With definitions ranging from “to make smooth” and “to make waterproof,” it is safe to say that “proofing” is a dog trainer word; one of the many words reclaimed with a different meaning by the world of dog trainers. Trainers have long used it to mean introducing a dog to “distractions” (competing motivators*) or other … More The Proof isn’t in the Proofing

Reducing stress, leveling out arousal, and achieving the optimum working state in our dogs are all things people in dog sports or dog training are interested in. Most of the emails I receive are about these things; people want help for their crazy dogs, their shy dogs, their too-eager dogs, and their reluctant dogs. There … More Start Button Behaviors

A friend recently posed this question to the social media masses: “Do you think dogs who cannot be off leash with another dog in the ring waiting its turn on leash should be allowed to compete in agility?” Clearly, she doesn’t mind stirring the pot. Unsurprisingly, 141 comments later, no conclusion was reached. So what’s … More Cherrypicking Dog Behaviors

People have been selecting and breeding dogs for a long time; some argue as long as 16,000 years. One of the most fascinating and unique traits of the domestic dog as a species is its diversity; the Great Pyrenees and the border collie are the same species, and yet their roles when it comes to livestock … More Square Pegs and Round Holes