Ziggy learns to Move
https://studio.youtube.com/video/zZ2JJX-JQ1w/edit Ben works with six-month-old male Labradoodle Ziggy on Move, which means get out from underfoot and/or out of the trainer’s line of travel. Some dogs stay more close to people than others, and while we may value this quality, at its worst it causes trips and falls and may contribute to door dashing and…
Read MoreChewy learns to Fetch
Sending home a family dog with a complete retrieve means he will have a job — fetch — and will get aerobic exercise. Ben uses two toys to encourage Newfiedoodle Chewy to return with toy #1 so he will toss toy #2. Regular play and exercise will foster a harmonious relationship with his people, even…
Read MoreGinger goes shopping
Imagine Dillard’s from a dog’s points of view — the slick, shiny floor, with the pattern of reflected florescent light, the music, the currents of cold air. It’s a testament to dogs’ environmental adaptability — and their willingness to partner with us — that they go in at all. Ben keeps the treats coming for…
Read MoreHunter learns to Wait
If you’ve ever had an adult Lab barrel through the door ahead of you, you will appreciate Hunter’s progress in this video on Wait (at the door), a skill we practice at any major threshold. Upon command, the dog refrains from forward motion (Sit optional) until released, either by a release word or another obedience…
Read MoreThe value of Blanket
In this video, five-month-old Goldendoodle Biscuit starts Blanket with Ben. A specialty command used for autism and PTSD, Blanket is also generally useful for puppies who live with seniors and children. It teaches the puppy to lie down and cuddle — to offer a down/stay against the human body. In time, the puppy may offer…
Read MorePopular dog names
The Most Popular Dog Names? Of all time, female: Molly, Bella, Daisy, Maggie, Lucy, Ginger, Bonnie, Sadie, Sophie, Lady Of all time, male: Max, Jake, Buddy, Jack, Cody, Charlie, Bailey, Rocky, Sam, Buster Today, female: Bella, Luna, Lucy, Daisy, Lily Today, male: Charlie, Max, Bailey, Cooper, Rex West Palm Dog addition: Roxy
Read MoreDogs in the workplace
One of the hardest things about living with dogs is leaving them behind every day for the office. Those puppy-dog eyes can really do a number on a dog lover. Fortunately, more and more workplaces welcome dogs. That improves the lives of dogs, their guardians, and the company’s bottom line. Employers report reduced absenteeism and…
Read MoreThe human-dog bond
You’re not imagining it. Your dog really does understand what you’re feeling. Dogs can’t read our minds, no, but when it often seems like they do, it’s because of a special connection between our two species that’s increasingly well understood. Dogs don’t just seem attuned to our emotions. They are. Eye-track studies of dogs have…
Read MoreFive Tips for Keeping Your Dog Busy
Dogs get stir-crazy, too. If yours is climbing the walls and driving you to distraction, here are five ways to help him chill. Lots of exercise. “A tired dog is a good dog” is a cliché for good reason. It’s easy to be well-behaved when you’re sleeping off a good run. If a run isn’t…
Read MoreNew Rules from DOT ~ Service Dogs and Air Travel
New proposed rules from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) that seek to clarify Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulations regarding the transportation of service animals by air and that are intended the ensure that America’s air transportation system is safe for the traveling public and accessible to individuals with disabilities, are expected to…
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