Blog Feed: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Sometimes I think my puppy is a dragon, although I am glad he doesn’t breathe fire, he certainly bites like I imagine a dragon to bite! Puppy exercise can be tricky. We already discussed how too much strenuous exercise early in life can almos

A Fall Confidence Booster For Dogs

Published on 2012-11-01 15:22:09

Well… the sun has finally broken through our Seattle rainclouds this morning. And unless I like raking up Maple leaves in the rain, I needed to get my trusty leave blower and get to making some piles… because sunshine doesn’t last l

How to Aim for a Howl-o-ween Good Time for All!

Published on 2012-10-31 10:43:57

I am a seasoned veteran of Halloween with dogs. Halloween is actually my favorite holiday, it is the one day a year I get to dress up and be someone else. I always loved the anonymity of it even when I was a kid, AND I am really good with make up;

A Day in The Life of My Crazy Dogs

Published on 2012-10-29 13:11:55

People always wonder how I do it. I admit sometimes I think I should be committed for having 2 Dutch Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois… for those of you that know working dogs that is serious dedication because both breeds are known for being insane. I have a friend in the military that always reminds [...]A Day in The Life of My Crazy Dogs is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My Dad Hated Dogs

Published on 2012-10-25 12:15:49

Imagine how proud my parents were when I decided to follow my dream of dog training! I am not sure how it all happened. My name is actually French for “kitty”, so you’d think I’d be a cat lover (I AM) and a dog hater (I AM NOT), especially since my father so disliked dogs [...]My Dad Hated Dogs is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Best ‘Bang Your Dead’ Ever!

Published on 2012-10-23 13:54:32

Just saw this video on youtube and LOVE this ‘Bang Your Dead’ routine. >Note: This is not MY dog, just a cute video I found. However… watching this routine got me to realizing that many of you might be interested in learning how to teach your dog the part of the routine where the dog [...]Best ‘Bang Your Dead’ Ever! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Nix, from Angry Caterpillar to Beautiful Butterfly

Published on 2012-10-22 11:48:22

Reminiscing on my old dog’s life; when you lose a dog you tend to forget all the struggles and troubles you both endured to get to the end game and the good moments in life. Nix was a terrible puppy. You know those cute fuzzy caterpillars that will shock or sting you and bring you [...]Nix, from Angry Caterpillar to Beautiful Butterfly is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Why & How To Teach Your Puppy The “Leave It”

Published on 2012-10-18 15:14:01

Hmmm… let me see? Nope, i can’t think of any reason why I might need to work on teaching my new puppy the ‘Leave It’ command. And then there’s this photo of my other daughter that I told you I’d try to get since I left her out of our last photo shoot. Ginger and [...]Why & How To Teach Your Puppy The “Leave It” is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

CAUTION! Dog can’t Control his Licker

Published on 2012-10-18 09:24:55

I recently wrote an article on doggy obsessive compulsive disorder (read that article here). All dogs, well most of them, have some behaviors we humans think verge on obsessive; however most of these behaviors are just “dog” behaviors. Obsessive behaviors, true obsessive behaviors are those that interfere with the sufferer’s normal life. For instance, digging [...]CAUTION! Dog can’t Control his Licker is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Guess Who’s Here!

Published on 2012-10-15 13:05:33

If you didn’t know, I lost my 6 year old Golden Retriever, Bauer, to bloat a little over a month ago… and I’m just not the kind of guy who can go too long without a dog in the house. Well trained dogs are like perfect versions of the king of people we should all [...]Guess Who’s Here! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

THIS is What I Mean by Exercise

Published on 2012-10-15 09:12:27

Watch the video! It is only a few seconds long! I realize that sometimes I make statements and things are lost in translation. I often say, “Your dog needs more exercise” when I am faced with a question about a dog with a behavior problem. You can see it in most of my responses to [...]THIS is What I Mean by Exercise is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Considering Puppy Kindergarten?

Published on 2012-10-11 12:27:44

I love puppy kindergarten, love, love, love it! Of course I do, I am a dog trainer after all! But the nice thing is that I can also see the pros and cons of such an establishment. At some point I always take my puppies to a puppy kindergarten class, but I have some helpful [...]Considering Puppy Kindergarten? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Dogs Play with Their Teeth

Published on 2012-10-08 09:36:26

Dogs don’t have fingers and arms and hand dexterity, they can’t play twister (although sometimes it looks like they are trying) and they can’t play scrabble. Dogs are limited in how they play and they often get in trouble when they use their mouths. When it comes to you playing with your dog, it is [...]Dogs Play with Their Teeth is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Does Your Dog have OCD

Published on 2012-10-04 12:05:16

Most of you are probably giggling right now; most dogs have OCD right? Whereas I believe this is definitely the case to some degree, some dogs have major obsessive compulsive problems that their owners find difficult if not impossible to live with on a daily basis. Some breeds are bred this way, it is supposed [...]Does Your Dog have OCD is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Give Me a Kiss! More on Understanding Dog Language

Published on 2012-10-01 10:38:16

This morning as I sat trying to wake up, sipping some water and watching a bit of TV my 18 month old Belgian Malinois came up for a snuggle. I have been sad and mourning the loss of my almost 13 year old Belgian and I think we both needed a little lovin’. As I [...]Give Me a Kiss! More on Understanding Dog Language is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Myth: Let Them Fight It Out

