Is putting my dog in a crate like putting my dog in jail?

That must be one of the most commonly asked questions when training begins.

Many people see a crate as a mean and unjust way to manage their dogs (just ask PETA). In Europe, most people do not use crates (except during transport) for their dogs and don’t find it necessary in the home.

So is it cruel to use a crate? Are you being mean to leave your dog in one?

I think it depends. A crate is a tool and like all tools can be misused.

Ar...

By now, the way we live and interact will have dramatically changed. Nearly everything about our day-to-day lives has been altered in some way. Hopefully, soon things will return to normal. But for now, we are in unchartered territory.

It can scary.

But it’s important not to trade one danger for another. A stressful diet of 24-hour news and live virus-tracking maps can take nearly as much a toll on our well-being and health as a virus.

Mastering Pandemic Panic

But, Chris, how about my dog? W...

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."

That quote by Dr. Ian Malcolm from the movie Jurassic Park applies to so many situations. Deciding if you are ready to join the league of animal caretakers is absolutely one.

It's not enough to think you are ready; this is a life-changing decision, one must know it. Picking the right dog for you should take almost much thought as finding the right life partner.

Are You Ready for a N...

We love our dogs. No matter what kind of day we’re having, when we walk through the door to find our faithful furry companion waiting for us, there’s nothing better.

Dogs spend most of their time with us showing how much they love us. How do we return the favor? I’ve come up with a few ways you can show your love to your canine family member.

4 Ways You Can Show Love to Your Dog

Speak Lovingly

While I’m training, I recommend pet owners use a commanding, authoritative voice. But when it’s tim...

Whoa! Put down the pitchforks!

I know, this topic can be…controversial. This title seems a bit contradictory, but positive punishment is basically applying something unpleasant or aversive to your dog to reduce the frequency of or stop an unwanted behavior.

In positive motivational training this is a basic “no no”. Hence the bad rap. And I totally understand that.

I have always been a believer and proponent of teaching most behaviors in a positive way. Using praise, treats, or some other type...

First and most important, dog urine marking is not a housebreaking issue. Though urine is involved, cause and correction are very different, so let’s not confuse the two.

Urine marking can occur in both male and female dogs of any age. However, it most commonly starts in adolescent male dogs and continues into adulthood. It can be a huge issue that is upsetting to the entire family, usually because of behavior or sanitary concerns.

It can be so severe an issue that many people give up their do...

Thanksgiving is here and with it the official start of the holiday season. From the last Thursday in November until well into next year, it’s a time of gatherings and celebrations.

And family.

Family is what makes the holidays great. And to most of us, our dogs are family. It’s essential that Rudolph the Schnauzer have a great time too if we are to call these festivities a success.

So, before the first guests arrive, it’s a good time to review the rules. Just like we know we never talk politi...

I was running errands the other day and in the parking lot of a shopping center I saw a familiar scene. A young family - having finished at the dog groomer - struggling to get their 80-pound Weimaraner into the car.

The dog wasn't acting untrained or belligerent. She wasn't having fun or jumping around in a playful manner.

The dog was afraid.

And I flash-backed almost 20 years. It reminded me of one of my earliest clients, Simon.

I first met Simon at one of my first training classes. His own...

Ahhh, the end of summer…

The sad sobs of children outdone only by the plaintive cries of teachers everywhere.

But don't forget the mournful howls of our furry friends.

The end of lazy, playful summer days and the return to routine and schedules can be a difficult adjustment for everybody. If you have a pet, you should also consider how it affects them. Those early alarms mean long stretches of quiet at home. The loss of play pals. Less park days. And since dogs can't read calendars, they don'...

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should."

That quote by Dr. Ian Malcolm from the movie Jurassic Park applies to so many situations. Deciding if you are ready to join the league of animal caretakers is absolutely one.

It's not enough to think you are ready; this is a life-changing decision, one must know it. Picking the right dog for you should take almost much thought as finding the right life partner.

How old are you? Add ...