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What Your Puppy Won’t Outgrow
October 31, 2023
Little humans are prone to all kinds of behaviors, that annoy, terrify, exasperate and bewilder. “I hope they outgrow this” parents often declare. Like children, puppies, do outgrow some unwanted behaviors....
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
October 03, 2023
Separation anxiety! Probably one of the most common issues dog owners contact me about. A severe case of separation anxiety in a dog affects more than just the animal…it affects...
Is It Wrong to Re-home a Dog?
September 05, 2023
Should you ever rehome a dog? Folks disagree. Some say that under NO circumstances should a dog be rehomed, while others believe that if a dog causes them inconvenience it...
Little Dog Syndrome?
August 01, 2023
It’s apparent to many that little dogs have earned a reputation for “attitude.” “You know how little dogs are,” I often hear people say after particularly obnoxious eruption from, say,...
How to Keep Your Dog from Demanding Attention!
July 04, 2023
Many dog owners have had the highly exasperating experience of dealing with a furry family member who demands attention at all the wrong times! (Zoom meetings, important cell calls, computer...
Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking Your Dog to the Dog Park! 🥺
June 13, 2023
The dog park has become something of a “given” in the life of our dogs, hasn’t it? Our dogs get treats, go to the groomer, go on walks…and go to...
Before You Adopt A Rescue Dog…
June 06, 2023
How many times have we heard a plea from a shelter or rescue that sounds something like this: “This poor fur baby just wants to be loved and is looking...
Get hold of your dog’s prey drive!
May 30, 2023
I don’t know about you, but I love watching documentaries on wolves. The raw social interactions. The heartwarming bonding rituals. And the primal hunt. There’s something majestic in the pure...
Canines, Control Freaks & “Claiming Behavior”
May 23, 2023
Control freaks ain’t no fun to be around, are they? But did you know that taking complete control of key elements in your household environment is the key to enjoying...
Critical Stages in the Life of Your Puppy
May 16, 2023
Puppies are so stinkin’ cute, aren’t they? Their innocent little faces routinely give us “the warm fuzzies,” and that’s just feels amazingly good! While puppies are undeniably cute to look...
When You Should Stop Petting Your Dog
May 09, 2023
Petting a dog. It’s what we do when it comes to canines, and is an ideal way to interact with a dog...right? Would it surprise you to learn that there...
The worst dog bite I ever got…and why
May 02, 2023
(WARNING: Today’s podcast content is, at times, graphic. Listener discretion is advised.) When you’re a dog trainer, getting bit is a perpetual risk. And while there are certain precautions that can...
Why Your Dog Probably Thinks You’re Their Puppy
April 25, 2023
Aren’t puppies the cutest? The tender parental feelings evoked by the wide-open eyes and fuzzy little paws are undeniable. Head-over-heels-in-love dog owners refer to their furry charges as “babies,” “kids,”...
THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG DEBACLE: AN APPEAL TO THE FACTS
April 18, 2023
Many a (human) hackle has been raised over the matter of one’s emotional support animal being denied access to public places of business such as grocery stores, clothing retailers, entertainment...
IS THE “BEST IN SHOW” FRENCH BULLDOG BREED THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU?
April 11, 2023
When the French bulldog nabbed “Best in Show” honors at the National Dog Show last year, bells pealed and people cheered. In that celebratory moment, folks all across America thought,...
“COVID Pups”—A Prescription for Success!
April 04, 2023
When COVID hit, we locked down… and we got PUPPIES!!! 🐾 The little furry family members grew up loving life with their immediate family. But the developmental costs of limited...
Why Your Dog Won’t Come When Called
March 28, 2023
Question for you... Does your dog come when you call? Chances are, for many of you, your dog’s recall performance is 50/50 at best! 😑 Well, it’s time to change...
Excessive Barking—Causes & Cures!
March 21, 2023
We all love our dogs. No doubt about it. But nothing disrupts the peace and quiet of our homes like our beloved furry family member erupting in explosive barking when...
TO GIVE OR NOT TO GIVE (TREATS)
March 14, 2023
Dogs love food. That fact is nearly indisputable. This has led many well-meaning dog owners to believe that an endless supply of treats is the best way (or sometimes the...
The TRUTH About “Leash Aggression”
March 07, 2023
Leash aggression. It’s a commonly discussed problem among dog owners—and a commonly misunderstood one. There are some well-meaning but misguided narratives out there, including the belief that fear drives leash...
Jealous Much?
February 28, 2023
My dog is so jealous!” I hear it all the time. For some folks, their beloved furry family member barks, growls and/or becomes disruptive when, say, mom is being hugged...
How I (Accidentally) Became A Dog Trainer
February 21, 2023
The story begins in 2006 when I took up volunteering at a large dog adoption facility in South Carolina. The rest, as they say, is history...
Manners from “The Jump”
February 14, 2023
Dogs engage in lots of behaviors that people can find annoying. One behavior that often ranks as most obnoxious of all is “jumping up”— something many canines do when “greeting”...
Why You Should Choose a Dog With Your Head—Not Your Heart
February 07, 2023
Is it bad to love dogs? OF COURSE NOT!! (If I didn’t love dogs I would never have chosen this profession!) That being said, acquiring a dog in order to...
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Peeing Inside!
January 31, 2023
At the junction where human and canine cultures meet, misunderstandings and frustrations abound. My clients often contact me in desperation, bewildered, puzzled, even grieved, by an unwanted behavior in their...
