Your trainer says you need to use “high value” treats for your dog. But what exactly does that mean?
(The right kind of) ‘practice makes perfect’
When training your dog, do you only practice in the same environment where you need your dog to perform?
Go for a better walk
Do your daily dog walks feel rote or routine? Each walk is an opportunity for quality one-on-one time with your best buddy. Here’s how.
Aggressive dog behavior calls for compassion
Dog aggression is complicated. When a dog behaves aggressively, we need to have compassion for everyone, including the dog themself.
High value dog treats that are easy on the stomach
If you have taken a WOOFS! class you have probably heard us request that you bring high value food rewards to class. So what’s with the obsession with food, you might ask? To begin with, we are positive reinforcement trainers. This means that we use rewards (technically reinforcers) to teach dogs to respond to the […]
Anxiety and arousal in dogs
High anxiety and arousal can precipitate the bites. How does anxiety and arousal affect our dogs and what can we do about it?
Boarding your dog, revisited
As school comes to a close for the year it’s time for summer vacations. Who is going to take care of the dog? How to choose boarding options
Puppy Olympics, and the importance of early socialization
The Puppy Olympics are almost here! 8 weeks ago, on April 1st 2016, our foster dog Harlie gave birth to 11 tiny puppies. WOOFS! has fostered many pregnant moms and their puppies over the past 13 years, but this time we decided to do something different. We assigned each puppy a WOOFS! trainer. Each trainer […]
Puppy Challenge #1: House Training
So you have a cute new puppy? Congratulations! But now what? Puppies naturally bite, cry, poop and pee. Then we get them in the house and immediately want them NOT to bite, cry, poop or pee. It’s a pretty tall order for an 8 week old. So here are a few tips on how to […]
There’s help for dog reactivity
A reactive dog overreacts to by becoming highly aroused, barking and lunging. But there is help for dog reactivity.
Veterinary visit etiquette and training
Following an excellent post by Clarendon Animal Care, learn how you can help your your dog have a great experience at their veterinary visit.
Happy Train Your Dog Month!
January is National Train Your Dog Month! Training your dog for just five minutes a day can upgrade your dog’s education and responsiveness.
