The Monthly Woof
Good Dog = Great Life
This month’s issue is supported in part by SF Animal Medical Center and dog lovers like you.
The Rough Walk: When Pup Meets World
We recently welcomed a sport mix puppy into the pack. I use “we” lightly because, had it been a democratic vote, there would have been no new puppy (there’s a reason the democratic process is best).
House Training in the Rain: How to Potty When the Weather’s Not Perfect
Some dogs couldn’t care less about cold, wind, or rain. The others - those smaller, single-coated dogs - take one look at wet grass and decide absolutely not, this is not happening today.
Why Won’t My Dog Listen? Dealing with Emotional Overload
A common complaint from dog owners goes like this: “When he’s barking, lunging, or jumping around, he doesn’t listen to me at all.”
Nature vs. Nurture: What Dog Breeds Can and Can’t Predict
It’s probably wise to assume that a dog of a particular breed will show at least some characteristics of that breed rather than the exception.
Just Say Yum! Using Treats in Training
Food is what’s called a primary reinforcer: a dog needs it to survive. In general, the majority of dogs work most eagerly for food.
Reality vs. Perfection: When Managing Behavior Makes More Sense
“It’s not the dog, it’s the owner.” Of course, that’s not always true, but it certainly is true much of the time.
The 70s Mom Game: Raising Resilient Dogs
I’m only half-joking when I tell clients that in the 1970s, my mom would walk out of the grocery store without my sister and me. So how does this relate to dog behavior modification? Great question.
When Dogs Guard People: Understanding, Managing, and Changing Behavior
If your dog growls or snaps when someone approaches you or a loved one, it can be upsetting and hard to interpret.
Reset and Relax: Teaching Your Dog to Truly Unwind
It may seem counterintuitive, yet teaching your dog to downshift their nervous system in real time isn't just training another behavior; it's giving them the gift of emotional resilience, one breath at a time.
Through a New Lens: The Art of Interpreting Canine Behavior
According to Dr. Alison Gerkin, board-certified veterinary behaviorist, understanding canine communication is much like interpreting a work of art - though with higher stakes if we get it wrong.
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things: Five Ways to Your Dog’s Heart this Holiday Season
Just like that classic Sound of Music song, dogs have their own special lists of favorite things that never fail to lift their spirits – and ours, too!
Unleashing the Health Benefits of Canine Companionship
Research increasingly highlights how the presence of dogs in our lives can enhance mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.
Cheese, Please! My Dog, the Entrepreneur
How Dice turned treat training into his own small business.
Still Life With Dog: One Friend’s Story
As a dog trainer, I meet people from all walks of life and I’m always curious about their histories and experiences with their dogs. I recently sat down for a thoughtful conversation with my friend Marco about his dog Luna and how she’s changed his life.
A Little Help From Our Friends: Therapy Dogs Bring Comfort and Joy
Many studies have shown that interactions with therapy dogs can lead to improved moods, decreased feelings of isolation, and even physical benefits such as lowered blood pressure.
Where Art and Science Meet: Creativity and Nuance in Dog Training
The essence of dog training often transcends the rigidity of science, and it’s in the nuanced application of these principles that the training process becomes an art form.
Register Now! Canine Science Symposium, San Francisco State University, May 18-19
Repeatedly ranked one of the Top 10 animal behavior and dog training conferences of the year, this two-day gathering is a must-attend event for behavior consultants, dog trainers, veterinary professionals, and animal shelter staff and volunteers.
Paws for Thought: How Dogs Help Us Cope With Post-Holiday Blues
As the festive lights dim and the holiday cheer subsides, many of us find ourselves grappling with the post-holiday blues.
Now I Get It: Surviving Your Pup’s Terrible Teens
While it’s generally believed that dogs enter adolescence between 18 and 24 months of age, it can actually start much earlier depending on breed, social factors, health, and other things.
Happy Trails: Running With Your Dog
I’m a runner…Here’s what I’ve learned about training a dog to be a good running companion.