Dogs—while they are amazing, beautiful, wonderful creatures—are animals. And, anytime you’re spending time with an animal, there’s the potential for something to go wrong. Thankfully, over decades and decades of breeding and training, our pups have become so domesticated that they are mostly lovers, not fighters. However, there are many factors such as… Age Training […]
If you enjoy technology, there’s a good chance you have a variety of apps on your computer, phone, or tablet. And, if you love dogs, it’s likely that a handful of those apps have to do with dog care. I myself even have a few dog-related apps I use from time to time that are […]
For years, dogs owners, dog trainers, and even veterinarians have argued about whether it’s ok, or even beneficial, to shave your dog’s coat. So…to shave or not to shave…what is the right choice? As a dog owner myself, I know that the answer isn’t necessarily black or white. In fact, there are many factors (both […]
As a dog trainer, I am often approached with questions about different dog behavioral problems. Some people believe the issues that arise due to boredom are caused by lack of exercise or a lack of attention given to a dog. And these things certainly can make the behavior worse. However, many of these behaviors are […]
Do you ever wonder… Why your dog stares at you blankly while you play games on your phone? Why your pup feels the need to bark and growl at the vacuum cleaner? Why your pooch chooses to hang out in the other room while you’re watching a sporting event? Everyday rituals like playing on our […]
At the end of April 2018, my beloved dog Peanut passed away at the age of 13 and a half.I always believed that she came into this world to change lives and help us understand dogs and ourselves better.Now, looking back, I also realize she was one of the greatest life teachers I could have […]
If you have an aggressive dog—or a dog who has the potential to be aggressive—you may have to consider using a muzzle. That being said, a lot of people don’t understand when it’s appropriate to use a muzzle or what type of muzzle is the safest choice for their dog. For that reason, I […]
If you’re reading this, it’s very possible that you… Just found out you’re pregnant. Just brought a new baby home from the hospital. Know a family member or friend that just had a baby. In any case, I want to say congratulations! I am so thrilled for you! As a father myself, I know how […]
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting, stressful, chaotic, and joyful time in a person’s life. It’s a big event that often requires new parents to make lifestyle changes in order to accommodate the needs of their new bundle of joy. That being said, people aren’t the only ones affected by this type of […]
When you’re seriously considering adding a dog to your family… You might start wondering… What is the best kind of dog breed? Should I adopt from a shelter? How do I choose the perfect dog for myself or my family when there are so many different types of dogs out there? In my personal opinion, […]
Over the years working as a dog trainer, I’ve probably worked with as many German shepherd dogs as any other breed. Most often, they are an incredibly loyal breed, are devoted to their owners, and have really sweet and fun personalities. And so, to those of you who love the breed and wouldn’t consider anything […]
There’s nothing scarier than watching your dog run off across the beach, down the street, or through the woods while you helplessly call for him to come back to you without any luck. It only takes seconds, for a dog to vanish before your eyes—all because your dog is excited and decided to chase a […]
If you’ve thought about becoming a dog trainer, but aren’t quite sure you have what is takes to become a great dog trainer, you’re not alone. In fact, there are tons of dog-lovers around the world who dream of living a life where they get up every morning and actually get paid to work with […]
Out of all the bad dog behaviors that exist, how to stop dog barking has to be one of the most frustrating issues to deal with. Think about it… If your dog has a barking problem, it’s unlikely that you’re able to control when he barks. This can lead to his howling keeping you up […]
If you’re somebody who’s thought about becoming a dog trainer, but you’ve been put off because you’re concerned about the dangers of working with aggressive dogs, you’re not alone. In fact, I encounter people every day who absolutely love dogs, but who also have fears about working with them–especially if they have aggressive tendencies. If […]
I often get asked the question, “What are the best behaved dog breeds?” And here’s my answer… The idea that a breed can determine a dog’s personality is one of the biggest dog myths in the world. There’s simply not such thing as a “best behaved dog breed.” For example, people assume that if you […]
If you read the title of this blog, and it made you smile or caused you to become intrigued, it’s possible that you work as a vet tech in your local animal hospital. First of all, I want to say thank you for doing a thankless job. I know how hard you work to ensure […]
A lot of people ask me, how do I train my dog? Or even more important, how do I go about correcting bad dog behavior that already exists? And the answer is always this. When it comes to training a dog it’s important that we first start with a solid foundation. That’s where you get […]
Dog aggression. It’s one of the biggest reasons that people… Dump their dogs on the side of the road. Send their dogs to shelters. Have their dogs euthanized. It’s heartbreaking and tragic, but it happens every day. Why? Because people truly don’t believe that there is hope to change the behaviour of a dog. And […]
Out of all the animals in the world, dogs appear to be one of the smartest. Think about it for a minute… Your dog knows when you’re sad, angry or happy. He knows when it’s mealtime without being able to read a clock. He can sense danger when a stranger knocks at the door. And […]
If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged addition to your home, you may be asking yourself the following questions… “Should I get a puppy or should I rescue a dog?” “Do I need to get a puppy so I can form a better bond with him?” “How long does it take for a dog […]
Hi there! Today, I want to share with you something that I call “mind space.” I coined the term after something that kept happening to me when I was walking one of my dogs–my dear dog Tamar, who has since passed away. Over the years that I had Tamar, it became very apparent that she […]
Providing dogs with routine daily exercise is an incredibly important part of caring for a canine. Why? Because excess energy can quickly lead to your dog turning to naughty behaviors like chewing furniture and getting into the rubbish bin. This is even true for all dogs–including well trained dogs. And poor obedience due to a […]
When I hear the myth “You can’t teach an old dog a new trick,” I also think of a quote which I believe to be true… “If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always got!” In other words, if you want to train a dog, no matter his […]
Growing up in the northeast of England, I always dreamt of doing something special with my life. After all, I went to school with Alan Shearer who went on to be the captain of England’s soccer team. I hoped to do something similar, but alas, it was not to be. And so, my life began […]