Published on 2012-09-27 09:12:02

Just typing that sentence makes my blood run cold. I have seen both the behavioral side of this urban legend and I have witnessed the trauma and terror from a veterinary technician’s point of view. Some dogs are able to fairly quickly establish a hierarchy of who is in charge and who is to be [...]Myth: Let Them Fight It Out is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Don’t Look at Me in That Tone of Voice

Published on 2012-09-24 12:00:06

I hate dog staring. Correction I hate dog staring that is not on command! 95% of my training and what I teach my dog revolves around controlled eye contact, but that is the difference it is controlled and taught as a dog obedience exercise. When dogs make their own decisions to “stare” at things, chances [...]Don’t Look at Me in That Tone of Voice is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Re-Homing “Cujo”

Published on 2012-09-20 13:24:51

I have had a few disturbing comments lately in many different places; from people who have fairly seriously aggressive dogs but who are also threatening to re-home them!!??!! Recently I was on the phone with a dog owner who was trying to give me the “run down” on her dog. It seems he had shown [...]Re-Homing “Cujo” is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Oh My Gosh! That Dog is Too Skinny!

Published on 2012-09-17 14:22:43

Until recently, this was the reaction I would get when I took my dogs in public. I shamefully have to admit that when I took my female dog, Fury, in to get spayed at the vet I got in trouble for several pounds of weight gain. The kids had come for the summer and “LOTS” [...]Oh My Gosh! That Dog is Too Skinny! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Canine Carpe Diem

Published on 2012-09-13 11:02:48

I have sooo very many thoughts running through my mind right now, not many that are truly coherent so we will see how this all lays down. As many of you know both Chet and I lost our dogs this past weekend. And although I hate to keep talking about it, I just can’t seem [...]Canine Carpe Diem is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Is Your Dog Well Trained?

Published on 2012-09-10 11:40:17

A few of you will say “YES” to this question. Some of you are here to dog training advice, problem solving, or behavior problems but some of you are dog trainers and some of you have dogs that are well trained. A lot of people go through dog obedience classes, some of the dogs are [...]Is Your Dog Well Trained? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Dog Restraint Made Easy

Published on 2012-09-06 09:12:49

I am a former veterinary technician, and I think even if you are not actively serving in that world once you have, you still feel like a vet tech. Some days I miss it so very much and other days I am glad that I don’t have to deal with some of the emotional trauma [...]Dog Restraint Made Easy is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Your “Last Day” – A Goodbye Message To A Great Friend

Published on 2012-09-04 14:26:15

Your “Last Day” If I had the chance to relive my last day on earth with you, I know without a doubt exactly what we’d do. I’d pack you up and head on down to your favorite place of all Where we’d spend hours watching you chase your favorite ball You’d swim until your muscles [...]Your “Last Day” – A Goodbye Message To A Great Friend is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

That Puppy is Too Young to Train!

Published on 2012-09-03 11:22:13

Whew! I hope that caught your attention, because it is time to debunk some myths when it comes to dog training; and reveal why once this might have been true! I can’t tell you how often I have heard “I don’t train my puppies until they are 6 to 9 months” or worse “2 years!” [...]That Puppy is Too Young to Train! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Summer is Officially Over; We lost One Cell Phone, a PSP and a Couple Pairs of Shoes May They R.I.P.

Published on 2012-08-30 10:48:48

Dogs Are Simple People

Published on 2012-08-27 10:16:02

And, I certainly don’t mean this in a bad way! I like simple!! I know how dogs think, I have been training them for almost 20 years and have worked with a plethora of different types of dogs and personalities. I also believe that dogs have emotions, sometimes not as complex, but they feel the [...]Dogs Are Simple People is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Eye Contact and Focus; a Behavior Broken Down

Published on 2012-08-23 11:10:44

One of THE number 1 things I refer to in dog training, whether it is basic or advanced training is eye contact and focus. Eye contact and focus is a key behavior in and of itself. It is also crucial for good heeling and leash manners but that is more of a complex behavior because [...]Eye Contact and Focus; a Behavior Broken Down is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

I Use to Teach Dogs to Pee and Poop in the Bathtub

Published on 2012-08-20 09:38:05

That’s right! Way before the sparkly new fandangled indoor doggy “cat boxes” we use to have to teach our Service Dogs to urinate and defecate in the bathtub. I know you are curious as to WHY anyone would do such a thing? Well, it was because we would send these working dogs out on cruise [...]I Use to Teach Dogs to Pee and Poop in the Bathtub is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Remember the Sad Egg?

