it!!” Snore! The best way to create a neurotic dog with zero impulse control? Play fetch. No thinking involved. So many dog owners see it as a game. They say their dogs are having fun… are they? It never looks like it. Sure, they are running. Sure, they are constantly bringing back the ball for more, …

Coat Or No Coat?

It’s that time of year again! Dog owners around the world are waking up when it is dark and freezing out to go on a walk with their beloved pups. We are bundled up with jackets, thick socks, boots, a scarf and hat… what do our dogs need? When do we know that our dogs need a doggie jacket? Small …

Coat Or No Coat?

It’s that time of year again! Dog owners around the world are waking up when it is dark and freezing out to go on a walk with their beloved pups. We are bundled up with jackets, thick socks, boots, a scarf and hat… what do our dogs need? When do we know that our dogs need a doggie jacket? Small …

How do looks affect your dog?

modernhepburn.tumblr.com There are breeds mainly bred to be cute – pugs and french bulldogs to name a few. But how do these physical traits affect your dog? Put aside the never ending health issues (not being able to breathe, etc). How do these “cute” looks affect your dogs’ life? Dogs are always reading every inch of another dogs’ body, taking in …

Leash Etiquette

The dog world is a relaxed one. Well, it could be. Most of us have dogs to enjoy a bond, learn and go on walks together. There aren’t too many rules. In my experience, the bare minimum effort that most people should  be investing to make the dog world a better place, has to do with leashes. Rule #1: If …

Communication break down

What is communication made of? Today I wanted to start with the basics. Most trainers focus very strongly on the words we train our dogs with. Some will also coach their clients on the tone in their voice and how it affects their dog. But that is only, at best, half of what you should be using! Based on Albert …

Should you anthropomorphize?

Merriam-Webster’s definition for “anthropomorphize”:  – “to attribute human form or personality to things not human.” We always hear that it is not good to anthropomorphize animals. Their language should be learned and worked with, instead of expecting them to act like a human. About a year ago, at a seminar, a fellow dog trainer shared an interesting perspective. Are there …

Getting another dog?

“She tries to bite guests, pulls on the leash, doesn’t get along with other dogs or listen to us… so my husband and I are planning on getting another dog so she has someone to play with and maybe learn good manners from.” The dog trainer in me is bursting at the seams, wanting to drop to the ground saying, “are you …

Improving yourself & problem solving

There are hundreds, thousands, of seminars you can attend, DVDs and shows to watch, books to read and trainers to hire to reach your dream with animals. But what are some ways you can improve yourself or problem solve without leaving your backyard?  Here are two tips for you to do by yourself or with a friend: Film yourself!Anyone who has …

“What if he gets stressed?!”

“If he licks his lips, he’s stressed.” “If he yawns, he’s stressed.” “If he shakes his head, he’s stressed.” “If he pants, he’s stressed.” “If he’s stressed… the world comes to an end!!” I’ve heard it all when it comes to dogs experiencing stress – especially after becoming a licensed dog behavioural consultant and trainer earlier this year. The signs of …