Joan the Dog Coach

April 15, 2009

Dog Training Steps For First Dog: SOCIALIZATION!

Congratulations to Bo Obama! From what my mom the dog trainer said, he found his way into the First Family via Senator Edward Kennedy – got him from a family that was having trouble caring for him… that’s questionable,…

April 13, 2009

Obama’s in the doghouse with rescue groups?

Well it’s finally happened… the First Family received their “First Dog“, Bo, a six-month-old Portuguese water dog. A “gift” from Senator Edward Kennedy. Hmm, interesting. My paranoid self immediate thought: Ruh-roh, Kennedy curse? Okay, maybe a bit too paranoid. But…

April 12, 2009

Giving This Dog Treats: “liking you” versus TRUSTING you

Sometimes when mom and I are out in public, and I want to say hello to someone, she will often hand them some of my treats for them to give to me. Sometimes people will say “Oh, you want…

April 9, 2009

Dog’s Figuring Out What Works Best: The Surf is the Word

Check out this great video of Buddy the Surf Dog. Sure his dad Bruce helped teach him – but Buddy is out there figuring out how to “duck dive” just by shifting his weight back and forth on the…

April 9, 2009

Food-Stuffing Type Dog Toys: What the heck do I do with this thing?

You may have purchased one of those great interactive food stuffing toys for your dog, right? Maybe one of those red cone-shaped ones from the Kong Company? And you put some of your dog’s kibble with a little peanut butter…

April 3, 2009

This Dog Has Developed His Own Triathlon: Why enrichment is still important for your dog

Yep, me, Poncho-the-dog has now officially created his own triathlon! Not being a breed specific water dog, or a animal that can ride a bicycle, I’ve had to develop my own “course”. So here it is: Running with my…

April 3, 2009

Water Balloons & Squirt Bottles: NEVER a good option for dog training!

My new round of Canine College just started this past week over at Ventura College Community Education. As much as I hate to brag, it is truly a great group!!! Wait wait wait, let me clarify. So have all…

March 30, 2009

Dog Breeds: When is the Discrimination Going to Stop???

I know that dogs were bred for specific traits, and that is what makes each breed different. But there are days when I get a little vexed every time I hear someone say “My (insert name of dog breed…

March 29, 2009

The Vet’s Are Finally Pitching Their Tents in My Camp!

Great news everyone! The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has released an official position statement on their view of Dominance Theory and how it relates to training us domestic dogs…and the fact that it doesn’t work – at…

March 29, 2009

AVSAB Finally in “Science” Camp For Dog Training Choice

What a great article to wake up to today! The AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) has just released an official statement on the better choice to train dogs… and it just so happens, they’re the same methods I’ve…

Author: Joan Hunter Mayer