Two New Dog Training Workshops added to our calendar!

Just Added: Two New Workshops!The Inquisitive Owner: A dog "parenting" class.Friday January 30th, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. $10.00 per person ~ your lunch hour will be fun AND productive!In this workshop, you will learn important techniques that will prepare you to successfully coach your dog in everyday situations-whether you are at home or in a public setting.This monthly workshop is designed just for people (no dogs allowed please). We want your undivided...

Our Dog Training Manner's Course is now FULL!

Many thanks to all who pre-registered for our Good Manner's course at the Inquisitive Canine.For those who are still interested in getting your dog into one of our Manner's Classes, you may contact us to place your dogs name on our "waiting list".You may also register for Ventura College Community Education Canine College. Registration for the college begins in January. Course series starts February 10th.For additional information you may visit ourWeb...

PAWliday shopping made easy!!!

A special PAWliday shopping event!Sunday December 21st12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ~Natural Balance goodie bag give-away~~hassle free parking~To celebrate this holiday season, THE INQUISITIVE CANINE is making shopping easy and budget friendly. This SUNDAY December 21st from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM all merchandise is on sale! That's right! All merchandise including Easy-Walk Harnesses, Kong toys, treat bags, bones and dog treats will be marked down 10% - 40%!!!...

WHO do you really want to blame???

I was in one of my favorite stores yesterday...waiting in line to buy groceries for din-din, and couldn't help overhearing the conversation between one of the cashiers and a customer. As soon as I heard the words "my dog" my ears perked up...Like any predator, my sense of hearing improved once I acknowledged my "prey" - so to speak... I guess the customer was buying lots of doggy treats, because the cashier commented about her own dog, and that she...

Defining a subjective term.

I hear the words quite often...But what do they all mean? What exactly is being described? What is the message being sent? It's difficult for me, the dog trainer that comes from the "academic" "science-based" philosophy camp, to judge or determine why a dog is doing what they're doing based on these subjective terms that owners share with me. What words am I speaking of? Allow me to share: My dog is being dominant.My dog is being alpha.My dog is...

"Is a New Pet the Right Gift for the Holidays? What to Consider Before Getting One."

This is such a hot topic right now, don't you think? I hear it every day, "I'm going to get the kids a puppy for Christmas. What do you think?" Hmm... I'm thinking SO many things, I don't know where to begin. Instead of bursting anyones "Hallmark moment" bubble, I just smile, giggle, and agree that having a puppy (or adult dog, or cat, etc...) is magical - there really isn't anything like the love and joy of a furry friend...trust me!I get it! I'm...

Hail to the CHIEF!

I can't tell you how excited I am about our new president elect Barack Obama! Like many, I cried tears of joy November 5th while looking at the front page of the newspaper. Now, I'm not going to use my dog training blog for political opinions beyond my excitement about change etc... but I would like to voice my sentiments regarding the ever popular "new puppy". I think it's wonderful that the Obama's are planning to adopt a new puppy once they move...

No gel for this dog!

Let's face it, if dogs were out in the wild, doing all their doggy things in their doggy world, calling their "hair-dresser" would not be on their "to do" list. HOWEVER, since they do live in our human world, "bath time" is indeed something that does becomes part of their routine - for some more often than others.You've heard me say that many times we (us and our dogs) learn the same way. We enjoy similar things and situations, some things and situations...

Run like the wind!!!

What a positively reinforcing Thanksgiving! It started off with the whole family heading to the Ventura Auto Center here in town to run a 5K/1K to help benefit fellow athlete Tony Pedeferri. It was a great turnout - lots of friendly faces, lots of friends to say hi to, and lots of other dogs. Always nice when races welcome the entire family, canine and human alike. Nolan and I ran the 5K while Poncho rested up before the race - safe, comfy, with...

Holiday Boutique a BIG HIT!

Two paw's up for our BIG event last Sunday! The Holiday Boutique Open House Benefiting our local Humane Society of Ventura was enjoyed by many. Folks from all over showed up to help support our furry friends and The Humane Society of Ventura while getting a jump on their holiday shopping! There was a bounty of delicious food that all the generous vendors...

I'm NOT a chew toy!

One of my great Inquisitive Canine manners students writes: Joan, I am having a few issues with Scout being mouthy to me and others. What suggestions do you have? Thanks, Steve C, Santa Paula California Dear Steve,Ugh! I'm sure it's frustrating to be treated like a giant chew or tug toy. I'll go through the "flowchart" paths of behavior, just like class. Is it "normal" doggy behavior? Yep, sure is. Exploring the world with their mouth, using it as...

"How long is it going to take?"

"How long is it going to take for my dog to be trained?" This is one of those frequently asked questions I get from many people. Unfortunately there is no standard answer, no for sure guaranteed answer, no crystal ball, and no magic wands. These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to help give you your own answer: How badly do YOU want your dog trained? Do you want it NOW??? What behaviors are we talking about? Are you trying to get your...

Not the high fiber diet I wanted my dog to have!

Last Saturday morning found me and my little family off to Santa Barbara for an early morning race. It was kinda rainy, and a little windy. For those of you who know my beloved little pooch Poncho, he is not a fan of the wind! (HA! no pun intended) I'm not a big fan of the wind either, but for a different reason. Anyway, we didn't want to leave him...

