On a recent discussion of this blog, someone commented that I am “closed minded” because of my posts and commitment to positive reinforcement training. This took me by surprise as I have always considered myself to be a very open minded person. And, because going from traditional training methods to Read more…
The other day my cattle dog Bill ate a cupcake off of the counter. He licked the icing off another one. My husband found the crumbs of the first cupcake and the frosting missing off of the other and said, “Oh man, someone ate a cupcake off the counter. Hey, Read more…
I am going to try and write this post in a way that is helpful and educational and not at all frustrated and judgmental. However, if I am being honest, I am a bit frustrated. I cannot tell you how many calls and emails I receive from people who are Read more…
This is an article that I wrote for one of my bird forums. Not about show dogs particularly, but about changing behavior in animals in general. I am writing this post because I come across this statement both on internet forums and in real life as a behavior consultant. Many Read more…
Sometimes I get calls from potential clients who are either not in my working area or who have a dog with issues that I am not currently taking on that I need to refer to another behavior consultant. When I offer a referral I am told that they only want Read more…
Yes! It’s true! I do allow young puppies in my conformation classes, in fact, I encourage it. Because the methods that I use for training show dogs (and all dogs actually) are positive reinforcement methods young puppies do great and are welcome to attend. Young puppies (2 to 5 months) Read more…
Frequently, I meet novice show people who seem to be under the impression that using a choke chain is mandatory in the show ring. This is probably because when they have showed up at a dog show with their dog on dog-friendly equipment such as a Resco lead or martingale Read more…
I went to the Golden Gate Kennel Club dog show on Sunday. It was the first the show where I brought my Dog Shows are Fun! cards and charms. I gave out three of them and it felt great! The first one was to a woman who I saw being Read more…
But my breeder says… If I had a dollar for every time I have heard these words followed by an inaccurate statement about canine behavior I would be a millionaire. Before breeders everywhere start raising their hackles, let me just start out by saying that I am a breeder myself Read more…