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In a puppy’s life, there are windows of opportunity for important events. If the puppy has positive experiences at these times, she will develop to her potential. If she doesn’t experience life at an early age, her psychological growth is stifled, and she’ll be fearful in new situations. An extremely respected fellow trainer recently said […]

Coprophagia has grossed out and confounded many pet owners and veterinarians for a long time. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an effective way to stop dogs from eating their poop, although Benjamin Hart, DVM, PhD, DACVB, did offer some interesting statistics on the topic. He cited a recent, unpublished study that included information

Whenever I see someone out walking their dog on a retractable leash I am tempted to speak up. To begin with, who dreamed up the idea that a dog preferred to walk 20’ ahead of their owner? I would venture to say that if I invited a friend to go for a walk and then

As a dog trainer at Charlotte’s premiere dog training facility, The Dog Knowledge, I am shocked by the number of families that bring a dog to the 4th of July fireworks. The poor things try to get away from the loud bangs, but they can’t. Some of them look terrified. As a dog trainer, and

What if I told you that some of your dog’s most onerous behaviors could be corrected by simply “throwing your dog a bone?” That’s right, THROW YOUR DOG A BONE. Understanding Your Dog’s Need to Chew, and how Chewing can Resolve Unwanted Behaviors As one of four senior dog trainers and behaviorists at The Dog

WHEN OWNERS ASK IF THEY SHOULD ALWAYS BE EXPECTED TO USE TREATS AS REWARDS… With dogs there are a handful of Primary Reinforcers: Two of the most obvious are Food & Water. Secondary Reinforcers include Praise, Clicker, Toys, etc. In other words, those things that a dog requires to survive are Primary Reinforcers. Those things

IS THERE A MAGIC PILL TO CORRECT A DOG’S BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS? “YES” Weekly we are visited by concerned dog owners who have “issues.” More importantly, these well meaning owners have fallen victim to watching quick fixes by TV whisperers who with a session of strategic “shhhssing” commands transform a snarling vicious dog into the perfect

Have you ever tried to think like your dog? Go ahead, put yourself in his place for a moment and think about: THE MONSTER IN THE CLOSET Yes, monster! At least once a week the dreaded monster that lives in the closet of every American household wakes up from a long sleep and roars into