Whether you realize it or not, every action you make around your dog is either reinforcing or punishing specific behavior. Obviously, we all want our dogs to exhibit desirable behaviors, so it’s best to understand what works and what does not when it comes to...
Service dogs are amazing animals. They perform any number of tasks and many are responsible for the very lives of their owners. You may wonder what it's like to be a service dog. Who teaches them their duties and how long does it take to...
Since the early 1900's, children have been raising and training dogs a part of their local 4H programs. The program focuses on the training dogs for competition but it also teaches kids confidence and leadership skills. What Is 4H? 4‑H programs are delivered by University Cooperative Extensions....
I recently had the opportunity to interview Karen at the Helping Paws Therapy Dog Program. She told me about the important work that they do and what it takes to become a therapy dog. What is Helping Paws? Helping Paws is a nonprofit team group that coordinates...
The Spring season is really not that far off. Can't you just smell the flowering trees and freshly turned garden soil? To your dog, the arrival of Spring smells is like a kaleidoscope of odor. Where we recognize a dozen scents, your dog notices hundreds of...
Unconditional acceptance, companionship, and comfort are just some of the rewards we get when we bring a new dog into our lives. Canines perform the role of friend and protector so well, that we even refer to them as 'man's best friend.' If a dog...
There is a lot of confusion about what the law really says about service dogs and other service animals. To give you a better understanding of service dog laws, here are some key points you should know. Definition of a 'Service Dog' First, we must define the...
Dogs certainly are human's best friend. They serve as companions, fellow laborers, and even as protectors. For those with disabilities, a dog can give them a measure of independence that they wouldn't otherwise have. Demand for a fully trained service dog is high, and the waiting...
Training MarkersPinpointing Perfection Without speech and our understanding of the spoken word, our lives as social animals would be very, very different. Inflection, the slight nuances in our verbal communication, convey almost as much information as the words alone. This sensitivity to our tone can be both...
In many ways, a new puppy is no different than a small child. Nobody expects an untrained toddler to sit quietly through a movie or know not to color on walls. So, why do we expect a puppy to know not to chew the leg...