Heartdog

10/20/2023

This cartoon reminded me of a film about street dogs in other countries and how many are so well adjusted. Sometimes, well meaning people “rescue” these animals only to find that the poor dog is now reactive, petrified or destructive. Well, even for our homegrown doggies, enrichment is key to a happy, relaxed canine. Sniffaris inside or out, games, interactive toys, play dates with friendly pals and of course classes!

07/18/2023

AVOID a dog bite by understanding dogs' body language! I should know better - I have been training dogs professionally for about 10 years and have had so many great teachers. Yet, when I came to a friend's home earlier this summer and went into her huge fenced yard with two excited dogs it never occurred to me that the dogs were over threshhold and it was not safe. Sure enough, the anxious one of the duo, who knew me less proceeded to nip my leg and broke skin. My friend got him away and no serious harm done. We followed up this unfortunate episode with three sessions of counter-conditioning and the relationship was repaired! Still, I was embarrassed that this ever happened in the first place - don't let it happen to you. Here's a great resource for understanding canine body language:

A small but mighty illustrated gift book and guide to understanding dog body language to improve human and dog relationships, and dog welfare. By artist Lili Chin of DoggieDrawings.net

06/09/2020

For those interested in Board and Train. I will be available to work with dogs boarding at Daisey’s Doggie Retreat. See my website for more detail.

06/08/2017

Just a reminder - starting a basic manners class on Wednesday June 21 at 6:30 at the beautiful Daisey's Doggie Retreat. Class size limited so sign up now to secure spot. Please contact Ginny at DDR to register. Contact me for questions about class.

03/09/2017

Here is Cashmere - what a beautiful foxhound who was let's say "retired" early from the sport of foxhunting. She is so lucky to have landed a home with a person so devoted to her transition to just regular family pet. While a bit shy, she is making progress and I just adore working with her and her extremely diligent owner!

12/30/2016

Mostly indoors today so took time to make a paw protector wax for dogs' paws prior to going out in snow, ice, salt, etc. Thank you Rodney Habib of Planet Paws and Dr Karen Becker for posting.

12/13/2016

An instructor with the Pat Miller group posted a great reference for hyper greeters. Here's the link:

A few days ago I posted a blog about teaching dogs to keep their feet on the floor and off of people. That blog included an excellent video by Chirag Patel. In my opinion, his approach will work …

11/09/2016

Wrapping up second day at PPG. A little buffer from the events of the day. Many fantastic speakers, colleagues and vendors to learn from. Looking forward to bringing some new ideas back to Capital District people and their dogs!

10/01/2016

Family Manners - the Fall class will start October 13 at 6 p.m. at Becky Hutchins' Good Choice Dog Training - 14 Railroad Avenue, Albany. The class will cover basic cues in addition to much foundation information to help you form a lifelong positive partnership with your canine family member. Class size limited - Must register to attend. 125.00 for six weeks. Email me at [email protected] to register and for more info.

08/16/2016

A bagel saved a dog's life today! I rarely have a bagel in the a.m. anymore but decided to stop at Bruegger's and get one today. I pull into the Delaware Avenue parking lot, checked my phone, called Paul and then saw a mastiff running scared past my car. I said "gotta go" to Paul as I feared this dog was headed into the road. I called in my most cheery voice COME and lo and behold he/she came right to me. Fortunately, the doggy had this awesome recall and in addition a nice collar for me to grab. Also fortunately, the dog had no issues with me grabbing that collar. PHEW. The owner came running to me - grateful. The dog had jumped out of the car window - good idea to leave car windows down in this warm weather but since the dog was not secured and apparently nervous about being left, he/she made the mad dash. Of course, I couldn't help suggesting: please crate your dog in the car :-).

So, a bagel may have saved that dog!!

07/03/2016

Duncan with Barb and Brian perfecting his "sit pretty" in Family Manners at MHHS.

04/07/2016

To Crate or Not to Crate? While I feel that crates have been used by some excessively, I encourage my clients and students to introduce the crate to all their dogs so that if nothing else if the dog ever needed to be kept quiet (after surgery for example), he/she would be okay with it. New clients were worried about their two dogs' interactions - at times the older one snarked at the younger one. I suggested a crate for the older one be added - so happy to report that the dog is going in on its own (door open) and hanging there throughout the day. The owners report that the dog seems relieved to have reclaimed some alone space :-).