Training & Management

It starts with a look. Then the dog puts his muzzle over Honey’s shoulder in a date-rapey “C’mon girl, you know you want it” gesture. And if Honey or I don’t act to stop it, the dog soon starts to mount her. I just want to know why the humans don’t tell their dog to keep …

I could count this as a dog training failure on many levels: I moved too quickly, didn’t test the behavior in a high distraction environment, and didn’t have a back up plan. But I think my biggest problem was forgetting that in dog training, feelings count too.

It happens every time. Responsible dog people take their dogs off to the side when we walk by. But the crazy people, the ones whose dog looks rabid at the end of their leash, think my dog wants to “meet” their dog. No freaking way.

She doesn’t bite her nails. Or twist her hair into knots. How can we tell if Honey, our dog, is stressed?

I would have found it cute if it wasn’t so darn frustrating. I called Honey to come to me. She just stood there and gave me a look that said, “I think not.” My “come” cue is poisoned. I need a new word to teach Honey to come to me when I call her. What …

As someone who has struggled with pulling dogs, I know what a big accomplishment it is to walk your dog with a loose leash. But once you master that advanced skill, what’s next? (This post contains affiliate links.)

Poor Honey. She’s always waiting for something. Waiting for the vet. Waiting for one of us to come out of the store. Waiting for us to stop talking to someone. What if we found special things to do while waiting with our dog?

My husband and I have talked a lot about authority lately. Especially about who will captain the boat. I don’t usually buy into what dominance trainers say. But are they right in one area? What would happen if Honey decided to captain the boat?

If I was only able to give one piece of advice to someone adopting a new dog or puppy it would be this: always teach your dog the things you know he or she will never need to know. Here’s why.