Why Rover is So Reactive
January 24, 2023
Few things bring folks greater embarrassment and anxiety than having their dog react violently to another person or another dog they encounter. My clients are often stumped as to how...
The Hazards of Humanizing Dogs
January 17, 2023
“My dogs are my children.” I hear this a lot. Dogs become “fur babies,” and our bumperstickers proclaim, “My Kids Have Four Paws.” “So what’s wrong with that?” you may...
HOW TO FEEL SORRY FOR A DOG
January 10, 2023
You may be a bit puzzled by the title of this episode of the podcast. Isn’t feeling sympathy for a canine in distress a natural response for most human beings?...
Guest Greeting 101
January 03, 2023
There are, perhaps, few things more embarrassing than having to apologize when your over-excited canine jumps all over a guest! Many of my clients have contacted me with very concern,...
DOGS AND NEWBORNS: SOME WORDS OF ADVICE
December 13, 2022
Over the years I have been contacted by concerned expecting couples who aren’t quite sure how to integrate their dog with the tiny human family member who is about to...
A PUP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
December 06, 2022
It’s a fact… each holiday season dogs are given as gifts for Christmas. But the recipient’s initial cry of surprised delight often becomes a groan of dismay months later when...
Turn Your Fearful Dog Into A Confident Dog!
November 29, 2022
I have trained dogs for over 16 years. Thousands of dogs. Countless situations. You might be surprised to learn that my training boils down to this—how to teach people to...
What A Dog Wants
November 22, 2022
In the year 2000, Mel Gibson started as Nick Marshall in the movie, “What Women Want.” The film depicts the stark (and often humorous) discrepancies between what men THINK women...
Please Stop Fighting! (Causes and Cures for Pack Rivalry)
November 15, 2022
Over the years I’ve been contacted by clients who are extremely frustrated that their dogs just can’t seem to get along. Nearly every situation—from toys and treats to favorite beds—seems...
Here’s the Pitch…(YIKES!)
November 08, 2022
It’s a fact—most folks love their dogs so much they indulge in “baby talk” when addressing their furry family members in sentimental ways. “So what’s wrong with that?” you may...
To Crate or Not to Crate?
November 01, 2022
To crate, or not to crate--that is the question! Advice abounds on the internet and social media. Some owners say that their dog absolutely LOVES its crate. Others say their dog...
HELP, I JUST GOT A PUPPY! (with celebrity guest, Kelly Stables)
October 25, 2022
Puppies! How we love them! Few things in life elicit such effusive emotions of love and tenderness as a warm, cuddly bundle of fur, squinting and squeaking endearingly. But the...
Dixie the Praying Dog
October 18, 2022
The loss of a canine family member can be devastating and frequently leaves a hole in our hearts and homes. Many struggle to open their hearts again to a new...
Fence Line Fiascos!
October 11, 2022
We all know the heart pounding anxiety we experience when an angry dog charges the fence barking thunderously. And regardless of which side of the fence you find yourself on,...
STOP CHASING THAT!! (with special guest, Kristi Lee)
October 04, 2022
So what is it with dogs chasing everything down? It's a desirable trait when it comes to a game of fetch with our beloved canines. But when our furry family...
H.E.L.P. Your Fearful Dog!
September 27, 2022
There are few sights more pitiful than a dog cowering in fear. Our sympathies are stirred, a lump grows in our throat, and, with a voice quivering with love, we...
It’s a Rottie Thing
September 20, 2022
The Rottweiler has a rich, storied history dating back to the days of the Roman Empire. The "Rottie," as it is often affectionately known, is an energetic, powerful, watchful breed. Rottweilers...
Unsung Canine Heroes (with special guest, Patty Spitler)
September 13, 2022
What does it mean for a dog to save your life? We routinely hear heartwarming, soul stirring tales of brave dogs risking fur and fang to pull a child from...
Meet and Greets—Canine Edition!
September 06, 2022
Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of walking happily into a friend's home, only to be mauled with excitement by their out-of-control dog! And if the beast is...
Great Crate Manners Matter!
August 30, 2022
The ritual is one that repeats in itself in many homes...Your well-loved, but destructive canine family member is, of necessity, confined to his crate while you do a few errands....
• Get Out! (with your dog 😊) with guest: Drew Blair
August 23, 2022
We all love to relax. A predominantly sedentary life, however, can lead to physical and psychological complications--depression, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and chronic pain just to name a few. We were made...
Good Dog, Bad Dog?
August 16, 2022
“My dog WANTS to be good!” “My dog KNOWS when they’re bad!” If I had a quarter for every time I heard phrases like these, I would be a very...
SENIOR MANAGEMENT!
August 09, 2022
There’s few things as comforting as the serene companionship of a senior dog. Content to curl up by the fire on a cold winter day, or snooze lazily near an...
The Pitbull—Pet or Pariah?
August 02, 2022
The pitbull…a formidable mass of muscle and agility. The pitbull is a breed that is perhaps most universally feared by human beings. And though its reputation as a bloodthirsty killer...
The Little girl and Gwennie
July 26, 2022
What would you do if your beloved 5 year old granddaughter was being targeted by a huge family dog? A dog that meant well but was playing too rough. How would you...
Welcome to The Canine Lowe-Down
July 25, 2022
Living with a canine can be a challenging experience. And all the more when you don’t speak the same language. Nathan Lowe, the Indy Dog Whisperer has helped hundreds of dog owners...