Published on 2012-08-16 10:16:36

Remember the old commercials with the sad egg? He had social anxiety syndrome and didn’t like to be in social environments. They use to play the commercial all the time. Social anxiety is emotional fear, discomfort, worry or apprehension about social situations, interactions with others, and being evaluated and scrutinized by other people. Social anxiety [...]Remember the Sad Egg? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Fast Forward Your Dog Training

Published on 2012-08-13 11:08:24

We live in a society of NOW. We want everything we want, when we want it! Patience is not often seen much less practiced and we live in a world full of technology and excessive over-stimulation. How many kids today can sit in a room for an hour or two without any TV or video [...]Fast Forward Your Dog Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Doggie Vampires; a Myth Debunked

Published on 2012-08-09 10:09:59

Dogs are vampires at heart just ask anyone! Have you ever heard someone say “Once a Dogs tastes Blood…” and then it goes something like “the dog goes crazy and craves blood and kills anything it can…blah, blah, blah.” It kind of makes me giggle to myself, until I realize that some people actually believe [...]Doggie Vampires; a Myth Debunked is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The #1 Practice or Habit That is Derailing Your Dog Training Program

Published on 2012-08-06 18:12:34

People tell me all the time that they can’t get their dog under control; after all I am a dog trainer so I kind of expect to hear this time and time again. Sometimes I just have to take a step back and try to figure out what’s going wrong what are people doing that [...]The #1 Practice or Habit That is Derailing Your Dog Training Program is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Proper Dog Grammar, The Big K, and Other Funny Stories

Published on 2012-08-02 11:58:18

My friends call me a grammar Nazi and I regretfully suppose I am. I know the difference between there, their and they’re and principle and principal. I actually really liked English in school. When I took a test, I prayed for essay questions. I can talk or write my way out of just about anything. [...]Proper Dog Grammar, The Big K, and Other Funny Stories is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Once, Twice, Three Times a Clicker(er)

Published on 2012-07-30 10:46:03

I get ideas for writing new articles pop into my head all the time. Most of the time it is at the most inopportune moments (like when I am asleep, in the shower and sometimes when I am asleep in the shower). But usually it is when I don’t have a piece of paper to [...]Once, Twice, Three Times a Clicker(er) is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

How Moving Can Destroy Your Dog (Funny)

Published on 2012-07-27 03:01:36

On our second official week of Funny Friday I wanted to share with you the work of a girl that I went to high school with. I didn’t actually know her that well and now reading how hilarious her writing is I wish I had. I’ve only included the first part of her blog post [...]How Moving Can Destroy Your Dog (Funny) is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

I Drive 6 Hours for Dog Training

Published on 2012-07-26 11:18:16

Actually, this is painfully true! I live in a very rural area and finding a good dog trainer is hard around here! Thank goodness I like to drive and sing at the top of my lungs to my IPOD music. Sad that my dogs are probably going deaf listening to me! But I have learned [...]I Drive 6 Hours for Dog Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Jealous Much?

Published on 2012-07-23 12:49:05

I was reminiscing the other day about an incident that happened the last time I added a puppy to the household and thought it might hit home for someone else. My husband and I had just gotten engaged and instead of a fancy ring or expensive party, as a dog trainer, I wanted a puppy. [...]Jealous Much? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My dog, every time by TheOatmeal.com

Published on 2012-07-20 03:01:39

The Oatmeal is a hilarious comic artist who regularly creates funny comic strips and quizzes. This is his comic strip above and you can find the original here. He recently raised $220k as well for the National Wildlife Federation and American Cancer Society! My dog, every time by TheOatmeal.com is a post from: Dog Obedience [...]My dog, every time by TheOatmeal.com is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Why is Dog Breed Discrimination Okay?

Published on 2012-07-19 10:54:48

As a species I have high aspirations for human beings. We are supposed to be the thinking, feeling, and intellectual species and yet we have so far to go to get anywhere close to our mammal counterparts in many ways. Why is it that we still judge something simply by the way it looks? I [...]Why is Dog Breed Discrimination Okay? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Oh My Goodness, I Am So Glad You Are Home! I Have Been Waiting to Bite you All Day!!

Published on 2012-07-16 09:16:40

Recently I got a message from an owner of a dog that suffers from this kind of over stimulation when she gets home from work. I also just had a client who adopted a rescue dog that also had this problem, but in his case it was more severe. A lot of dogs get over [...]Oh My Goodness, I Am So Glad You Are Home! I Have Been Waiting to Bite you All Day!! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Beware! Of Dog Trainers Who Want to Board and Train Your Dog!

Published on 2012-07-12 13:00:50

I have been involved in the dog training industry for almost 20 years. I have seen a lot in my time and I have done things that other people would probably kill to do (like work with Cheetahs). This is one of those “Tips” I have learned over the years. Be very careful of someone [...]Beware! Of Dog Trainers Who Want to Board and Train Your Dog! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

How NIX and I Dealt with the Fourth of July, and Survive His Thunderstorm Phobia

Published on 2012-07-09 11:56:42

As my dog has aged he has developed noise sensitivity. I did all the right things when he was a youngster, I desensitized him to noise and we use to spend the Fourth of July wandering the streets of our neighborhood watching fireworks and having the dogs do scent detection work. He used to be [...]How NIX and I Dealt with the Fourth of July, and Survive His Thunderstorm Phobia is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Get OUT of the TRASH!

Published on 2012-07-05 13:04:36

Got a trash digger, or a counter surfer…or *gasp.. both? I get a lot of complaints, dogs that steal anything and everything out of the trash can and dogs that steal anything and everything off of the counter. And, of course the dog that is an opportunist and does BOTH. But this could be a [...]Get OUT of the TRASH! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Can You Give Your Dog Arthritis?

Published on 2012-07-02 17:54:13

I was recently asked this question by a reader, and decided in order to fully explain it I would write an article. Can you give your dog arthritis? Yes, absolutely you can exercise your dog to the point (when he is young and still growing) that it will cause arthritis and pain later in his [...]Can You Give Your Dog Arthritis? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

How is Your Relationship?

