Behavior Training for Dogs

04/08/2025

Dog behavior that we consider cute is often part of “rehearsing” heritable and genetic drives that are part of the species. Here is Trudy demonstrating the end of the prey drive sequence.

04/03/2025

So true. Tips, to me, imply something that can be shared in a 1 minute answer or something that was accidentally discovered by happenstance. Most of what we do, we learn through a formal educational process and time spent under mentoring and/or supervision. We learn behavioral theories from which we conduct evaluations, form hypotheses and develop treatment plans. We study and learn about dog behavior and communication. And a lot of what we do is helping others develop better relationships with their companion animals. We put ourselves in harm’s way sometimes to accomplish this. If it looks easy, it’s because we have conducted hundreds of sessions and worked with hundreds of dogs. Our education and skills help others have peace of mind and peace at home.

04/03/2025

When was the last time you howled with the wolves? This is great fun and a wonderful family activity. Make your reservations soon. Wolf Park

🌙🐺 Howl Night - Myths of the Wild: Legends & Lore 🐺🌙

What to Expect:

💡 Experience a storytelling journey through cultural narratives from around the world, exploring how wolves have inspired awe, respect, and fear across generations.

🎤 Get answers to your questions during an interactive Q&A session.

🐺 Join an interactive howling session that connects the wolves vocalizations to symbolic meanings found in various cultures.

✨ Great for families, nature lovers, and anyone curious about wolves!
Don’t miss this fun and eye-opening evening that shows how we can share the world with wildlife.

03/28/2025

This is Cooper, a Havanese.
The breed was well known in Cuba and made its way to the United States in the late ‘50s. It is part of the AKC Toy breed and makes a good family companion.

03/17/2025

This is so true. The trainer, dog and client need to work toward a standard. Having some objective measurement takes the guesswork out of it.

03/17/2025

Dogs need to chew. Here is Benson, a young adult French Bulldog demonstrating his chewing ability. If your dog has dog appropriate things to chew on ( like this artificial antler), he just might leave your things alone. Training helps reinforce this.

03/05/2025

Structuring our dog’s day is similar to us having a routine. It is easier and generally more comforting to know what to do, than not. If you leave the dog guessing as to what is expected, he may make choices that you don’t like.

A dog without structure often becomes self employed.
And the job they choose for themselves, we usually don't like.
Paw patrol, Digger, shoe sampler.. whatever it is..

Dogs are creatures of habit. When your dog knows what to expect and what’s expected of them, it removes the guesswork and anxiety that come with unpredictable situations.

Structure provides clarity—whether it’s through daily routines, boundaries, or clear communication of rules—and helps your dog feel safe and secure. Without it, your dog is left to become self employed, which often results in hyperactivity, reactivity, or behavioral issues.

Check out this video for a way that can create calmness in your dog: https://youtu.be/n9loHLhJFzE

By implementing structure in your dog’s life, you’re not being “mean” or taking away their freedom—you’re giving them the gift of calm. Structure doesn’t have to mean rigid rules; it’s about providing a reliable framework for your dog to succeed.

This could be as simple as reinforcing leash manners, teaching them to wait at doors, or practicing a daily routine with training and play.

Over time, the consistency of these boundaries helps your dog relax and focus. A structured life leads to a calm mind, and a calm mind leads to a happier dog.

03/04/2025

This is Pippi, a Standard Poodle.
The Poodle is thought to have originated in Germany but it was commonly known as the French Poodle due to its popularity in France. It is a member of the non-sporting group and comes in a variety of colors.

02/28/2025

The founder of Wolf Park made great strides in providing a way for us to learn more about Canids. Thank you, Dr. Klinghammer.

Today we celebrate the life and work of Wolf Park’s founder, Dr. Erich Klinghammer. He would have been 95 today.

Dr. Klinghammer’s passion for understanding wolves extended beyond academia. Under his leadership, Wolf Park became a hub for education and conservation advocacy.

It is our honor to continue his legacy by fostering understanding, respect, and coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Klinghammer!

02/24/2025

Down, it’s “down”!

02/23/2025

That Bulldog part of her is on display!

02/23/2025

Dogs, although domesticated, still have behavioral traits carried over from their genetic past. This short video shows Trudy at play. While it is true that she is playing, she is indeed rehearsing part of the Predatory Sequence ( think about hunting in the wild).
The parts of the sequence are as follows: Orient (“to give eye”),
Stalk, Chase, Grab/Bite, Shake/Kill, Dismember, Consume.
What part of the Sequence is Trudy showing? Please let me know what you think!

02/22/2025

Learning to heel is taught easiest by starting off leash. This skill is transferred afterwards to walking on a loose leash without the dog pulling. This is a beautiful example of how heeling is taught and learned off leash. The dog just needs to follow the lure. With repetition and consistency on the part of the human, muscle memory kicks in.

02/19/2025

Puppies grow quickly. Here are photos of Trudy—2 weeks apart.