Professional Paws Pet Blog
A professional dog trainer’s thoughts on training, animal behavior, pet care and more!
How to Tell if Your Pet is in Pain
Our pets are beloved family members and we do all that we can to make sure they live long, happy, healthy lives with us. We provide them with routine vet care to prevent problems before they arise and to monitor existing conditions. We also take them to the vet if they become sick or injured. The problem is that our pets don’t speak human language. Because of this, it is easy for us to miss early signs that something is wrong. And for many medical issues, early detection and monitoring are key.
The Truth About Balanced Training
Dog training is not a regulated field, and because of this, there are several different types of training and different methodologies that trainers may use to induce behavior change. Some of these are more effective and humane than others. Balanced dog training is a style of training that combines the use of positive reinforcement and physical corrections for bad behavior. Advocates for this type of training may make it sound appealing, but don’t believe the hype.
Never Punish Your Dog for Growling
Today while I was working with Tule, something happened. A dog approached us displaying really upfront and excited behaviors and iffy body language. The dog was straining on leash to get to us, and we were in a crowded space. Before I could duck out of the way the owner lets the dog run up to Tule who is now trapped with nowhere to go. Before I could ask the owner to pull their dog back Tule growled and let out a single (but loud) bark. Luckily, the human took the hint and took their dog away, as I apologized. So what was my response as a dog trainer?
5 Pet Training Products I Can’t Live Without
It’s time to talk about dog training tools! Now, dog training as an industry has changed vastly in the past 10 years. Educated trainers are using modern and science proven methods over traditional methods that were used to cause pain and/or instill fear into the canine pupil. With this change in technique also came a change in the types of tools that progressive trainers recommend to their clients and use on their own dogs at home. This is a topic that I often discuss with clients and am asked about on a regular basis by other animal professionals, friends, acquaintances, etc. So much that I have whittled down my list of products that I love to recommend and use personally to only 5 items.
Things Dog Trainers Do That Most Dog Owners Don’t
Have you ever wondered what life is like for my dogs? Ever been curious about how I work with my own dogs, introduce a new cue or skill, or deal with a problem behavior? Well, you aren’t alone! Throughout my career I have noticed that professional dog trainers (like myself) tend to do things a little differently than the majority of dog owners. I wanted to take some time and share a few of the “secrets” that I tend to utilize with my own pets.
Choosing a Quality Breeder
You have made the big decision to add a dog or puppy to your household, and you have decided that purchasing through an ethical, responsible breeder is the way to go for your family. Now what? Now we need to begin the thoughtful process of choosing the breeder we want to be responsible for our new family member’s genetic makeup and early upbringing. This is no small decision, but I have put together some points to help make the decision easier. Remember that not all breeders are created equally.
How to Choose a Dog Trainer
Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means literally anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. No experience or education is required. This often means that there are a lot of options to choose from in any given area, but not all are created equally. Choosing a qualified trainer is going to set the foundation for your relationship with your dog. How do you know which trainer is going to be the best for your situation? I’ve made a list of some important things to consider when making this important choice.
Remembering Senna
As the 4th anniversary of his death draws closer, I find myself reflecting a lot on Senna’s life and legacy. Grief is an interesting creature in and of itself. Sometimes it feels as if he never existed. I find myself wanting to say his name out loud, concerned that if I don’t talk about him, his memory will fade. Other times it seems as if it was only yesterday that we chose to humanely end his suffering, and I remember exactly the way his head fit inside my hand as I stroked his face. Senna was my soul mate. My first true love. My teacher. The reason I am a dog trainer. Here is his story.
Pitbulls: Beyond the Stigma
Many pitbulls tend to have similar physical characteristics and mannerisms. We have all seen a pitbull. One of those blocky headed thicc boys or girls with a big grin and an always wagging tail. However, this type of dog has become extremely controversial here in the US, but they shouldn’t be! Let’s discuss why.