Woofology - Trainers Academy, LLC - Dog Training and DayCare  


  
 

 

     
No Shock Collar Coalition
      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alpha Dog/Dominance?
The truth revealed! Click here

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study


Trainers Academy, LLC supports
The Yellow Dog Project
Click on the ribbon above to learn more.

Beyond Cesar Milan
is the single most comprehensive compilation of information found on the topic- written by some of the world's foremost experts in canine behavior and training, all warning of the dangers associated with the techniques depicted. An excerpt of a letter written to National Geographic by our President Lisa (Laney) Patrona, before the pilot episode aired in the summer of 2004, appears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woof's Training Tips & Behavior Resources 

Note: This page is arranged by category, not alphabetically.

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WARNING: The use of electric shock as a dog training tool (including "invisible"/electronic fencing) is NOT a safe choice for your beloved  companion.  There are plenty of very good reasons that entire countries around the globe like Germany, Denmark, Australia, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Wales have adopted laws banning their use!  Click Electronic Training Devices and http://www.banshockcollars.ca/ to learn more about the dangers, and why it's never a good idea! 

If you're considering electronic shock/invisible fencing, read this article by the President of Trainers Academy, LLC first:

Do you need more convincing?  Read this article from Dr. Jen Summerfield's Blog:

 

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Click Health & Safety Tips for links to important health & safety info.

Xylitol WARNING: Click http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/top-pet-toxins-2013 to visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center site, for a list of common household items that are very dangerous...even deadly to your dog. The ASPCA's site's information includes, but is not limited to warnings about Xylitol, a chemical that is routinely used in sugar-free human products, like sugar-free chewing gums.  If your dog ingests a product containing Xylitol in any amount, it is a veterinary emergency. Seek emergency help for your dog immediately! 


WARNING: Flea/tick preventives that can kill your dog or cat!!! Click here to see a video
 
Click Grooming Tips for information on helping your dog learn to accept and enjoy grooming processes - even nail trims!

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Dominance and the alpha dog MYTH

That's right...we said myth!  
Click here

Beyond Cesar Milan

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Puppy Issues & Housetraining (for older dogs too!) 


Click  Housetraining Tips  to find all of our resources for house training in one place, including  House training 101 , a free step-by-step guide to successful house training.

Click here for 
 Mouthing and Chewing Tips 

Help! Our puppy bites at feet, and pant legs!  Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93oyVd-bZwA for an effective (and positive!) way to deal with this problem! 

Proper (and Improper) Handling of Young Puppies
 

If your puppy (or adult dog) is growling when you pick him/her up, read this article 
This terrific article explains the reasons behind the growling. You'll also find tips and exercises to do 
with your dog, and a video example of how to pick up your puppy or small adult dog the correct way. 

An "aggressive" puppy??
 

Providing your puppy with broad-ranging, 
appropriate socialization opportunities is the single most important part of your job as a new puppy parent. Doing so decreases the likelihood of problems in the future - particularly fear-based behavior problems. Read 
 The Importance of Socialization and  http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/puppy-socialization-stop-fear-before-it-starts  to learn more, and get started! 

When should you get started socializing your new puppy?  Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Position Statement on Puppy socialization for their opinion:
 http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/puppy_socialization.pdf  

"Help! My puppy is "shy" and seems afraid of new people" 
It's crucial to allow a shy puppy to become completely comfortable with a new person, on their own terms.  Strangers/people she seems "shy" of, should completely ignore her so she can make her own choice, in her own time, to approach, or not. This will prevent her from becoming more "sensitive" and will make all the difference. See this article  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/how-to-socialize-your-puppy?page=all   The whole article is good, but pay special attention and follow the advice under the section heading "What to do if your puppy is shy".  Read more on the subject of fear in dogs (and pups!) at our  Fearful Dog Archive

My Dog is Scared of Everything
  Emphasizes the importance of an early (and properly executed!) socialization plan! 

