What is a working dog?

Anyone who is passionate about helping dogs live long, happy and healthy lives would say that all dogs should have some sort of job. Giving a dog a job they enjoy can help to prevent an almost endless list of potential behavior issues (such as excessive barking, inappropriate chewing and digging, separation problems, and more).Continue reading …...

Teach your dog to drop items on request

Dogs are superbly investigative creatures who glean valuable information by ‘testing’ objects in their mouths. Most dogs also find great pleasure in chewing. So, it should come as no surprise that many, even the most well mannered, might occasionally get a hold of something to chew that you consider inappropriate or that might be dangerousContinue reading …...

Pet travel tips

For most people, pets aren’t just companions, they’re members of the family. So, it should come as no surprise that more and more people are choosing to bring their pets with them when they travel. Joining us is pet expert Andrea Arden with some tips on how to make travel with your pet as safeContinue reading …...

Q&A: Teaching a dog to do their business

 How do I teach my rescue dog to do “her business” in a particular spot outside, and are some verbal commands better than others?

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Dog and cat obesity: as seen on The Today Show

American men and women are experiencing an obesity problem and their dogs and cats are, unfortunately, following their lead. According to the AVMA approximately 25% of pets are overweight. This is due to three main problems. Firstly, people tend to be less active, spending more and more time in front of the TV and theirContinue reading …...

The Honeymoon Period with Your New Dog

We have all heard the term ‘The Honeymoon Period’ used to describe the first, deliriously happy months of a relationship. Everyone is on their best behavior and feeling giddy and optimistic about the future. Unfortunately, this time of what seems to be limitless joy usually comes to an end. A similar, albeit usually much shorter,Continue reading …...

Puppy Mill Puppies

I had a dog training lesson recently with a family that purchased their 5 month-old Havanese puppy from a pet store in New York City. They have had the pup for a few weeks and during that time have dealt with what seems to be more than their share of puppy issues. This little pupContinue reading …...

Dogs and doorway etiquette

Today I made a quick trip across the street to get a delicious cafe con leche from Despana, the lovely little shop with delicacies from Spain. As I went up the two steps to enter a gentleman was on his way out with his hands full, a tray of coffees in one hand and aContinue reading …...

Does your dog think its name is No?

I usually begin classes and private lessons with an introduction to the many benefits of taking a positive, dog friendly approach to teaching. I am always pleased to see nods of approval from students as I explain how punishments more often than not result in a dog engaging in owner absent behavior problems (i.e. I’llContinue reading …...

How to introduce your dog to crate training

In order that your dog associate his crate with comfort and security, it is important that his initial experiences be pleasant. Rather than simply putting your dog in his kennel and expecting him to “get used to it,” spend some time helping him to gradually become accustomed to it and you will be rewarded withContinue reading …...