Published on 2012-06-28 12:55:37

… with Your Dog? Now don’t just jump to an answer…think about it. For once I am not just talking about dog training either; I am talking about your relationship as a whole. I think you can have a bad relationship with your dog and still do regular training, and I would also admit you [...]How is Your Relationship? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

STOP! I’m going to Bite You; Never Mind…I will go Get Help!

Published on 2012-06-25 09:50:35

Have you ever met this dog? This is the dog that threatens to decapitate you when you go to someone’s house, but when you are in the house he is not sure whether he should rush you and bite you, bite your ankles, or run away. Most dogs need a little help with their doggy [...]STOP! I’m going to Bite You; Never Mind…I will go Get Help! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Lyme Disease; Know the Signs and Prevention

Published on 2012-06-21 15:53:27

I hate to admit this, because I try to be the best dog momma I can, but somehow one of my dogs has gotten Lyme Disease. I always let my vet do her annual check and then I opt for a heartworm test (you just never know) and also test for Ehrlichia and Lyme Disease [...]Lyme Disease; Know the Signs and Prevention is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The Second Greatest Doggy Tip Ever

Published on 2012-06-18 13:25:55

I have been involved in almost all aspects of “dogdom” for 20 years. Grooming, training, vet teching; I have done it all in my career and loved it all too! I have learned a few tricks of the trade over the years that makes my life with dogs more enjoyable and I would occasionally like [...]The Second Greatest Doggy Tip Ever is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Are You Reliable?

Published on 2012-06-14 09:08:14

Are you a reliable person? Is that an adjective you would use to describe yourself? Or better yet, would your friends describe you as reliable? Reliability is one of those traits we all strive for; to be trustworthy, honest, consistent and authentic. I like to think I am reliable, and I would like to think [...]Are You Reliable? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Breaking Up (A Dog Fight) Is Hard to Do!

Published on 2012-06-12 09:34:02

Ever wonder how to break up a dog fight? My best advice is NOT TO! Most of the time people incur serious injury when they try to break up a dog fight. But, I also know that it is instinct for most people to want to save their dog or dogs once a dog fight [...]Breaking Up (A Dog Fight) Is Hard to Do! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

An Adoptable Cause

Published on 2012-06-11 16:20:55

Helping 250 Dogs Get Adopted This Year Every year animal shelters around the nation take in 5 million to 7 million companion animals and 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. It’s a truly sad statistic and extremely overwhelming if you stop and think how you can help. However it’s probably Pablo Picasso who said [...]An Adoptable Cause is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My Number One Fear for Dogs During the Summer

Published on 2012-06-07 13:32:56

There are lots of risks that your dog may face every day. Mosquitos carry Heartworm Disease. Ticks carry Lyme Disease. There are always the risks of other diseases, other dogs and cars but one thing always scares me most about my dog’s welfare during the summer. The HEAT Hot days kill dogs. Most of us [...]My Number One Fear for Dogs During the Summer is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Allan The CWD Retires At Last

Published on 2012-06-04 12:53:59

A couple weeks ago I wrote a post as a tribute to Military Working Dogs that talked about the incredible sacrifice these dogs have made for our country. We decided that we really wanted to pitch in and help a four legged hero find a forever home so we made a donation to the Military [...]Allan The CWD Retires At Last is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Comedic, Dramatic, Romantic or Tragic; Which Type of Player Would Your Dog Be

Published on 2012-06-04 10:07:58

I am an avid dog park lover. I hate the dog park. Actually both of these statements are true. Dog training and the world of dogs is rarely black and white. Most of it is shades of grey, somewhere in between and it also depends on your individual dog. Do You Use the Dog Park [...]Comedic, Dramatic, Romantic or Tragic; Which Type of Player Would Your Dog Be is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My 9 Week Old Puppy is Potty Trained

Published on 2012-05-31 09:11:20

It is true! He hasn’t had an “accident” in over a week. Do you want to know how I did it? Let me explain! First of all let me say that I got my puppy at 6 weeks and I must be adamant about discouraging anyone else from thinking of getting a puppy that young! [...]My 9 Week Old Puppy is Potty Trained is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Those Flowers May Be Pretty, But Are They Safe For Your Dog?

Published on 2012-05-28 09:41:51

Last weekend I got a head start on planting my summer flowers. Usually I wait until after Memorial Day to plant but since the weather this year has been anything but average I took advantage of it. Normally I am a petunia person. Petunias are hardy and come in beautiful colors that can brighten anyone’s day. More importantly, they [...]Those Flowers May Be Pretty, But Are They Safe For Your Dog? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

#1 Dog Tip to Save you Time and Money, for Memorial Day and Beyond!

