Dog Educated Class Graduates The Academy for Dog Trainers declared June as “Heroes Month,” inviting graduates and students to recognize those individuals who have “taught us, helped us, and inspired us!” There is no shortage of well-known figures who have had a positive impact on my professional journey; but after mulling it over, [...]
As a dog trainer, I put a lot of effort into reframing key principles of animal learning for clients, avoiding the use of technical jargon. They’re looking for help with their dogs, not a lecture on applied behavior analysis or Pavlovian conditioning. Some are naturally curious, self-selecting to further learning; but most are happy to [...]
Why Play Tug? Playing tug with a simple set of rules is an excellent opportunity to practice helpful skills; burn energy; and provide fun, species-appropriate enrichment. Best of all, it’s a fantastic impulse control exercise: our dogs learn to sit and focus on our cue, even when they are super excited. Dogs love to tug [...]
Will, as found on side of highway. My first introduction to Laurie was by way of email, when she inquired about enrolling her little rescue dog, Will, in a basic skills class. At that time, Will was nearing his first birthday. Two things were clear from her email: The first? Will was struggling [...]
With the Fourth of July holiday approaching and a recent string of grumbly thunderstorms, several clients have asked how best to help their dogs navigate these events. As with all things dog related, there is no shortage of dangerous internet advice that ranges from forcing already frightened dogs into close proximity of the triggering activity [...]
