by Kate LaSala | Jun 21, 2021 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
There’s a lot of euphemisms in dog training, mostly trying to smooth over things that don’t sit well with us. Aversive trainers and electric fence companies will tell you the shock collar is “just a vibration like your cell phone.”...
by Kate LaSala | Jun 7, 2021 | Dog Training, Dog Training Regulation, Rescue Dogs, Separation Anxiety
When I have my initial consult with separation anxiety clients, most, if not all of them, have some misguided understanding or belief about separation anxiety. And with all the widely found information online and given from friends, it’s easy to see why...
by Kate LaSala | Jun 3, 2021 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs, Resource Guarding
Last night I did a free Facebook and YouTube Q&A on Resource Guarding as a supplement to my Resource Guarding Series. Here is the video in case you missed it. There’s also lots of great resources referenced and linked in the comments of the Facebook...
by Kate LaSala | May 31, 2021 | Dog Training, Dog Training Regulation, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs, Resource Guarding
Behavior suppression is NOT the same as behavior modification. What do I mean? Well, here’s a good analogy I use with clients. If you break your arm and are crying, I might be able to slap you around enough to get you to stop crying. Just stopping the...
by Kate LaSala | May 24, 2021 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
As someone who specializes in fear and aggression cases, I get a lot of people trying to communicate their dog’s issue and use very colorful language. Over time I’ve learned to temper their interpretations and try to get them to focus on...
by Kate LaSala | Oct 26, 2020 | 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 16, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs, Resource Guarding
Last week I released an infographic on dog communication. If you missed it, you can download your copy here. 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...
by Kate LaSala | Jul 27, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
As a trainer whose primary focus is on fear and aggression cases, I’m often asked by clients – both private and rescues – about sending dogs off to a “sanctuary*.” They’re always asking about this because they need to make tough...
by Kate LaSala | Dec 23, 2019 | Dog Training, Puppy Training, Rescue Dogs
Just last week a NJ rescue I was formerly associated with (I resigned 4 years ago, to the day, this news story broke) was charged with almost 20 counts of varying charges including falsifying records “for the purpose of deceiving prospective pet owners,”...
by Kate LaSala | Nov 25, 2019 | Dog Training, Dog Training Regulation, Rescue Dogs
In my previous post cautioning about aversive dog training “boot camps” I touched on the long-lasting negative effects that often happen. I wanted to share the story of a dog I worked with, named Noelle. I worked with Noelle after she was sent to a 6 week...
