Leave Your Puppy Alone! (Introducing Puppies to Alone Time)
Crate training and acclimating your puppy to “alone time” doesn’t have to [Read more…]
Mastering Your First Dog Training Class: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Here at Crossbones, our goal is that you hit the ground running and start making progress in your very first dog training class. In [Read more…]
Puppy Teething & Nipping: Survival Tips & Misconceptions
“Teething” is perhaps the most misunderstood concept in puppy raising. In today’s blog post, I’ll explain what it is, what it isn’t, and how to work through your puppy’s nipping behavior effectively and with kindness.
Teething [Read more…]
Agility is a Behavior Chain
Do you know what a behavior chain is? All agility competitors should understand this concept. If this is unfamiliar to you, this will change your understanding of how dogs learn. Let’s get started!
What is a behavior chain?
A behavior chain is an event in which [Read more…]
What Chew Should I Bring to Dog Training Class?
At Crossbones, we have an unusual item on our group class “required equipment” list: an edible chew or enrichment toy. After many years of teaching [Read more…]
What Makes a Great Training Treat?
Be sure to pick a training treat that your dog enjoys!
The number one question I receive from owners learning to clicker train their dogs: what makes a great training treat? Here are the things I recommend you consider when choosing treats to use while training your dog.
Size
You will be [Read more…]
How to Chop Dog Treats in 5 Minutes or Less
In our Day School program, we go through a lot of dog treats! During our busiest weeks, it is not uncommon for us to use 10 pounds or more. We’re always looking for the fastest and most cost-effective ways to prepare and store this much food in our training studio.
When it comes to food rolls, we have this down to a science. [Read more…]
Choosing A Best Friend: What to Consider When Finding a New Dog
There are so many choices when it comes to adding a new dog to your household. There are hundreds of breeds to choose from, not to mention the thousands of wonderful dogs in shelters across the country. If you have never had a dog before, or haven’t had one since childhood, it can be overwhelming! Here are some things to consider when [Read more…]
Creative Puppy Socialization
Good puppy socialization requires a bit of creativity. Read on some suggestions for getting your new addition “out and about” in the real world.
Always be on the lookout for [Read more…]
The Power of Peanut Butter
Behold! One of the most versatile dog training tools known to man. (Photo Credit: Victoria Chilinski)
What’s your favorite training tool? Dog trainers are always looking for the latest and greatest items to add to their bag of tricks. My answer can be found at any supermarket or convenience store: [Read more…]
Stop Free-Feeding: How to Feed Your Dog Regular Meals
Is there always a bowl of food on your kitchen floor? If so, you’re free-feeding. (Photo by JnL on Flickr.)
One of the first management recommendations I make to my clients is to stop “free-feeding” their dog. Free-feeding means leaving a bowl [Read more…]
Puppy Nipping: A Plan to Stop It
Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating behaviors that new owners report. It hurts! But you’ll see a big reduction in puppy nipping in a short period just by getting some human cooperation.
If this is a familiar sight, it’s time for a new training plan! (Photo Credit: Renata Lima, [Read more…]