Author Archives: Administrator
Is therapy work the right fit for my dog?
I often receive requests for therapy dog training and preparation. I am always happy to help owners prepare their dogs for this kind of work. One of the first things I discuss with my clients is whether their dog truly … Continue reading
He Loves People “Too Much!”
“My dog loves people too much! He leaps all over them and he’s big, he can throw them over!” “My dog loves dogs so much he goes crazy! He pulls and barks, and when he gets there he loves them … Continue reading
Just another encounter with the local neighborhood nemesis
Is there a particular dog in the neighborhood your dog really does not like? This is pretty common, in fact so many of my clients have shared with me that their dog really dislikes a particular dog in the neighborhood … Continue reading
Short wet days
We’ve had quite the wet fall and December so far. My yard has turned into a muddy mess. Let’s face it, the DC metro area does not have the best weather. Many of my clients have a hard time meeting … Continue reading
Preventing car sickness and anxiety in puppies
Car sickness is not unusual in young puppies, however, if it goes unchecked it can lead to more serious issues. Pups can start to anticipate that they will become sick and may become fearful of car rides. It can be … Continue reading
Are you being haunted by the ghosts of your past pets?
If I had a dime for every time an owner started their appointment saying “my previous dogs never did these behaviors?” I would be well on my way to buying myself a vacation home in Hawaii. It is hard not to compare current pets to previous ones. Unfortunately, allowing yourself to be haunted can get in the way of your developing the best relationship you can with your new dog. Continue reading
Space Invaders
Imagine if you were walking in the mall and suddenly a total stranger rushed up in front of you and stood literally inches from your face. As this person talks to you, you can smell their breath, they touch your … Continue reading
A career in dog training and behavior
I started training dogs professionally in the nineties, long before anyone thought this was a hip career choice. With reality TV, the field has gotten quite a makeover! I receive typically two or three inquiries a month from people who … Continue reading
Labrador Retrievers, from a trainer’s perspective
Whenever anyone makes generalizations about a breed, there are always examples to the contrary. The truth is there is a lot of diversity within each breed. Even littermates can vary greatly. Keeping that in mind, here’s my quick and dirty … Continue reading
Looking for Turtles?
So what’s the coolest thing you’ve ever trained a dog to do? I would love to be able to tell you it was something I did yesterday, but honestly, my favorite trick ever was one I taught one of my … Continue reading
