Want to see someone’s head explode? Use the terms “pack leader” or “dominant” at a clicker training convention. But is every person who worries about his dog dominating him really a bully? Teaching a Golden Retriever to be Submissive Honey’s breeder taught us a lot. We had long discussions about genetics and breeding …
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Stop Being Little Miss Perfect – Good for the Dog; Good for You
Honey has a lot of admirers on our walks. The runner who smiles when I sing out “with me” and Honey steps neatly off the pavement until he passes. The cashier who sees her waiting for me calmly when I stop to buy a newspaper at the store. And the local cat who is grateful …
Let Your Dog Build Your Vocabulary
I used to think I had a big vocabulary. But then I got a smart dog. Now it’s downright robust. You see, if I try to make plans with my husband to prepare her meal for a certain time, Honey gets ideas. Which means she starts barking for dinner after hearing the f-word—food. Some people …
What Makes Your Dog Happy?
Gift giving holidays have me asking myself one thing. No, not where can I buy the most Chinese-made crap for the most people for the least amount of money. It’s “what makes someone happy?” I spend a lot of time pondering that question before I decide what to buy or make someone for a gift. …
You Never Forget the Hard Dogs
Honey is an easy dog. You may need to remind me of that when she’s barking to go outside because she’s tired of waiting for her walk. Or when she refuses to go down the steps to pee unless I go with her, barefoot and in my bathrobe in sub freezing temperatures. I know how …
Don’t Know What to Do? Do Anything: Good for the Dog; Good for You
When A Dog Doesn’t Know What To Do Honey loves when I bring out the clicker and treats. Lately, I’ve been bringing them along on our walks. The other day, I saw a utility pole with a white band around it about three feet off the ground. I wondered if I could teach …
Unique Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers at Hanukkah
Post updated November 2017. Dogs light up our lives. If you’re celebrating the Festival of Lights, wouldn’t you want to include your dog? Here are some fun suggestions for Hanukkah gifts for dogs and the people who love them. Best of all, some of them won’t cost you a dime. Look for an (F) behind …
Honey Gets Dressed for Her Date
I wished I had captured it on camera. But I’ll try to describe it for you. As Honey and I walked down the stairs, I heard a noise outside. The mailman was just coming up the porch steps. Honey looked up and saw him through the front window. She ran over to the toy box …
Something Wagging Readers Are The Best – Follow Up Friday
Usually when I write for Something Wagging This Way Comes, I have a main idea. I write supporting sentences. I throw in some transitions. And it basically hangs together. But my friend Jodi from Heart Like a Dog let me off the hook by starting Follow-Up Friday. Now I can share everything I’ve wanted to tell …
A Pup For All Seasons
Your Turn: What’s your favorite puppy season?