Recommendations and techniques for getting your dog to stop doing something.
Dogs are wonderful in so many ways, but they can also annoy us, damage things, and leave a trail of chaos in their wake! If you find yourself constantly saying “no” to your dog, it can get exhausting. Turn things around by saying “yes” instead, and see how this may be even more effective. Why … Read moreA “Yes” For Every “No”: Alternatives to Problem Dog Behavior
Chasing things that move, being cautious around strangers, or never seeming to get tired are just some of the many challenges that families can experience with their dogs. And while all of these behaviors can have negative impacts, it can be useful to know that they are the same traits that were purposely selected for … Read moreIt’s Not a Bug, It’s a Feature: Breed-specific Tendencies
Have you ever found yourself repeatedly asking your dog to do something, only to have them ignore you? It can be frustrating and embarrassing! What can you do with a dog who doesn’t listen to you? Why They Don’t Listen It can feel easy to label your dog as “stubborn”, “dominant”, “lazy”, or any number … Read moreWhat To Do When Your Dog Doesn’t Listen
Is your dog a toy murderer? Do they seem to thrive on tearing up beds, pillows, or even the trash? Let’s talk about destruction, what you can do about it, and why you shouldn’t try to completely stop it. Why Your Dog Can’t Stop Destroying Tearing things apart to get to what’s inside is a … Read moreLet Your Dog… Destroy Things
The common adage says “a tired dog is a good dog.” Sounds reasonable, right? Like most things though, it depends! Getting enough exercise and mental stimulation is important but so is getting enough rest. In fact, some dog behavior “problems” can be a direct result of being TOO tired! Why Rest is Important While we … Read moreIs a Tired Dog a Good Dog?
We throw around the word “stress” a lot – stressed at work, stressed by money, stressed because my favorite show ended on a cliffhanger. What is stress really? And what does it mean for our dogs? Would you recognize signs of stress in your dog? The answers may surprise you and will definitely help you … Read moreThe “F’s” of Stress in Dogs
Random. Out of the blue. Unpredictable. Inconsistent. It is stressful enough when your dog is behaving in a way you’d rather they didn’t. When you can’t predict if or when the behavior will happen, it can range from embarrassing to terrifying. There can be many reasons why a dog’s behavior may be difficult to predict. … Read more“Random” Behavior – Understanding Trigger Stacking
Annoyance, frustration, embarrassment – the feelings that come from that moment when you ask your dog to do something and they ignore you. The world is full of obedience classes and quick fixes for the disobedient canine companion. What actually works? How can you deal with a disobedient dog? Disobedient or …? The most important … Read moreThe Disobedient Dog
“How do I stop my puppy biting?” “Why does my puppy bite so much?” “What do I do when my puppy bites?” These are the top questions in my puppy classes. It’s an incredibly common behavior, in puppies as well as some teenagers and beyond! What is “Mouthing”? For this article, “mouthing” refers to a … Read moreSurviving Puppies: Play Biting or “Mouthing”
Walking your dog can feel like a necessary chore, a part of being a responsible dog owner. But there are lots of reasons this task can become stressful, frustrating, or not possible. Good news! You don’t have to take your dog for that neighborhood walk, as long as you can meet their needs in other … Read moreDon’t Walk Your Dog?