Published on 2012-05-28 08:55:39

I have been in the “dog” business for almost 20 years and I have learned and developed many skills and also know quite a few tips that just make life so much easier when you live with a dog (or 2 or 4). Early in my career when I was honing my training skills I [...]#1 Dog Tip to Save you Time and Money, for Memorial Day and Beyond! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The #1 Biggest Mistake I Have Made as a Professional Dog Trainer

Published on 2012-05-24 10:52:52

Curious, aren’t you? Those of you, who are familiar with my articles, know I tell it as it is and I am not afraid for other people to learn from my numerous mistakes. Just because we are professional dog trainers doesn’t mean we don’t make mistakes. We usually make them with our own dogs! Ask [...]The #1 Biggest Mistake I Have Made as a Professional Dog Trainer is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

10 Things To Do With Your Dog This Memorial Day Weekend

Published on 2012-05-23 09:41:08

Memorial Day weekend is the official start to the summer and what better way to welcome it in than with your dog! So if your looking for things to do over this extra long long holiday weekend here’s a short list that your dog is sure to love! 1. Leash your dog up and take him along [...]10 Things To Do With Your Dog This Memorial Day Weekend is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Memorial Day Tribute to War Dogs

Published on 2012-05-21 15:09:31

Having served in the Marine Corps and being an avid dog lover, I am elated to have the opportunity to write an article on how dogs have been utilized by the military for thousands of years. And, to pay tribute to the many dogs who have faithfully and honorably given up their own lives as [...]Memorial Day Tribute to War Dogs is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The Tail Tells the Tale

Published on 2012-05-21 09:28:25

Most dogs that bite are wagging their tails! We have all heard the old adage, a wagging tail on a dog means the dog is happy, right? This is a myth! A wagging tail does not always mean that a dog is approachable, much less friendly. I don’t know how many times I have heard [...]The Tail Tells the Tale is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

What Does Your Dog Say About You

Published on 2012-05-17 10:46:43

I am not talking about talking dogs, although that would make an interesting conversation as well. I often wonder what my dogs would say about me if they would talk! Maybe that should be left to a private conversation without children But, what does your choice of dogs small, medium, large HUGE and your choice [...]What Does Your Dog Say About You is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

You May Be More Like Your Dog Than You Think, Or Are You?

Published on 2012-05-17 10:38:49

According to a new study done by Jo Fearon and Dr Lance Workman of Bath Spa University, you may be a lot more like your dog than you think. The British study, which was conducted with 1,000 pure bred dog owners, revealed some interesting variation between breed groups relating to owners’ personality features. Purebred dog owners were asked to [...]You May Be More Like Your Dog Than You Think, Or Are You? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

To Be Extreme or Not? How Extreme Are You When it Comes to Your Dog?

Published on 2012-05-16 13:04:50

To be a dog owner these days is quite different than it was when I was growing up. I don’t even know if calling myself a dog owner is the correct term anymore. Am I a pet parent? A pet guardian? I don’t know. I guess I’m all of them. Regardless, of what I am [...]To Be Extreme or Not? How Extreme Are You When it Comes to Your Dog? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Perimeter Training Your Dog

Published on 2012-05-16 11:45:38

I recently got this question from a subscriber about my thoughts on the best way to keep her dog from wandering off of her property… Hi Chet, My wife and I love your training tools. We have a one-year-old Golden retriever and an 8-year-old Collie. We also have an unfenced yard that our association requires. [...]Perimeter Training Your Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

5 Silly Comments I Get When Walking The Dogs

Published on 2012-05-14 13:03:30

I walk my dogs everyday, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. Except when it’s hot, and when it’s raining. My dogs don’t mind the rain, but I tend to melt in the rain. So I walk my dogs a lot and when I am walking my dogs a lot I get a [...]5 Silly Comments I Get When Walking The Dogs is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

7 Things to do With Your Dog on Mother’s Day

Published on 2012-05-14 13:00:45

Mother’s Day is just a few days away and while it is a day that we traditionally celebrate with our sons and daughters many people now also celebrate it with their 4 legged furry children. I mean why shouldn’t we celebrate it with our pooches? We often refer to them as our fur-babies anyway, and they certainly are [...]7 Things to do With Your Dog on Mother’s Day is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

To Keep Our Children Safe, 5 Simple Rules

Published on 2012-05-14 12:26:51

My heart is heavy as I write this. It seems that everywhere I turn lately there is a new story about a dog mauling or killing a child; most of which lately have been infants and toddlers. The latest was a Jack Russell Terrier who jumped up and mauled the new infant as he slept [...]To Keep Our Children Safe, 5 Simple Rules is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

What the World Would Be Like If We Treated Our Children Like We Treat Our Dogs

Published on 2012-05-10 11:49:15

Dog Food Recall Alert!

Published on 2012-05-09 11:37:05

I wanted to share this urgent update with you about a major recall for a LARGE number of different dog foods. I’m also pleased to announce that the company that I recommend you consider getting your dog food from, Healthy Pet Net, was NOT affected by this recall. Watch this video to see if your [...]Dog Food Recall Alert! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

How To Lose Control Of Your Dog

Published on 2012-05-08 11:32:31

Source: am.coolueye.us via Rosae on Pinterest How To Lose Control Of Your Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training BlogHow To Lose Control Of Your Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Claustrophobia and terror, a dog’s tail

Published on 2012-05-07 10:37:37

When I was 18, a requirement of marriage was the delivery of a Rottweiler. We got a gorgeous 6 month old male Rottie to fulfill my dreams. We brought him home, he loved us, he bonded and then when we left him he broke out 3 windows, ate 4 batteries (among other dangerous items) and [...]Claustrophobia and terror, a dog’s tail is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Would Your Dog Survive an Encounter with Law Enforcement?

