Crating a Dog: Why You Should Stop Feeling Guilty. Crating a dog when you leave, travel or have company over may cause feelings of guilt, but is the safest place for your dog to be. Dogs are den dwelling animals that will often curl up and go to sleep when they are comfortable in their crate. Most…
Petting a Dog: How Affection Can Change Your Dog’s Behavior Petting a dog at the wrong time can accidentally encourage unwanted behaviors and mental states. Alternatively, petting a dog when they are in a relaxed state of mind, will teach your dog that touch has a calming influence. Inviting Not Invading Unwanted jumping on guests…
Dog Owner’s Guilt Dog owner’s guilt can often get in the way of doing what is best for your dog. Social pressure from friends and family make it even harder. As an owner, your number one priority is to be an advocate for your dog at all times. Many dog owners feel guilty; you…
Small Dog Breeds: Why Small Dogs Should Get The Same Training as Large Dogs Small dog breeds are very popular, and it is easy to see why. They are adorable for starters, don’t shed or drool as much and don’t need acres of yard for exercise. Small dog breeds can travel in the cabin of a plane with…
Puppy Training During Fall. An Important Time for Exposure. Puppy training during the fall months is a great time for natural distractions. The leaves are falling, Halloween decorations are up and the weather is not too hot, not too cold, which is ideal for puppy training outside. Fall is very distracting for puppies and adult…
Adopt a Dog Not the Past Going to adopt a dog can be an emotional experience, but choosing to adopt a dog based on the story of their past can often lead to an unhappy ending for all. Behavior problems sometimes get a free pass because the dog has a sad past. If you adopt a dog,…
Getting a Second Dog? Own Two Dogs Successfully. Getting a second dog seems like a great idea. After all, two is better than one, right? They can play together and snuggle on the couch when you’re not home. Maybe your dog is lonely and getting a second dog will give him a friend. There is…
Driving Cross Country With a Dog. Travel Training Tips. Driving cross country with a dog this summer? Whether taking a vacation or moving, driving cross country with a dog is much safer than flying, but can still be very stressful for your dog. Here are a few tips that will eliminate some of the strain on…
Dog Training with Distractions. Be Successful by Slowing Down Dog training with distractions is a great way to take your training into the real world. However, many times this leads to owners moving too fast and pushing their dogs into situations that they are not ready for. The best way for you and your dog to…
Dog Park Training Tips. How to Choose and Use a Dog Park Taking your pup to a dog park can be a great way to get you both out for some fresh air. First make sure your dog has a solid recall, is healthy and is not dog or human aggressive before taking them to…