Next, click  Checklist for Socialization  by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS for a guide to follow that will help you to keep track of the socialization bases you've covered  properly with your puppy, and which ones still need some work!

How to Find the Right Doggy Daycare   Be careful when selecting a daycare program for your puppy. Daycare places are not all created equal!  

Resource Guarding

This section provides information about the behavior known as resource guarding (characterized by a dog's defensive reaction i.e., stiffening,gobbling food/eating faster, growling, snarling, snapping) when in possession of a valued resource such as food, toys, chews, sleep/resting space, etc. It is a very common (and normal!) behavior in both adult dogs, and puppies. 


Watch  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nyt2WLdQGs&feature=em-subs_digest  for a prevention exercise to get started on with your puppy (or adult dog)

Teaching your pup (or an adult dog) to drop objects (happily!) on cue: 

Sticking your hands in your pup or dog's food bowl while he's eating...is this really a good idea?  We say no!  Read  https://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/i-stuck-my-hand-in-his-bowl-when-he-was-a-puppy/ to learn why we never recommend it. The article includes suggestions for a far better way to teach your pup or dog to feel good when you're around their food bowl!


Help for a Resource Guarding Puppy
 (this is a Q&A regarding a 6 month old dog, but the same applies for an older/adult dog) 

The Q&A at the following link discusses growling from a dog when her human tries to pet her while she's eating. This Tip also discusses tension brewing between the dogs who live together in the home (also resource-related); http://woofology.info/troublebrewing.html

**For more information about dog/dog resource guarding (also a very common problem!) click Housemate Problems

If you're thinking about adopting siblings/2 pups at once, or have already done it! The article at the link below discusses adopting 2 pups at the same time and discusses how to do things properly, so both your puppies develop in a healthy way:  

A great book to consider for you and your new pup: Control Unleashed; The Puppy Program  By Leslie McDevitt

 

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This section of our site provides information on the most commonly reported fear-related problems in dogs. Generally speaking, social fears like the fear of certain humans (especially strangers) is the most common, but regardless of who (or what!) your dog is fearful of, you'll find the information here helpful.  Information regarding other common canine fears, such as the fear of thunderstorms, fireworks and car rides can be found at the bottom of the page.


Living with a shy/fearful dog requires compassion, patience, and the right approach. The process begins with you.  Please take your time as you read and absorb the information found here. As the guardian of a shy/fearful dog the best thing you can do is educate yourself, because the more you learn and understand, the better equipped you'll be to help your dog learn to cope more comfortably, and successfully. 

Read the 5 Golden Rules by Nicole Wilde, for a straight forward list of the do's and don'ts with your fearful dog.  Five Golden Rules for Working with Fearful Dogs by Nicole Wilde

Be sure you have realistic expectations of your fearful dog! Click here; Reality Check - Suzanne Clothier/Carpe Canem Inc.

Methods Matter. Click http://www.woofology.info/methodsmatter.htm to read about the dangers of attempting "quick fix" solutions, especially for fear-based behavior/s.   

It makes no sense to punish the fearful dog (this includes shouting and jerking on their collar)! You're only making things worse! Read more here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decoding-your-pet/201412/it-makes-no-sense-punish-fearful-dog?fbclid=IwAR10ZYv4iugofPJ_x9fVTCdK5Xu5DSM3Pgr1oSovKGbDRtvXUzf0LgOC7yc

Thank Your Dog for Growling  - Growling is nothing more than a communication from your dog that s/he's uncomfortable with what's happening. Pay attention, and never punish your dog for letting you know! 

Yes, You May Comfort Your Dog! - Discusses the myth of "reinforcing fear"

Understanding your dogs fear, and helping him/her gain confidence:  


A "cortisol vacation" is something every fearful, stressed-out, anxious dog needs: Click http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/the-cortisol-vacation/ to learn more.

