Today I made a quick trip across the street to get a delicious cafe con leche from Despana, the lovely little shop with delicacies from Spain. As I went up the two steps to enter a gentleman was on his way out with his hands full, a tray of... Read more

I usually begin classes and private lessons with an introduction to the many benefits of taking a positive, dog friendly approach to teaching. I am always pleased to see nods of approval from students as I explain how punishments more often than not result in a dog engaging in... Read more

Kissing is high on many people’s list on New Year’s and for some dogs it ranks high among their every day priorities. I recently had an adorable puppy stay with me for a few days. Each morning as I carried her downstairs to go potty she tried with all... Read more

On Animal Planet’s Underdog to Wonderdog people were introduced to Brutus, a 1 and one-half-year old Labrador Retriever. Brutus was surrendered to a shelter because his family said that once their daughter went off to school they didn’t have the time to care for him. But, once we met... Read more

Most days pass in a fairly ho-hum way for dogs. There is the early morning ritual of waking up and stretching in preparation for a walk to go potty and release some energy. Then, it is usually back home for a tasty breakfast and hopefully another walk as a... Read more

Your dog’s tendency to chew on anything he can sink his teeth into is a pretty normal canine behavior. However, like many normal, natural and necessary dog behaviors, unfocused chewing (i.e. chewing on things you don’t approve of) is not likely to win your dog many household fans. When... Read more

If one were to make a list of all the dog behaviors we love it would probably be quite long. A deliciously happy tail wag, a bow to solicit play, and a soft sigh before resting their head on your lap would surely make the list. But, those are... Read more

It is no surprise that people are distraught and perplexed when their otherwise lovely dog behaves in ways they deem egregious, specifically when they growl at or bite people. A gentleman with a 3 year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Lido, contacted me regarding his dog’s tendency to growl at him.... Read more

Being a part of Animal Planet’s show Underdog to Wonderdog has been one of the best experiences of my career with animals. Not only do Ali, Ryan, David and I get to rescue dogs who might otherwise not find a home, but we also got the opportunity to meet... Read more

Some dogs, like people, learn to live by the code that what is theirs is theirs and what is yours is theirs as well. Resource guarding exists because the dog sees a vital resource and is attempting to keep it for himself. It also exists because it is, in... Read more