Puppy Primer Sometimes the simplest tasks are the hardest. While it is true that many breeders work hard to have  puppies house broken from the whelping box,  it doesn’t always work. Some puppy’s bladders do not develop until they are older. Other puppies are over stimulated, too busy, and too distracted. Then there is the puppy who takes so long to potty that you are late for work. Sometimes a puppy’s schedule doesn’t fit into…   Continue

Notice the lip licks, ears back, submissive behavior. There is a mix of stress and affection signals in this video One of the fundamental protocols in our behavior work is touch. Many of the dogs we work with do not like to be touched. In many cases, their owners do not touch them often, or pet them often. They are not touched until they go to a groomer or vet, this reinforces the ‘bad feelings’…   Continue

Isn’t that a great picture of a Christmas puppy? What an amazing Christmas Fantasy. There is nothing more magical then receiving a puppy at Christmas time. Opening that box and realizing there is something moving inside. Those first happy puppy kisses. The look of joy on your loved ones face. A puppy can make the day ‘extra special.’ Until about 2am boxing day, and then things start going wrong. I won’t bore you with all…   Continue

[quote] [quote_content] …Thorough obedience training does more than assure a dog’s response to his master’s command; capacities for learning and emotional stability could be increased and integrated as permanent qualities of character. [/quote_content] [quote_signature name=”Name”]William Koehler, 1962[/quote_signature] [/quote] Some people are surprised to learn that I do embrace some of the older obedience styles and masters, like Koehler. What they don’t take into consideration is that these people were not ’10 minute a day trainers.’…   Continue

MYTH – Puppy training should start at 8 weeks. Puppy training is not important. You can train a dog at any time in its life. Puppy ‘behavior and manner’ building is important. The first stage can only be done until 13 weeks. The second phase can only be done until 4.5 months. After that your puppy’s behavior (hyper or calm, aggressive or friendly, reliable or disobedient, indifferent or obedient) are set – forever In puppy…   Continue