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Tag: leash reactivity

On “Fixing” Behavior Problems: Reachable Goals and Wishful Thinking

On “Fixing” Behavior Problems: Reachable Goals and Wishful Thinking

As part of my job, I spend a fair amount of time talking on the phone with potential clients who are interested in scheduling a behavior consult.  We talk briefly about the dog’s issues, the owner’s main concerns, and how the consultation visit works. Most of these people are good owners who love their dogs, and genuinely want to know how to help them.  Not surprisingly, many of them are also somewhat desperate for a solution – a dog with…

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“Can I Pet Your Dog?” Why It’s Always Okay To Say No

“Can I Pet Your Dog?” Why It’s Always Okay To Say No

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely young border collie I’ll call “Sami.”  She was a beautiful example of a well-bred herding dog – quick, keenly intelligent, and fit and graceful at just over 12 months old. Her owner brought her in for a consultation with me because she was having, as she put it, “some issues with Sami around strangers.”  Things had seemed to be fine for the first few months after bringing Sami home…

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When Obedience Isn’t The Answer

When Obedience Isn’t The Answer

“Hello!” The voice on the line is earnest and cheerful.  “I’m calling to sign my dog up for obedience class, please.” Of course, I say.  We have new class sessions starting every few weeks, and we’d be happy to help her sign up.  I ask for a bit more information about her dog, and what skills she’s hoping to work on in class. “Well, he’s a nice dog.  I mean, he’s great with the family.  But whenever strangers come around,…

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Behavior Medication: First-Line Therapy Or Last Resort?

Behavior Medication: First-Line Therapy Or Last Resort?

Today, I want to shed some light on a sometimes confusing, often maligned topic in the field of dog training – namely, the use of medication to treat behavior problems. You may have strong opinions about this already, and that’s okay.  Many of my clients do.  My goal with this discussion is not to convince you of anything in particular, but simply to provide information and clarify some misunderstandings that I often see.  Medication may be an excellent, life-changing choice…

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From Crazy To Calm: A Training Plan For Leash Reactivity

From Crazy To Calm: A Training Plan For Leash Reactivity

Welcome back for today’s follow-up discussion on treating leash reactivity!  If you didn’t get a chance to read last week’s post on this topic, you can find it here. Today, I will be breaking down in detail how we approach this problem from a training perspective.  I’m excited to write this post because this issue is so common, and so incredibly frustrating for owners!  As I said last time, leash reactivity is one of my favorite problems to treat because…

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Why Does My Dog Act Like Cujo? Understanding Leash Reactivity

Why Does My Dog Act Like Cujo? Understanding Leash Reactivity

Picture this. It’s a beautiful summer morning.  You’re out on the sidewalk, leash and poop bags in hand, enjoying a peaceful stroll with your dog.  It’s early, still cool and gray.  Quiet.  The very best time to be out, before the world around you is awake. Your dog sniffs contentedly in the grass, finds a suitable place to pee.  Birds chirp.  A car passes, slow and lazy.  You glance up and down the street, ever watchful.  So far, so good….

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