How we speak to dogs is incredibly important. Besides the tone we use, and its accompanying emotional impact, our specific words, and the order in which we say them, influence our dog's responses. I graduated from Fairhaven College at Western Washington University in 1998. Fairhaven is an inter-disciplinary college, and a department of WWU. My … Continue reading Dogs and Words: Sequence Matters
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Obedience, Shmobedience: Moving Beyond the Commanded Relationship
Teaching dogs to do things when I ask them to is more fun than it ever has been. More fun for me, and more fun for the dogs, but I don’t think of it as obedience, anymore – they aren’t obeying my commands so much as following my cues in an improvisational performance that we … Continue reading Obedience, Shmobedience: Moving Beyond the Commanded Relationship
“…his was the most…human.”
I began writing this weeks ago, before my friend Michelle Schutte's fundraising goal had been met. Though her goal has been achieved, I hope more folks will become aware of her art. Michelle is a real artist. Besides studying it in school, she has been working at it for years; and like the best artists, her work … Continue reading “…his was the most…human.”
How Jack Endino accidentally helped me be a better dog trainer
One of the people who influenced me the most is not a dog trainer, probably doesn't even recall his advice, or have any idea how much he has helped me. Recording engineer, producer, guitarist, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Endino had a huge influence on my development, and I hope his influence might help others. 25 years … Continue reading How Jack Endino accidentally helped me be a better dog trainer
A device to help us help dogs in the car
I love the way I have my wagon set up, with the back seat enclosed for the dogs. It keeps them from flying into the front seat in case of an accident, allows me to roll my front windows all the way down safely, and affords many other safety and security advantages. But the arrangement … Continue reading A device to help us help dogs in the car
Rudy the Rottweiler’s Story, Pt. 3
Rudy has lived with us for 18 months now, the length of time I hoped would take for his rehabilitation. I don’t really put much credence in the idea of “normal” for humans or dogs, but I guess that was my goal: to help Rudy become “normal”. I don’t think he ever will be quite … Continue reading Rudy the Rottweiler’s Story, Pt. 3
“What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion.” –Lupita Nyong’o
I highly recommend watching the now-viral speech by Lupita Nyong’o given the week before she won her Oscar. In it, she discusses her own self-doubt and loathing, brought on because she did not believe she was beautiful. Her interpretation of her own beauty, or lack thereof, was not just influenced by, it was created by, … Continue reading “What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion.” –Lupita Nyong’o
The Gift of a Dog is No Gift at All.
Dogs are not hobbies or toys to be discarded as our interests and lifestyles change; they are living creatures with thoughts and emotions. If you, the parent, really, really want a dog, and want to share the experience of being a loving and responsible pet guardian with your child, then please, get a dog! Bring … Continue reading The Gift of a Dog is No Gift at All.
Best Friends, Yeah.
Experimenting with FB Video.
Stay Workshop Notes
I facilitated a one-hour workshop last night on teaching dogs a reliable stay. These are notes from the workshop handout. This blog has several videos that show the results (Wait vs Stay, I Found My Best Friend in the Dog Pound, and others). I hope this is helpful. Stay Workshop Notes As with all training, … Continue reading Stay Workshop Notes
The Dog Guy 