From the category archives:

Behavior Problems

What kind of treats should I bring to class?

May 11, 2012
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Choosing which kind of and how many treats, or food rewards, to bring to a dog training class is one of the most important factors in your training success during class time. Choosing the right treat can mean the difference between a “Wow!” training session and one where you struggle to hold your dog’s attention [...]

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Is your dog afraid of the clicker?

September 28, 2011
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It’s not unusual for some dogs to have “clicker aversion,” especially with box clickers, as they make a loud, sharp sound. Start with the clicker behind your back, or in a pocket, to muffle the sound at first. If you’re trying to clicker train your dog and he or she seems to be worried about [...]

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How a shelter dog is made

August 24, 2010
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Ian Dunbar talks about how dogs become shelter dogs. The message in this short video is vital for anyone who is getting or has a puppy, works with shelter or rescue dogs, or anyone considering adopting a shelter or rescue dog. (Photo credit: bk2000)

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Best Pets Guide to Crate Training Your Dog

April 30, 2010

Guess what? Dogs have to be taught to like their crates! Here are a few ways we get new dogs settled into their crate homes: Feed all of your dog’s meals and special treats in the crate. This includes stuffed Kongs, bully sticks, bones and chews, as well as any “just because” treats or table [...]

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Should you comfort a scared dog?

May 7, 2009

There’s a terrific discussion about thunderstorm phobia, body language and the issue of whether fear can be reinforced over on Patricia McConnell’s excellent blog. The oft-given advice to ignore a dog who’s feeling fearful may not be correct. But, like most emotions, fear and its resulting behavior can be complex to address from a behavioral [...]

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The 15-minute feeding schedule

April 7, 2009

What is the 15-minute feeding schedule?

It’s the simplest way to alter the way your dog interacts with you, with the least effort on your part.

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‘What do you think of Cesar Millan?’

November 12, 2008

I get asked that question a lot. The short explanation is that it’s a television show — entertaining to some, I’m sure, but not particularly useful to pet owners watching the show, and potentially dangerous to dogs and people alike. The longer explanation is here, or here. For you geeky behavior types, Eric Goebelbecker over [...]

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Three simple strategies for training your dog not to jump up

June 11, 2008
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Teaching your dog not to jump up on you or your guests may seem like an impossible task, especially if you have a dog who loves people (and people who love dogs)! How many times have your guests been greeted at the door by your overenthusiastic canine’s nose and front feet, while you haplessly shout [...]

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Keep your dog from counter-surfing

January 10, 2008

If you’ve been a victim of the disappearing roast trick, you will identify with a recent episode at my house. I left a sandwich unattended on the table to answer the phone. The conversation was short — less than a minute — but alas, it was too long. I returned to the room to find [...]

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When to seek help with your dog

January 2, 2008

Most folks either know of or used to have a dog that was absolutely perfect — never made a mess in the house, didn’t shed, never jumped up, never barked inappropriately, never lunged at people or other dogs, never chewed the furniture, always laid quietly in another room during dinner, always paid its taxes on [...]

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