We’ve come so far since those dark days just over a decade ago when virtually all dog training was accomplished through the use of force and compulsion. I know those days well; I was quite skilled at giving collar corrections with choke chains and attained several high-scoring obedience titles with my dogs using those methods. And as a shelter worker responsible for the euthanasia of unwanted dogs for whom we couldn’t find homes, I was convinced that a little pain in the name of training was acceptable and necessary to create well-behaved dogs who would have lifelong loving homes. In fact, when I enrolled my Australian Kelpie pup in the now-renowned Dr. Ian Dunbar’s first-ever puppy-training classes at our shelter in Marin County, California, I was so sure that using physical corrections in training was the only way to go, that I dropped out of the class after just two sessions; I was convinced he was ruining my dog with training treats! It was several more years before I crossed ov...

While each dog training method is different, the basis behind dog training is to teach your dog to want to do desired tasks by setting them up for success and providing them with the chance to complete the desired task. If you are successful, you and your dog will reach an understanding of each other’s wishes. And the process is enjoyable for everyone involved. It is a win-win situation. All local dog trainers have different methods of training. Which methods work best for you and your dog? If you ask a group of dog trainers what dog training method works best, they will all have very different opinions. Most commonly, you will find dog trainers that would say that positive reinforcement works best, while others would say that corrective dog training methods works best. You will often find a lot of criticism about both methods based on which side of the spectrum dog trainers are on. Positive reinforcement dog trainers have been called stuff like “cookie pushers” and ‘treat slingers’...

From teaching your dog basic obedience to advanced training and behavior modification, a great dog trainer can make all the difference. When searching for a “dog trainer near me”,  here are a few things to consider when choosing a trainer. Which type of dog training is most convenient for you? There are a lot of choices when it comes to training these days, including private in-home dog training , group classes, and even online courses. It can be  difficult to decide whether training your dog at home or in a class setting is best. There are many reasons why training at home is a good option. For starters, the schedule is much more flexible than group classes, allowing you to work around your personal life. However, online courses let you do the training whenever it is convenient for you. Group classes allow your dog to socialize with and be around other dogs, unlike private training or online courses. At-home training is tailored to fit your specific training goals, rather...

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1. Stash the Treats The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not Scruffy or Fluffy. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as p...