Published on 2012-05-03 14:53:09

There have been some pretty horrific stories in the media lately about police officers shooting people’s pet dogs. One was a 12 year old Golden Retriever who had simply wandered away from his home. When the officer went to look at his ID tags the dog showed his teeth, the officer felt threatened and shot [...]Would Your Dog Survive an Encounter with Law Enforcement? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Some People Call it Gross But Slobber Has it’s Benefits. Let’s Talk About it.

Published on 2012-05-01 15:40:03

When you look up the definition of slobber in the dictionary you will see slobber: To let saliva or liquid spill out from the mouth and then you may see a picture of one of my dogs next to the definition. Many people are completely grossed out by slobber and my question is why? It’s a normal occurrence in dogs, some are just more gifted [...]Some People Call it Gross But Slobber Has it’s Benefits. Let’s Talk About it. is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Welcome to the Land of Misfit Dogs

Published on 2012-04-30 10:06:27

Actually that should read “Welcome, to the Land of Misfit Animals”. I don’t know why it is, but the misfits of the four legged sort seem to find their way to my house. I guess it takes one to know one, or so the adage goes, so maybe I should find a therapist and figure [...]Welcome to the Land of Misfit Dogs is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Why a Growl can be a Good Thing

Published on 2012-04-26 11:20:56

One of my favorite movies as a kid (and still) is the Wizard of Oz. It is a classic! And, I was thinking just the other day how my 1 year old dog is almost the refection of the cowardly lion. I think he would even hold his tail and wipe his eyes with it [...]Why a Growl can be a Good Thing is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My Best Friend is a Pit Bull and I’m a Chihuahua. What Breed Would You Be?

Published on 2012-04-24 11:21:50

Growing up as a kid we were often asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I always wanted to be a football player or a princess. I wanted to be pretty and tough. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. Now that I am an adult I am neither a football player nor [...]My Best Friend is a Pit Bull and I’m a Chihuahua. What Breed Would You Be? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The Difference Between Plouts and Platz

Published on 2012-04-23 09:03:54

Although this sounds very similar to your dog; Plouts are a hybrid between a plum and an apricot (quite yummy I might add) and Platz is the German command for “Down” in dog training. I often use German commands because I like something a little different, it keeps my dogs paying attention to me (usually [...]The Difference Between Plouts and Platz is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

I Kissed a Dog and I Liked It.

Published on 2012-04-20 12:35:48

A recent survey of 482 U.S. dog owners states that more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those surveyed hug their four-legged friends more often than certain people in their lives. 30 percent of the dog owners surveyed say they hug their dogs more than their relatives and one quarter (26 percent) say that they hug their [...]I Kissed a Dog and I Liked It. is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Intro To Protection Training Webinar [Replay]

Published on 2012-04-20 12:04:11

For those of you who missed last nights webinar, “Intro To Protection Training Your Dog”, I was able to record it for you to replay. This presentation will help you learn about what is possible with protection training, how to ‘Temperment Test’ your dog to see if he is a good candidate for protection work, [...]Intro To Protection Training Webinar [Replay] is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Stand on Your Head and Make me a Sandwich

Published on 2012-04-20 10:28:03

Stand on your head and make me a sandwich, seriously I am hungry!! As humans, I think we are born multi-taskers but the older we get the more complex the tasks, behaviors and our skills need to become. I am a woman, and I know that as women we are even better at doing a [...]Stand on Your Head and Make me a Sandwich is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Top 5 Most Popular Pets in American Households Today

Published on 2012-04-16 18:18:32

I Might Be Getting A Guinea Pig.. Growing up as a kid we always had a dog in the house. I loved every dog that we had, but I was a kid and of course, I always wanted more. I remember begging my parents for a cat. The answer was always no, we have a [...]Top 5 Most Popular Pets in American Households Today is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Training Dogs To Protect Your Family From Home Invasion

Published on 2012-04-16 17:44:56

Due to a recent home invasion on my street, where three armed men tied up 2 toddlers and their nanny (children I saw every day)… as well as the high number of clients who contact me interested in training their dogs to protect their families, I’ve finally decided it was urgent that I share this [...]Training Dogs To Protect Your Family From Home Invasion is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Dog Training the Conspiracy Theory

Published on 2012-04-16 08:45:50

There is a conspiracy theory among dogs that dog trainers are plotting to train them without their knowledge. I think it’s my dog that is starting the rumor… She swears she has not engaged in relentless monotony and boredom of “Dog Training” or anything of the sort, but she says she feels like she is [...]Dog Training the Conspiracy Theory is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

A Simple Way to Save Your Dog’s Life

Published on 2012-04-12 10:52:47

There are sooo many reasons to spay or neuter your dog I can’t even wrap my mind around them all! But, let me try to convince anyone who is on the fence that getting your pet “fixed” is the best route for them and for you! Health… Save Your Dog’s Life Female Dogs: As a [...]A Simple Way to Save Your Dog’s Life is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

5 Creative Ways To Recycle Dog Hair….

Published on 2012-04-09 14:37:26

If you own a dog, most likely you have some sort of dog hair floating around your house. You may have it on your floors, on your furniture, or on your clothes. Sometimes you may even have it on your dinner plate. If you own a double coated breed like me, your house can easily [...]5 Creative Ways To Recycle Dog Hair…. is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Dog Sandwich

Published on 2012-04-09 08:23:03

In the mornings, I am the middle to a dog sandwich; one dog on each side, me in the middle and a kitten on top! I think sometimes as dog trainers we are expected to have an allegiance to dogs over cats, but sometimes I think I am the opposite! I am a cat lover, and [...]Dog Sandwich is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Get Help for Your Dog!

