Blog
(Mostly Archived)
Rio's First Therapy Dog Observation
Rio's First Therapy Dog Observation As I think I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have Rio enrolled in a Therapy Dog preparation class at WPHS to give him some sort of work to do right now. This class is geared toward the TDI (Therapy Dog International) organization test...
read moreProng collars on therapy dogs…
Prong collars on therapy dogs... Few things anger me as much as seeing prong collars on therapy dogs. I think it is absolutely inexcusable to have a public ambassador traipsing around with a collar with the potential to cause some gnarly injuries, or at the least,...
read moreLinus Graduates School!
Linus Graduates School! Last night Linus went to school for the last day of Small Dog Basic class and he came home with a lovely diploma for all of his hard work! He really came out of his shell in school--by the end of class he was rushing up to all the people in...
read moreTraining Results are Not Always Linear
Training Results are Not Always Linear When we talk about progress in training, it is very rarely, if ever, strictly linear. This is especially true when we talk about behavior modification. There will always be forward and backwards steps in the process. Some days...
read moreSocialization, it's quality over quantity
Socialization, it's quality over quantity Trainers preach (beg and plead may also be appropriate here) the importance of socialization like the gospel. It is one of the first things out of their mouths when talking to people interested in getting a puppy or who have...
read moreNo, Really, a Second Dog Won't Help
No, Really, a Second Dog Won't Help "Well I have finally compromised with my husband. We are looking for a male rottie (playmate) for our male rottie. Ours is 9 months old and full of energy! ... He needs a buddy :(, my lil chi's dont like him and really I dont blame...
read moreWinter Time Blues
Winter Time Blues There are a lot of things I love about winter, the gorgeous snow falls, shoveling the deck/steps (yes, I really love shoveling the small areas--luckily our neighbors have a plow business and they clean our driveway), playing in the snow with the...
read moreWordless Thursday? Muddy Bear Edition
Wordless Thursday? Muddy Bear edition Yesterday we got gifted with about 5-6inches of snow over nigh/into the morning. Unfortunately the temperatures were so nice and it was so sunny in the afternoon that most of the snow had melted away--by evening, there was only...
read moreWhile I may have a "pack," I'm no "Pack Leader"
While I may have a "pack," I'm no "Pack Leader" Not a single week goes by without someone calling me a dog whisperer, calling me a good "pack leader," asking me if their dog is trying to be dominant, or asking me how to show their dog that they are the "pack leader."...
read moreDog Sport Trainers Are Not Always Behavior Savvy
Dog Sport Trainers Are Not Always Behavior Savvy Good dog-sport trainers are often ridiculously skilled, well educated in their field, and very experienced in their sport but unfortunately that doesn't mean they are skilled or qualified dog trainers in the broad sense...
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