Blog
(Mostly Archived)
Rio, an almost Therapy Dog!
Rio, an almost Therapy Dog! It took a few trips to Ohio but once I get his paperwork signed by his vet, have them run a fecal exam, and send in the paperwork, Rio will officially be a Therapy Dog! I am so excited! Our last visitation was pretty fantastic. We visited...
Wordless Wednesday–Easter Doggie Edition
Wordless Wednesday--Easter Doggie Edition Shayne and Rio have actually been classically conditioned to tolerate being dressed up in head gear... they dont love it, but they don't mind it and will tolerate...
Effects of Stress on Performance
Effects of Stress on Performance I was reminded yesterday of a very important lesson that many handlers need to be reminded of--whether for dogs competing in events or for dogs in everyday life, stress (good or bad) can have a negative effect on their reliability....
Former Foster Dog Linus!!!
Former Foster Dog Linus!!! Yep, you heard that correctly! Linus was officially adopted this past weekend (it's been a busy week and I haven't had time to share the good news)! I am so excited for him because I know he's in the best possible home for him! They will...
Rio's First Therapy Dog Observation
Rio's First Therapy Dog Observation As I think I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have Rio enrolled in a Therapy Dog preparation class at WPHS to give him some sort of work to do right now. This class is geared toward the TDI (Therapy Dog International) organization test...
Prong collars on therapy dogs…
Prong collars on therapy dogs... Few things anger me as much as seeing prong collars on therapy dogs. I think it is absolutely inexcusable to have a public ambassador traipsing around with a collar with the potential to cause some gnarly injuries, or at the least,...
Linus Graduates School!
Linus Graduates School! Last night Linus went to school for the last day of Small Dog Basic class and he came home with a lovely diploma for all of his hard work! He really came out of his shell in school--by the end of class he was rushing up to all the people in...
Training Results are Not Always Linear
Training Results are Not Always Linear When we talk about progress in training, it is very rarely, if ever, strictly linear. This is especially true when we talk about behavior modification. There will always be forward and backwards steps in the process. Some days...
Socialization, it's quality over quantity
Socialization, it's quality over quantity Trainers preach (beg and plead may also be appropriate here) the importance of socialization like the gospel. It is one of the first things out of their mouths when talking to people interested in getting a puppy or who have...
No, Really, a Second Dog Won't Help
No, Really, a Second Dog Won't Help "Well I have finally compromised with my husband. We are looking for a male rottie (playmate) for our male rottie. Ours is 9 months old and full of energy! ... He needs a buddy :(, my lil chi's dont like him and really I dont blame...