Compulsive Eating in Dogs
By Maureen Tay Also known as compulsive eating disorder, compulsive eating is a disorder where a dog tends to eat everything – from food items to non-food items. The specific practice of eating non-food, non-nutritive substances, such as wool or paper, is known as pica. Stool eating (coprophagia) can also be categorized under pica. Common among Puppies Puppies are curious animals. They eat just about anything they can find, including things that are inedible. Puppies love to investigate their surroundings. An excellent way to do this is for… Continued
Training a Blind Dog
By Miki Saito Unfortunately, even knowledgeable and experienced trainers sometimes hesitate when it comes to working with a blind dog. It is as if they consider the dog’s blindness an obstacle that cannot be overcome. Since blindness cannot be changed, this mindset can lead trainers to believe that these dogs cannot be trained but this is, of course, untrue. The dog’s blindness does not inhibit training. His emotional state, however, may be preventing him from having a positive learning experience. As explained by Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz at the Clicker… Continued
From the Editor
Welcome to our new-look BARKS from the Guild! We’ve taken BARKS completely digital to provide you, the reader, a more seamless and user-friendly experience. No more navigating or downloading PDFs (although we will still be providing some special educational PDFs for PPG members) – just lots of easily accessible and shareable content that we will be updating regularly. The format may be different but we still have the same top-level educational and informative content thanks to our loyal band of regular contributors who, as always, are delivering in spades. Get… Continued
Developing Connections with Our Horses
This article discusses the importance of spending time with our horses, getting to know and understand each other, and strengthening the mutual bond, in addition to the time we spend training and working with them By Kathie Gregory Many of us who share our lives with horses spend a lot of time and thought thinking about how to approach our training exercises and management practices. As such, our thoughts tend to focus on what we want to do and how we are going to achieve it. As… Continued
Can’t Find the Right Dog Trainer? Become One Yourself!
PPG Member Profile featuring Pet Professional Guild member Kim Jukes, owner of People & Pups, located in Waco, Texas, USA Kim Jukes became a certified dog trainer when she couldn’t find the right trainer to help her reactive rescue dog. Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you first got into animal behavior and training and what you are doing now… There were a lot of things that brought me to becoming a trainer. About four years ago, I adopted a rescue dog that was highly… Continued
BARKS Podcast with the PPG Advocacy Panel: Discussion #8 – When and How Should We Advocate for Outdoor Pets?
When and How Should We Advocate for Outdoor Pets? Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on When and How Should We Advocate for Outdoor Pets? Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format. Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: Kristi Benson, PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther, Dr. Laura Donaldson, and Dr. Kristina Spaulding. Listen to the Podcast here on a choice of platforms. Or simply click ‘Play’ below. … Continued
My Animal Is Not Food Motivated – AT ALL! [Your 9-point motivational checklist]
By Ryan Cartlidge Have you ever wanted to train an animal that was ‘not food motivated’? This challenge is something I have often heard people tell me over the years! And I always think to myself, “does your animal eat?” If the answer is ‘yes’, I’m curious if we can say it’s not food motivated. An alternative way to describe these animals could be to say, ‘they’re potentially not motivated by the kind of food you are offering, the way you are offering it and/or the context you are… Continued
BARKS Podcast with Claire Staines of Lothlorien Dog Services
Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Claire Staines of Lothlorien Dog Services in Scotland, UK. Listen as they discuss bringing home a new puppy – the trials and tribulations…and so much more! Listen to the Podcast with Claire Staines on your choice of platforms. Or just stay on this page and click ‘Play’ below. About Claire Staines Claire Staines is an accredited professional canine trainer, a Victoria Stilwell professional dog trainer, and a mentor and faculty advisor for the Victoria Stilwell… Continued
BARKS Podcast with the PPG Advocacy Panel: Discussion #7: How Do We Advocate for Inclusivity and Diversity?
