Category: Dog Stories & Testimonials
I received a wonderful surprise in the mail this week. Just getting mail that isn’t a bill or junk is already a small victory—but this was something special. Inside the package was a T-shirt designed by a former client. It was created as a tribute to her dog, but inspired by a mantra she picked up from our training sessions together. Printed on the shirt were the words: “Good Decisions by Kenya, the Mal” “Good decisions” is a phrase clients […]
In decades past, a dogs freedom to roam was more widely accepted. Mindset about that has changed, even though some haven’t caught up. These two showed up at my place recently. They weren’t accompanied by any humans; they came in from the west. Friendly, tails wagging, happy for a meal and a drink of water. I didn’t know they had even been on the property until one of the construction workers building our new home asked about them. He told […]
One of the most important principles in dog training is this: Reward the behavior you want, and you’ll get more of it. It sounds simple, but the key lies in understanding what your dog actually finds rewarding. A reward doesn’t have to be food—it can be anything your dog enjoys. And for many dogs, play ranks at the very top of that list. Why Play Is So Powerful? Play is one of the most effective and underutilized motivators. Not only […]
This past weekend, I had the chance to check out the Des Moines Art Festival. It’s a free, three-day event held downtown that showcases visual art, live music, and interactive art activities. It is a popular event with an estimated 200,000 attendees each year, and something I’d wanted to experience for a while. I’m glad I finally made time for it. But one thing ruined it for me: the people who brought their dogs. For the dogs in Des Moines […]
I recently returned from 9-day excursion along the Rhine River. My husband and I had a wonderful time exploring some beautiful cities. But the best part of the adventure was the opportunity to observe the European dog culture I’d often heard about. I appreciate my husband’s tolerance of my dog obsession. He indulged the turning away from historic buildings or interrupting meals to watch dog-owner interactions. 😅 On past vacations, I was equally distracted when observing stray populations in Caribbean […]
I recently returned from a trip to Mississippi, where I attended a training workshop. The focus was upland bird dogs. If you’re not familiar, these are dogs that point and flush birds that nest on the ground, such as quail, partridge, dove, pheasant, etc. Gimli and I logged 1500 miles to get there and back to Iowa in a whirlwind six days, but it was worth it! You might wonder why a pet dog trainer would go to such lengths […]
Keep them safe when you travel with dogs.
I recently sold the dog training company I founded in May of 1998. That’s My Dog, Inc was a great run for nearly 24 years. Now, there is a new owner, with new visions for the future. I’m happy to see my baby in good hands and thrilled with the transition. Since the announcement of the sale, many people have reached out to either congratulate me on my retirement or ask what’s up next? Because I believe that for every person that […]
A friend and colleague of mine lost his beloved Malinois last week. I asked permission to write about him because his passing hit closer to home than many of the other dogs that have crossed my path in this career. It was personal because at one time, this dog had belonged to me. I honestly don’t remember what his name was when he first came to me. I only recall that I’d been through a string of Malinoises over the […]
I’d like you to answer the following question with the FIRST response that comes to mind. Do you have a stubborn dog? Over the years, it has been my experience that many people respond with an affirmative, yes. Many times, the yes is accompanied by either a sigh of frustration or a defeated sense of acceptance. I celebrated my birthday recently and it got me contemplating the mindset we have about personalities that are “stubborn”. A friend of mine wished […]