I have a story. It’s long, and I don’t know the ending yet. It’s partly a testament to my impulsivity and partly an explanation for why I have a red dog, with blue eyes that are going to creep out my mother-in-law, lying on my living room rug (Which he chewed a corner off of …
Let me begin by saying that I’ve been observing dog play, and facilitating dog play in various settings (puppy classes, adult fearful dog classes, “out and about” classes, sheltering situations, obedience class situations) and for different purposes (building social skills, building response to handlers when with other dogs, enhancing quality of life, imparting remedial social/play …
Tricks? Why? Why would I teach a Livestock Guardian Dog, whose primary job is to chase off coyotes, bears, and cougars, to do silly tricks? Good question! The answer is, because training is training is training. If the dog is learning something, and the handler is building a bond with the dog, it’s training. Even …
“…what you won’t see is a lot of sophisticated training, cues, stimulus control, or anything other than the two of us playing with stuff, and Vidar getting treats for being a brave boy and trying new things.”
I want to talk for a moment about the concept of protected contact. Typically protected contact in animal care and training is defined as the trainer and the animal not inhabiting the same unrestricted space. There is typically a barrier of some type, but the animal is free to move away from the training space …
I’ve been holding off on writing a post about attending the Lemonade Conference, which was an (incredible!) online conference, a cooperative effort of IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) and FDSA (Fenzi Dog Sports Academy). I know it’s a trite thing to say, but this conference offered something for everyone. Presentations for trainers, dog …
I’m sure every has seen the woman on social media who has wrapped her head in plastic wrap and put peanut butter on the wrap to occupy her dog while she cuts the dogs nails. This is NOT what I am recommending here! I can think of a number of reasons why I don’t recommend …
So, we are in the midst of a pandemic, and most people are under a stay-at-home order. Some of us are actually ill with the virus we’re trying to slow the progression of with the stay at home orders. If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you have a dog, or you’re at least …
Today I did something I have never done before. I returned my puppy to her breeder. After 6 days at home. She was 17 weeks old. I have advised clients to do this very occasionally, but I have never done this myself, and I am battling loads of guilt and self doubt, and just plain …
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