Getting to know your dog as an individual means learning who they are beneath the labels of “good,” “bad,” “obedient,” or “stubborn.” Every dog has their own genetics, nervous system, social preferences, coping skills, sensitivities, motivators, and communication style. The more we observe without assumption, the more clearly we can see the dog in...
Recently, I’ve been in conversations with dog handlers in the sport world, and one question keeps coming up: how would I use positive methods to teach an “out” for a high-drive dog? For anyone unfamiliar, an “out” simply means teaching the dog to release a bite on an arm sleeve or bite suit. Many...
It seems that the new definition of a “good” dog has shifted into one who can do it all—be social, show excitement, move easily through crowds, patios, breweries, parks, and busy environments without hesitation. And when a dog doesn’t fit that picture, we’re quick to assume there’s a problem that needs to be fixed....