Just Say “No” to On-Leash Greetings

Just Say “No” to On-Leash Greetings Dogs can be best friends off-leash and suddenly turn to enemies when the leashes are put on. Barking, lunging, and even fights ensue.  The same can happen when there is a door or fence between dogs. Believe it or not, this is extremely common. The leash (or even fence) adds tension, changes the dogs’…

Read more

Dogs Aren’t Machines. Apart From Missing Mechanical Components, Here’s Why.

Dogs Aren’t Machines. Apart From Missing Mechanical Components, Here’s Why. Comparing the Two Let’s start by considering a car. A finely tuned machine made up of hundreds of parts. Each part, and the final whole, needing to pass rigorous inspections. When I shift into reverse, I expect my car to start rolling backward as I hit the gas. Even as…

Read more

Changing the Stigma of Muzzles

Changing the Stigma of Muzzles Why dogs wear them and what owners want you to understand. As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, I regularly work with clients whose dogs have acted aggressively towards, or severely bit, a person or another animal. Some of the animals have even died as a result of their injuries.  While it is at first hard…

Read more

How to Use the Clicker

Now that you have read about the benefits of using a clicker to train your dog, it is time to teach him just what the clicker means by charging the clicker.  Charging the clicker means that he learns that the click precedes a treat.  Practice the following activity in an environment with few distractions. You are not asking your dog…

Read more