Six Ways a Newsletter Can Help You Bark Up the Right Tree
by Veronica Boutelle As a dog trainer, you want a reliable way to connect with your clients, attract new ones, and promote your work. In our experience, there is no better marketing staple to achieve this than the humble newsletter. While social media platforms offer quick bursts of information, newsletters provide a unique opportunity to build deeper relationships, share expertise, and nurture a loyal client base. Here are six reasons to add a newsletter to your marketing toolkit: 1. The Personal Touch Most dog trainers today spend a lot of… Continued
Celebrating Life Together – The Votes Are In!
The Pet Professional Guild has announced the results of the public voting portion of the Community Outreach Competition! Thank you to all who participated in the PPG Advocacy Event and Community Outreach Competition – Raising Awareness for Humane, Ethical, and Effective Pet Training and Care! Whether you presented at or attended the Celebrating Life Together Virtual Educational Event (or purchase the conference recordings package), entered into the outreach competition, or voted for your favorite entry, by joining forces to be part of the solution, you helped provide the antidote to… Continued
Do’s and Don’ts: A Guide for Assistance Dog Trainers
by the Pet Professional Guild Assistance Animal Division Do Not Touch Someone’s Assistance/Service Dog Without Prior Consent You could distract the dog performing an alert or monitoring task. The dog could also become distracted and miss cues from the handler. You wouldn’t handle someone’s medical equipment, so please respect that an assistance dog is also a medical aid. Do Not Offer to Handle the Dog During Times of Training We need the handler to be confident and skilled in their handling. To work in tandem for the individual’s health is… Continued
Therapeutic Diets for Companion Animals—Is the Investment Justified?
By Sandra Grossmann A therapeutic diet, also called a prescription (Rx) diet, is one that is formulated to meet a specific need or to prevent a disease from reoccurring or getting worse. Pet owners can purchase therapeutic diets only via a licensed veterinarian, who must diagnose the disease and write a prescription. Do You Legally Need a Prescription? One major pet food company owns a patent for the name “prescription diet.” Competing pet food companies are forced to use a different name, for example, “therapeutic diet” or “veterinary diet,” to… Continued
The Four Pillars of Powerful Dog Training Packages
By Veronica Boutelle and Harriet Alexander As an R+ dog trainer, your role is so much more than teaching cues and marking behavior. You’re shaping lifelong relationships between dogs and their people. A key question we repeatedly hear at dogbiz is, “How can I motivate clients to keep going after the first training session?” One answer lies in revolutionizing your approach to training packages. If you haven’t already, it’s time to say goodbye to those quick consultations and scattered follow-ups. True behavior transformation comes from sustained, structured engagement. The more… Continued
Effective Desensitization
by Anna Bradley Desensitization is a tool used routinely in the behavioral rehabilitation of animals with many varied emotional responses, but primarily those centered around anxiety and fear. Several terms have in recent years become almost “bandied” about—used in regular discourse in doggy chat rooms, forums, social boards, social media groups and the like, and desensitization is just one of them. The result is that, while professionals use the technique as it should be applied, it can be less well understood, so its effectiveness “watered down” or even completely incorrectly… Continued
Variations Within Disabilities
Never be afraid to ask a client how you can best support them! by the Pet Professional Guild Assistance Animal Division When working with someone who has a disability, it’s important to acknowledge their limits within that disability. Those limits will vastly vary, even with individuals with the same diagnosis, so it’s imperative to have a conversation with that person to understand exactly what their limits may be. But what about when those limits seem to change? What if they were able to do something two days ago during your… Continued
Escape-Proof Crates: If They Sound Cruel, It’s Because They Are
by Gwendy Williams Many of us have been taught to embrace the benefits provided by crating dogs. It is why many animal caregivers avoid reading articles like this one. We don’t want to question something that has become customary and acceptable, even when we know instinctively that it’s not. Crates for dogs are, indeed, needed. However, the times that they are truly necessary account for a tiny fraction of how pervasively crates are used. When we force our dogs into isolation for extended periods of time, the discomfort we cause them is clear. They let us know. Their scratching and howling are signs of emotional states that are difficult to misinterpret, even for first-time pet owners. Dogs crying and clawing at the walls of… Continued
Celebrating Life Together – Our Pets Share Our Lives, and Never for Long Enough!