Please understand that most cases of dog bites to humans are the result of fear in the dog. The following links are excellent resources that can help stop a bite before it happens (or happens again!)

Can I pet your dog? Read this excellent article for more about why it's always ok (and best for your fearful dog) to say "no": 

Bite Prevention: Understanding your dogs communication system   This link includes excellent photos of dogs communicating that a bite is coming if forced to continue to 'tolerate' the situation they're in.  If your dog is fearful or behaves aggressively toward humans (strangers for example) reading and understanding the information at this link is a must!

Know that some fearful dogs will choose to move themselves away, by hiding, cowering, or running away from the person/people/thing they're afraid of.  On the other hand though, some dogs will learn (through repeated negative experiences) to choose more "offensive" behaviors such as charging, lunging, nipping in an attempt to make the person/people/other dog, or thing move away from them.  Regardless of which set of behaviors your dog uses, the driving force behind the behavior is fear.    

It's very common for people to want to interact with (and pet) shy/fearful dogs. As humans, it's hard for us to understand why a dog would be fearful of a human who "just wants to be friends" - but it's your dog who's afraid…and your dog's perspective is the only one that should count.  If Rover is fearful of Uncle Ted, trying to "get him to like" Uncle Ted by forcing him to accept pets (or treats!) from him will very likely backfire. Rover could become even more scared of Uncle Ted, or worse...he could bite him. Shy dogs must be allowed to choose to approach/interact - or not - on their own terms.   Respecting your dogs need for space when encountering a person they're frightened of by; 1) not forcing him to interact 2) not letting others force themselves onto him and 3) allowing your fearful/shy dog make the choice whether they want to approach/interact (or not!) in their own time, and on their own terms, will help prevent the fear from becoming worse, and most importantly will teach your dog or pup, that s/he can trust you to keep them safe around humans who are scary to them. Here's a great article with more information and tips: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/how-to-help-your-shy-or-nervous-dog?page=all

Befriending the Shy Dog; Treat & Retreat! Read https://www.diamondsintheruff.com/treat-retreat to learn more about this technique

The following article will help you to understand the difference between helping your dog feel better (using desensitization/counter-conditioning), and making things much, much worse by forcing him/her through it (a.k.a., flooding):

Does your dog really want to be petted? Click http://youtu.be/-cGDYI-s-cQ  for a video to find out how to tell!

What you need to understand as you set out to help improve your dog's fearful behavior: 

The article below will help you to understand the difference between helping your dog feel better (using scientifically sound modification techniques like desensitization and counter-conditioning), and making it much, much worse for your dog by forcing things (a.k.a., flooding):

More on how to help your dog feel better through counter-conditioning:

Give your dog the power of choice! The links below contain videos that show the importance of giving your dog the power to choose what they're ready for, and when!

It's important to understand the concept of "thresholds".  Thresholds can be thought of as your dogs 'limit' for what s/he can comfortably handle in circumstances that are frightening. Putting your dog into situations that force them beyond their threshold/limit causes greater levels of fear and stress...and s/he'll continue to be fearful (and even more so!) of whatever that scary thing is (person, place, object).  Read the articles at the links below to learn more, including ideas for how to control your dogs exposure in a way that keeps him/her well below their limit, starting now!
After you've read the articles above on thresholds, click on this link  http://www.successjustclicks.com/trigger-stacking-but-hes-normally-fine/ It's a terrific article from a human perspective about what happens to stress thresholds when multiple anxiety producing events occur at the same time. A concept within the realm of behavior modification known as "trigger stacking".  This commonly happens to dogs too!
  
Stop Dog Aggression Before It Starts
Dr. Sophia Yin DVM, MS

How to properly greet a dog, and what can go wrong when done inappropriately!   
More on canine fear of strangers, and how it develops:
 

 


Fear of Thunderstorms, Fireworks and Car rides:
 
Fear of Thunderstorms

Fear of Fireworks

Fearful of the car/car rides: A must-read article if your dog is anxious in the car which includes the steps to take to help car rides go from scary to fun: https://lorinanan.com/canine-education-for-humans/addressing-car-sickness-and-anxiety-in-dogs/

Also read the article at this link; http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=794 for more helpful tips to help with your dogs fear of the car. 

