Crate Acclimation

Learning how to be comfortable in a crate can be useful in a variety of situations - boarding, traveling, etc..
But contrary to popular belief, dogs are not "den animals." Although some dogs learn to like a crate right away, others might need some acclimation.

Dog Harness Reviews - Premium TuffLock

In our last post on harnesses, I mentioned that I like figure H harnesses but I don't like lifting my dog's leg to put it on.  There are now several H style harnesses that have a double clasp in the back. Which means that we don't have to manipulate the dog at all.

Loose Leash Walking. Part 6. Avoiding Distractions

Distractions (cars, cats, other dogs, squirrels, humans, etc..) can derail loose leash walking training.

Loose Leash Walking. Part 5. Leash? What Leash?

We have already talked about teaching a dog how to stay with us without any equipment. Once we start using equipment, our loose leash walking training can go much more smoothly if we try to make the leash as inconsequential as possible.  Once we start pulling on the leash, our dogs will to.   So try to think of the leash as just being there for backup.

Loose Leash Walking. Part 2. Equipment

Since we are teaching our dogs how to pay attention to us and walk along with us, we do not need to use any type of equipment that will cause or pain, discomfort, or injury - so no choke chains nor prong collars are necessary.

Loose Leash Walking. Part I. Foundation. Attention and Basics

Loose leash walking is one of the harder dog training skills to master (for human and dog). It's about so much more than simply keeping the leash loose. Our pups need to learn how to tune in to us, and not get too worked up about distractions.

Nail Trims. Part 15. Don't Be Stingy

Not only do I give treats after each toenail grind,  but I also sometimes give a treat after each pass on a single toenail - i.e. grind/treat, grind/treat. Which means one toe might yield 3 treats. Which means by the time we are done, my dogs have eaten anywhere from 18 to 50 treats.

For Dogs Who Don't Want Us To Leave

Note: Separation Anxiety can be a serious condition that might require the skills of a behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist. If your dog panics when  you leave him or her alone, seek the advice of a competent professional now.

Below are a few things that have helped my dogs feel a little bit better about being left alone.  These tips might not work for every dog.

Bad Trainers and Bad Pickup Artists

Hiring a Trainer - Where to start your search

So we've discussed in detail things to look for when hiring a trainer (and we are not done yet). But how do you even find a trainer to interview and scrutinize?

On Leadership and Dominance

See the video below for an out of control teacher. 

To see how this relates to dog training, please continue reading