How Do We Advocate for Inclusivity and Diversity? Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on How Do We Advocate for Inclusivity and Diversity? Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format. Your Moderator: PPG President Niki Tudge Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: PPG Canine Committee Chair Judy Luther, Dr. Zazie Todd, PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Angel Rowe, Ruby Welsford, Lorena Patti, K. Holden Svirsky, Dr. Kristina… Continued
BARKS Podcast with Valarie Ross from Sits ‘n Wiggles R+ Dog Training: February 18, 2022
Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with Valarie Ross of Sits ‘n Wiggles – Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Cleveland, Ohio. Listen as they discuss gear, reactive behavior in dogs, inclusivity and diversity in pet-related professions, important cues to teach every dog…and so much more! Listen to the Podcast with Valarie Ross on your choice of platforms. Or just stay on this page and click ‘Play’ below. About Valarie Ross Valarie Ross is the co-owner of Sits ‘n Wiggles – Positive Reinforcement… Continued
Aggression from Hearing Impairment?
By Morag Heirs As any reputable behavior consultant will tell you, all animals presenting with a behavior problem should first be checked by a vet. As behavior consultants, we work on veterinary referral for a number of reasons. Firstly, we want to be sure that the problem is not a symptom of an underlying medical condition and, secondly, we may need to collaborate with the veterinary professionals if medication or supplements are needed to support the behavioral therapy. Sometimes we might receive a referral where the examining veterinarian has decided… Continued
A Positive Exchange
By Cecelia Sumner One of my general observations about dogs is they are not good at sharing. From a canine point of view, attention, food, toys, even a comfortable resting place might be worth protecting from encroachment. And, the encroachers might be any species, humans, canines or even felines can be subject to threats or attacks by a dog determined to retain a coveted item or location. When I was a child, my parents always cautioned me about approaching a dog when he was eating. As an adult, I can… Continued
Running in Circles
By Jane Gerard It is often stated that the relinquishment of dogs to animal shelters in Europe and the US is largely due to behavior issues (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, 2008; Miklósi, 2007). I am saddened but not surprised by this. As a trainer I have witnessed it many times. Perhaps around half my clients have adopted rescue dogs and they often present with behavior issues. With behavior modification and training these can eventually be extinguished in many cases, but it takes time and commitment. If a shelter… Continued
BARKS Podcast with the PPG Advocacy Panel: Discussion #6 – What Does Pet Industry Licensing Look Like?
What Does Pet Industry Licensing Look Like? Join the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel for a discussion on What Does Pet Industry Licensing Look Like? Pet guardians and pet professionals, listen as panel members share their expertise in a fun, free-flowing format. Your Moderator: PPG Advocacy Committee Chair Don Hanson Your Advocacy Panel for this discussion includes: PPG president Niki Tudge, K. Holden Svirsky – PPG Shelter & Rescue Committee, Aaron Jones – PPG Inclusivity Committee, Monique Williams – PPG Equid Committee, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez, Laurie Williams, Pat Miller, Linda Michaels, and Sam Wike. Listen to the… Continued
The Art, Science and Ethics of Using Decoy Dogs
By Yvette Van Veen Learning to work with a reactive, anxious or fearful dog is a challenging process. Dog owners especially struggle. They must learn new skills and execute them correctly, while working with a difficult, if not dangerous, dog. In such situations, owners are often robbed of the opportunity to begin basic skills with an easy dog. It is not an ideal way for anyone to learn. Decoy dogs are one way in which we, as behavior consultants, can create some flexibility. Rather than honing skills during chance encounters… Continued
BARKS Podcast with Cynophobia Specialist Stefani Cohen: January 21, 2022
Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther as they Chat and Chuckle with licensed clinical social worker Stefani Cohen, about cynophobia, aka fear of dogs. Stefani helps dog lovers and dog trainers understand more about the fear of dogs, as well as how to help both others overcome their fear. In 2020, she published her book, Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs, which is a step-by-step guide for parents based on exposure therapy using a live dog. Listen to the Podcast with Stefani Cohen on your choice of… Continued
