Happy Halloween! Tricks & Treats for You

Laev and our houseguest McCoy the Skeleton

In the spirit of the holiday, I’d like to present you, Dear Reader, with a trick, a tag, and a treat. What, you’re not familiar with the middle part of that phrase? It’s a new Halloween tradition. Trust me on this. Want to know what that undead-Michael Jackson has to… Continue reading

When You Should NOT Socialize Your Dog — Part 2

Social, Civil, and Savvy: Training & Socializing Puppies to Become the Best Possible Dogs
This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series When You Should NOT Socialize

People attending a community event did not sign up to help your rehabilitate a troubled dog; they came to enjoy a social outing. Putting a stressed dog in their midst does not help the dog nor enhance their enjoyment. Continue reading

Storm Watch & Storm Success, Part 6 – Phobias & Emergency Management

fireworks
This entry is part 6 of 7 in the series Storm Watch

Okay, so you’re well into your new conditioning plan, with graduated protocols in place to reduce your dog’s noise fears or phobias. You’re taking it slowly and making good progress. But suddenly it’s Independence Day or Guy Fawkes, with fireworks going off all around, and a thunderstorm rolling in to… Continue reading

Storm Watch & Success, Part 5 – Drugs & Alternative Therapies

This entry is part 5 of 7 in the series Storm Watch

You’ve tried everything — desensitization, counter-conditioning, safe places, and more — and it’s not enough? Or you know your panicked dog needs relief now while you start other protocols. Here are some more tools to consider. Continue reading

Storm Watch & Success, Part 4 – Safe Places & the Mental Continuum

This entry is part 4 of 7 in the series Storm Watch

As I write this post, thunder is rolling overhead with enough resonance to shake the house. As I write this post, a Doberman is curled up at the foot of my bed. That’s our only storm coping tactic at the moment. How does this work? Continue reading