Author: amix
How To Say “No!” In Dog Language (Effectively)
It was only after several owners pointed out to me that I never say "No" to their dogs, that I even considered that fact. "Is it okay that I say 'No'?" they ask. "Does it work when you say [...]
Pain or Intimidation in Dog Training – Beware!
Everyone with any sense knows not to hit their dog. I recently contributed so-called "expert opinion" to an article explaining why. It ain't rocket science. Here's what I wrote. _________________ Hitting, or causing your dog pain or fear in [...]
Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts, Part V: The Big To-Do(s)
Canine Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts Part V: The Big To-Do(s) Finally, a few big "Dos" for your fearful or anxious dog: 1. Obedience exercises. Fearful dogs in trigger situations can be helped by giving them something else to focus [...]
Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts, Part IV: Avoiding Avoidance
Canine Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts Part IV: Avoiding Avoidance 1. Don't avoid! Don't cross the opposite side of the street when you spot your dog's arch-enemy coming your way; don't chart walks with your nervous dog on quiet mornings [...]
Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts, Part III: Building Trust
Canine Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts Part III: Building Trust 1. Don't kill yourself trying to figure out why your dog is afraid - or even of what in particular. When I began my training career I would take extensive histories of [...]
Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts, Part II: Leashing Up
Canine Fear/Anxiety Dos and Don’ts Part II: Leashing Up 1. Don't use a back-clip harness, unless your dog's physiology requires it for health/safety reasons. (Physiological reasons might include a weak trachea or injured back or neck.) A back-clip harness [...]
Canine Fear And Anxiety Dos and Don’ts, Part I
I recently had the privilege to speak at yet another fun and educational seminar from the good people at Brooklyn Bark and FIDO, on "Canine Fear and Anxiety". The title of my talk was "Dos and Don'ts". I've distilled [...]
To Tyson
Last week I cried as a sweet, peaceful, loving dog stopped breathing in my arms. Then I cried tears of joy, as I watched him come back to life. I'd traveled that day to Sheepshead Bay to work with [...]
Silly or Anxious? Dog Emotions and Viral Videos
Quite frequently, when someone shows me a "cute" animal video or photo on YouTube or Facebook, I don't react appropriately. Sometimes the clips or shots are funny, but often I interpret a sadder, more anxious, or more aggressive emotion [...]