Other resources and support:

We'd also suggest that you consider purchasing Nicole Wilde's book,  Help for Your Fearful Dog  as it will be helpful as you move forward long-term with your dog. Also, check out Woof's bookshelf  http://www.woofology.info/library.html  for more resources.

Check out (and join!) the Shy-K9's yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/shy-k9s/info ;You'll find (free!) support and helpful information/advice from a community of people just like you, who also have shy/fearful dogs! 

The "Yellow Dog Project" http://theyellowdogproject.com/The_Yellow_Dog_Project/About.html - seeks in part to educate the public about the proper way to approach a dog (only with guardian's permission) and to promote the use of yellow ribbons to identify dogs needing extra spaceincluding dogs who are shy/fearful.

DINOS = Dogs In Need Of Space!  - You are not alone! 

Visit this link  http://www.coats-4-dogs.com/Space-Dog-Campaign.html  for vests and other accessories that can help communicate your dogs need for space when out in public.
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Aggression & Fear


This section provides
 information on aggressive behavior/s, including, but not limited to, resource guarding toward humans, and dog/dog problems. We've placed the archives on these topics near to one another because they are so very closely related; the motivation behind the use of aggressive behavior in dogs (particularly toward humans) is almost always fear. If your dog has used "aggressive" behavior already, read the information found here in the 
Aggression Archive as well as the Fearful Dog Archive

NOTE:
 See the On Leash Reactivity section, if you're having problems with your dog while out on walks. 

Fearful Dog Archive
 - Click here for tips on fear in dogs. Note: If your dog is fearful, s/he's at risk to learn to use aggressive behavior.  Be sure to read the information at the Aggression Archive as well.

Medication can be helpful to your dog as you work through a behavior modification plan with him. 
Click below to learn more:

http://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2013/07/29/myth-anxiety-medication-should-only-be-used-as-a-last-resort/

Methods Matter. Click here to read about the dangers of attempting "quick fix" solutions, especially for fear-based behavior/s  
http://www.woofology.info/methodsmatter.htm

Join this yahoo group if your dog is fearful. You'll find helpful information from a community of people who also have shy/fearful dogs!  http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/shy-k9s/info 
 

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 Dogs and Kids (of all ages!!)

Safety and dog bite prevention:  Click here for everything you need to know about living with kids and dogs (and puppies!), and what you as parents (and grandparents!) can do to create a happy and safe household for everyone, including your canine family member! 

The time to prepare your dog for the arrival of your baby is well before the baby has arrived. Get started now!  
Read Preparing Your Dog for Baby and  American Humane Association's Pet Meets Baby A Guide for Families Bringing Children Home to Pets.

What's the proper way for a child to greet a dog? Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=19&v=t6_WEYQs2XE to find out!  Then click http://www.video.clickertraining.com/canis/winners/2011/dogs-like-kids for another great video on the topic. 

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 Dog to Dog Communication and Interaction

Read this first:
 Understanding Dog to Dog Communications

Dog-dog interaction: Aggression or appropriate response?!
 
http://suzanneclothier.com/pdfs/He%20Just%20Wants%20To%20Say%20Hi.pdf

Is your dog's reaction to another dog really a problem? Click http://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/is-reacting-really-reactive/ to find out!

