Good Dog!
Training Tips From Positive Reinforcement Pros
This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.
Alone? Scared? Let’s Talk About Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is hard on dogs and humans alike.
Training at Your Fingertips: Pups and People Thrive With Online Lessons
Moana’s people first sought dog training because they worried about her behavior.
How to Speak Dog: Translating the Full Body Shake
Paying attention to when your dog does a shake off can help you know when your dog is uncomfortable or anxious.
How to Greet a New Dog: Not With A Hand in The Face
Dogs have a powerful sense of smell, and they can get all the information they need without you putting the smallest part of your body directly in front of the bitey end of an unknown dog.
The Art of Agility Training
I often tell our clients that one of the first steps toward preventing and solving behavior problems is to ensure that the dog’s emotional cup is full.
Safety First: How to Break Up a Dog Fight
Witnessing a dog fight is frightening. If your dog is involved, it can be downright terrifying.
Don’t Beware the Ides of March: Use This Training Tip Instead
My own contribution to this month’s celebration is a quick, effective way to stop and transform a dog’s unwanted behavior.
Spreading the Love: Does Your Dog Need a Few Good Friends?
The training we do for hyper attachment, which we call Spreading the Love, is different from the kind we do for general home-alone training.
You’ve Got a Friend: Social Walks and The Sensitive Dog
As we continue to navigate the pandemic, many of us are looking for ways to maintain social bonds with friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances.
‘Tis the Season: How to Holiday-Proof Your Pets
Looking back at my life before I became a dog trainer, I cringe at some of the ideas I had about helping animals feel safe.
The 4-Step Plan to Quit Worrying and Have a “Perfect Dog”
Our culture puts a premium on perfection, so it’s no surprise that many dog guardians strive to raise “the perfect dog.”
Should You Ignore Your Dog’s Mistakes? The Truth About No Reward Markers
When training, it is vital to understand whether the dog is actually enjoying training.
Does Your Dog Need a Raise? How to Up the Yum Factor for More Successful Training
Beagles are known for their food motivation, while herders tend to be less food motivated. But what can you do if your dog is not motivated by food?
Big Dogs, Big Hearts: Debunking the Myths About XL Pups
Though many dog breeds have some sort of stigma attached to them, few get a bad rap more than big dogs.
Summer Fun for You and Your Pup: Make Your Walks a Treat!
Here’s how to turn that walk into an event that you’ll both look forward to.
Even Working Dogs Need a Break
Working dogs were purposely bred to herd, hunt, haul, or guard and now include 31 breeds such as the Akita, Boerboel, and Great Dane.
Finding the Right One: How to Choose a Dog Trainer
It’s hard to overstate the importance of finding the right trainer for your dog. Choosing the wrong trainer can cause more harm than good and may actually make behavior problems worse.
Anthropomorphism: If You Can’t Say it, Neither Can Your Dog
Anthropomorphism. Every time I try to say the word, I’m all tongues.
Hiking Helper: Engagement Games for Your Dog on the Trail
Let’s face it, hiking offers lots of distractions for a curious canine - wildlife, puddles, gross things to roll in, other trail users, dogs, bikes, horses, and more, not to mention potential safety hazards.
My Mellow Valentine: Give Your Dog the Gift of Relaxation
Owners usually rattle off a list of things like sit, down, stay, paw, come, go to bed, crate, etc. But there is almost always one item missing from most people’s lists and it’s an important one - how to relax.