Are you and your inquisitive canine sometimes struggling to reach your training goals? It might help to think about how you can amp up your teaching skills by adjusting the three D’s: Distance – the space between you and…
Do you sometimes find certain quirks, such as perhaps your dog’s excessive barking, annoying? With our pups, when we figure out the ‘why’ of this behavior and provide for the underlying need, we can often help curb excessive barking….
Motivation and Learning There is a strong relationship between learning and motivation. Learning (and therefore, performing a behavior) does not occur without the proper incentive. It’s not the request, or cue, that yields results; it’s the “What’s in it for…
If your pup will be joining you this summer as you’re heading out to make a splash, some general guidelines can help you both enjoy a safe and happy time. Will this be a first adventure? Your pets might…
Do your summertime plans involve enjoying water sports and activities such as swimming, and/or boating? Are you planning to include your inquisitive canine in your beach adventures? First, pet parents will want to make sure their dogs will find the…
As dog lovers and pet parents, we know all too well that common dog behaviors include predation, having a unique greeting style, digging, chewing, barking, counter-surfing, pulling when walking on a leash, eliminating whenever/wherever, sniffing, rolling in stinking stuff…
With Mother’s Day approaching, I’d like to share a personal message about being a ‘dog mom.’ Celebrating the Canine-Human Bond Everyone knows me as “Ringo’s Mom” and expects me (and hubby) to bring Ringo with us wherever and whenever…
In Part One of this series, we took a closer look at some frequently asked questions about how dogs (and other animals) learn. We explored a bit of the science behind how humane, reward-based training can help pet parents…
March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month – a gentle reminder to be aware of your dog’s surroundings, what foods you can share and when to use the “leave it!” cue. Be Aware of Your Dog’s Surroundings Common household…
I’ve often said that understanding the basics of animal learning theory can help pet parents learn more about their own dogs. The science of animal behavior can help answer questions as to why dogs do what they do- and…