With Thanksgiving and winter holidays approaching (here in the US), it's likely you're gathering with friends and family and your dog is expected to seamlessly integrate into that chaos. While you may be out of time for training helpful skills like down/stay on a...
In my doula and pet loss grief work I often get called on to help a family not just with their grief but with other animals at home who are missing the animal that passed away. This is a topic I've been interviewed about here and here. In the wild, we have...
Separation anxiety in dogs is a tough and often misunderstood condition. Unfortunately, there are many myths that confuse dog parents and sometimes lead them down the wrong path. Let’s clear up three common misconceptions. Myth 1: If your dog has separation...
Sometimes when potential clients reach out they ask why they need both me and a vet or a veterinary behaviorist. It's confusing! I get it! It can be hard for consumers to decode and understand all the letters and professional certificates out there. My post here...
Occasionally I'll get inquiries about a family wanting to get a protection dog. It’s natural to want to keep your family safe. In a world where news headlines can make us feel vulnerable, the idea of bringing home a trained “protection dog” may sound appealing....
Halloween is a time of costumes, decorations, and spooky fun but it can also be a stressful season for many dogs. Each year, I see a surge of social media videos showing clearly scared dogs while people laugh or pull on their leash to force an interaction....
My pet loss grief journey, 18 months in, reflecting and sharing heartfelt lessons to help you heal.
Today I want to take a closer look at the fallout effects of aversive training tools such as prong collars, shock collars, bark collars, electric fences, and noise aversives. These methods all have one thing in common: they rely on fear, pain, or...
Because I work primarily with fearful dogs, I see a lot of people who describe their dog’s fear as a “problem” that needs “fixing.” But fear is not disobedience. The more I thought about this, the more I realized it highlights a bigger issue in dog training....
Today I'm thrilled to share that my new self-paced course, Home Sweet Home: Helping Your New Dog Thrive from Day One is now available! Bringing home a new puppy or rescue dog is one of the most joyful experiences but it can also feel overwhelming. From...
Much like the lack of transparency in dog training, there's also a lack of transparency in sheltering and rescue organizations. In 2018 eight prominent animal welfare organizations and foundations released a joint mission statement regarding accountability...
The loss of a beloved pet can be devastating. Our companion animals often play a constant role in our lives, offering comfort, companionship, emotional support and unconditional love. When they’re gone, the change in your daily routine, the lack of caretaking...