I recently lost my Kitty Kat; it gave me pause, as always when we lose a pet. We flashback to all the memories, laughs, and lovely moments we shared over the years. I sat in a quiet location as my tears subsided and flashed back to how she came into my life. I have not yet reached the point where I can think back fondly with a smile; the pain is still too raw. But what I can do is reflect on our time spent together, our reinforcement history, the… Continued
Help! I’m a Dog Trainer, but I Don’t Have the “Perfect Dog”
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for dog trainers who may feel insecure about not having the “perfect dog.” Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, Last year I became a certified dog trainer, and I’m now building my business. The problem is—my own dog still struggles with behavior challenges, and people seem to assume I should have the “perfect dog.” It often leaves me feeling unsure and like an imposter. I know I’m doing my best, but how can I overcome this insecurity? Thanks, Emma A: Hi Emma,… Continued
Shelter Dog Reactivity in the Big City: Daisy’s Success Story
Dogs living in a big city may face big challenges related to their environment and the expectations placed on them. As a long-time shelter worker and dog trainer, I’ve seen countless leash-reactive dogs enter the system who are ill-equipped to cope with life in a sprawling metropolis like San Francisco, where I live, and that includes two of the three dogs I’ve adopted myself. Those of us embroiled in sheltering and canine behavior modification may be familiar with the common refrain, “He just needs a backyard/farmland/island of his own and… Continued
Meet Kim Monteith of the British Columbia SPCA
Kim prioritizes the well-being of both animals and people in her work. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you first get into animal behavior/training or pet care, and what you are doing now? With over 25 years in animal behavior and pet care, my journey began with a pet-sitting business and then volunteering at the British Columbia SPCA in various roles, including trainer and dog walker, which ultimately led to a paid position as an animal care attendant. During this time, I also had the opportunity to… Continued
Prescription and Veterinary Diets–Are They Medicine? Are They Worth the Added Cost?
by Don Hanson Pet foods sold as “prescription” or “veterinary” diets are typically promoted as treating medical issues like skin allergies, kidney disease, cancer, and more. They usually are much more expensive than regular dog food. For example, an 18.7 lb. bag of one company’s kidney diet sells for $104, while a 15 lb. bag of its regular dog food costs $46, half the price of the “prescription” diet. These alleged medical diets are often sold by veterinarians or outlets that will only sell you the food if you provide… Continued
Say Goodbye to Cash Flow Woes: Expert Tips for Managing Your Training Business Income
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for managing cash flow for your training business. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, I’ve recently started my own dog training business (woot woot!), but I’m finding it challenging to feel safe about the money part. It feels like a big adjustment after having a regular paycheck for most of my career, and my income is now up and down every month. Any tips on how to navigate this aspect of the business and avoid getting cold feet? Thanks, Ryan A: Hi… Continued
When Kindness Hurts: The Importance of Self-Care for Behavior Professionals
by Anna Francesca Bradley When I first delved into the world of animal behavior over 20 years ago, there was very little, if any, emphasis on looking after oneself. The focus (and rightly so) was on clients’ well-being and doing one’s utmost to help both animal and human, and very little thought was given to the individual professionals who were throwing everything, their heart and soul, into that journey. Thankfully, awareness has changed. The Professional’s Role When I first thought about becoming a behavior modification and training professional, I did… Continued
Riff Raff: From Reactive to Relaxed
This article is the runner-up entry in the BARKS 2023 Summit Writing Competition! by Tasha Attwood Riff Raff is a 7-year-old entire (intact) male Leonberger who lives in a bungalow with his owners, Claire and Paul. They have had him since he was 8 weeks old, and he is the only pet in the household. Claire’s parents live in the house next door and have three Briards, two males named Bruce and Billy, and a female named Annie. The houses are separate but adjoined via a door in Claire and… Continued
The Surprising Similarities Between Dogs and Toddlers and How We Can Use Them to Make Us Better Pet Professionals
