Behavior Modification
“I can’t believe he hasn’t tried to bite you”
Over the years as a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant there has been a constant theme of comments that I have received and continue to receive in my work focusing on conformation. I have been told things like, “He never warms up to people as quickly as he has Read more…
Behavior Modification
Obedience training vs. Behavior modification
Today I met with a new client. I am only doing training for show dogs and thought that this was a fearful show dog. It turns out that the dog is not a show dog, but a much loved companion dog who is fearful, but that someone had told her Read more…
Behavior Modification
Should you ever let the dog win?
One big piece of From Shy to Showy is the commitment to giving the dog “choice”. Particularly in the early stages, whether you are dealing with a dog who is very fearful, shy or even just doesn’t enjoy the ring it is important for the dog to learn that they Read more…
Behavior Modification
The Little Dogs that Could
THE LITTLE DOGS THAT COULD One of the best parts of my job is that I get to travel around the country teaching people how to train show dogs, handle their show dogs and help shy or fearful show dogs. In order to save the hosts money, I always offer Read more…
Behavior Modification
Is temperament as important as structure?
If you know me at all, you know my answer is YES! I have spent the last 14 years of my dog training career focusing on behavior consultations. For years I have gone into people’s homes to help them with their dog’s behavior issues. I have listened to them cry, Read more…
Body Language
Safe Puppy Evaluations
SAFE PUPPY EVALUATIONS Many breeders, such as myself, grade our puppies at around 8 weeks old. The official “puppy grading” is when the breeder and the breeder’s friends, mentors and peers get together to look at each puppy as a group and as individuals and decide which puppies are show Read more…
Behavior Modification
Vinegar or Honey?
Vinegar or Honey? You know that phrase “you can catch more bees with honey than vinegar”? I was at a large dog show recently and when watching the group judging I was reminded of this phrase and why it is and has always been so true. I was watching Read more…