WOOFS! number one priority in our basic class is something we call Voluntary Attention (VA). Simply put, voluntary attention is the ability of the dog to pay attention to it's handler in a distracting environment without the owner using the leash or constantly …
The truth about being the Pack Leader, Part 2
In my last post I promised to tell you how to be an effective leader without resorting to dominance and intimidation. Quite honestly, Iʼll probably offend some people here, but intimidating animals and using physical dominance is for Neanderthals. And thatʼs …
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The truth about being the Pack Leader, Part 1
I learned something last week when I was visiting Wolf Park in Battleground, Indiana. Wolf packs donʼt have pack leaders. Thatʼs right. NO pack leader. As it turns out, the concept of the pack leader was a mistake. A mistake made many years ago by …
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Is your dog running your life?
Let’s talk about schedules. Is your dog on YOUR schedule or are you on your DOGS schedule? It is an important question and something you really want to consider when your dog is a puppy. Of course, when you first bring a puppy home, everything MUST revolve …
The Why and Why Not of the dog park
So I have been talking a lot about puppy socialization and exercise, and how to accomplish those intertwined goals. Both are critical for the health and well being of your pup and the exercise part can be essential for your sanity! The dog park seems to be …
