Working towards “off leash.” Reaching the point where you can trust your dog off leash is a momentous occasion.  Having the faith that your dog will “come when called” regardless of the distraction is a true display of the “leader follower relationship” and the trust that has been built between you and your pet.  My…

The Holy Grail Early socialization is imperative for proper emotional development. It’s also important to socialize your puppy to touch.  You want to massage your dog.  Massage the ears, teeth, gums and feet.  This way your dog is becoming comfortable being handled which is important when goes to vet to get his ears checked, teeth…

The Crate It is important to understand that dogs are “den animals,” and, in the wild, a den is their domicile.  We can duplicate that environment by introducing the crate or “den” into his life.  If introduced properly, dogs do not see the crate as a prison, but rather a safe haven. Think of the…

Separation Anxiety Everyone needs a little time alone now and then—unless of course you are a dog who suffers from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they’re left alone. Typically, they’ll have a dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20–45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most common of…

Retractable Leashes To retract or not to retract…that is the question! One of my greatest pet peeves in the industry is the evil “retractable leash.” Even before I became a professional trainer, as a jogger, this retractable apparatus was the bane of my existence; the constant entanglement of my feet in the cords of dogs…

Over-bonding Over-bonding is very common in litter mates and multiple dog households.  Remember, dogs are pack animals and left on their own they can form a “mini-pack.”  Think of how many hours a day they are spending with one another.  If you aren’t sending clear leader-follower cues to your dogs, often they will start relying…

Establishing Leadership  If your dog is not listening or obeying your commands, not coming with called or basically lacking all respect, your beloved pet could be demonstrating signs of ALPHA.  Your household should not be one of a negotiating democracy; boundaries and structure will strengthen the bond and relationship with your dog.  By following these…

Housebreaking Patience, perseverance and consistency are the qualities necessary in housebreaking a dog.  Maintain a strict schedule for 30 days until the idea of elimination outside is associated then gradually give your puppy more freedom as an “audition” of his behavior.  The constant routine and not giving your puppy the opportunity to potty inside is…

Dog cat introductions Dog and cat introductions can be tricky especially if you are introducing a dog into a home where the cats have never been exposed to another dog.  Here are some tips to make the transition smoother. For the first introduction, have the dog on leash in case he becomes out of control…

Aggression A dog’s bark may be worse than his bite, but most of us would rather not find out one way or the other. Growling, baring teeth, snarling, snapping, and biting are all aggressive behaviors—but dog aggression includes any behavior meant to intimidate or harm a person or another animal. Although these messages are among…