Moving distractions are some of the hardest things for many dogs to ignore. A person standing still may not matter. The same person starts jogging and suddenly the dog is pulling. A bicycle passes and the dog locks on. Another dog begins moving and focus disappears. A...
Some dogs are comfortable being alone for reasonable periods. Others seem unable to relax the moment the household becomes quiet or the person they follow most closely is no longer available. They pace from room to room, stare at doors, bark, whine, grab household...
Most dog owners want their dogs to be happy. They want them to enjoy walks, affection, play, treats, toys, backyard time, and plenty of attention. There is nothing wrong with giving a dog a good life. The problem begins when the dog learns that every request should be...
Some dogs seem to notice the moment attention shifts away from them. Two people start talking and the dog walks over. A phone call begins and they start barking. Guests sit down to visit and the dog pushes between them. Family members try to have a conversation and...
Mealtime can bring out some of the most intense behavior in a dog. The food container opens. A bowl appears. The dog starts pacing. They follow every movement, bark, jump, spin, whine, rush the feeding area, or stare so intensely that the entire routine feels chaotic...
Many behavior problems do not begin because a dog is getting too little attention. They begin because the dog has never learned when attention is over. The same thing happens with play. A game starts. The dog becomes excited. The ball is thrown again and again. Tug...
For some dogs, every arrival and departure feels like a major event. A family member reaches for their keys and the dog becomes restless. Someone opens the front door and the dog rushes over. A person leaves and the dog starts pacing. Another family member returns and...
A dog can perform commands perfectly in the living room and still become difficult to manage the moment real life gets involved. The front door opens. Another dog appears on a walk. A visitor arrives. A child runs past. The dog sees a squirrel, hears a delivery truck,...
One of the things dog owners say to me all the time is some version of this: “He listens to me, but not my husband.” “She acts calm with me and wild with the kids.” “He is great with one person and completely different with another.” “She behaves beautifully for one...
Some dogs become excited long before anything actually happens. You reach for the leash and they start jumping. You walk toward the kitchen and they begin pacing. You pick up your keys and they rush toward the door. A familiar car pulls into the driveway and the dog...
Many dog owners eventually say the same thing. “He knows better.” The dog knows not to rush through the door, but tries anyway. They understand place, yet get up as soon as someone becomes distracted. They know jumping is not allowed, but test it with visitors. They...
Letting a dog on the couch is not automatically a problem. Many families enjoy having their dog beside them while they relax, watch television, or spend time together. For some dogs, furniture access fits perfectly into a well-managed household. The problem begins...