Published on 2012-04-05 13:25:49

I reluctantly write this article, because I AM a dog trainer and my achievements rely on my proficiency as one! But the truth is sometimes you need a dog trainer, and sometimes you don’t! Sometimes all you need is some online help like our dog training system, some good articles, like you can find in our blog and [...]Get Help for Your Dog! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

5 Unique Ways to Pick a Name for Your Pet….and How I Named My Dogs

Published on 2012-04-04 10:03:52

Choosing a name for a dog is harder than choosing a name for your child. When I picked out the name of my first child it was easy, he was to be named after his father. There was no thinking involved in it. When I named my second child I put a few days into [...]5 Unique Ways to Pick a Name for Your Pet….and How I Named My Dogs is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The Grass is Always Greener INSIDE the House!

Published on 2012-04-02 10:01:33

I have bigger dogs, so my ultimate goal when I bring either an adult dog or a puppy home is to have them potty outside. This is ideal for me. I also don’t leave them for long periods of time when they are young so I have no need to use potty pads or anything [...]The Grass is Always Greener INSIDE the House! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

To Shock Or Not To Shock…That is The Question

Published on 2012-03-29 16:07:47

There has been quite a resurgence of compulsion training methods in the dog training world. Almost 20 years ago I got started dog training on a professional level and learning the craft, and unfortunately I learned from a trainer that believed in compulsion. I was 18 and I didn’t know any better, and that is [...]To Shock Or Not To Shock…That is The Question is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My Dog Likes Being the Center of Attention

Published on 2012-03-26 12:07:26

I admit it, I have the class clown, the flirt, and the diva all living at my house and she is the same dog! She loves being the center of attention and HATES sharing it with anyone or anything for that matter! I recently got a new tattoo. For years I was a professional artist [...]My Dog Likes Being the Center of Attention is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Why Semi Horns Make Me Blush And I Always Wear A Belt…

Published on 2012-03-26 11:51:40

Dogs are said to change our lives for the better over a lifetime. They are said to bring us comfort and years of happiness. They make us smile, they make us laugh, and they even keep us healthy. Since dogs provide us with a better life we, as pet owners, do our best to keep [...]Why Semi Horns Make Me Blush And I Always Wear A Belt… is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

How A Tennis Ball Could Cost You Hundreds if Not Thousands of Dollars….

Published on 2012-03-22 06:08:16

One of the major roles I play in writing articles for this blog is educating my readers. We also like to provide fun stories, tips and a peer group of people who are having the same questions or troubles. Recently I was flipping through dog videos on YouTube. What caught my eye over and over [...]How A Tennis Ball Could Cost You Hundreds if Not Thousands of Dollars…. is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

15 ‘Good Life’ Lessons I’ve Taught My Humans

Published on 2012-03-20 17:54:11

Hi, I’m Cyrus, an 8-year-old American Bulldog. I usually just tell people I’m a dog, though. Over the years, I’ve noticed my simplified approach to life makes my humans really happy. They’re always saying stuff like “what a good life you have, Cyrus.” I figure I must be doing something right. So I’ve come up [...]15 ‘Good Life’ Lessons I’ve Taught My Humans is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Teaching Your Dog to be QUIET

Published on 2012-03-19 10:27:38

Recently I wrote and published an article on teaching your dog to bark. I like being able to control my dog’s mouth in numerous ways! I use it to my advantage when I want to intimidate someone (although I am not teaching them to bark AT someone). I don’t want my dog to become [...]Teaching Your Dog to be QUIET is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Teaching Your Dog “OUT” or “Drop It” especially in Protection Training

Published on 2012-03-15 09:56:11

I was asked a while ago how to use positive reinforcement in protection, police, Schutzhund, or other types of sport dog training and this article will teach you how simple it is to use psychology and good dog training and not to rely on corrections or other nasty methods. I hear about a lot of [...]Teaching Your Dog “OUT” or “Drop It” especially in Protection Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Utilizing Hand Signals in Dog Training

Published on 2012-03-12 09:48:21

I always teach my dog’s hand signals and there are several reasons. The first is that dogs learn hand signals faster and easier than verbal commands. Dogs speak to each other with body language and so learning hand signals and reading your body language is like second nature to your dog. Our dogs often learn [...]Utilizing Hand Signals in Dog Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Teaching Your Dog or Puppy to Ring a Bell for More Successful Potty Training

Published on 2012-03-08 09:24:21

Potty training is one of the number one questions that I get as it relates to dogs. And I often recommend teaching your dog or puppy to ring a bell to alert you to when it is time that he wants to go outside. So in this article, I want to bell ringing down in [...]Teaching Your Dog or Puppy to Ring a Bell for More Successful Potty Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Teaching Your Dog to Bark on Command

Published on 2012-03-05 09:35:31

In one of my previous articles we spoke about how teaching your dog to bark on command was all that you needed to ward off any wayward humans looking for trouble. I am a firm believer that a good bark is all that you need to make your dog appear scary to onlookers. This is [...]Teaching Your Dog to Bark on Command is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Training a Deaf Dog

