Posted in Behavior & Training

We need to keep several things in mind when we think about learning. First, with regard to dogs, they are problem solvers, and love to solve problems. We, as human beings, do not give them enough opportunities to do so. Secondly, they learn by trial and error. We think the dog "knows better" or is doing something "to get back at us." Dogs lear… read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

I just got an email from the producer of www.petliferadio.com that my interview with Dr. Dan Estep will be up on the site in a day or two. If you click on Teacher's Pet, you can listen to it through your pod-cast or live. Dr. Estep covers just about everything you want to know about barking. It's a good listen! read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

After reading Phil Garber's article in the Observer-Tribune entitled Trainer charged with beating dog, I had to write excerpts from the article since it truly brought tears to my eyes. A bench warrant was issued to trainer, Jeff Loy, from Chester, N.J. who was hired to work with a four-year old Shih Tzu named "Moby." They owners have hired an a… read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

Dr. Anneke Lisberg gave a fabulous lecture regarding the beginning of her research on urine marking and investigation in domestic dogs. Little to nothing has been studied on this topic and it is quite exciting. "Although dogs spend a great deal of time and energy urine marking and investigating urine, and their olfactory capabilities potentiall… read more

Posted in Behavior & Training

A dog that does not come when called is not exhibiting an intention to establish dominance as I have heard many trainers state. That doesn't make an ounce of sense. Dominance behavior is "when animals use aggression for scarce resources" over and over again through many different trials and errors. Dr. Sophia Yin wants veterinarians to warn … read more