Barks Blog

A PPG Member Profile featuring Pet Professional Guild Australia member, Andrea Carne of Cattitude in Cradoc, Tasmania     Andrea Carne is a feline behavior consultant who owns and operates Cattitude in Cradoc, Tasmania, Australia   Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you first got into animal behavior and training and what you are doing now?                           I was working as a vet nurse at an animal shelter and became interested in how the shelter animals could be happier if we tried to meet their behavioral needs. The certified… Continued

This article reviews the just-published Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook by Linda Michaels   By Katherine Porter From pet parents to pet professionals, rejoice for a new paradigm in dog training behavior modification! The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook by Linda Michaels is groundbreaking. As the primary starting point, Michaels synthesizes scientific research into practical guidance in addressing our pet dogs’ behavior concerns through meeting our dogs’ real needs. She peels back the layers of understanding, not only how our beloved dogs learn, but… Continued

This article provides advice on how to keep young children engaged in the family dog training process By Veronica Boutelle   Q: Dear dogbiz, I love working with different clients and figuring out what best fits their learning style. Yet I always feel a bit stumped when working with young children! Recently I had a session with a family and their new puppy to address some biting and mouthing issues. While the children were excited to be there, they were easily distracted and I didn’t feel my explanations were really landing.… Continued

This article sets out steps you can take to help ensure a smooth introduction between your human-reactive dog and your new partner, as well as their extended family By Gail Radtke Sudden life changes can bring both many rewards and challenges. I’ve had the opportunity the past few years to share my experiences by writing about the journey that my three dogs and I have been on. This experience is a deeply personal one that I felt I really needed to share, as I am sure there are many people… Continued

This article examines a recent study that explores the downside of laser light pointers in feline play and outlines alternative toy and puzzle choices to ensure cats have the opportunity to complete the hunting sequence By Andrea Carne Laser light pointers are commonly found in pet stores and veterinary clinics worldwide. They remain an extremely popular toy with cat owners of all age. And yet, many cat behavior consultants generally discourage the use of them. Why? Well, the simple answer lies in the idea that the incessant chasing of the… Continued

This article looks into a dog’s varied emotional states associated with doors and provides three strategies for training or managing a door-dashing pup to ensure they stay calm and safe By Karen Baragona If you come to my house, brace yourself. You walk up the stairs, ring the doorbell. Suddenly…the shrieking of a hundred banshees? Maybe an exorcism in progress? Or fiery-eyed, froth-mawed Cerberus guarding the gates of Hades? Nope. It’s my people-loving hound Huckleberry going freakshow crazy at the front door. Sometimes trainers’ own dogs can make people doubt our… Continued

This article discusses the use of Livestock Guardian Dogs to protect livestock predation, with the aim of reducing and, ultimately, preventing a reliance on baiting, trapping and shooting of predators through the introduction of a more science-based approach and a better understanding of the breed By Erin Williams Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) traditionally live alongside livestock in agricultural regions throughout the world. These dogs have been specifically bred to protect livestock from predation, and sometimes from stealing. Traditionally, and still to this day, they play a very important role in… Continued

This article explains why shouting “NO” at your dog is ineffectual and counterproductive, and outlines what you can do instead By Karen Baragona It’s almost a reflex. There goes Rover, in hot pursuit of the cat, or gnawing on the sofa, or slurping at your dinner plate, or barking threats at squirrels…and we just need it to STOP, so we shout “NO!” Then one of several things happens: The behavior pauses for a split second, then resumes. Or, if you have a “soft” dog whose feelings are easily bruised, he’ll… Continued

This article sets out tips for how owners of blind dogs can ensure their canines get to live their best possible lives, with a focus on the needs of each individual dog By Deb Bauer The number one question that comes up when a dog becomes blind is whether the dog will have any quality of life. Whether a dog is born this way or develops blindness later in life, people are always very concerned about the dog being able to be happy and live a good life. Many people… Continued

This interview features Lutz, Florida-based trainer Angelica Steinker explaining how she discovered that her new puppy Particle was visually impaired, and outlining the environmental and management adjustments she has made to ensure he can still live his life to the fullest By Susan Nilson Puppy parent, professional dog trainer, and agility and dock diving specialist Angelica Steinker, founder and president of the Courteous Canine in Tampa, Florida, found herself with an unexpected challenge when she realized her newly adopted border collie puppy, Particle, was having issues with his vision. Steinker… Continued

This article explains how a speech language pathologist uses therapy dogs in her practice to help clients improve their interpersonal and communication skills, build self-esteem and self-worth, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation By Dr. Jane Remington-Gurney Introduction In the literature of journal articles, news stories and websites, animals are often reported to have the ability to improve the well-being of people. Components of well-being include improved interpersonal and communication skills, sense of purpose and motivation, fine motor skills, strength and balance, self-esteem, and self-worth plus a reduction in… Continued

This article delves into the differences of opinion regarding the philosophical approach and structure toward pet training and highlights the need for trainers – and pet owners – to be cognizant of what an animal is communicating, their emotional state, and to understand how and why they are reacting or responding to a specific situation or context By Susan Nilson and Niki Tudge Significantly, there is no consensus across the pet industry with regards to the suitability and appropriateness of the different best practice models. In 2012, the Pet Professional… Continued

By Dr. Marina Bayeva Dear Supporters, I am happy to bring you the latest update for the Help Animals Survive the War in Ukraine fundraiser – both the big picture and the individual shelter updates. Highlights include: Animals finding new homes even during the war Expanding capacity by building new enclosures to take in even more animals Kitten and puppy season and the need for more spay/neuter access Delivering food all over Ukraine for animals on the streets, in home shelters, and beyond A brand new wood-burning stove to cook for… Continued