I’ve been told a time or two that I’m soft with dogs. It was meant in kindness but the intention was to suggest that I needed to be harder on the dogs. I used to be offended and hurt by this comment. I thought I must be doing something wrong! But my instincts told me I was doing just fine … Read More
Pressure on +R Dog Training: Don’t give in to it.
In 2001, I wasn’t as knowledgeable about dog behavior as I am now or as confident so during a visit with a friend’s dog, a dog that had gone after my puppy on more than one occasion, I caved into the pressure of others around me; I allowed the dogs to visit without me in the vicinity. What I thought … Read More
No ‘dog whispering’. Just train the dog!
We all know about the idea that a select few just ‘have it ‘ with dogs. A ‘special way’, ‘dog whisperer’ and on it goes. Don’t sell yourself short because the truth is, everyone can train dogs, but it just might be a trainers style (you), their nuances, that stands out more than others. Every trainer and every dog guardian connects … Read More
Egos, Choices and Mirrors
‘Its just behavior’ she says! Working with dogs for many years, I’ve experienced allot of behavior that I could have taken personally. From humping, lunging, nipping and outright jaws clamping on my arm to ignoring me completely. Through all of it, I’ve never taken offense to these behaviors because dog behavior is neutral to me; its just behavior. My responsibility lies in how … Read More
Moving through the grief
Still moving through the grief of letting Sadie Mae go. 6 weeks since I’ve become dogLESS. Taking 1 day at a time as I’ve done with the passing of all my dogs. However, the most notable difference this time: no other dog to distract me. No excited greetings when I come through the door. No whining, shoe carrying, wiggly butt to … Read More
Puppy Nipping: Normal & Not Personal Pt.2
In my last post, I talked about how to get proactive to help yourself and your puppy get through the nipping stage that ALL puppies go through. This stage in a pups life is a very short one but getting through it can tax even the most patient person so setting yourself up for success just makes sense and involves … Read More
Puppy Nipping: Normal & Not Personal Pt. 1
Something you need to know before you get a puppy: They Bite! They can bite hard. It can hurt. It can look like aggressive behavior (its not). It can be very frustrating if your not prepared and ready for it. Whether you call it nipping or biting, the fact is that all puppies do it. Some nip harder than others but … Read More
Brain Games
My favorite exercise for dogs is engaging them mentally. In addition to exercise and spending some time together outside, the ‘find it’ game engages Sadie Mae in a deeper way on our walks. I use a treat or ball or a stick as the object(s) to search and find. I also use brain stimulating games in the house. These are … Read More
My feature in Kelowna’s IN FOCUS
I was featured in the Kelowna on line magazine “In Focus” January 2, 2014. Click on our photo to find out more about me, Catherine Adams.