If you choose to take your dog to the dog park, understanding canine body language can help you know if your dog is really having a good time, or not! See this link for resourceshttps://apdt.com/resource-center/dog-park-body-language/

Introducing strange dogs to one another

This article includes a step by step guide;  http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/how-introduce-dogs-each-other-part-I  

Video from Victoria Stilwell on the topic of dog/dog introductions
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlGIZtTrg60

Thinking of allowing your dog to "greet" strange dog/s during your on-leash walks? Just say no!  Click here to read why it's really NOT a good idea 
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/pets/dog-behavior/reduce-chance-dog-aggression-leash

Is your dog shy? Does he bark at dogs or people? If you're not sure class is right for you and your dog, 
read this.


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Dog to Dog Relationships/Fighting

Note: This section provides insight into dog-dog relationship problems. Even though the specifics of the problem written about aren't exactly what you're experiencing, you should find it helpful in understanding your situation. 

Can These 2 Dogs Get Along?!


Understanding Dog to Dog Communications

Is Your Dog's Rough Play Appropriate?

Help! My Dog Humps!

Does your dog become agitated at the fence line when the neighbor's dog/s are out?  Watch this video for an example of a technique that can help: http://www.video.clickertraining.com/canis/winners/2011/premack 

Housemate Problems

The information at the links below relate to problems between dogs who live together.  
Please note: Even though the exact specifics of the problems written about are probably different than yours, we suggest you read the the information thoroughly anyway, you should find it helpful for your situation.  
 

Dog Fights and Fear

Housemate Fights!

See this article for more on resource guarding between dogs - it's the most common cause of dog/dog relationship problems! http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/Resource-Guarding-Behavior-Modification_20368-1.html   

This Q&A focuses on tensions brewing between 2 dogs during meal time, as well as a developing resource guarding problem between the dog and her human; http://woofology.info/troublebrewing.html

What to expect as your adult dog/s and your new puppy learn to live together:


Click http://tinyurl.com/jy3ml5e for an excellent article from Smart Dog University on helping your older dog live happily with a much younger housemate!

Worried about how your older, adult dog and your new puppy are getting along? This article Is This Okay? Typical Interactions between Puppies and Adult Dogs provides great  information that will teach you how to identify what's normal, and what may be cause for concern, as they learn to live together.  Also read https://suzanneclothier.com/article/stop-poking-grandma-whats-fair-older-dogs-puppies/ for more on this topic. 

 
If you're thinking about adopting siblings/2 pups at once, or have already done it! The article at the link below discusses the problems associated with adopting siblings/2 pups at the same time. It's a 3 page article. Page 1 discusses the reasons you might want to reconsider if you're thinking about it; Pages 2 and 3 discuss how to do things properly if you've already brought the pups home, so both of them develop in a healthy way:  http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/13_1/features/Problems-Adopting-Two-Puppies-At-Once_16190-1.html?pg=3.

Read Training in a Multi-Dog Household for a good step-by-step plan. 

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On Leash Reactivity

This video, by Drayton Michaels (Academy for Dog Trainers graduate), is excellent.  Gain the understanding of your dogs on-leash reactivity you need, and learn how to maximize success on walks for both of you, starting today!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMLrYaoxNOs



Here's an article from 4PawsU outlining a very common mistake people make when encountering a "trigger" while out on a walk with their reactive dogs: 4Paws University - Timeline | Facebook

Read the 2-part blog post by Dr. Jen Summerifeld for excellent information about on-leash reactivity, and a training plan!:



Is your dog's reaction to another dog really a problem?
Click 
http://wildewmn.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/is-reacting-really-reactive/ to find out! 

 Aggression or appropriate response?!
 
http://suzanneclothier.com/pdfs/He%20Just%20Wants%20To%20Say%20Hi.pdf

Reducing Leash Reactivity. See the following link for excellent suggestions, and a plan: 
http://www.clickertraining.com/reducing-leash-reactivity-the-engage-disengage-game

Visit the C.A.R.E site http://careforreactivedogs.com/start-here/ for everything you need to understand and do, to help your leash reactive dog. 