Published on 2012-03-01 09:25:34

Deaf dogs are fairly common, but easily misunderstood. A large portion of them end up in shelters and rescues because people simply don’t know how to train and work with them while taking into account their special needs. Deafness is often congenital in dogs. But genetics can be difficult for some people to understand. I [...]Training a Deaf Dog is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Noise Proofing Your Dog, and Helping a Skittish Dog Cope with Sound

Published on 2012-02-27 09:03:41

I have the loudest husband on earth. It’s funny, they say opposites attract and it certainly must be true because I am almost painfully quiet. I could sit in a chair for hours and read a book or just enjoy a day outside with no other sounds or stimulation. I like quiet. But, my husband [...]Noise Proofing Your Dog, and Helping a Skittish Dog Cope with Sound is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Leash Manners: The Final Step

Published on 2012-02-23 10:32:48

Leash manners are imperative to good dog training. Nothing disturbs me more (well almost nothing) than seeing a dog pulling his owner down the street! Even if it is a small dog, the damage done to the sensitive organ the trachea or windpipe can be irreversible! Once as a vet tech, I sat with a [...]Leash Manners: The Final Step is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Do You Want a Terrifying Dog?

Published on 2012-02-20 09:54:24

Last year I fell off the wagon when it comes to my running regiment. I was up to 13 miles, but when my 8 year old dog, Snitch, died it broke my heart and I stopped doing a lot of the things that use to bring me joy. Recently I decided it was time to [...]Do You Want a Terrifying Dog? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Stop Your Male Dog from Urine Marking

Published on 2012-02-16 09:44:27

I get a lot of questions about potty training and quite a few come from the owners of intact, older male dogs. But the problem is that urine marking is not a “potty training” problem! A dog that cocks his leg on the furniture is much different than a dog that squats and pees in [...]Stop Your Male Dog from Urine Marking is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Understanding Desensitization in Dog Training

Published on 2012-02-13 09:16:09

This is another “Back to Basics” understanding article when it comes to some of the terms we use in dog training and how to utilize the training concepts with your dog. A lot of people just simply don’t understand desensitization training and what it involves. As dog trainers we throw the concept out time and [...]Understanding Desensitization in Dog Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Teaching Your Dog to Relax

Published on 2012-02-09 08:18:58

So many dogs are constantly wound up! It’s like the gas pedal is always pushed full to the floor, their energy never seems to decrease! Sometimes we just want our dogs to relax, nap, and hang out with us. But why can’t they? Because a lot of time, they are left at home for hours [...]Teaching Your Dog to Relax is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Understanding Conditioning in Dog Training

Published on 2012-02-06 09:49:54

Conditioning affects all of us in normal life and as it relates to our dogs. It is important to understand conditioning and how it works in order to best control it when it comes to our canine companions. First, let’s get the technical “speak” out of the way and then we can talk in more [...]Understanding Conditioning in Dog Training is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

My Favorite Dog Obedience Sport

Published on 2012-02-02 10:01:03

I have recently mentioned my resurgence into the dog obedience and trialing world. The first time I trialed and showed, I was egged on by my client who challenged me and my dog to an “obedience dare” to see who could title their dog first. I REALLY, REALLY didn’t want to, but I had help [...]My Favorite Dog Obedience Sport is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Got a Crate Squawker?

Published on 2012-01-30 10:29:43

Recently I have had a few questions about those of you that have crate whiners! I HATE whining! I can almost tolerate full out barking before I can tolerate the sound of whining. I guess it is the pitch and my tendency toward migraines but whining is one of my biggest pet peeves, so I [...]Got a Crate Squawker? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

The Top 8Things to Consider Before Adding a Puppy to Your Household

Published on 2012-01-26 08:06:01

So you are thinking of getting a puppy? Nothing is more exciting than adding a new life to your family structure, but you want to make sure you get the pup of your dreams and not one that gives you nightmares, right? We can help give you some food for thought when it comes to [...]The Top 8Things to Consider Before Adding a Puppy to Your Household is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

[Video] See Trick Dog ‘Annie’ Perform Her Favorites!

Published on 2012-01-23 11:33:31

One of my students, Wayne Koester, recently sent me this fun video of his trick dog ‘Annie’ performing all her favorite tricks, including: Running through a box tunnel Dancing on her hind legs Jumping through a hoop Shaking a paw And, belly crawling across the floor You can watch the video here: It’s impressive, right? [...][Video] See Trick Dog ‘Annie’ Perform Her Favorites! is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Do You Own “No! No! Bad Dog”?

Published on 2012-01-23 10:40:24

I work with a lot of clients and most of them suffer from this syndrome. Their dog does something wrong and they shout “NO” or “BAD DOG” at the top of their lungs but the dog barely acknowledges his owner’s presence much less his anger. When pressed or called the dog runs around the house [...]Do You Own “No! No! Bad Dog”? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

Who’s Training Whom at Your House?

Published on 2012-01-19 10:02:56

The other day I found myself, staring blankly around my kitchen. I guess I am getting old, because as with numerous other times I had forgotten what I was doing! As I glanced around trying to get my bearings, my pupils caught the pupils of my oldest dog. He is 12 and my very, very [...]Who’s Training Whom at Your House? is a post from: Dog Obedience Training Blog

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