Behavior Problems

We Need More Beer!

History lesson: The Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock because: They came to America seeking religious freedom. The Mayflower sprung a leak and they needed to repair. They needed more beer. Everyone that choose c. as the correct answer can go to the front of the room and collect your gold star because you are correct. Funny how a religious group landed on Plymouth Rock because they needed to do what we call here in Massachusetts, a “Packy Run” (which is short for package store, which is what liquor stores are called in this state). I know it’s all confusing but… Read the rest

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Bloody Warrior Provides Puppy Training Tips

There was once a warrior on the verge of conquering the world. He had an army of half a million men that made Europe tremble. This warrior had Rome in his sights and was threatening to go after it. Pillage and destruction followed this man wherever he went and he was ruthless. Then the night before he was to get married he died. Not in a sword fight, not at the end of a spear or arrow. He died from a nosebleed in his sleep. Attila the Hun suffered from chronic nosebleeds. He got drunk, passed out and choked on… Read the rest

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How To Deal With A Dog That Growls Around Bones

So yesterday I was patiently waiting for the Patriots game to start. When out of the blue, a Facebook message pops up on my phone. It’s from my neighbor and she’s having a problem with her dog. I can’t imagine what it’s like living next to me and having a dog problem. I think it must be like living next to Robert De Niro and wanting some acting tips. Anyway, I have the greatest neighbors on the planet so I suited up and walked across the street. I walked in the house and they told me how their very nice… Read the rest

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How I Taught A 4 Month Old Great Dane To Pee Outside

Hope everyone had a great Christmas, or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa or whatever you do or don’t celebrate. Little Scarlett got some great gifts but the best one was a chalk board. I immediately sat down with her after breakfast to teach her the four behavior quadrants. I showed her Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Positive Punishment and Negative Punishment. I then explained how each one is used to teach our dogs how to do obedience. She looked bored and started to play with her wooden pizza. Two years old and she didn’t want to sit and listen to me explain behavior.… Read the rest

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It’s Not Scrooge’s Fault

So everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge from The Christmas Carol. We all know that before he was visited by the four ghosts he was a mean, cheap, angry man. I think it is a great story because it reveals why he became what he was. The story shows how his unloving father sent him to boarding school and had never forgiven him for his mother’s death during his birth. How his fiance dumps him like a bag of coal and marries some other dude. How he focused all of his energy and emotion on money instead of relationships.… Read the rest

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My Present To You That Could Prevent A Holiday Disaster

By now you know that I like to keep things light and fun. My opinion is that there are a lot of dog trainers that are way too serious and a lot of them need to lighten up a little and smile more. But today I have to take a different tack. Today I want to talk about avoiding a holiday disaster. It has been my experience that a lot of dogs are experts at one behavior. Dogs love to steal off the counter, jump on guests and bark at the door. But if you were to ask me the… Read the rest

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Is Your Dog Leading Your Down The Primrose Path?

Did you ever see the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off? If you grew up in the 80’s, it was required viewing. It’s a great movie about kids skipping school and making a complete fool out of the principal. At one point the principal is talking to Ferris Bueller’s mother and states: “That’s probably because he wasn’t sick. He was skipping school. Wake up and smell the coffee, Mrs. Bueller. It’s a fool’s paradise. He is just leading you down the primrose path.” Did you ever wonder what a primrose path was? I did and here is what trusty old Wikipedia… Read the rest

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This May Shock You

Here is a great question from J.R. “I know that your are against choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, etc. What are your opinions on using an invisible fence that first warns with a tone, then a mild shock if necessary with increasing strength if needed? Thanks for your time and all of your wonderful training advice.” Well J.R. compliments always move you to the front of the line so let’s clear up some confusion. First: Let me point out yesterday’s quote from our old friend Kierkegaard: “There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t… Read the rest

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Dog Training Advice From Man That Mysteriously Met God

Was bouncing around Facebook yesterday and came across an interesting quote. The quote was written by a guy that believes God comes to each individual mysteriously which may have led to his book, Fear and Trembling. Anyway Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic and religious author Soren Kierkegaard stated: “There are two ways to be fooled: One is to believe what isn’t true. The other is to refuse to accept what is true.” Which is great dog training advice because many people are led to believe what isn’t true and often refuse to accept what is true. Dogs should never… Read the rest

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Just Say NO!

Pet photos with Santa was a lot of fun yesterday. We raised some cash for a great shelter, had some fun and I met some great dogs and people. One dog, a beautiful Black Lab, came and made his appearance known to everyone as he walked in. He barked and then charged in like Julian Edelman making a 69 yard touchdown pass. After his picture was taken I sat down with his owners. The women that owned him had done a great job training him. She had clicker trained him and he was excellent with his obedience but she thought… Read the rest

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