Barking at dogs behind fences on walks: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n_fPKPLA2g&feature=related

Video of David the Dog Trainer teaching a dog to stay calm when cars pass, instead of lunging: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y55fiFfMZ28&feature=player_detailpage 

Thresholds! Keeping your dog below their limit when working through it! An important concept for you to understand when working with your leash-reactive dog is the concept of thresholds. Thresholds dictate where your dogs limits are, and how much he can effectively handle when exposed to something that triggers a reactive response. Putting your dog into situations that expose him to a "trigger" to an intensity that forces him beyond h
is threshold/limit (usually means you've gotten too close to the trigger!) will only serve to cause greater stress for your dog and for you! So for starters, be sure to only expose your dog to whatever it is that's causing the reaction, from a distance away that is well below your dogs reactivity threshold. Click the following links to learn more about thresholds and how to control your dogs environment more effectively: 

 
After you've read the above on thresholds, click on this link http://www.successjustclicks.com/trigger-stacking-but-hes-normally-fine/ for a terrific article from a human perspective about what happens when too many anxiety producing events occur at the same time. A concept within the realm of behavior modification known as "trigger stacking". 

Here is another link to a technique called Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT). BAT helps dogs learn to use calm behavior, rather than reactivity (lunging, barking, etc.) to satisfy the reason they use the reactive and or aggressive behavior in the first place, which in most cases, is to increase distance away from something they're worried about. This technique combines reinforcement and desensitization to help the dog learn to make better choices in behavior. Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1lVAFHlhGA for a video and more information.
 
Also consider joining the BAT yahoo group. Click the link below to take a look! You'll find a community of people using this technique to help their reactive dogs.  It's a great source of support!https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/functionalrewards/info?soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma
 
Excellent for any dog, but especially the reactive dog, this video provides a step-by-step video tutorial for teaching Leslie McDevitt's "Look at That!" Game -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdraNF2hcgA  **Click Control Unleashed to learn more about the book by Leslie McDevitt
 

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Crate Training

Training your pup (or adult dog!) to be comfortable in a crate is one of the most important things you'll teach him for many reasons. Among the most important, crating provides protection, and prevents him from engaging in (or continuing to engage in) unwanted behaviors!

Some people perceive the use of crates as cruel, but the process done correctly is both fun and rewarding for your pup/dog! What's really cruel is the reality that dogs lose their homes and their lives everyday due to "behavior problems" that could have been easily prevented from developing (or from continuing!) through the proper use of a crate. There's no doubt that crate-training (done properly) plays a crucial part in healthy dog-human relationships.  The resources below contain valuable suggestions for how to go about the process. 

Note: If you decide to use an alternate confinement solution instead of a crate (like an ex-pen for example), follow the same steps outlined in the articles and videos below to teach your dog or pup to comfortably enjoy their confinement area.  

Some great articles:

Excellent videos showing the technique known as "shaping" to teach a dog or puppy to enter their crate happily:

Crate-training problems:

What to do if your dog (or puppy) is upset inside their crate: 

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Barking





Methods Matter. Click here to read about the dangers of attempting "quick fix" solutions http://www.woofology.info/methodsmatter.htm


Citronella collars are also dangerous to your dogs physical health! 

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Behavior at the Door - Help!

Transform your dog's behavior when guests arrive

Clicker training calm visitor-to-your-home greeting behavior. This video demonstrates how to use proper management to prevent unwanted behavior, and how to "capture" calmer, more appropriate behavior instead: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrbA7cyp6K4

A terrific article including a step by step training plan! 
http://www.clickertraining.com/node/1208?source=mnl_01_1113

A training tutorial from Kikopup to stop your dog barking at the door;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpzvqN9JNUA

Halloween and the Holidays are for humans!

We're committed to making Halloween and the upcoming Holiday Season safe for all…including of course, the family dog! Here's a great article with tips for keeping your dog happy and comfortable: https://clickertraining.com/article/tips-for-a-stress-free-holiday

Manage your dog's environment, and don't take them for granted! Human Holiday hubbub is quite stressful for dogs, so commit to a plan for your dog/s now, and pass it on!