by Judy Luther In this post, I give a little insight into how dogs are much like toddlers when it comes to emotions and learning, and how teaching them like we teach toddlers can be so beneficial. It was 2016 and I was heading to session #2 with a client who had a new puppy. During the first session, the mom confided she felt like she made a mistake getting a puppy with a toddler in the house, and she was considering sending the puppy back to the breeder. When… Continued
UK Residents: Urgent Action Needed to Make a Kinder World for Pets
We have less than six months for UK citizens to get 100,000 signatures on this petition to ban electric shock collars for dogs and cats. Your signature attests, “I petition for the ban of electric shock collars due to the harmful effects they can have.” Five Reasons to Act Now: Inflicting Pain on Animals Is Unlawful Let’s explore European Animal Welfare laws, specifically the UK Animal Welfare Act of 2006, and its Five Freedoms, which are: Advocates believe the use of electric shock collars on dogs is inconsistent with animal… Continued
Are You Stuck in a Social Media Content Rut? Get Unstuck!
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for breaking through creative blocks and generating fresh social media content for your business. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, It’s only the start of the year, and I’m already struggling to come up with fresh content ideas for my social media accounts. It feels like I’ve hit a creative block, and I’m not sure how to break through it. Any tips on generating engaging content when inspiration seems to be running low? Thanks, Alex A: Hi Alex, Ah, yes, the constant… Continued
How to Get Feedback That Doesn’t Leave You Taken Aback
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for requesting and using valuable feedback from clients. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, I know getting feedback from clients can be a valuable way to improve my services, but I’m nervous about how to approach it. I worry about bothering them or receiving negative comments. What’s the best way to request and use feedback without making it awkward for everyone involved? Thanks, Charlotte A: Hi Charlotte, First, kudos to you for considering feedback as an essential part of your business… Continued
Tabby’s Transformation at the Shelter
by Tom Candy Tabby was a 3-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat who came to the shelter following a period of straying. Nothing else was known about her history. At the shelter, she was kept in an individual cat pen that measured 5 feet by 30 inches and was 30 inches high with a cover over the top. A raised bed was inside the pen, and food and water were located near the bed area. A litter tray was located on the far side of the cattery with a… Continued
Stubby’s Story: From Crossroads to Heart Dog
This article is the winning entry in the BARKS 2023 Summit Writing Competition! by Hannah Blumenfeld Stubby was born in western Texas in February 2020. He and his four littermates ended up in a small shelter and then spent three weeks in a foster home before being transported to a rescue in Portland, Oregon, in May 2020. His fosters in Portland had a full house—two adults, two teenagers, a 4-year-old male neutered English Mastiff, and a 4-year-old female spayed cat. They adopted Stubby as soon as his litter was cleared… Continued
Arizona Humane Society Hosts Pet Professional Guild’s Annual Summit to Promote Positive-Reinforcement Training
The partnership aims to positively impact the successful transition of rescued pets into their new homes while empowering and enhancing their welfare. The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) have partnered to host a summit featuring 25 world-class presenters from around the globe at the Arizona Humane Society’s Nina Mason Pulliam South Mountain Campus in Phoenix November 1-5. The “Homeward Bound” summit event will showcase the latest techniques in humane, ethical positive reinforcement–based training, helping both organizations reach their shared goal of ensuring that humane and… Continued
Creating Calm? Why Context Is Key!
by Anna Francesca Bradley When I first started my journey in training and behavioral therapy (with dogs), I must admit that initially my focus was quite narrow. I looked at what was right in front of me—the dog’s dislike of being touched, the fear of being left, the response to unfamiliar dogs in the park—and addressed it according to that behavior right there and then. Of course, I looked at antecedents of the behavior, possible inadvertent reinforcements, adverse events, and so on. However, although the notion fleetingly crossed my… Continued
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