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

The first thing most puppy owners want to teach their dog is to sit, stay, heel, stop chewing, and go potty at a convenient time. Unfortunately they are missing a great opportunity to make their dogs focused, easy to train, and calm – for the rest of the dog’s life. Exposure, good and bad, in the first 14 weeks of a dog’s life will affect the way your puppy processes sensory input. That’s right –…   Continue