Some debates are timeless, spanning decades and centuries. One debate where there’s no denying the waters run deep is Nature VS Nurture and which might be driving behaviour. Trying to discern the role of both when sharing time and space with beings of the 4-legged variety can be astounding when…

You’ve heard us say it many times I’m sure: training mode is a hoax! That’s because dogs are ALWAYS learning. They don’t shut off when the bell rings for recess. Their existence and experiences will mould their behaviour. They are learning ALL of the time! Does that sound exhausting? We’ve…

I often use the analogy with my students that training skills in the face of distractions is akin to trying to learn calculus on a roller coaster at Disney World. It would take a very seasoned math whiz to be able to focus on math during SUCH exciting times. The…

A single dog in the home will act one way. 2 dogs in the home will change things a bit. 3 or more and you’re dealing with a whole other set of dogdom rules — this is the point you’ll really see a need for management in a multi-dog household! …

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve had time to write and I’ve missed it very, very much. We’ve been so busy with COVID related concerns, that it’s taken a back seat, but I was inspired this morning when answering daily questions in our Puppy Essentials Online Training program. There…

Right, so you brought home your gorgeous new pup, ready with your plan to train and socialize…. and then, the sh!t hit the fan! First, some commiseration. This can’t feel good for those of you with young pups right now, but I’d like to reassure you that it’s really not…

I was really hoping NOT to have to write this post, but as I sit here in the same state of shock and confusion as I’m sure most of you are in, it’s become painfully obvious that an end to this is not coming in a mere week…. We know…

The world needs more ACRONYMS, don’t you think?! I always find them helpful for remembering ordered steps, so coming up with one to help dog owner STOP unwanted behaviour was important. …

Bribe VS Reward — how to successfully teach a skill using food without making your dog dependent on it! Dog Bribe = relying on showing your dog food in order to get a response. What’s the problem? …