Like humans, dogs experience trauma. We know that trauma effects the dog’s brain in a way that is remarkably similar to that of similar trauma in people. The biochemical responses and treatments for these responses are almost identical. We know that since the domestication of dogs, the state of canine health and well being has… Continue reading Why your dog may benefit from pharmaceutical assistance:
This may seem like a really obvious question, but the truth is that it isn’t. Not even close. Service dogs can and do mitigate a wide variety of disabilities, but they’re not always the best solution for every person. The first consideration in deciding to go down this path, is your health. Are you disabled?… Continue reading Do You Need a Service Dog?
If you know me, have stood next to me in a grocery store queue, or have hired me to help you train a dog, you’ve probably heard me say “Five minutes, five times a day.” When clients ask how much they should practice with their dog, I tell them “five minutes, five times a day.”.… Continue reading 5 Minutes, 5 Times a Day
We encounter a wide variety of “jealousy” in dogs. It is hard to tell how many of these behaviors are benign or manageable because if it were, you probably wouldn’t go to the expense and trouble of contacting a trainer about it. We get a slightly skewed perception of how common a problem is. All… Continue reading Resource Guarding
Dogs aren’t human. They’ve evolved alongside us and they’re so sensitive and have emotions and behaviors that seem so much like our own that sometimes it is hard to remember. Dogs are not human. I’m asked for new dog or puppy advice a lot. And there’s really too much to include in just one conversation… Continue reading What Your New Dog Needs
I see countless posts on social media begging for help with veterinary costs, or complaining that vets “don’t care” because they won’t give a stranger credit or care for an animal without pay at all. Don’t be ridiculous. Most vets don’t make ridiculous amounts of money to begin with, and they have all of the… Continue reading Establishing A Relationship With A Vet
Breeding is probably the single most determining natural factor that influences a dog’s behavior throughout his life. A dog’s breed determines his instincts and his behavior his entire life. Dog trainers are constantly bombarded with pleas from desperate owners of shepherding dogs–make him stop chasing the children! Or from golden retrievers–get him out of our… Continue reading Breed Significance
Is your dog outside? He’s hot. Its July. It’s hot outside. He has fur. He is hot. If you MUST have your dog outside in this heat (especially if your dog is not accustomed to the heat), please provide the following: DEEP shade. Not 3 inches of shade that he can reach. Deep shade is… Continue reading Your dog is hot.
In October 2016 I was hit on a two lane bridge. The collision was head on, both vehicles traveling 50 miles per hour, and I was in my lane. I have no recollection of the accident or most of the events immediately proceeding or following the Wreck. Both of my legs, both of my knees,… Continue reading The Wreck
