Tag: iowa dog trainer
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 […]