PAWSitive Beginnings: Part Two
PAWSitive Beginnings: Part TwoThe Role of Socialization in Puppy Development Part One can be found in the summer 2024 edition of PAW Quarterly. In our first article on the role of socialization, we dove into many of the genetic elements in play before deciding to bring a puppy into our lives. While genetics take the […]
Paws & Progress
PAWS & PROGRESS Talented dogs versus invested human learners. Often when students start a new activity with their dog, those with the talented dogs stand out. They fly through basic skills, even if the handler has zero skill or timing. The dog is so talented the handler doesn’t need to learn a lot as the […]
PAWSitive Beginnings: Part One
PAWSitive BeginningsThe Role of Socialization in Puppy Development Part one of a multi-part series. The definition of Socialization the American Veterinary Medical Association gives is “the process of preparing a dog to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities.” To expand on this definition, socialization is about exposure to common […]
DOG TRAINING IN A COOKIE CUTTER WORLD
DOG TRAINING IN A COOKIE CUTTER WORLD Every semester I teach at least 20 handler and dog teams the beginning steps of how to modify leash reactive behavior. At the surface it seems simple: the dog barks, lunges, growls, pulls and carries on like a nincompoop. Underneath is the more difficult part. The problem is […]
Poisoned Praise
Poisoned Praise I’ve often pondered why experienced handlers who seem to be doing all the right things – enthusiastic markers, good technical personal play concepts, no obvious or heavy-handed corrections, good core training techniques – yet have dogs having a hard time. From dogs who shut down to dogs who look bored to dogs that […]
Impulse Control
Impulse Control Harnessing your dog’s instincts in a positive way. Most of the things we teach our dogs to live peacefully in our homes go against their genetics. Although some breeds may do less of some behaviors and more of others, genetically all dogs bark, chew, jump, dig, chase, run and bite. They don’t naturally […]
Choosing The Right Equipment For Your Dog.
Choosing The Right Equipment For Your Dog. By Emily Garland Every dog and handler team needs to weigh the pros and cons of their equipment. Even in a home with several dogs, not all my own dogs use the same pieces. When choosing, it’s important to notethe following: Training is Necessary While it would be […]
Q & A: Crate Training
ASK US: Q & A Why should I crate train my dog? What are the benefits of crate training? Many people see a dog in a cage and feel like they are jailing their best friend. However, crate or kennel training your dog is very valuable. For Safety: • Ensures your dog doesn’t ingest something […]
Q & A: When should I start Training a puppy?
Ask Us: Q & A How long should I wait before I start training my new puppy? It’s a myth that you should wait any length of time before training your new family member. You can start training your puppy as soon as they come home! But don’t think of training just as sit, down, […]
TWO SIDES TO EVERY LEASH
TWO SIDES TO EVERY LEASH A discussion on leash etiquette By Emily Garland, CPDT-KA, MFA Social Etiquette is something we don’t tend to think of too much as humans, unless it’s blatantly obvious someone has made an error. We naturally give each other space. Even in crowded places like grocery stores we tuck into aisles, […]