Chewy 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…

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Ginger 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…

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Hunter 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…

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The 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…

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Popular 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

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Dog Meets Dog

To successfully introduce a new dog into your household, plan ahead and be patient. Don’t assume the dogs will instantly like each other or, if they don’t, that they will work things out themselves. If your dogs get off on the wrong paw, the relationship might not recover. Taking a little extra time is worth…

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Selecting a Dog

Looks aren’t everything. More often than not, we choose which dog to get based on appearance—whichever breed or size or color appeals to us. I may have wanted a Jack Russell terrier ever since I fell in love with Eddie on the TV show Frasier. Or maybe I have found myself admiring a well-trained Border…

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Dog Meets Baby

Why prepare your dog for your baby? From your dog’s point of view, a baby is the strangest creature that ever was. It screams and thrashes, coos and gurgles. It smells funny. It also consumes the energy of previously devoted pet owners. Weeks go by and suddenly your once-well-behaved dog is chewing the furniture. There…

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Teach your dog his name

What’s in a name? Few things are more irritating than shouting your dog’s name over and over to no effect. Don’t assume your dog is ignoring you on purpose, though—especially if you have a puppy or recently adopted dog. Unlike people, dogs don’t automatically learn their names after hearing it just once or twice. Four…

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Fetch

Why teach fetch? Fetch is terrific exercise—and a tired dog is a better behaved and happier dog. It’s also an easy way to exercise your dog if your time or personal mobility is limited. Think of it as lawn-chair exercise: It can be done sitting down. How to train it. Start at your dog’s starting…

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