Helping out our local Humane Society

Kick off your holiday shopping season in a fun stress-free environment. No traffic, plenty of parking and best of all you can find unique items for everyone on your list!Vendors are gathering to provide you with lots of wonderful choices for holiday gifts, while benefiting our local animal shelter. Companies include:Arbonne skin care - Jennifer FosterSuzanne Soprano - Suzanne SopranoMary Kay cosmetics - Heather BalaamPainted Gourds - Heather RoweJewelry...

Puppy and Dog Problem Behaviors: Whose "PROBLEM" is it?

A friend and colleague writes: "I need pet experts to offer me their top tips on treating the common problems of cats and dogs at home for a chapter in a 'pet problems' book being revised. Care to submit something?" Well shoot! Of course I do... I'm always willing to offer up my opinion, especially if it can help others. The following are some of the more common issues that come my way, regarding dog behavior:House-training: Dogs come with a pre-wired,...

Lots of yummies for this little 'trick or treater'!

Poor Poncho. He is the best ever! How many dogs would allow their nails to be trimmed, then follow it up by being dressed up for Halloween - as a food item no less! Too cute... check it out>>>>I did make it "fun" for him though. For nail trimming he got leftover rice cake crumbles (he loves 'em), with mixed in lamb jerky. For the "lobster"...

it's BIGGER! It's BADDER! It's BETTER!

It's official! My new fabulous website for The Inquisitive Canine has been launched! Can you believe it??? It took awhile, but boy was it worth the wait. Thanks to my fabulous "dream team", I can now be proud and share with everyone all it's glory! You can read all about my classes, workshops & events, privates training, philosophy, and about little ol' me :-) You can also check out all the new stuff, including an FAQ's page, press releases,...

A BIG HUGE SHOUT OUT to Jeff, Tim, and SBC!

Talk about a positively reinforcing, rewarding, over-the-top kinda business meeting! Today Poncho and I took a little road-trip north (our favorite direction) to meet up with Amber - my trusty and oh-so-brilliant website designer/builder to finalize info on my brand new and improved website!!! EEEEKKKK! We're about to launch folks, to keep your eyes, ears, and web browsers open!Anyway, since I had Ponchorinorama with me, Amber suggested we hit our...

Dog Play Behavior: Are they fighting or playing?

"What is dog play all about?" This is one of those comments I hear from various folks...and often get questions about. Both in and out of the studio classroom - especially when folks first start bringing their dogs to our dog socials at my studio - The Inquisitive Canine here in Ventura.Humans commonly assume that dogs that "hump" or "mount" just want...

Dog Training Workshop : Ventura Community Canine College! Oct 18

The holidays will be here before you know it - is your dog holiday-ready yet?No matter what the season or whatever your reason, it's always a good time to invest in creating a better relationship with your dog!Teach your dog to walk on a loose leash, greet others politely, and come when called!Join my power workshop for you and your dog at Ventura College Community EducationDOG TRAINING WORKSHOP Saturday October 18th 1:00 - 2:30 PMLocation: Ventura...

Bringing clarity to clickers and positive reinforcement:

You hear the words "Clicker training", "Clickers", "Positive Reinforcement" etc... but what's it all mean? Let me try to help clarify some points:Using a "Clicker" doesn't mean a person doesn't use "punishment" (hopefully not at the same time)... Positive Reinforcement doesn't mean a person doesn't use punishment.Positive reinforcement doesn't mean a person doesn't use physical force to get what they want! Using "punishment" doesn't mean a person...

My vet approves this message!

Attention all puppy owners! And to those who know people with puppies and friends and family of puppies: Dr. Shelly Wilson (one rockin' vet and owner of The Animal Doctor here in Ventura) has written to me that she agrees with the position statement the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has released on early puppy socialization, and how such steps can really help with the development of a healthy and happy dog, a happy household, and...

Did I learn anything at Hollywood High?

OMG! Thank goodness I've chosen dog training and canine-human relationship coaching as a profession! After all, this is my true passion - something I love doing every day! Something I find so rewarding - in so many ways... Why do I bring this up? Well, it's kinda embarrassing - but lets just say I'm glad I didn't choose acting as a career...I just got home from our local TV station CAPS - They were filming a piece on our local Ventura College Community...

You CAN teach an old dog (man) new tricks!

Okay, let me first say he's NOT OLD! My "man" that is... But, he can learn new things... Yep, three years after becoming a trainer and establishing The Inquisitive Canine, a year and a half since opening the studio...and my own husband, father of our dog, love of my life, supporter of all I get into, has finally signed up for one of my classes with our dog Poncho! I couldn't believe it... but he said he finally believes that 1) the training does...

"Canine College" Graduates Too!

We had another graduation this summer! This time it was the "Canine College" class I teach with Ventura College Community Education program. What a great group - so much fun! Wonderful students that worked so hard...both the humans and the canines. Check out some the well-mannered pooches and their companions! Sammy walking so nicely on his loose leash......

Pup & Circumstance!

It was graduation today for both Puppy and Adult Manners Classes. I love graduation day! It's so heartwarming to watch all the wonderful students (humans and canines) walk over to receive their certificates... loose leash and all... Of course I play "Pup and Circumstance" just because I'm so corny that way :-) I'm so proud of everyone - Sadie's mom...