Lollipops & Dog Training, Where the Two Meet
It comes as a big surprise to our clients when we ask them not to talk to their dog during a training exercise. Believe it or not, dogs don’t come with an English software package installed. We have to teach them our language. Oh certainly, they easily learn our body cues (even when we don’t intend for […]
Prep Your Dog for Holiday Guests – 6 Things “To Do”
Oh no, it can’t be! Those two words that always make me cringe the first time I hear them: The Holidays. Yes, indeed, it’s that time of year again. Before I remember the warm fuzzy feelings of how lovely the Holidays can really be, my mind runs to everything I need to get done before […]
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 […]
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 […]
Not Every Dog Can be a Therapy Dog
“I want my dog to be a therapy dog!” That’s the comment we hear in many phone calls to Cold Nose College. The truth is, though many people would like to do therapy work with their dogs, it takes much more than desire to make your wish come true. I never meant to become […]
A Reliable Rocket Recall: Teach It, Train It, Practice It….and Practice Some More!
At our most recent Play in the Pasture session, an off leash, outdoor social for clients and their dogs, my girl, Willow, joined in the fun. In addition to the the socialization experience of helping her to continue to enjoy the company of a variety of other dogs, I also use the time to practice Recall. Over […]
Beware of Superdog Syndrome
There’s a menacing problem in the pet dog world and I’m going to attempt to do my best to keep this from happening again in our own home. Yes, it occurred once 3 years ago….January 31, 2009. The truth is, a great many dogs are affected by this syndrome, including many of our clients’ dogs. […]
Barking Dogs, Caterwauling Cats & Attention
I’m continuing to enjoy the attention training which is the first foundation behavior in the Canine Freestyle Course in which I’m currently enrolled. Last weekend, I took the practice outside for the first time. Nothing like a barking dog and caterwauling cat to provide some distractions. In reality, I think the cat was more of a […]
A Little More Attention Please
I took the canine freestyle foundation behavior training into our home today. I just didn’t want to drive to the training center and I felt as if Gibson was more than ready to begin working on duration of attention with some distractions…..our four furry felines. Only a three of them were present with Grayson asleep […]
FETCH – Animal Assisted Interactions Class Vies for $5K Grant
Hat’s off the Animal Assisted Interactions Class at Tri-County Community College! They’re doing their utmost to bring their FETCH Program (Fun Exercising Together for Children’s Health) to reality. Yesterday, about 20 of us met at the Cold Nose College Training Center so Chasing Destiny Films could shoot a video in support of the class mission. […]
