Clicker Training Community Blog

Like most greyhounds, my 13 year-old greyhound, Sydney, has a quiet, gentle soul. But boy, can she bark! She barks when she wants to go out and she barks when she wants to come in. She barks when she’s happy and she barks when she is bored. I admit, it can be irritating, particularly at 5am when I want to relish that last hour of sleep before my alarm sounds. But would I consider permanently silencing her so that I can get that last hour of sleep? No. So what to do?

It’s a quiet Saturday morning in my small coastal New England town, a perfect time to take a long walk on the beach with my dog, Sandy. With a cup full of coffee and a pocketful of Charlee Bear treats, there is no better way to start the day. As we set out for our walk, something in the distance steals Sandy’s attention. I get a sinking feeling that my peaceful morning is about to come to an abrupt end. Over the crest of the dunes on the other end of the beach, he comes into view—a handsome young goldendoodle, tail wagging and ready for action. “Sandy, stay,” I warn her. She gives me one last look as if to say “I’m sorry’ before she heads off in the opposite direction. “Sandy, come,’ I plead, but faster than a tail wag she bolts, kicking up sand in her wake. As I watch her tail disappear into the dunes, my frustration turns into despair. I feel the eyes of the other dog owners looking at me in sympathy. “She’ll come back,’ I assure them. Or maybe I’m just trying to assure myself.

You'd think that all dogs just love to play with toys, but it's not true. Some dogs are scared of toys. With these dogs you have to teach them to play again.

Karen Pryor's harlequin poodle, Misha, is one. Misha's late canine housemate, Twitchett, ruled the toy kingdom at home and rarely let poor Misha get in his fair share of fun and games. So, toys haven't held much interest for Misha, and can sometimes really scare him.

According to the Associated Press, 52% of pet owners plan to buy their animals a holiday gift—up from 43% last year. Many pets receive holiday outfits, special toys, and themed treats such as candy cane-shaped rawhide chews. Here at KPCT, we've already picked out a few holiday gifts for the special pets on our lists, including a Santa Loopie, Reindeer Toys, and a Hanukkah Gelt squeaker!

The winners of our Click and Treat Halloween Costume Contest are in and we have a winner! There were lots of great entries, but only one could win.