Moving on
Skills for Every Day
Loose-Leash Walking: Part One
By Nan Arthur on 04/03/2014Age-old issue
Walking is a natural behavior for dogs, so what is the big deal about teaching them to walk nicely on a leash? It shouldn’t be that hard, should it?
Yet dog trainers all over the world always have clients with this problem (almost single-handedly guaranteeing the trainers’ job security!). Leash-pulling is a problem that even some of the best trainers are unable to solve for their clients, despite the latest and greatest “no-pull” equipment that offers a helping hand.
How to Help Your Fearful Dog: Become the Crazy Dog Lady
By Casey Lomonaco on 09/01/2013My two dogs and I were out for a walk one morning, enjoying the fresh air and the exercise. Mokie and Monte walked next to me with their tails wagging happily. They were probably laughing at me as I hummed along with my iPod.
About three blocks away, a dog rounded the corner and began walking toward us. Despite Monte's full-body hackling, despite his rigid and tense body posture, and a deep, low, rumbling growl, I quietly told him what a good boy he was. I began shoving meatballs, liverwurst, and smoked Gouda into his large jaws at a rapid pace, creating as much distance as possible between the approaching dog and the three of us. I continued to feed Monte until the dog was out of sight, at which time the tasty treats disappeared back into the abyss of my faithful treat bag.
Transports—The Parts in the Middle Make All the Difference!
By Carpe Momentum on 07/01/2013For many years, we have preached about the importance of training according to Good Agility Practices. What that means is making sure that training is permeated by focus and intensity, and that your handling system is followed both during and in between exercises. This philosophy of training is not only true for agility training, but provides benefits for all kinds of training.
How to Teach Voluntary Blood Draws: Lessons from Dolphins and Horses Apply to Dogs
By Laura Monaco Torelli on 06/01/2013Size—it's all relative
Ten years ago I was introduced to my first Rhodesian ridgeback. Actually, I met two ridgebacks then—stunning males a year apart and known as brothers, even though they weren't related. Their names were Luca Brasi and Clemenza (fans of The Godfather will understand). The dogs belonged to my boyfriend, Jim, who is now my husband. Jim adored "the boys," and I felt the same way the instant I met them.
Both dogs came bounding up for their share of attention. I received the "hound handshake"—noses in my private parts coupled with inquisitive head turns as they scoped me out. Since I worked at Brookfield Zoo, I am sure there were many enticing odors on my clothes and shoes.
