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Editor’s Picks

Keeping the Welfare of Your Best Friend at the Forefront of Dog Training


calm: [adjective] not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.  Note that the dictionary definition of calm includes what a human or animal is feeling, not just the outward behaviors. Dogs are sentient beings, and research on brain activity and behavior shows clearly that they experience the same emotions that we do—they love, they fear, they seek enrichment and happiness.  Knowing this, I was deeply disturbed by a video from a shock collar trainer, demonstrating how crate anxiety (and associated whining and pawing) can be “cured” with one of… Continued

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What to Look for in a Pet Care Professional–Part 1


This post is the first in a series of articles designed to assist pet care consumers with selecting an appropriate professional to care for and help them with their pets. In this article, I will answer the question, “What is a professional?” I will also discuss the importance of working under a Code of Technical and Ethical Standards developed by acknowledged experts in pet care. What is a Professional? Almost all professions follow the attributes listed under the heading “A Professional Will:” Many different professionals work in pet care. They… Continued

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Latest Articles

Book Review: Zoodle Needs Some Space by Anastasia Gargiulli


Zoodle Needs Some Space is a delightful children’s book that sheds light on the challenges facing reactive dogs, and on the importance of being empathetic and understanding of how reactive dogs experience fearful situations. Author Anastasia Gargiulli, is an early childhood education teacher and passionate advocate for dogs with special needs.   The story centers around Zoodle, a happy dog who loves her family and her ball. However, Zoodle becomes worried and anxious on walks, leading her to display defensive behaviors, such as barking, in hopes of attempting to scare away potential… Continued

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Keeping the Welfare of Your Best Friend at the Forefront of Dog Training


calm: [adjective] not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.  Note that the dictionary definition of calm includes what a human or animal is feeling, not just the outward behaviors. Dogs are sentient beings, and research on brain activity and behavior shows clearly that they experience the same emotions that we do—they love, they fear, they seek enrichment and happiness.  Knowing this, I was deeply disturbed by a video from a shock collar trainer, demonstrating how crate anxiety (and associated whining and pawing) can be “cured” with one of… Continued

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What to Look for in a Pet Care Professional–Part 1


This post is the first in a series of articles designed to assist pet care consumers with selecting an appropriate professional to care for and help them with their pets. In this article, I will answer the question, “What is a professional?” I will also discuss the importance of working under a Code of Technical and Ethical Standards developed by acknowledged experts in pet care. What is a Professional? Almost all professions follow the attributes listed under the heading “A Professional Will:” Many different professionals work in pet care. They… Continued

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Am I a Pack Leader…or a Human?


I was a dog lover long before becoming a professional dog trainer, and when a television program first aired about dog training and behavior, on a major network that I trusted, I began watching episodes with the intent of learning more about dogs.  Conflict and Competition The essence of the TV program seemed to be founded on something called “dominance theory” and the personal charm of the star. What I heard throughout each episode were references to humans having to be the dominant pack leader to offset a dog’s inclination… Continued

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Without Eyes to See: Adventures with My Blind Puppy


Dogs and humans are both very visual species. We rely on body language so much to understand the context and communication of the world around us. I can’t even begin to imagine what it would feel like not to have any sight, and for my other senses to be heightened to compensate for it. For my dog Jellyfish, that’s exactly how it is, and yet he is the happiest, most excited little man that I have ever met. Jellyfish loves life. Puppy Basics When I adopted him from the nearby… Continued

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