This training tip is so simple it almost seems silly to write about it, but some dog owners might not realize how effective this positive training technique can be when training a new behavior. Leading your dog by the nose means you’re using your pup’s primary sense, his sense of smell, to motivate him to learn more quickly. What’s the … Read More
Is Your Dog Always Pulling on the Leash?
If you struggle with your dog pulling on the leash every time you take a walk, you’re not alone. It’s probably the most common problem dog owners complain about, especially for those people with larger dogs. I have to admit, I’ve been postponing writing this article for quite a while because it’s an issue that I’ve struggled with myself. But … Read More
Do You Hate Walking Your Dog in the Winter?
It’s okay, I’ll be the first one to answer that question. Yes! Sometimes I do hate going for walks with Haley when it’s bitterly cold and miserable outside. When the weather’s really nasty, we find other ways to exercise like some of the ideas I wrote about in my article, 12 Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog in the Winter. … Read More
Help! My Dog Has Selective Hearing
It’s fairly common to hear dog owners complain that their pup listens at home but not when they’re away from home or they might claim that their dog is stubborn, strong-willed or just plain dumb because he doesn’t always listen or follow commands. They say their dog has selective hearing. Yep, just when you’re feeling proud and confident with your … Read More
How Our Tone of Voice Affects Dogs
With all of the political talk about “tone” lately, I started thinking about how our tone of voice affects dogs and the various commands and messages we try to relay to them. I had to laugh when imagining how the current Republican and Democrat frontrunners would do if they attempted to teach a dog to sit. It might go something … Read More
How to Teach Your Dog the Down Command
Do you wish your dog would lie down and relax on command? Whether your dog is begging for food, obnoxiously sniffing or jumping on guests when they walk through the door or getting under your feet while you’re trying to cook dinner, sometimes you just want them to lie down and calm down for a little while. Once you teach … Read More
Is Your Dog Ready for Some Football?
What are you doing Thursday night? Why not join us for the kickoff of the NFL season opener at 8:30 pm EST on NBC. It’s the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the New England Patriots and as if you couldn’t tell yet, I’m a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan along with my entire family. Even though we’re living in Ohio now, our roots … Read More
Check Your Petiquette Quiz! – How’s Your Dog Etiquette?
I’ve been reading numerous articles lately about inconsiderate dog owners. All those rants and open letters made me realize that we focus a lot on how well our dogs behave, but not so much on how well we behave as dog owners. So, I’ve taken some common complaints and turned them into a quiz to see just how mannerly we … Read More
How to Train Your Dog to Walk Off Leash – A Hiker’s Guide
There’s only one thing that Haley loves more than playing with her basketball, and that’s going for an off-leash hike. The moment I let her loose, her eyes brighten, a smile spreads across her face and there’s a joyful bounce in her gait as she begins to connect with her wild, canine ancestors and become one with nature. She can … Read More
How to Teach Your Dog the Off Command
It’s amazing that some of the easiest commands to teach a dog can also be the most useful. Got a begging dog panting in your face? Is your dog about to roll in something nasty in the yard? Did you accidentally drop a pill on the floor but your pup thinks it’s a treat? Don’t worry, the Off command comes … Read More
