Stump the Vet, starring Cody Waggoner

Cody’s been the star player in a two-year game of Stump the Vet.  He’s see a variety of local vets, specialists in private practice, specialists at UGA veterinary teaching hospitals and Cold River Veterinary Center, a holistic specialist in Vermont (via distance consults). Symptoms presented have been chronic lameness, which seems to move about; periodic […]

Why Did I Get This Dog!

Last week I learned that our 5 year old Australian Shepherd, Cody, may have an autoimmune disease, perhaps Lupus.  We’ve been on a 2 year search to identify the cause of his chronic lameness, fevers of unknown origin and skin issues and have consulted a plethora of local veterinarians and specialists both near and far.   […]

Autoimmune Disease in Dogs

As many of you know, our dog, Cody, has recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.  Because of his specific multiple symptoms over the course of the two years we’ve been seeking answers and the recent ANA test that was positive, we suspect it’s Lupus. It’s been a very long journey and we feel we […]

Resources – Books, Videos, Publications

Recommended Resources Books The Other End of the Leash (Why we do the things we do around dogs), Patricia McConnell, Ballantine Books The Dog Trainer’s Complete Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Pet, Jolanta Benal The Power of Positive Dog Training, Pat Miller Play With Your Dog, Pat Miller Do Over Dogs, Giving your dog a […]

What is a Cue?

As trainers using only force-free training techniques, our clients are always puzzled when we talk about “cueing” a dog.  We use the word Cue instead of Command.  Why, you ask? Command implies that if the dog doesn’t do what we ask, something dire will happen.  In force-free training, if the dog doesn’t perform the behavior I merely […]

Teaching & Training…..What’s the Difference?

by  Brad Waggoner Yes, I’m a dog trainer by profession though the title is a bit misleading. When it comes to learning new skills and becoming proficient at them, there are two different things going on. There’s the acquisition of new skills (learning) and there’s the honing of those new skills (becoming fluent).  So how […]

Ready, Set, Jump into Dock Diving!

  I always find it interesting….those little things that lead me one tiny step toward another until I’m immersed in something totally new.  As many of my friends can tell you, I’ve followed my heart down quite a few paths in life that led to some totally unexpected fun.   It’s happened again, this time with a […]

Strategies to Prevent Dog Bites

It’s probably not surprising to anyone who knows any one of us at Cold Nose College for us to tell you we’re advocates for dogs.  All dogs.  No matter the breed, no matter the size. As a professional dog trainer, I work with furry clients who have very sharp teeth and the ability to use […]

Dog Bite Prevention & Awareness Resources

Dog Bite Prevention & Awareness  – Thank you for being part of the solution. Doggone Safe:  www.doggonesafe.com :  Doggone Safe is a non-profit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention through education and dog bite victim support.  Doggone Safe’s mission is to promote education initatives for the purpose of dog bite prevention and increased child safety […]