It can be challenging to figure out what activities to provide for dogs who are so scared they retreat and hide from the people who have taken them in. Yet it’s important to try. We want to relieve these dogs’ stress, stimulate their brains, and give them opportunities for their behavior, however small, to have… [Read More]
Early puppy socialization: Why it’s important and how to avoid some pitfalls
New puppy parents are faced with some daunting challenges, not the least of which is how to reconcile veterinarian advice to protect puppies from illnesses such as Parvo while also giving them the socialization experiences advocated by trainers and behaviorists. Often the puppies are restricted from outdoor experiences and interactions with other dogs until their… [Read More]
Enrichment: Stimulating the senses
A lot of animal care professionals are writing about enrichment these days. It’s a hot topic. One challenge we have as guardians of companion animals is how to think about how we enrich their day-to-day lives. What do we do outside of everyday care-taking routines to stimulate them physically and cognitively? Even professional animal caregivers get… [Read More]
Let’s talk food
One question rewards-based dog trainers who use treats often get is, “When can I stop using the food?” Invariably, this question is putting the cart way, way, way before the horse. The dog hasn’t been taught behaviors yet, and their people want to know when they can discontinue reinforcing with food. First, it should be… [Read More]
