by Kate LaSala | Dec 14, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity
This is the third installment in my Fear in Dogs series discussing the various ways dogs can acquire fear. This week, I’m talking about the most commonly known (and assumed) way dogs get fear, through bad experiences. When I have a fear and aggression...
by Kate LaSala | Dec 7, 2020 | Dog Training, Fear, Aggression and Reactivity
Last week I introduced my Fear in Dogs series talking about the role of mothers in how dogs may acquire fear. If you missed it, you can read that post here. This week, I’m touching on the role of genetics and the situations in which we commonly see...
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 | 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 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During Covid, the myth (and frankly, dangerous, outdated “advice”) that breeders, rescues and even some vets were giving to new owners that puppies couldn’t go outside until all their vaccines were complete, reared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 2, 2020 | Dog Training, Resource Guarding
Does your dog growl, freeze, eat faster or try to bite if you approach him when he’s eating? Food guarding is a completely normal and very common dog behavior but it understandably upsets owners and in some cases, can be a safety concern, especially if there...
by Kate LaSala | Feb 19, 2020 | Dog Training, Puppy Training
Piggybacking off my recent post “But, my dog isn’t food motivated” I thought I’d touch on another thing I hear commonly from clients – “I don’t want to bribe my dog with food.” For some reason, a lot of people see using...
by Kate LaSala | Jan 31, 2020 | Dog Training, Dogs and Babies and Kids
As a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator and a certified behavior consultant whose speciality is fear and aggression, I work with a lot of families with dogs and kids. Some contact me ahead of time, to help prepare their dog, or address concerns before the baby...
