I keep reading that squeaky toys can cause aggression, resource guarding, and predatory instincts in dogs. I've yet to see any of those behaviors with my dog, but they certainly create extremely high levels of excitement. Is it just innocent fun or … [Read more...]
5 Of Our Training Goals For the Fall
I suck at keeping goals, but when I write them down, well that's another story. As soon as I let someone else know what I'm planning it gives me extra motivation to actually stick with it. Our Fall Training Goals Here's the training goals I'd … [Read more...]
Please Stop Asking “Whose Walking Who?”
Not only do I allow my dog to walk in front of me - I even let her walk through doors before me. I know what you're thinking; "but letting a dog walk ahead of you means they're in control." Does it really? In control of what? My home, my thoughts, … [Read more...]
How to Make Dog Training Fun
A few years ago I was your standard 'always use treats for training rewards' kind of gal. It wasn't until I started experimenting with different rewards that I realized how boring my training had become. I Was Making Dog Training Boring Do you want … [Read more...]
I Encouraged Most of My Dogs Bad Habits
Confession time: I've created a monster. A whining, barking, begging, won't get off the bed sort of monster that follows me everywhere. And do you know what the worst part is? I don't mind at all. My Dogs Bad Habits - These Are Definitely My … [Read more...]
A Game of Tug is The Best Training Reward I’ve Found
There's two things in this world my dog Laika doesn't get tired of - chasing kitties and playing tug. Luckily I found that a nice game of tug will trump terrorizing the neighbors kitty. Food Rewards Aren't Always So...Rewarding When I first … [Read more...]
Try Yelping They Said, It Will Stop Puppy Biting They Said
Have you ever had seemingly good advice completely backfire on you? That's what happened when I tried yelping at my puppy in order to stop her from biting. It didn't work at all; the only thing is did do was rile her up even more. I also … [Read more...]
20 Fruits & Veggies That Are Good For Dogs
I love to mix things up when I'm training Laika, and switching up her treats is an easy way to keep her motivated. And rather than having to buy bags of treats all the time I usually just pick out some fruits and veggies I've already got on … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Increase Your Dogs Impulse Control
How attentive is your dog? Whether you realize it or not you're probably already the center of his universe -- at least until a squirrel runs by. Trying to keep your dog's attention when a squirrel runs by is something all of us have struggled … [Read more...]
Nothing In Life is Free: Should Dogs Have to Earn Affection?
Laika might have to work for a lot of things in life, but my affection isn't one of them. Do you practice the Nothing in Life is Free protocol with your dog? When I first got Laika it was recommended that we adopt that philosophy for everything. I … [Read more...]