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.
Read MoreDesigned 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.
Read MoreTomorrow night I will be up all night, walking. One step in front of the other, to fight for a cause no one wants to talk about. One step in front of another through the darkness that surrounds a topic that touches everyone yet forces people to hide their pain. Each step, from dusk till dawn, carrying the memory of those lost, and holding on to strength for those who suffer in silence. Walking through the streets of Boston, watching for a dawn not just to break the darkness of the night, but a dawn on a day when no one has to suffer alone. I've been there, staring off into the darkness, wondering when it will consume me. But there can always be a dawn if we are there for each other and getting help isn't stigmatized.
Read MoreE-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.
Read MoreNo, 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.
Read MoreToday dog owners and dog training professionals are tweeting, and Facebook posting #SPARCS all over their feeds. Those of us who couldn't attend (that being most of us) are huddles around our computers and phones, trying to catch every moment possible of the streaming content. Why? What is all the buzz about?
Read More...I was pleased though that even with limited access to enrichment, Indominus was very happy to interact with a treat ball when given the opportunity....
Read MoreOne of the greatest fears of Shiba owners is their dog getting loose and taking off. Because Shibas love the outdoors sometimes it seems like they will stop at nothing to sneak out the door and be 1/2 a mile into the neighborhood in no time. Before I started training dogs, I had my fair share of white hairs earned chasing a Shiba down the sidewalk. But those fears can be a thing of the past with careful management/prevention methods and some consistent and fun training.
Read MoreA dog is not a toy on the end of a rope. A dog is not a silent partner to use at your beckon whim. You dog is not stubborn, willful or any other label you want to stick on them. You dog is a thinking, feeling, and communicating being, and you're failing them by not listening to them. I don't mean barks, yips, and yowls. I mean the dozens of messages a dog gives out to show how they're feeling that you're not paying attention to
Read MoreOne of the most misunderstood and misused training tools out there. Contrary to popular belief back clip harnesses can be a great training tool.
Read MoreI 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.
Read MoreAlso called choke chains, slip chains, slip collars, show collars, fur savers, etc, this training tool is a classic that has been around almost as long as dog training. They are still the go to tool for some trainers and still seem to be a traditional go to for many owners.
Read MoreI'm sure I could have gone into my settings and turned the sound/vibration off, but I couldn't. I wanted to understand how this would feel to something that couldn't turn it off and probably didn't have the foggiest idea why it was happening.
Read MoreThat 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?
Read MoreWe're now realizing we have been sending the wrong message for some time now. It is not unfamiliar dogs that are a danger to our children.
Read MoreThere 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.
Read MoreIn 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!
Read More"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."
Read More...it is about sharing their dog with people who will benefit from their presence. For those people, therapy work is their calling. While not every dog is made for this kind of work, there are certain characteristics that set some dogs apart.
Read MoreDogs jumping over bars at lightning speeds, twisting and turning and finally returning their full attention to their owner. Who hasn't wanted that relationship with their dog... One where owner and dog move in perfect sync together as if of one mind. And the truth of the matter is that this dream can be a reality for more dog owners than you may have thought possible. Here are 7 signs that your dog might make a great performance dog!
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