Blog Archives

Can Diabetes Alert Dogs Really Detect Low Glucose Levels?

People are familiar with service dogs and there is general awe regarding a dog’s ability to help humans. Diabetes Alert Dogs (DADs) have become very popular over the past few years and there has been much press regarding their ability

Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog training, Misc, science, service dogs

Why Common Ways To Reduce Nuisance Barking Can Be Ineffective Or Worse!

Bark, bark, bark… Dogs bark, that’s a fact, whether we like it or not. But much like when children cry or scream, it’s very hard for us to simply ignore such vocalizations. Barking is loud and often disturbing to the

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog behavior, Dog training, Dog/human relationship, Fear, Separation anxiety

Why getting your dog excited may affect your training session

“Rover, come!” shouted in a high pitch excited voice is likely to get a faster and more enthusiastic response than the same words expressed in a monotone, low key fashion. Most trainers rely at least at certain times, on how

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog behavior, Dog training, emotions, Psychology, service dogs

Fear, Fireworks & Neuroplasticity: What you should never do when your dog is afraid

Modern dog training recognizes that many of our dog’s problematic behaviors are the expression of an underlying fear. When Fido is scared, he’s going to automatically flee, freeze or fight depending on whether he’s dealing with another dog, a person

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog behavior, Dog training, Dog/human relationship, Fear

Positive Reinforcement Goes High Tech

In the past few decades, we’ve become accustomed to regular advances in technology. We’ve seen computers evolve from gigantic information processors to easy to use personal laptops. Phones were once bulky rotary appliances stuck to our kitchen walls. Today all

Posted in Misc

Understanding and stopping our dog from jumping on us

Dogs naturally want to jump on us as soon as we walk through the door. It doesn’t matter that we’re in sweat pants or dressed up for a special occasion. For Fido, that’s just how you say “Hello! I’m so

Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog training, Dog/human relationship, Misc, Positive Animal Training, Technology, Training tools

There are 3 Es in modern dog training: Efficacy, Efficiency and Ethics

As trainers, we talk to dog guardians all the time. They come to us with questions and concerns about their dog and our job is to help them work out the best approach to their canine’s needs. Many have been

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog behavior, Dog training, Dog/human relationship, Misc, Positive Animal Training

Service dogs: The fabulous, the faulty and the fake

One in 5 people suffer from a disability according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Many can’t hear or see well enough to safely function on their own,  can’t pick up an object, make a call in case of emergency, open

Tagged with: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog training, Dog/human relationship, Misc, service dogs

Dog Training: Praise or Treats?

While we understand that good behavior should be rewarded if we want the dog to repeat it, there are different opinions about how and how much we should reward our pooches. We might consider that a “good boy!” is a

Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog behavior, Dog training, Dog/human relationship, Learning theory, Misc, Positive Animal Training

Dog play: what’s the purpose?

While most species gradually stop playing as they grow into adulthood, our beloved pooches never seem to stop playing no matter how old they are. My 10 year old German Shepherd, Nala, still reacts like a puppy when an opportunity

Tagged with: , , , , , ,
Posted in Dog behavior, Dog/human relationship, Misc, Psychology
Disclaimer