Why Trainers Hate Retractable Leashes (But I Own One Anyway)
Retractable leashes are one of those things that dog trainers love to hate. This is partially due to the fact that retractable leashes are made with convenience, not training, in mind. But the real problem with retractable leashes in most dog trainer’s minds is that people just don’t seem to know how to use them correctly. … Read more
Cat Puzzle Toys: Kitty Tested, Trainer Approved
The average cat spends most of its day doing nothing. Cat puzzle toys can fix that! Cats (and most other predators) do tend to spend more time sleeping than herbivores. However, our domestic cats generally spend hardly any time working for their food. That’s where cat puzzle toys come in handy. I’m going to say … Read more
Is My Dog A Red Zone Dog? 28 Questions to Ask Yourself
Sometimes, people come to me asking if their dog is a dangerous or “red zone dog.” The reality is, all dogs can bite and would in the wrong situation. Some dogs, however, are far more dangerous than others. As a behavior consultant who loves working with tough, marginal dogs, I see a lot of scary … Read more
Reward-Based Boundary Training: Get Off-Leash Obedience without an E-Collar
Off-leash obedience is one of the most coveted skills in dog training, especially among my fellow Coloradoans. Friends who know that I don’t like using e-collars ask: how do I teach my dog to hike off-leash without an e-collar? The answer is called boundary training. Having great off-leash obedience lets you and your dog enjoy nature … Read more
