Predation and Dogs-Normalizing Behavior

One gorgeous summer morning, I watched from across the pool as a small grey bird fluttered down out of a tree and hovered just a few feet in front of my foster dog, Quinn. Quinn tilted her head to the side and froze for a brief moment before lunging forward and snatching it from the […]

Puppy Socialization and Vaccination – A Balancing Act

You’ve just picked up your beautiful, wriggling, sweet-smelling little puppy, and you are loving every second of it. You’ve got everything ready: chew toys, that perfect tiny collar, and of course, your pup’s first ever trip to the vet scheduled. First puppy visits to the veterinarian are fun and packed with information! Your vet will […]

Socialisation et vaccination des chiots – Une question d’équilibre

Vous venez d’aller chercher votre adorable petit chiot, tout frétillant et qui sent bon, et appréciez chacune des secondes passées en sa compagnie. Vous avez tout ce qu’il vous faut: des jouets à mâcher, un parfait petit collier, et bien sûr, son premier voyage chez le vétérinaire est déjà planifié. Les premières visites du chiot […]

Intensity Isn’t Bad

I am one of a small army of applied dog behavior people that fights against stuff every day.  Mainstays like the use of aversive stimuli (positive punishment and negative reinforcement) in dog training.  The absence of competence standards in dog training.  Breed-specific legislation.  Leadership leadership leadership.  And transient alarming trends such as don’t socialize puppies […]