Leadership Basics
A simple guide to regaining your dog's respect in pleasant, non-confrontational ways.by Suzanne ClothierThere are three basic aspects to leadership: - Control of or undisputed access to resources -...
View ArticleRelationship Centered Training
Key points of keeping the relationship central to all you do with your dog.by Suzanne Clothier When your approach to training is "relationship based" this means the relationship is always the central...
View ArticleThat Darned Dominance Debate
Dog trainers often have a very hard time clearly defining what they mean by "dominance." Many oddly state that they refuse to "even believe” in the concept, as if it were something equivalent to...
View ArticleThe 3 P's: Does Your Dog Need Medication?
When I was a young trainer, there were no veterinary behaviorists. There were no pyschotherapeutic medications. There were tranquilizers and sedatives, sure. Acepromazine was often the drug of choice....
View ArticleDog is in the Details
One trainer wrote: “A dog who puts its feet on you, a dog who seems to like pinning you down in your chair with its head on your lap is not being affectionate but rather treating you like a member of...
View ArticleIf Only That Hadn't Happened, This Dog Would Be Fine
Why are some dogs shy? fearful? nervous? aggressive? irritable? unfriendly? difficult to train? clingy? unable to be left alone? People have many explanations for why dogs act as they do. Sometimes the...
View ArticleConnection & Control
Control is not always about connection, but connection is what makes control possible. Connection is about two minds working together. If the connection is not there between you and your dog, you will...
View ArticleThe Habit of Excellence
I admire excellence in any field, whether the excellence is shown in amazing cakes or handpainted silk jackets, in being able to fix almost anything mechanical (thank you, dear husband, for possessing...
View ArticleEthical Considerations in Animal Assisted Therapy
Ethical Considerations in Animal Assisted Therapy: Potential Potholes and the Road AheadGuest author: Kirby L. Wycoff, Psy.D., NCSPFrom Reading Education Assistance Dogs, to Autism Support Dogs, and...
View ArticleStop Poking Grandma! What's Fair Between Older Dogs & Puppies
SCENE: Older woman with a brace on her knee, a cane nearby, and a big jar of arthritis pills clearly visible on the chairside table. She is clearly uncomfortable as she keeps waving away the child who...
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