A Journey Through Desperation - The Dark Side of Seeking Help for your Dog

The squeaky wheel gets the oil or so they say. Often we try hard to push problems to the side until they are too large to ignore. However doing this with our dogs usually only leaves us with desperation, disappointment and suffering.

ProfessionalMolly SumridgeOctober 24, 2017professional, Dog Training, trainers, aggression, problems, bad dog, emergencyComment

Bound by Canine

Why, when we have so much in common, is our field so stratified? Why is there so much hate, bullying, and arguing when we all agree on the same fundamental topic - we love dogs? We are sisters and brothers, bound by canine.

ProfessionalMolly SumridgeMarch 24, 2016trainers, bullying, professional Comments

Expiration Date: Why I'm not renewing

Today I received final notice that one of my dog training industry organization memberships expired today. I've been thinking about the prospect of saying good bye to this membership for a long time and I can confidently say today that I'm glad I'm not renewing...

ProfessionalMolly SumridgeFebruary 24, 2016APDT, PPG, IAABC, IACP, trainers, membership Comments

[Guest Blog] Moving My Dog Training Business – From Texas to New York

First of all, yes, you read that right. I moved across the country to a city I had never been to – not even visited. I had no connections in the area and certainly no referral sources set up yet. Thankfully, years of being active online meant I knew a thing or two about online marketing.

Professional, Guest BlogMolly SumridgeDecember 4, 2015business, moving, dog training, digital marketing, google, seoComment

Early Bird shows how to be a dog friendly business without going to the dogs

Early Bird is a coffee, tea, espresso and mercantile business what serves prepared drinks and baked goods. Because of health codes, they cannot allow dogs in their estabilshment, but that doesn't mean they've forgotten their furry friends.

Professional, TravelMolly SumridgeAugust 20, 2015business, service dogs, coffee, out on the town, travelComment

Treat Pouches: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

Treat pouches are the bags you hang from your pocket, tie around your waste, or clip on your belt. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But they have a dark side too... There are dog trainers out there, and owners for that matter, that feel that a treat pouch is the same as waving a treat in the dogs nose. Meaning that the bag is a bribe and without the bag visible, the dog won't listen. There are definitely many sides to this story and I will be sure to give you all of them.

Professional, Tools, TrainingMolly SumridgeJuly 15, 2015treat, pouch, tools, treats, food, corrections, tsst Comments

No-Pull Harnesses: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

Designed with one goal; to stop a dog from pulling. No-Pull Harnesses are considered by some to be the holy grail of dog training devices. Others look at some of the options available and see torture devices. Some are designed with better control for the owner. Others are designed to make pulling uncomfortable. Some offer a quick on and off versatility, while others are so complicated owners can't put them on their dog correctly. In this article I will examine a variety of options on the market and how they actually work.

E-Collars: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

E-collars... aka stim collars aka static correction collars aka impulse collars aka Dogtra collars aka remote training collars aka shock collars... I could go on. Why so many names for the same device? Well that would be because of the constant shifts in marketing trying to find a catchy way to sell these devices. This is because e-collars are one of the most hotly debated topics in dog training. If religion and politics are off the table, then so are e-collars. For the remainder of this article I will only refer to the devices as an e-collar, out of respect for the conversation and to be sympathetic to those still trying to navigate the most treacherous minefield in dog training.

Head Halters: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

No, that loop around that dog's face isn't a muzzle - it's a head halter! That contraption that wraps around the dog's face and neck and is supposed to give you all the control in the world when it comes to walking your dog... or does it? There are some heated debates surrounding the use of head halters, mostly concerned with safety and acclimation for the dog using it.

Back Clip Harnesses: Just 'Cause You Can Doesn't Mean You Should

One of the most misunderstood and misused training tools out there. Contrary to popular belief back clip harnesses can be a great training tool.

Tools, Training, ProfessionalMolly SumridgeJune 8, 2015harness, harnesses, leash, pullin, pulling, sled dog, joring, cartingComment

LIVE from Ferretpalooza!

I will be in attendance with my New Guinea Singing Dog Journey. We will be updating you as much as possible with coverage of subjects, materials, fun, and the general conference experience.

Clickers: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

That noise making device, that is supposed to be some amazing elite tool. You either love it, hate it, or fumble around with it because you're supposed to like it. And then there are the owners/trainers who dabble just enough to have one in their training bag or kitchen drawer, but will not admit to using it. So what is all the hubbub with Clickers?

Prong Collars: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

There are many reasons owners choose prong collars to train their dogs. Sometimes it is suggested by a family member or friend. Othertimes it is at the direction of a dog trainer. It is important to make an informed decision before using anything on your pet.

Tools: Just 'cause you can doesn't mean you should

In this new series I will highlight specific tools in the dog training industry and talk about the pros and cons from a neutral prospective. Enjoy!

Alphabet Soup - A Fatal Problem of the Dog Training Industry

"I have 20 initials after my name. That is 5 more letters than my entire name, including my middle name. Why do I need so many? The problem is that I don't."

With great love for animals, can come great pain...

I was anguished with the question of how could someone who fought so hard for a fear free life for pets, could be so pained as to leave us... And then I am remembered of how the pain follows in the shadows stalking good people. The pain is a silent follower in the hearts of many of those also filled with love and understanding. With deep empathy, can also come great darkness...

ProfessionalMolly SumridgeApril 11, 2015love, loss, vets, trainers Comments

A Sensitive Subject - Dog Training Tools

"...ANY tool can be aversive, even if the trainer thinks it should be fine. The judgement comes from the dog".

ProfessionalMolly SumridgeFebruary 8, 2015training, tools, Dog Training Comments

Filling the Cracks - Making Dog Training Better

I learned its because people love their dogs, their relationships with other dog enthusiasts, and they only know what they know. No one there was a bad or evil person. They were all passionate beautiful people with beautiful, life-loving dogs. I know every person there will weep when their dogs pass away. These people love their dogs, and they are doing the best they can with what they know. Give each other a break.

Professional, Blog ContentMolly SumridgeFebruary 1, 2015Dog Training, ethics, comments Comments

Dog Training is Broken

"...dog training is broken and we have to fix it. Every day, dogs are euthanized due to behavioral problems. Dogs that could have had beautiful, joy filled lives are cut short because they couldn't become the dog the owner wanted. And it was little to no fault of the dog. It's a fact that it is not overpopulation that is causing dogs to die in shelters."

ProfessionalMolly SumridgeJanuary 30, 2015Dog Training, ownership, ethics Comments

The Profession called Dog Training - It actually has nothing to do with dogs.

"I can see the worry lines as they try to align my explanation with their expectation. And for some... POP! I may have even shattered some lofty dream. How can dog training have so little to do with dogs? It seems crazy to think someone called a dog trainer, could not actually be training dogs. "

Training, ProfessionalMolly SumridgeNovember 9, 2014Clients, Dog Training, Profession Comments

For The Love of Dog:A Kindred Companions Blog

For The Love of Dog:
A Kindred Companions Blog