Dog trainers often report that their dogs are the barefoot cobbler’s children; they never get trained. We have busy, often insane schedules. We have families. We probably even have other interests (gasp!). But should we allow our dogs to go by the wayside? When we are immersed in dog training all day, how important … More Cobbler’s Children

“Treats don’t work for my dog,” the man said as he waved a crunchy milk bone under his lab’s nose while the other dogs milled around, working on their obedience skills. “She just isn’t food motivated,” the woman stated as she tried to lure her sheltie out from under a chair with bits of bacon … More Dogs Gotta Eat

Last weekend, at nearly 26 months of age, Felix debuted in agility. He wasn’t ready for all classes so we played in three: snooker, gamblers, and jumpers. I agonized over when to bring him out; I worked diligently over months to prepare him emotionally for what is required of our dogs in this game we … More How much do we risk?

“My dog down-stresses.” “My dog shuts down.” “My dog can’t tolerate frustration.” “My dog hates to be wrong.” “My dog knows when I don’t have treats.” “My dog is low-drive.” And the list goes on. We’ve heard these things. We’ve said these things. What if it’s not the dogs, but us? What if each time … More It’s not you, it’s me.

About a month ago my little guy Felix turned two. I expect to continue to learn about him every day for the rest of his life, but at two, I think we finally start to know who our dogs are. They are no longer babies, and not yet adults. They exhibit more adult behaviors, they … More What A Young Dog Can Tell Us

Social media is always a-buzz with: Triple Q weekend! My dog is the best!  Look at my amazing national/regional/seminar/whatever video set to cool music!  Check out this training session in which I made zero mistakes and my dog learned long division!  Listen, I get it. I post that stuff, too. It’s important. We should celebrate … More Getting Real

Dog attacks are all over the media right now. Dog on dog, dog on elderly human, dog on airline passenger, you name it. I can’t open my computer or look at my phone without being bombarded by brutal tales of dogs biting, mauling, and generally savaging humans and other dogs. As a person who loves … More Reality Bites (and so do dogs)