Canine Higher Learning

12/30/2025

Start Train Your Dog Month with a fun class for you and your pooch.
Check out our Sports Sampler, Starting January 6!
Flyball, Agility, and Nose Work
2 weeks each in a 6-week course



Register here:
https://give.hssv.org/event/sports-sampler-in-person-starting-01-06-26-at-7-45pm/e756382?_ga=2.149500726.1011704119.1767031331-54375428.1708370051

12/21/2025

Learning is learning, trust is trust, no matter the species.

Today, my friends, I have a story for you.
It’s about a horse who refused to enter a trailer—but the lesson has little to do with horses and everything to do with how we understand animals, learning, and ourselves. The same principles apply to dogs, and indeed to any animal we live or work with.
It’s a story about patience, humility, trial and error, and about discovering—sometimes the hard way—that success does not always come from doing more, but from doing less and listening better.
As I write in the article:
“Success and failure are not properties of events but of perspective. In the end, success came not from doing more, but from doing less—listening more carefully, and allowing the horse to teach me what I needed to know.”
I hope you find this story both enjoyable and helpful—whether you share your life with a horse, a dog, or simply enjoy reflecting on how learning happens. Let me know what you think; I value your comments.

12/12/2025

Looking to adopt a new, furry family member this weekend? Check out the HSSV/Hills Sweet 16 Adoption event!
Free adoptions available at the Humane Society Silicon Valley in Milpitas and at Petco in West San Jose.



https://www.hssv.org/adopt/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=MCAE&utm_campaign=adopt_interest

12/01/2025

Take your dog's training to the Next Level!
Check out these advanced classes, for dogs who have completed beginning and intermediate training classes. Starting soon at the Humane Society Silicon Valley .

Focus For Distractions
Starting: Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:55pm
Link to register: https://secure.hssv.org/events/training/focus-distractions-person-120325-755-pm

Canine Good Citizen
Starting: Thursday, December 4th at 6:00pm
Link to register: https://secure.hssv.org/events/training/canine-good-citizen-person-starting-120425-600-pm

11/25/2025

Most beasties can be trained. It's a matter of motivation!

JOIN DISCORD NOW Will see you there! https://discord.gg/MyrHY2CEmUDon’t follow me on Instagram https://bit.ly/3A6kYn2 I post every year!--------Buy the Hamme...

11/22/2025

https://www.facebook.com/100044222179937/posts/1376269383857121/?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=6aamW6

Researchers have captured video footage of what they say is possible tool-use by wolves after the animal was seen pulling a crab trap out of deeper waters in...

11/14/2025

The class action lawsuit against shock collars is concluded.
“In reality, Shock Collar Products are far from safe and harmless. In fact, the use of electric shocks is gravely dangerous to the pets’ physical and psychological well-being. Hundreds of documented cases—which Defendant is aware of—reveal that the use of shock collars can cause pets severe injuries, including, inter alia, skin ruptures, bruising, inflammations, skin burns, and infections.“
Thank you Stacy's Wag'N'Train for sharing this.

Dozens of peer review studies have demonstrated the dangers, potential short- and long-term impact of using shock collars (e-collars) on dogs. And just now a $1.9 million consumer class action arising out of misrepresentations and omissions by parent company Radio Systems in connection with its manu...

11/04/2025

Need assistance, in these tough times, to feed your fur babies? HSSV has got your back!

With recent changes to federal assistance programs, we know many families are facing tough choices.

If you or someone you know is struggling to feed their pets, Humane Society Silicon Valley’s Pet Pantry is here to help.

🧡 We provide free pet food and supplies to support families through challenging times.
📍 Find upcoming pantry dates and locations: hssv.org/petpantry

Because no one should have to give up their best friend when times get hard.

11/03/2025

"Training often fails—not because the animal doesn’t understand, but because you don’t believe it will work. Doubt is contagious. The moment you hesitate, your body betrays you—and your animal reads you like an open book...

So, here’s your plan of action: think it through, then act—with calm determination. Don’t worry about controlling the animal; control yourself. If you do that, the rest usually follows."
-- Roger Abrantes

"The Importance of Self-Confidence in Animal Training" by Roger Abrantes (amateur video with low picture quality).

10/28/2025

10/07/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMI-84cB8EG/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

09/28/2025

I've read about this study. Many people in the sports world recommend ending a training session when a dog has performed something particularly well, and letting him or her relax with a chewy treat or a quiet toy.