Heyer Canine Learning LLC

18/04/2025

Yes, please! And please make sure to teach others to ask before approaching if it’s ok. If you are closer than about 10 feet, you are too close!

Not trying to interact with the dogs we see on the street or in homes can make a huge difference to both the dog and owner.

It can help puppies build confidence and impulse control, make worried or reactive dogs feel safer and set the owner up for success.

Not to take away the joy of meeting dogs, but both dog and owner will make it pretty clear if they are keen to interact. And that’s when the question can the be asked if it’s okay to say hello.

Some of the best relationships I’ve had with dogs has started from waiting for them to make contact first.

12/04/2025

Today we took a field trip to a local “lake” where we got to do a lot of practice of not trying to greet people and dogs going past us. Fisher clearly knows and cares a great deal about being rewarded for waiting politely while others go by. Finn is making great progress. At this age and developmental stage, saying hi is something he really wants to do, which is why it’s important that he also has opportunities where he can meet and greet and play with other people and dogs.

05/04/2025

We want Finn to be comfortable and confident staying somewhere else so today he had a fabulous day of fun at Hunter Mill Retrievers daycare. We know that Finn’s outgoing personality makes him a good candidate for something like daycare. And I trust that Victoria, a fellow KPA Alumni, works to keep interactions safe and fun for the dogs in her care. I think it’s obvious from the photos sent throughout the day that Finn was happy and unconcerned about being there😄

02/04/2025

Today is 🐩🐶…A day to remind people that it’s okay to do things with your dog that don’t involve taking them for a walk. Some dogs don’t enjoy walks and find them stressful. Some dogs love them but can get easily triggered by something you may routinely encounter. And some dogs don’t yet have the skills or impulse control to walk without potentially dragging their person down. Plus, variety is good. Find some other ways for your dog to get their exercise and other enrichment. Here’s Finn playing with one of his best friends, which is so much easier on me than taking him for a walk when he has energy to get out!

01/04/2025

Woofsicles for the Thunderstorm win!

The boys were a bit concerned with the thunder so we gave them each a frozen Woodsicle to focus on instead of waiting for more thunder. The storm had gone through by the time they finished and now everybody is settled .

30/03/2025

Today is a perfect day to be outside with the dogs. Enrichment comes in many forms. Finn wanted to explore, punctuated with play and close contact. Fisher wanted lots of scratches and then time to snooze in the grass. Each had the opportunity to choose to do what they wanted- within some parameters for Finn who also wanted to eat a rock and chew blackberry canes. He was offered some other options instead, which thankfully he decided were tastier and / or more fun. Give your dog time and choices of things they would like to do (safely and within reason) and both of you will be happier!

22/03/2025

Dog training without your dog?
Yes! It’s important to make time for teaching your dog to be comfortable without someone home, especially if usually they have people around. Today we ran an errand that just happens to be near a favorite local brewery/ restaurant. It’s dog friendly but today we enjoyed sampling new brews while the dogs napped at home.

07/03/2025

Two good dogs making sure I know that they heard the gutter cleaning crew on the roof.

06/02/2025

Today’s new experience- a night of freezing rain. Happy to say both dogs went back to sleep when the 5 am chain saws started up clearing the road. This morning’s first outing was derailed a bit by the loud noises of breaking limbs in the not very distant darkness. Fortunately the ground is just mud, not ice and temps are supposed to rise quite a bit today.

05/01/2025

A true leader in the field has passed. While I never had the fortune to meet her in person, her insight and teaching has had an enormous influence on my growth and practice. I’m grateful for her gifts and legacy that will continue through the work of thousands of people worldwide working with animals and humans.

With profound sadness and immense gratitude, we honor the life and legacy of Karen Pryor, a true pioneer in the fields of animal behavior and positive reinforcement training. Karen’s groundbreaking work revolutionized how we communicate with animals—and each other—leaving an indelible mark on science, education, and the lives of countless species around the world.

Continue reading: https://bit.ly/4214rRG

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah, Joyous return of the sun, happy Kwanza. Whatever you may celebrate, here’s hoping you get to spend some time in a way that recharges you.

09/12/2024

Puppies need to do puppy things!

Check out my new blog post:
https://www.heyercaninelearning.com/post/balancing-exploration-and-risk