When it seems like your dog is ignoring you, have you ever wondered if it's "selective hearing"?  Of course, that would suggest that your dog is ignoring you intentionally.  But why would a dog do that?

Let's ask the question another way. 

Is it fair to expect your dog to immediately interrupt wha...

Last week's training tip explained why teaching "Leave-it" is a really bad idea.  Here's a review of the 3 reasons not to teach it:

1. It is contrary to a dog's instinctive awareness of his environment.
2. It crushes a dog's self-confidence and creates anxiety.
3. It undermines trust in your relationshi...

Dogs Are Naturally Curious 

(Don't miss your free gift at the end of this post!)

I know! I know! You've always believed that a "leave-it command" was necessary.  Honestly, so did I.  I even had a system for teaching it to my students in the past.

But because I'm so obsessed with how dogs' minds r...

Ever felt frustrated because your dog wasn't "listening"? 

Most dog owners I've talked to over the years have experienced that kind of "failure to communicate" on occasion.

If this has happened to you, one reason could be that your expectations are not realistic.  Learning is a process with many s...

When you communicate with your dog about ANYTHING, your timing is your message.  That's because dogs are creatures of the moment - they live in a perpetual NOW.  To put it in practical terms think of it this way.  When two things happen together or in quick succession, your dog makes a mental connec...

Two surprising things that everybody loves about Summer outdoor fun could actually result in sudden death for your dog. Fortunately, these risks to your dog's life and wellness are 100% preventable.  But prevention depends on what you know and what you do about what you know! 

The dangers come in t...