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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 […]
Having trouble getting your dog to listen to you? Learn the biggest reasons behind why your dog is not doing what you ask.
Safety is the reason that recall training is necessary. But joy is an even better reason to teach your dog to come when called.
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 […]
How do you feel when you see your puppy dealing with stress? Do you immediately step in and “rescue” them from anything uncomfortable? What if I told you that stress and dogs can go together to create beneficial experiences? When a young Weimaraner recently joined my board-and-train program, I informed his owner that his life was about to change. He’d be living under some new rules, including crate training at night, learning to walk politely on a leash, and participating in […]
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 […]
There are many reasons to include teaching your pup to tolerate handling in your early puppy training lessons. Dogs that allow the feet, mouth, and ears to be manipulated are easier to groom and examine. Having worked as a vet tech years ago, I can attest to how appreciative the vet and the staff are if they do not have to wrestle a dog for a routine examination. Of course, not only is it easier on the staff, it is […]