Blog
(Mostly Archived)
Big Picture…
I had such a good time reading through all the blogs from the Blog The Change event. If you haven't had an opportunity, I really suggest checking out some of the great blogs. I wanted to take a moment and expand on the idea of my blog for the event about Denver the...
read moreBlog the Change for Denver….
Today is Blog the Change for Animals day--this is a virtual event where bloggers from around the blogosphere come together in support of animals. Sharing inspiring stories, sharing information about rescues, and spreading information about a variety of causes. Blog...
read moreToeing the line…
When working with a project dog (reactive, fearful, aggressive, etc) it is generally a process of slowly changing the threshold and the reaction to the stimulus. In doing this, there is this very strange push and pull effect going on...we are pushing boundaries...
read moreSometimes, you just need to pay better…
One of the things I think new trainers (or those new to positive reinforcement) struggle with is the idea of having to pay the dogs for behaviors. Many people still believe (or previously trained with this belief) in the old adage that dogs do things just to please...
read moreA day out with Dex
A fleeting glimpse of spring. Yep, that's what it's been like recently. Sunday was this ridiculously gorgeous 80F day--yes I was completely spoiled with that day and no, I was not expecting that type of day consistently yet--but a girl can hope right? Well, Monday...
read moreIt needs to be spring-for real
It's been a very long winter and a wet, not terribly mild, spring so far. I have been absolutely desperate for some nice weather. I'm a huge fan of being outside, playing with the dogs, and just generally relaxing in the sun (soaking up the vitamin D). Well,...
read moreWhy it's hard living with cats, an ACD/WHIPPET, and a BC…
I won't lie to you all and say that I'm a perfect, mistake free, dog-owner. Sometimes I make mistakes... sometimes I leave the pantry door slightly less than latched and I end up coming home to bird seed, or flour, or mini-wheat cereal all over the floor (and...
read moreBe clear, be consistent
When I was teaching, I remember being given advice at the beginning of the year that I should be really strict/clear with the rules to start. That if rules were broken or behavior was not what was expected that I needed to point out the mistakes and set very high...
read moreShe's SO well behaved
"Ruby, you need to look at that dog! Look at how good she is being! Why can't you be like her! You should take a lesson!" So says a lady at Petsmart yesterday. She had a young adult Border Collie who was pulling her, lunging forward, circling her wildly, pulling...
read moreDexter … the naughty side
Things with Dexter have been really great recently. He's improved in his car chasing, house manners, and even some obedience. Today was probably the first day that I've really seen his naughty side--and boy was it entertaining! Though, I suppose the right thing to...
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