Halloween is a fun time for us humans, but all the costumes and mayhem at the door make it a really stressful time for a great many dogs. That's why it's important to have a smart management plan in place to keep your dog safe and comfortable on Halloween night (and beyond)!

During trick-or-treat time, your plan should include keeping your dog inside the house, behind a closed door in a room away from the front door, with a stuffed Kong or other favorite chew. Also consider playing some music, to  drown out the noises from outside and help reduce stress.  

This link https://clickertraining.com/node/4346 takes you to a complete plan to print and follow.

Kids and costumes?! Parents and kids should watch these short videos together:



Next up is a video from the American Veterinary Medical Association's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ron DeHaven, with some very important health and safety information, including the risks and dangers that candy, decorations, and costumes pose. Also included are tips for keeping your dog safe around all the treats your kids bring home:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=8JC8LDtCBYQ

 

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Digging

Dog's engage in this behavior for many reasons! Click https://paws4udogs.wordpress.com/2017/09/13/what-to-do-if-your-dog-digs/ to read an excellent article on this subject.

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Separation Anxiety

An article that will help you to identify and understand if you're dog is really suffering with Separation Anxiety, or something else. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/how-to-help-a-dog-with-separation-anxiety/

SA is a workable problem, but there are no "quick fix" solutions:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety

See http://malenademartini.com/for-owners/about-separation-anxiety/ for more great resources on the subject.
Here's the link to a great booklet on how to help your dog learn to relax while being alone;  
I'll Be Home Soon

 A Conversation About Separation Anxiety

Is this Separation Anxiety?

Prevention is key! Follow the advice in this article; https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/training/ill-be-back-really-preventing-separation-anxiety and teach your new dog or puppy to be comfortable home alone!

Another excellent article with suggestions for exercises to prevent a problem from developing:
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/newspics/0708-SEPARATION-ANXIETY.pdf

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Dogs and Cats Living Together

Click here for all of our articles on Dogs and cats living together:
Cats & Dogs Living Together Tips

Be sure to check out these great articles too, for awesome advice on how to train your dog to relax around your cat!

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/1403

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/1687

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Choosing a Training Professional and Training Methods

Choosing a dog trainer - Buyer Beware!

Beware Positive Reinforcement

By Lisa Patrona Dip. CBST, CPDT-KA, ACDBC

See  https://pawsforpraise.wordpress.com/2013/07/21/finding-the-right-dog-trainer-harder-than-you-think/ for more suggestions and what you need to know when searching for a legitimately qualified dog training professional.

http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com/find-behavior-expert.aspx
By Jolanta Benal CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, PMCT-2 another article with great advice for how to be sure you're doing the best you can when hiring someone to help you and your dog!


When Choosing a Dog Trainer, Buyer Beware 

By Leah Roberts

How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer

By Leah Roberts

Read more advice from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior on How to Choose a Trainer

It's not just the American Veterinary Society who's advocating for Positive Reinforcement based dog training - click here to read what the Australian Veterinary Association has to say!

 Methods Matter. Click here to read about the dangers of attempting "quick fix" solutions http://www.woofology.info/methodsmatter.htm

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WOOF's Favorite Things

Books

Toys

Treats

Calming Music

The Comfy Cone - a more comfortable alternative (for you and your dog!) to the plastic cone
(Available in Extra SmallSmall, Medium, Large 
& Extra Large)

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Training for the Special Needs Dog






Check out the Facebook page;  Clicker Training For Deaf Dogs 

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Dog Trainer Education

Companion Animal Sciences Institute

Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior

The Academy for Dog Trainers

Pat Miller's Peacable Paws Apprenticeship Program

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers

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Miscellaneous Tips and Information

Fourth of July and Fireworks safety tips

 

   

Woofology® is a registered trademark of Trainers Academy, LLC