The Attention Factor: Dogs are motivated by attention. They live for it, love it, and will do anything to keep the spotlight focused on them. Does this remind you of a three-year-old? Well, add to this similarity the fact that they...
Many dogs think “No” is the second half of their name: “Buddy No! Tristan No! Molly No!” There are a few inconsistencies with the way people use this little word that leaves dogs baffled as to its meaning. For starters, “No”...
Here are a few things to remember when teaching this command: Use it sparingly. When it’s over-used, dogs stop paying attention. Don’t chase your dog if she doesn’t respond! Practice on-lead for now. Never call for negatives. Do you have to brush, bathe, or isolate your dog?...
Before I address questions, let me warn you: Practice all initial training in an enclosed area. When you start off-leash, your dog may turn into a little comedian and bound away from you just for fun, so keep it safe until...
As you’re leading, you may need to sit down to talk on the phone, do homework, talk to the plumber, or whatever. If you let your dog free at such a point, he might create havoc in his constant vigil to...
Training with the Flexi-Leash®: This leash is a great exercising tool. It allows freedom to explore, while still leaving you in complete control. As a training tool, you can use it informally during walks to reinforce the following commands: “Name.” Call out your dog’s...
Once again, I have given an existing product a more descriptive name. Actually, this product comes in two forms. The pet stores sell a version known as a Haiti®. The other brand is called a Promise Collar® and is sold exclusively...
Two Puppies Twice the Fun or Double the Trouble? Unfortunately, two puppies usually mean more trouble than fun. They’ll pay more attention to each other than they will to you because they’re dogs and you’re not (Nah, Nah!). A single puppy...
Here are the basics. These are the bare-bone facts your dog must understand and you must learn how to teach him. I’ll walk you through each command one step at a time. I suggest you practice each command five minutes a day....
The First 24 Hours: The first day your new dog is home with you can be a little odd. After all the anticipation and preparation, your dog is home. Some dogs jump right into the swing of things; others prefer a more...
You’ll need to designate an area for your mischievous dog to stay while you’re not home and to cool off if things get out of hand. I like to think of the area as a cubby because it should be small, quiet, and...
Ask Yourself… A Questionnaire: Now for the exciting part, picking your breed! I wish I could be there to help you in person, but since I can’t, here’s the next best thing: the questionnaire I give to clients who hire me to...
The first thing you must accept is that your dog really doesn’t know too much. She’s willing to learn, but until you follow a good training regimen, she probably won’t respect your rules. The complexity of the human household—the furnishings, the walls,...
You’ve come to a pivotal point in your dog training journey. If you don’t start out with the right equipment and make some effort to organize your home—I repeat, your home—you’ll have a hard time earning your dog’s respect. An untrained dog...
Like “Heel,” “Come Front” is taught as a position near you. This time, your dog should be facing you and looking up. Whether you’re calling your dog from two feet away or across the yard, he should come and sit down,...
