Sign up here for dairydell email updates (rarely more than twice a month)
Training Like “Mom” Intended
When one strips away all the fluff and hype, rhetoric and technique, it is clear that the most important reality for a dog is to simply have clarity on two things: 1.) Who makes the rules here? and, 2.) What are mine?
BABY, OH BABY: Preparing Your Pooch for the New Arrival
OK, all you excited parents and grandparents-to-be! This life change ahead of you can be exhilarating, but also a little stressful — especially for your dog. While you are busy happily preparing for your new little human family member, consider preparing your dog as well.
Breed Differences: Variations on a Theme
Choosing a dog is a big deal. How do you make the right choice? Is it pure luck, or is there a way increase your odds of success? I think so! My system is this: First, choose a breed with breed characteristics most compatible with you and your lifestyle.
Home-Alone Dogs: BOREDOM BUSTERS
No matter how you ensure the safety of your dog while you’re at work, chances are you may worry that your dog becomes bored while you’re gone. A bored dog may start digging in the yard, howling and barking uncontrollably,
Nature Knows Best – Why I Became a Dog Trainer
As an adult, I could see how trainers and dog owners used harsh and intimidating techniques that were not consistent with how my familiar animal leaders acted. I wanted people to stop yelling at their dogs!
Puppy Personality Development: Iceberg Rising
Nurture (the way a dog is raised) can help a dog reach its full potential, but in my experience, it is Nature (what’s in his DNA) that provides the raw materials and determines what that potential will be.
Dog Training Styles — Making Sense of Them
Dog trainers tend to fall into two camps: those that Train with positive reinforcement only and those that use a balance of reward and consequence to achieve Obedience. Read on about Treat-Based & Purely Positive Training versus Nature-Based Obedience….
BORDER PATROL: Teaching Dog Boundaries
With a long line attached to your dog via his collar, you can teach your dog to respect virtually any boundary – whether it is the edge of the lawn, the threshold of your front door, or the doorway of the room
Dog Stress Signs: When a New Home is the Best Home — For the Dog
My job as a trainer and behavior consultant is to educate the dog owners and help make things right – for the dog.
The P-Word: Why “Punishment” Makes Me Cringe
From the get-go, dogs don’t know right from wrong or “should” from Shinola®… They invented the phrase, “If it feels good do it.”
5 Mistakes Rescue Dog Owners Make
Many rescue dogs enter their new families displaying shyness or even fear. This is NOT necessarily caused by “abuse”, as is routinely assumed.
7 Dog Products Professionals Swear By
As a kennel owner and professional dog trainer for over 24 years, I have dog products coming out my ears. The latest supplement, gizmo, training tool – you name it, I’ve tried it. From this plethoric pile of products, however, I find myself reaching for just a few on a regular basis. It’s like my closet, which is crammed with slacks, blouses, dresses, jackets and jewelry