by Kate LaSala | Oct 17, 2022 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
Confession time: I cringe when I see most videos online of dogs and kids. There, I said it. Why? Mostly because what people think is “cute” is really an uncomfortable dog asking for space. And that’s what I see but people aren’t aware of dog...
by Kate LaSala | Oct 10, 2022 | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Rescue Dogs
When we first adopted Barbo, and left him alone for the first time, we came home and I started to make dinner and couldn’t find the baguette I was certain I had purchased earlier that day. I checked the car, my receipt and just assumed maybe it got left...
by Kate LaSala | Oct 3, 2022 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Resource Guarding, Separation Anxiety
I recently wrote about Using Non-Pharmaceutical “Calming” Supplements In Training so I thought it was a good time to revisit my original post on Behavioral Medication In Training and common myths that people have about medication, as part of this...
by Kate LaSala | Sep 26, 2022 | Dog Training
Understanding how to read your dog’s communication is the single most important thing you can to improve your relationship with your dog. Dogs very rarely “bite out of nowhere.” More commonly, we’ve ignored (or in some cases, the dog has been...
by Kate LaSala | Sep 19, 2022 | Dog Training, Puppy Training
The myth, and frankly, dangerous, outdated “advice” breeders, rescues and even vets are giving to new owners that puppies can’t go outside until all their vaccines are complete, has reared its ugly head again. (Note: I am not a vet, so there may be...
by Kate LaSala | Sep 12, 2022 | Dog Training, Rescue Dogs
So you’ve brought home a new rescue dog (or are preparing to do so)! Congratulations on your new addition! I bet you’re excited to show off your new bundle of joy to everyone! And that’s understandable! But first, let’s look at some important...
by Kate LaSala | Sep 5, 2022 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
Many people take personal offense if a dog doesn’t immediately warm up to them. I get it – it’s hard if you love dogs and want them to like you but they’re a little afraid. It’s hard not to take that personally. Of course some people may...
by Kate LaSala | Aug 29, 2022 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Resource Guarding, Separation Anxiety
Let me first start this post with my standard disclaimer: I AM NOT A VET. But as a trainer in the US who specializes in fear, aggression, reactivity and separation anxiety, I get asked a lot about medication and non-pharmaceutical interventions like calming...
by Kate LaSala | Aug 22, 2022 | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Rescue Dogs, Separation Anxiety
I recently wrote about enrichment not being optional and exercise is definitely part of your dog’s overall enrichment and well being. And often it is recommended as a cure all for behavioral issues. Those of you who live with dogs with behavior issues...
by Kate LaSala | Aug 15, 2022 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs, Separation Anxiety
Often when I’m talking with clients, I can sense their frustration about their dog’s behavior issues. Living with a fearful or anxious dog is hard for owners. And it’s normal to want things to be resolved as quickly as possible. And I’ve...