Dog Signs of Stress
Understanding canine body language is one of the most important skills a dog parent can develop — and Dog Signs of Stress helps you do exactly that. This educational guide from Courteous Canine, Inc. teaches readers how to recognize, interpret, and respond to stress signals in dogs before they escalate into fear, anxiety, or aggression. Dogs experience stress just like humans, but they [...]
A Promise to Your Dog
Before you embark on your behavior and training journey with us, know that modifying behaviors is a process. There are no quick fixes or immediate solutions. Though they can seem tedious, small steps are usually the fastest and most effective path to lasting success. While our staff will be coaching you along the way, behavior change takes time and effort. To ensure we are [...]
How to Identify Resource Guarding in Dogs
How to Identify Resource Guarding in Dogs Resource guarding happens when a dog tries to protect something valuable. It can include food, toys, people, or even space. Understanding dog body language is the key to preventing bites and improving safety. Early recognition helps owners respond calmly and effectively. A resource-guarding dog often shows clear signs. The dog may stop eating or lower its head over [...]
To Crate or Not to Crate
By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 designed by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI It has become a popular notion to crate dogs, especially during adolescence to encourage a reinforcement history with people rather than the environment. However, is keeping a dog crated for 23.5 hours a day appropriate? This article does not aim to exclusively answer any of the questions posed but [...]
Empowerment Training: Being the Best Dog Parent
1 You are limited to controlling your own behavior. You can’t truly control your dog. The only being we can control is ourselves. Remember how much power there is in being irresistible. Be irresistibly fun to your dog. 2 3 Spend time with your dog – talk, laugh, listen, be interested in them, and be [...]
The Problem with Shock Collars
The Problem with Shock Collars Download The Problem With Shock Collars as a PDF SHOCK COLLAR MALFUNCTION The first potential problem is that the unit itself may malfunction. Malfunctioning shock collars can cause electrical burns, creating holes in the affected dog’s neck and causing serious physical and emotional damage. To prevent this from happening never leave a shock collar on an unsupervised dog. This presents [...]
The Power of Fun in Dog Training
The Power of Fun in Dog Training Being a fun detective pays off huge in dog training It’s six am and while sleeping in your bed, feeling cozy and content, your puppy has pounced on you! If your dog is mentally or physically under stimulated this could happen to you! Is this an annoying situation or fun detective opportunity? The truth is it can be [...]
Being Wrong is Right
Loving Being Wrong Turns out that humans have a huge problem-- we love to be right. Unfortunately, this tendency can be dangerous and actually causes serious tragedies and even death, according to Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error author Kathryn Schulz. Schulz explains how planes crash as a result of a pilot refusing to admit error. As Schulz delves into the topic you [...]
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training?
Dog Training 101: What is Clicker Training? By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., CDBC, CAP2 edited by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI Clicker training is a training method using a handheld plastic box that makes a clicking noise when depressed by a trainer. Each click allows a trainer to mark a very precise moment in time, communicating to a dog exactly when they did something desired. The [...]
The Truth About Dominance Theory
The Truth About Dominance Theory By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 The truth is there is nothing noble in being superior to another being. The only real nobility is in being superior to your former self. -Whitney Young, Civil Rights Leader What is dominance theory? As humans we view the dominant animal as superior. Labeling one being as superior causes problems, both in human [...]
Say “No” To Dog Parks: Here’s Why & Better Alternatives
Say “No” To Dog Parks: Here’s Why & Better Alternatives By Kimberly Archer Dog Behavior Technician As a dog parent you just want the best for your pup, and as such most of us want to provide our dog with a rich social life. The easy way to do this is to regularly take your dog to the dog park... or is it? Though dog [...]
Agility for Dogs with Issues
This means that for some dogs playing the game of agility around other dogs can make other dogs seem fun also. The same thing can happen if a dog is afraid of people, being around people when doing agility can come to signal fun.
