One of the first changes I make when working with a new client is I have them switch from bowl feeding to hand feeding. To a lot of people, it can seem like a tedious switch to make (aka a lot more work!) but there are so many advantages to adopting this routine with your dog. First of all, hand feeding reinforces a leadership dynamic and teaches your dog that all good things in life come through you. This has nothing to do with outdated ideas about the domination/submissio

If you’ve stepped into the world of dog training and taken a look around, even briefly, you’ve probably noticed that there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the various training methods. Perhaps one of the most controversial of these methods is the E-collar, also known as a shock collar or remote collar. This device would fall into the category of aversive/punishment-based training methods. Essentially, the dog learns to be obedient in an effort to avoid something

When I first began training dogs and learning about training methods, it was very common to hear things like "say as little as possible", "don't use words, use your energy" and "the more you say, the more confused the dog will be". There was a time when I even followed this (misguided) advice. And let me tell you from experience....it ain't workin! The notion that words (aka COMMUNICATION) do not belong in dog training is a popular and prevalent one. But when you actually thi

Q: This question comes from one of my wonderful clients (shout out to Heather!! <3). She adopted an older dog recently who didn't have much training, but is the sweetest pup and quite smart! Leda picked up basic commands very quickly but seems to require a big pay day in order to perform. Heather asks - how do I get my dog to comply with commands without food in my hand? A: The issue you are having with the food is very common and that is why it is important to phase out

One of the most common problems I see among dog owners is the issue of how to get their dog to pay attention to them. You can be the best trainer in the world, but if a dog won't look at you, who cares? Here are some tips on how to engage your dog and make training much simpler. 1. Be something that your dog WANTS to look at. Easier said than done? Quite possibly. But it's so important to remember that we are always competing with the environment for our dog's attention

St. Petersburg is a very dog friendly city, and it offers a ton of fantastic options for walking and exercising your dog. Here are a few of my favorites! 1. Fort De Soto Dog Beach: A day at the beach will give most dogs a ton of fun and a huge energy drain - it's a win-win for both of you. This dog beach is not only beautiful but also well kept and clean. There is an on-leash dog park here, but dogs are allowed to play off leash on the beach. How about an afternoon swim

Are you feeling restless? Do you need more fun in your life? Do you feel like you're losing that spark that you once had? When was the last time you laughed together...REALLY laughed together? I'm talking about you and your dog, of course! Daily play time is essential for your dog, but it doesn't have to be boring for you. Hide-&-go seek is one of my all time favorite games to play with dogs...and here's why! 1. It helps cultivate a killer Sit-stay. This game involves p

Separation anxiety is a fairly common problem for today's modern dog. There are many factors that contribute to this specific form of anxiety, and it is an issue that typically takes a lot of persistance in fully resolving. If your dog is suffering from moderate to severe seperation anxiety, I would strongly advise you to seek the help of a professional. For mild cases, or for the sake of prevention, here are some tips to help ease the symptoms of this problem. 1. No big

Here are 10 things that you can do to help your dog achieve optimal health and improve behavior. 1. Double your exercise. Whatever the amount of exercise your dog is currently getting - double it! Exercise is one of the best ways to improve behavioral issues and keep your dog healthy and active. Go for a long hike, play a game of frisbee or take a run, just get 'em moving! 2. Improve nutrition. I highly encourage my clients to read pet food labels carefully, and choose

Dog's don't bite without good reason, and the key to preventing dog bites is proper education and a thorough understanding of what causes them in the first place. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe. As we know, dogs cannot communicate with us through words. Instead, they communicate through body language, vocalizations and if necessary, with their mouth. Whenever a dog bite occurs, you can bet that the dog gave fair warning first with his body languag