Doggy Blog

February 15, 2009

This Dog Thinks Marathons Are Rewarding Too!

Here I am in Austin Texas with mom and dad. We’re having lots of fun. Mom loves running… I do too, but for a different reason. I’m still kinda unclear why you humans spend so much time running when…

February 14, 2009

House Training Basics for Dog and Puppy Owners Alike

Dear Poncho, Could you tell me why my 13-year-old lab, who has never had an accident in the house, will sometimes pee when my parents watch her. They have a female lab and so she likes to stay there,…

February 11, 2009

Dog Behavior Advice for New Puppy and Household Cat

Dear Joan: My name is Irene. I’m a lovely mature 16-year-old cat. Over the years some of my best friends have been dogs. I don’t hiss or bite or scratch. Recently my humans brought home a Goldendoodle puppy. What…

February 7, 2009

House Training Issues: why do our dogs use the inside of our homes to eliminate?

Poncho and I have both been receiving questions regarding dogs – both puppy and adult- and house-training issues. Poncho answered one question more in-depth for our Noozhawk column, but I thought I’d address it myself. As we all know, or…

February 4, 2009

Reining in Dogs Behavior from Scavenging Around the House: Managing the sport of counter-surfing

Dear Poncho, Now that I’m getting to be a taller doggie, I have no problem grazing the kitchen counters. I find all sorts of neat stuff and I sneak it out of the kitchen. Sometimes I can run out…

February 2, 2009

Dog Behavior and Exercise: a look at before and after

My friend Emilia just emailed me a great photo of her dog Nellie. They were in my Manners Class this last Autumn, along with Nellie’s dad Nick. Nellie is an absolute sweetheart! Friendly as can be, totally outgoing, motivated…

February 2, 2009

Counter Surfing: a great sport for dogs

I’ve received lots of questions from owners of inquisitive caninesabout “stealing” stuff off of counters and table tops… Hello? We’re dogs! These are some of our normal traits, and what makes us dogs in the first place…If you wanted…

February 2, 2009

Adaptation: Dogs have this trainer beat!

“Adaptations are structures or behaviors that enhance a specific function, causing organisms to become better at surviving and reproducing. They are produced by a combination of the continuous production of small, random changes in traits, followed by natural selection…

January 29, 2009

A Punishing Phone Call

I received an inquiry call this afternoon regarding training services for this persons brothers dog. The person that called is from out of state. She asked what type of training I offered, and what methods I use. I confirmed…

January 26, 2009

My buddy Josh is a BIG winner!

I’m SO excited! I just saw on the Ventura County Star news site that my friend Josh Spiker won the Carlsbad marathon in 2:24:56!!! WOW! What an accomplishment! He must be SO happy! And I’m SO proud of him……