Puppy adolescence, also known as the puppy teenage stage, can come as quite a surprise and shock to many dog owners. But it makes sense that dogs go through stages too, albeit quite a bit faster than humans. Puppies hit their teenage stage at around 4 or 5 months and it lasts to about […]
Posts with the Managing Behavior tag
Building Value for Good Behaviors
Which sounds better to you? A) Taking time to create the dog companion you really want; or B) settling for “good enough” and living with a barking, leash-pulling, dog-hating dog? Obviously, the first option sounds best, doesn’t it? But it takes a lot of time and work. Did you know there’s a better and more fun way […]
Is It OK to Hug Dogs?
Last April, Dr. Stanley Coren published an informal study where he concluded that most dogs do not like to be hugged. There was a lot of hoop-la in the media about this and a lot of debate ensued. Then, I was asked in class the other day: Are YOU pro or con hugging dogs? My […]
What is Your Dog’s Social Style?
Aimee Sadler was in town this month showing the staff & volunteers at Jackson County Animal Shelter how to run doggie playgroups. She focused on dog social styles and how to match compatible dogs. There are roughly five dog social styles according to Aimee (and – can you tell which one your dog has?) Dog Social – really enjoys the […]
Teaching Crazy Dogs to Relax!
Do you have a wild over-the-top dog? Does she get wound up and crazy when you bring out the vacuum or when you see other dogs or when you go for a drive? Author Laura VanArendonk Baugh of “Fired Up Frantic and Freaked Out” talks about getting your dog out of her reactive state and […]
Brain Games Help Dogs Relax
Did you know that the more a dog uses his brain the more likely he is to control his emotions? This is what Anders Hallgren says in his book: “Stress, Anxiety & Aggression in Dogs”. I applied this concept to a stressful moment with my dog Simon and within 10 minutes he was relaxed and […]
Stop Backyard Barking!
Does your dog bark bark bark in the yard? Is she stressed because you live too close to the local shooting range? Or, maybe she’s bored. Perhaps she’s afraid of the UPS truck? Well, for now, let’s just say that Bowserina barks at your next door neighbors when they try to enjoy their backyard. Here […]
Polite Pooches During the Holidays
THIS holiday is going to be different. We are all going to remember to keep our pups entertained and managed so we can relax while we visit with family and friends. If you take your dog for a long walk and have something for him to do while you chat with your uncle Ned all […]
Fair Trade with Fido
Does your pooch tense up or get possessive when you try to take away his food or a toy? Or, does she growl or snap? Then you may need to implement some Doggie Fair Trade.
Four Steps to a Better Dog
I’ve found that these four simple steps get a well behaved dog faster & with out all of the struggle. Winston is a career change dog at Dogs for the Deaf. He’s an 80# yellow lab who loves to jump on people, grab & chew on leashes, destroy toys, jump out of car windows, and […]