I rarely walk my dog. Because I’m a trail runner, I run with him, but even when injuries stop me from running, I still don’t walk my dog. In fact, many dog trainers I know don’t walk their dogs. Personally, I find dog walks boring and stressful. My dog finds dog walks boring and stressful. …
Jen Sotolongo
Hand feeding your dog their daily meals is one of the most powerful tools to train your dog new skills. In addition, you will build motivation, develop a stronger bond, and improve their behavior. I use it to teach dogs new behaviors in all of my training. The reason hand feeding your dog is so …
The first step in successful training a dog is through clear communication. In order to do this, we teach the dog a set of marker words that pair a sound or word to a behavior through classical conditioning. Dogs don’t speak English, nor is their primary method of communication verbal, like it is for humans. …
Aversive tools in dog training are a controversial topic. Certain dog training tools and methods, namely prong collars and e-collars are regularly cited as abusive and unnecessary in dog training, primarily by dog trainers who label themselves as Positive Reinforcement Only or Force Free. They are banned across many countries in Europe, and a movement …
Sitka and I recently spent a few days exploring some of the dog-friendly winter activities in Spokane, Washington with Visit Spokane. Despite growing up in Washington, I had never really spent any time in Spokane. It’s the second-largest city in Washington after Seattle, located all the way on the other side of the state, Spokane …
Fees at pet-friendly hotels can add up quickly, so knowing which hotels allow dogs to stay for free can keep vacation budgets down. Fortunately, there are some great options for those traveling with pets, ranging from budget motels to luxury boutique hotels. In general, all of the hotels on this list allow pets to stay …
Hypothermia in dogs is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary treatment if the symptoms are severe. The best way to prevent this problem is to monitor your dog when you are outdoors in cold weather and refrain from prolonged exposure to the cold. Some dogs tolerate the cold better than others, so knowing …
Have you ever wondered how cold is too cold for your dog? I love winter hiking with my dog. The scenery changes, there are fewer people, and we can participate in different activities, like snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Winter outdoor adventures mean colder temperatures. Some dogs can handle cold better than others, depending on …
There are many reasons someone would want to use an e-collar with their dog that has nothing to do with behavioral issues. A lot of dog owners think that e-collars are only for “bad dogs,” but that’s not true at all. That’s just one of the many myths about e-collar use in dog training. While e-collars …
I generally do not allow strangers to approach or pet my dog, and I never allow on-leash greetings with other dogs. The culture in the dog world has created the assumption that it is OK and normal to pet other people’s dogs in public spaces. There are even shirts that say “pet all the dogs.” …