Fearful Dog Training
When training a fearful dog that oshows fear aggression or reactivity, we often want to control the dog as a means to help guide them through whatever trigger they may be experiencing. However, when we try to control a dog that is especially reacting out of pure emotion, we often make the situation worse. The […]
The Profound Emotional Connection Between Humans and Dogs
The relationship between humans and their canine companions is deep and intricate. It involves a complex blend of emotions that significantly affects our dogs’ behavior, well-being, and overall experiences. Recognizing how our emotions shape our dogs’ lives is essential for enhancing our bond through emotional awareness. One key way our emotions influence our dogs is […]
Aggressive Dogs
Aggressive dogs seem to be a hot topic lately. For example, a dog that has previously shown aggression in a shelter environment was adopted out and actually mauled the owner to death. It’s a grim fate, and one we seem to hear more and more often than we did 20 years ago. A number of […]
How to greet a dog
It’s a common misconception when greeting a dog that we should stick our hand out for them to smell. In all honesty, I prefer your hand over your face, but it’s still a behavior that a dog can misconstrue as rude, especially if you enter their space and then shove your hand even further into […]
Local Resources to Help Those in Need
Recently, I conducted a survey within a local pet community to identify the primary challenges contributing to the high rates of dog surrenders and rehoming in the area. The results overwhelmingly pointed towards two significant factors affecting pet owners in the region. One is the affordability of essential care like preventatives, food, and spaying/neutering. The […]
We are the problem…
We, as humans, are sometimes the reason why our dog struggles. We get so caught up in our emotions and what others think of us that we forget about any consideration of the dog in front of us. Let me tell you something, after working with dogs, both feral and domesticated, as well as socialized […]
Storm Prep
Have you considered how to keep your beloved pet safe in the face of a severe storm? It’s vital to prepare your pet for such situations to safeguard their welfare. By taking proactive measures, you can guarantee your pet’s safety and comfort during a storm. One crucial step in preparing your pet for a storm […]
Stop Digging
Dealing with a dog’s digging habits can be a common challenge for pet owners, but it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable one. Many dogs dig for various reasons, including boredom, hunting, or simply because it’s in their nature. Understanding this behavior is the first step toward effectively managing it. With a combination of creative […]
Bringing a New Dog Home
I need to share this important information with you all… When you bring a new dog into your home and grant them unrestricted access to your space, neighborhood, and more, challenges are likely to arise. It is crucial to allow your dog some time to decompress and then introduce them to the house rules and […]
Classical Conditioning or Operant Conditioning…
We are often asked if we utilize positive reinforcement techniques, and the answer is emphatically yes. However, we delve much deeper than just one quadrant of learning, as true breakthroughs can occur both inside and outside the conventional framework. Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Positive reinforcement is a component of a learning theory known as […]
