by Marion | Dec 28, 2017 | Uncategorized
To start, finding the right trainer can make a huge difference. Hiring a reputable and well-educated dog trainer can be a challenge. If a dog trainer says they’re certified by a particular organization, remember that you don’t have to take their word for it. You can...
by Marion | Dec 4, 2017 | Uncategorized
In a typical exam, a veterinarian will look in your puppy’s eyes, ears, and mouth; listen to her heart and lungs; touch and probe her belly; manipulate her joints; and – nobody’s favorite – take her temperature. Puppies that are regularly handled and...
by Marion | Nov 2, 2017 | Uncategorized
Housebreaking a dog can be a huge challenge. Frequently dogs won’t let you know that they have to go. It was always kind of eerie, but I knew when my girl Shadow had to go potty. It always became super quiet, then I would find her just standing at the front door. I...
by Marion | Aug 28, 2017 | Uncategorized
What’s In a Wag? The biggest myth is, a wagging tail means “happy dog.” Yes, dogs wag their tails when they are happy, but they also use them to communicate feelings. While barking can be used to broadcast feelings, dogs mostly rely on their body language to...
by Marion | Aug 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
My New Fur Baby People say the only time that a good dog will hurt you is when they die. My heart has been broken for a long time. It has been almost three years since I lost my beautiful Black Lab, Shadow. A couple of months ago I took down the makeshift memorial...
by Marion | Jul 5, 2017 | Uncategorized
The Two-Treat Method This is a great way to work through distractions plus have your dog pay more attention to you. Have two treats in your hand. Praise your dog, now give one treat from your hand while you back up so that you are farther away from the distraction....
by Marion | May 1, 2017 | Uncategorized
Is Your Dog Telling You What To Do? While I was visiting a friend the other day, I observed in horror as one of the most obnoxious behaviors a dog could offer unfolded right before my eyes. Not only was her dog Demand Barking but my friend was reinforcing it! Yep,...
by Marion | Apr 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
Did you ever think that you might be the reason your dog pulls you on walks? Ask yourself this question. Are you consistently being inconsistent? Here’s a classic scenario: you are out taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood. Now your dog sees the friendly...
by Marion | Jan 2, 2017 | Uncategorized
Chew on This Ignoring unwanted behavior is very confusing for dog owners. I am not giving you permission to ignore the dog when he chews on inappropriate things like rocks, dirty underwear, or your furniture. I want to be very clear how to help your dog learn what is...
by Marion | Sep 14, 2016 | Uncategorized
Household Rules I had a couple in one of my training classes that owned a beautiful Akita puppy named Frank. The husband flat out didn’t want the dog on the couple’s bed at any time. Every morning the bed would be made with all the pillows neatly stacked. Every...
