by Kate LaSala | Nov 30, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Puppy Training
One of the unforeseen benefits of the pandemic, at least early on, was emptying of rescues and shelters, since people were going to be home and they decided it was a great time to bring home a dog or cat. Social distancing and puppy socialization are in direct...
by Kate LaSala | Nov 16, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity
Did you ever just have a really bad day, where everything seemed to go wrong? Your alarm didn’t go off, you were rushing around to get ready for work, you spilled your coffee, your toast got burned, you forgot to grab your lunch, your shoe lace broke,...
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 | Oct 19, 2020 | Dog Training, Separation Anxiety
SUSPEND ABSENCES. Now, hear me out. I know your gut reaction is that impossible – maybe a little less so during Covid but under normal circumstances you have errands to run, work meetings, social engagements, vacations, date night, going to the gym and...
by Kate LaSala | Oct 12, 2020 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids, Puppy Training, Separation Anxiety
It can be confusing for new puppy parents to know if their puppy is experiencing separation anxiety or normal “puppy stuff” since there can be a lot of crossover between the two. Puppies inherently have separation anxiety – vocalizing to reunite with mom...
by Kate LaSala | Sep 28, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity, Resource Guarding
Does your dog growl, freeze, lunge or try to bite if you approach him when she’s got a high value chew, used Kleenex or stolen sock? Just like food guarding that I talked about a few weeks ago, guarding high value resources is a completely normal and very...
by Kate LaSala | Sep 21, 2020 | Dog Training, Puppy Training
During Covid, the myth (and frankly, dangerous, outdated “advice”) that breeders, rescues and even some vets were giving to new owners that puppies couldn’t go outside until all their vaccines were complete, reared its ugly head again. (Note: I am...
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 | Apr 28, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity
Last week I had a realization. I saw this cartoon and the caption made me realize, during this pandemic, when we’re all unable to interact with, or even see, people when we want to, that this is what being a barrier frustrated dog is like. (Barrier frustrated dogs...
by Kate LaSala | Feb 10, 2020 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids
I think it’s safe to say, we all love our dogs and we want to show them how much we love them. One of the most common bits of information I deliver to clients is that most dogs don’t like to be hugged or kissed. It’s a hard conversation to have and...