The Rollercoaster of Reactivity
By Mary Jean Alsina Leash reactivity can be one of the most common (and embarrassing) problems dog owners deal with on a daily basis. It is also one of the most requested behavioral issues I work on with clients. Disapproving glances from passersby, the constant feeling of being out of control, and not having a grasp on how to address the behavior are all concerns for owners of leash-reactive dogs. Dogs may react poorly when on leash for a variety of reasons, which can include fear, excitement, pent-up energy or… Continued
BARKS Podcast with Dr. Karen Becker, Author of ‘The Forever Dog’: January 14, 2022
Join Niki Tudge and PPG Canine Committee chair Judy Luther for a very special Chat and Chuckle with Dr. Karen Becker. Dr. Becker is discussing her New York Times bestseller, The Forever Dog – Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier, and Longer!, co-authored with Rodney Habib. Listen to the Podcast here on a choice of platforms. Or simply click ‘Play’ below. About Dr. Karen Becker Dr. Karen Becker has spent her career as a small animal clinician, empowering animal guardians to make intentional lifestyle decisions to enhance the… Continued
The Art and Science of Consent Testing
By Angelica Steinker Consent testing is the process of observing a dog’s body language to see if he is fine with whatever environmental change has been presented to him. It can be used informally or formally. Informal use would be during play or social interactions, when two dogs or a dog and a human are interacting. All the tester needs to do is observe if each party wants to interact. Formal consent testing is when a situation is staged and whereby the tester determines the dog’s desire to interact or… Continued
The Art of Teamwork
By Gail Radtke In a previous article I wrote about how my dog, Lanie, became a St. John Ambulance (SJA) therapy dog in British Columbia, Canada (see The Miracle Mutt, BARKS from the Guild, October 2014, pp. 36-39). Lanie was a year old at the time and had a beautiful, friendly temperament. A friend suggested that we apply to the SJA program and I thought it would be the perfect outlet for her natural abilities. Although Lanie and I had already done a great deal of obedience training at that… Continued
Animals: The Greatest Teachers of All
A PPG Member Profile featuring Anna Francesca Bradley, who owns and operates Perfect Pawz Training and Behaviour Practice in the northeastern part of the UK. Anna Bradley credits her own pets with kickstarting her whole career from a very early age. Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you first got into animal behavior and training and what you are doing now:: A: I was lucky enough to share my life with animals (horses to begin with) who, at that time, were given labels such as ‘difficult/stupid/bad’… Continued
Reinforcing Foraging
This article sets out the steps the author used to train Cricket, the lone quail, to step on the scale for weighing, and how she later applied the same protocol for training chickens and roosters As a certified parrot behavior consultant trainer, I have had the opportunity over the years to train many different companion birds, ranging from budgies to yellow streak lorikeets. So when the chance to train a quail came up, I could not say no. Quail Surrender to Rescue My local rescue contacted me one day to… Continued
A Stronger Partnership
To celebrate the recent launch of PPG’s Horses with Voices initiative, this article discusses how we can give our horses a voice, as well as build confidence and resilience, through motivation. We sometimes ask a lot of our horses when it comes training. We use training for many different purposes, including specific activities, daily routines, and just spending time together. If we practice an activity, whether we have the aim of competing or not, we train our horses to repeat exercises over and over again. Often, we expect them to… Continued
Ask the Experts: A Little Bit of Magic
PPG corporate partner dogbiz talks dog trainer cancellation policies and how to make them stick. Q: Dear dogbiz, I need to learn how to stand up for myself when clients try to break my policies. I find it really hard to enforce them in the moment. I’m tired of being a pushover, but I hate conflict and just never know what to say. Any magical tips? S.F. in Anaheim A: Well, S.F., I don’t know about magical, but I do have some tips. Before I share them, I want to say how… Continued
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