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DOGGIE BLOG

Preparing Your Pooch for Memorial Day Barbecue Celebrations

May 24, 2013

With Memorial Day on the horizon and summer festivities about to begin, Poncho and I thought we’d help set the stage for keeping inquisitive canines happy and safe when attending and/or co-hosting various events, paw-ties, and BBQ’s: Reward your pup for ignoring “forbidden items”, especially the barbecue! Say they walk by it and decides to stay away. Whether you’ve asked them to or not, they should be thanked. Acknowledge with anything they find motivating to reinforce that behavior. Use praise, petting, a game of fetch or tug, and even a yummy treat to make an impact. Teach “down-stay” in one location: Train your dog to perform a settle down-stay on a bed, towel or mat. Reward for being on their … Continue reading »


Sudden Change in Older Dogs Behavior Concerning to Owner

January 6, 2013

Dear Inquisitive Canine, I’ve had my dog for about 11 years. We’ve been best friends ever since I can remember, but for the last year she’s been acting very strange. She used to love when I pet her and snuggled up to her, but now she growls and snaps at me. I use to play a little rough with her all the time and she used to nibble at me lightly like puppies do, but as of recent she will bite me very hard and that scares me. She also doesn’t listen to me when I call to her, she acts as if she can’t even hear me. I feel as though she respects everyone except me, and that really … Continue reading »


Managing Leashed Dog While Off-Leash Dogs Want to Visit

November 18, 2012

Managing Leashed Dog While Off-Leash Dogs Want to Visit

Dear Inquisitive Canine, How do I handle the situation when I am walking my boxer on her leash and we are confronted by an off leash dog or two? It happens a lot in my neighborhood and my former street dog (she was rescued from a neglectful life of living on the streets of East Dallas) goes crazy and barks and lunges at the dogs. I have worked with her so she no longer lunges at dogs behind fences but she continues to go crazy at the off leash roamers. Ellen G. Dear Ellen, Thank you for writing in! We appreciate questions such as these, since there are many in your walking shoes experiencing the same situation. The following are … Continue reading »


Packing These Dog Behaviors Helps Make Outing a Walk in the Park

October 1, 2012

Packing These Dog Behaviors Helps Make Outing a Walk in the Park

Heading to an off-leash dog location with your inquisitive canine? Remember to bring along a few useful behaviors to make your outing an ideal situation. The following are a few I would bring along to help knock any challenge outta the park! Eye-contact: this helps to remind your dog of the fabulous relationship you share and that you’re there together. And, when they’re looking at you they’re not doing other things that you might find annoying.


Sporting Activities Offer Fun Options for Dog Training

September 1, 2012

Sporting Activities Offer Fun Options for Dog Training

Nowadays the list of inquisitive canine specific sports and activities is getting longer and longer. As both a dog trainer and dog mom I think that’s fabulous! It’s wonderful to have so many options that both dogs and humans can choose from. Seems there’s something that fits preferences, lifestyle and fitness level – for everyone. Keep in mind though that dogs usually have their preferences as to which sport they’d choose. Are they a sniffer? A fetcher? A swimmer? A catcher? Puller or pusher? The following list of a few of the more popular sports for inquisitive canines – maybe you’ll find one or two of interest to you and your own dog: K9 Nose-work - for inquisitive canines who keep their nose … Continue reading »


Building Trust with Your New Bashful Bow-wow

August 5, 2012

Building Trust with Your New Bashful Bow-wow

Dear Inquisitive Canine,  Our new Shih Tzu puppy hides from us, only coming out when no one is around. She also lowers her head when we pet her. I know it takes time, but I’ve heard some dogs will start interacting with their new environment after 1-3 days, and tomorrow will be her third day here. I just want her to be a happy puppy. What should I do and how should I do it? Renee T. Dear Renee, Poncho here! My certified dog trainer mom thought it best if I take this one. First off, allow me to say “atta girl!” for being inquisitive, aware of your situation and taking the time to ask questions about your new puppy. … Continue reading »


Santa Barbara Dog Behavior Workshop for Pet Parents, Outdoor Manners & More

July 25, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  “Woofs & Waves, Pawsitive Dog Parenting at the Beach”  Sponsored by Friends of the Douglas Family Preserve and free to the public, this unique dog training workshop, focused on beach & park outings, will help you understand what motivates your canine companion and how to positively reinforce the behaviors you want while limiting and preventing inappropriate habits. Refreshments & prize drawings are part of the fun; please RSVP by August 10th. Taught by certified dog trainer Joan Mayer, this course goes beyond basic “obedience” techniques by teaching valuable canine “parenting” skills—so that you can succeed at raising a healthy and happy dog. Loose leash walking, off-leash play, coming when called, shyness towards strangers, dog-dog reactivity, techniques you … Continue reading »


Does Your Dog Like to Share Their Food and Toys?

July 5, 2012

When it comes to resources – food, toys, and locations – many animals, dogs included, prefer to keep it all to themselves. Learning to share is just that, a learned behavior. Guarding ones resources, is an innate behavior – and one that is very handy for survival.


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Water Safety Tips to Help Make a Splash in Your Dog’s Life

June 13, 2012

Water Safety Tips to Help Make a Splash in Your Dog’s Life

Fun in the sun and beating the heat often means playing in water – for both humans and their dogs. Whether it be you own pool, the ocean, or lake you’ll want to remind yourself of steps you can take to ensure it’s a fun – safe – and rewarding experience for all. As an inquisitive canine who understands playing it safe around bodies of water, I thought it’d be a good time to send out a few reminders for other pooches and their parents about water safety: If your dog is intending to go for a swim, make sure he or she knows how. Not all dogs can, especially the brachycephalic (short-snout) breeds.