by Kate LaSala | May 23, 2022 | Dog Training, Rescue Dogs, Separation Anxiety
When your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it is completely normal to want to do everything you can, as quickly as possible, to help give them relief and try to help them. A quick internet search will turn up a wealth of recommendations for seemingly...
by Kate LaSala | May 9, 2022 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity
You’re expecting a baby or your baby is starting to crawl or toddle. This is an exciting time but if you have a dog who resource guards food, toys, bones or resting spots, you’re likely feeling nervous or scared the the dog might hurt our child. This is a...
by Kate LaSala | May 2, 2022 | Dog Training, Rescue Dogs, Separation Anxiety
Occasionally in my behavior practice, I get clients who come to me saying their dog “suddenly” developed separation anxiety. This is always somewhat of a red flag to me and requires some Sherlock Holmes level investigating and questioning. While the...
by Kate LaSala | Apr 25, 2022 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
Behavior is never random. Often clients will come to me saying their dog has bitten “unprovoked” or “out of the blue.” Bites happen fast, so it can seem like they happen out of the blue but when we dig into it, we uncover that the dog was...
by Kate LaSala | Apr 18, 2022 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
You want to know what makes me weep? When I see people, often well-meaning but grossly mistaken, telling others that their fearful dog “just needs love” to get better. This is akin to telling someone with a fractured leg that they just need love to heal...
by Kate LaSala | Mar 21, 2022 | Dog Training
There is no substitute for quality training and behavior modification but there are a lot of management strategies to manage or overcome unexpected situations when they occur so your dog isn’t practicing doing the wrong thing. Sometimes having the right...
by Kate LaSala | Mar 7, 2022 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs, Resource Guarding
Are you ready to set you and your dog up for successful training sessions? Here’s 5 secrets to help make your training sessions the most effective and efficient they can be. Keep your sessions short. For basic skills, try to train in 10-15 minute blocks....
by Kate LaSala | Jan 31, 2022 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
FEAR IS NOT DISOBEDIENCE. Yes, I’m screaming. If I could reach my rooftop I’d scream this from there. As someone who specializes in fear and aggression cases, so often I come across clients who are frustrated with their dog “not...
by Kate LaSala | Dec 9, 2021 | Dog Training, Rescue Dogs, Separation Anxiety
Today I’m participating in a trainer roundup series with the theme of “We (professional trainers) give you permission” to do all sorts of things that are demonized by people and often, other trainers. See all the posts here! So I’m here,...
by Kate LaSala | Nov 29, 2021 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Rescue Dogs
As a quick reference guide, I’m compiling my posts and downloads about dogs with kids and babies here in one place (and I will try to update it moving forward). Self-paced Pre-Baby Prep Course: Bringing Home Baby Free Downloads: 10 Dos and Dont’s...