This is the first in our series about conditioning. Counter-conditioning is an essential part of working with dogs with fear, anxiety and reactivity issues. Rather than suppressing a behavior such as fear biting through aversive methods, I work to remedy the fear itself. Let’s say you have an intense fear of snakes—so much so...

During a recent Saturday night downtown with friends, I noticed a couple walking their Bernese Mountain Dog. I watched as this couple was stopped over and over again so people could pet their dog. While I continually preach the importance of socialization, I could see this dog was clearly overwhelmed. As I watched, the...

Dog ownership looks different than it did in decades past. Dogs are more than pets; they are our family members. Because the public is beginning to recognize dogs as an integral part of many families, dogs are now permitted in many places where they were not previously. It’s important we teach our dogs how to behave...