Some dogs know just what we need before we even say it. Others don’t seem to understand what they knew just the day before. And what about you? Do you understand what your dog needs? Are you and your dog communicating? Take the quiz. 1. When it’s doggy dinner time, your dog (A) Is standing …
Training & Socialization
Something Wagging Train Your Dog (etc.) Challenge – We’re All Winners!
I am so excited. No, not because after two weeks of coughing I have stomach muscles that would be envied by a Navy Seal. I’m excited to see how people took up the training challenge to learning something new with their animal friends and to build their relationships. Challenge Champions You can read each of …
Something Wagging Train Your Dog Challenge – The Big Reveals
As we come to the end of Train Your Dog Month, I’m nowhere near my goal of making Honey comfortable with the Doggy Ride bicycle cart. And I feel very successful. The Method The Doggy Ride cart sits in the corner of our living room. We’ve removed the wheels to make it more steady. I’m …
A Two-Front War at the Train Your Dog Month Challenge
Honey is learning how tasty fun a bike trailer can be in celebration of Train Your Dog Month. My goal is for Honey to join me on a short jaunt in her Doggy Ride bike trailer by June. Front #1 – As slow as Honey dripping off a spoon When I announced my goal for Train …
The Problem of Patience – Train Your Dog Month Challenge
Dozens of you have already signed on to the Something Wagging Train Your Dog Challenge by leaving comments here and here. I’m excited and inspired to see what you’re hoping to do with your dogs (and guinea pigs and birds and cats) this month. I thought I’d show you my training challenge to inspire you …
The Lazy Person’s Guide to the Something Wagging Train Your Dog Challenge
I’m so excited you’re joining me in the Something Wagging Train Your Dog Challenge. But I see I haven’t persuaded everyone this can be an easy and stress-free challenge. Maybe it’s the word challenge that’s doing it. Should I call it the Train Your Dog Gentle Nudge? Or perhaps the Train Your Dog Non-Threatening Glance? …
Coping With a Reactive Dog and His Non-Reactive Person
When you know a neighborhood dog is reactive, you make allowances for his behavior. But what if his person isn’t reactive enough? The Un-Neighborly Dog If you’ve been reading Something Wagging for a while, you know I’m enchanted with dogs and the bonds we form with them. I even love the dogs I don’t like. …
Honey Returns to the Mall
Apparently allowing dogs into the mall is good for business. Spread the word. Socializing Honey at the Mall When Honey was ten weeks old, we attended the Pet Expo at the Shops at Ithaca Mall. A clean, safe area for socialization was just what she needed. Since then, we attended the Pet Expo in April …
Spreading the Gospel – Hearing Messages from Dog
A family with a beautiful, young German Shepherd sat at the picnic table beside us. “Bah!” “Bah!” I asked Mike, “Is that the same German Shepherd Honey was playing with at the dog park this morning?” “Bah!” Mike: “I don’t know. Does the guy have a French accent?” “Bah!” “Bah!” Pam: “I can’t tell. Maybe.” …
Socialization Never Ends – Honey Goes to the Mall
Last week I took Honey to the mall, for the second time. The first time was when she was ten weeks old. I’m not sure why the local mall decided to have a pet-friendly day but I’m glad they did. It’s a great chance for socialization. If you’re not familiar with the concept of socialization, …