Helpful Pointers for Training Your Dog
My three dogs in this pack are an interesting bunch. To say the least… While most dogs do love walks, Arrow (our Aussie) will NOT leave the front yard if Riley and Kenzie (our Cavaliers) aren’t right out the door with him. And I mean no amount of pulling, coaxing, treating will get him to budge. Either they go or he doesn’t. Simple as that.
And then there’s Kenzie. She’s my tough girl. Until someone tests her, and then she … Read More
[Make sure to read through the comments. There are hundreds where I answer specific questions that may speak directly to your situation.]
… Read More
Q: From the Mailbag: Natasha asks, I currently have two male dogs (a Labrador 5 yrs and a Yorkshire Terrier 2 yrs) and they both get along great. I’ve always wanted a Rottweiler. Do you think it would be a bad idea getting a 3rd dog? What sex would you say would be better? Thanks.
A: Natasha,
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m betting you’ve seen these button boards. Even mainstream media is on the bandwagon.
This new communication technique, developed by speech-language pathologist Christina Hunger, has opened new ways of understanding our dogs using structured, intentional communication methods.
Button boards consist of programmable sound devices that, when pressed, play pre-recorded words or phrases. These “buttons” give dogs a concrete way to express their needs, desires, and … Read More
There’s been a bit of a war going on in the dog training world.
Have you chosen your side? The side between the alpha wanna-be’s group (the old-fashioned punitive types) and the your dog is never bad, you are just a bad trainer group (the violently positive types)?
The Great Divide in Dog Training: Finding Balance in a World of Extremes
In the world of dog training, a heated debate has been raging for years, known as the “Training … Read More
See that cute little Cavalier there… safely tucked under her big Aussie brother’s belly. She’s there seeking cover because she just finished barking her head off at the postman stopped in front of our house. But then, when he actually walked up to the front door… Well, not so tough anymore.
Yup, she’s got a touch of the case of “Small Dog Syndrome.” Since I’m working it through with her, I thought I’d share what it is, what causes it, … Read More
Arrow is a happy, excited boy! He loves to greet people as enthusiastically as he likes to play. Not necessarily typical Aussie behavior, but I’ll take it over shyness or aggression. Much easier to train!
So we’ve had to jump back into some remedial training. Here are some quick tips to help you if you are facing similar challenges.
Before diving into training techniques, it’s important to understand why your dog is jumping. Dogs may jump for … Read More
From the Mailbag: Stacie writes: My daughter brought home a 2 month old Aussie pup. I had never had one or didn’t know anything about the breed. I have 2 dogs that got along great and just need affection and some backyard time and they are fine. I have some major medical challenges and am trying to make this work with the new pup. He ,as everyone says is super smart but I’m just not sure I can provide what … Read More
You may have noticed lots of pics with Arrow lately. That’s because we’re keeping him while Cait finishes up a master’s program. And while I love this dog to pieces, going from two to three dogs wasn’t in my plan. It changes the whole dynamics from eating to who gets affection when, to playtime, to walks, to… you get the idea.
And from the title of this post, you should have guessed that having two males with a female, also … Read More
