Recipe for dog training success!

When it comes to dog training, I've noticed that most humans focus on the final product, and not how to get there. Similar to going out to eat a meal - we focus on the finished yummy meal brought to our table, not how it was prepared. Why should we when someone else is doing the work? We may inquire how something is made in order to give us a better idea of what the meal might taste like - but do we really care how hot the grill was? If the meat...

Dog Trainer in Ventura Hits YouTube!

Well folks I've made onto YouTube! Thanks to Nathan Weiner and Tree in a Box Productions (gotta love the name!) I am on film! very exciting indeed...just click on the link and check it out for yourself!...

Dog Trainers Dream Team!

What a great day! Michelle, Lorrie, Anne, Amber, & Nathan...thanks to you all for heading south on a Sunday afternoon to "play" at the inquisitive canine. And thank you to family and friends for hanging out too! I know this dog trainer had a great time! My DREAM TEAM came for a visit! Who you ask? Well, I'll tell you. The folks that make up the team that is going to send my business soaring to new heights!There was the wonderful and talented...

How long does it take to train my dog?

A FAQ I receive is: "How long will it take for my dog to be trained?" I hate to say it, but there is no simple answer...or magic wand. Every persons situation and dog is different. Whether it be a puppy that has been brought into a first time dog owners home, or a intra-familial dog-dog aggression case - all depend upon the humans that are taking care of the dog(s), and the dogs themselves. Some factors to consider are:Type of training - general...

Puppy Socialization - Risky Business?

Behavior issue risk vs health risk - always a touchy subject amongst veterinarians, dog trainers, and dog owners...IMO, education - where classes are specifically designed and geared towards puppy socialization and prevention of behavior issues in a safe, controlled, and managed environment should be a priority with our domesticated dogs...Unfortunately, keeping new pups tucked away at home until they are well past the “prime period” is still more...

Changing behavior...Who me?

behavior modification |nounthe alteration of behavioral patterns through the use of such learning techniques as biofeedback and positive or negative reinforcement.Why does training your dog have to be such a difficult process? Why why why? Hmmm, well, it doesn’t really. I think as humans we just make it as such...that is our innate behavior, no? ~ Let’s see. Behavior = the way in which one acts or conducts oneself. Just being alive is performing...

Party For Puppies on Feb 24th!

Calling all puppies and young small dogs!!! Come and play over at The Inquisitive Canine on February 24th from 1 - 2 PM. Bring your owners - let them hang out and talk while you run wild, socialize, play, build self-confidence, burn energy all while in a safe - indoor environment. Socials are for pups 10 - 24 weeks, and small dogs up to 25 pounds and one year. Please have your owners bring copies of current vaccinations with them for us to keep on...

Muttlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Dr. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was a humanistic psychologist. He theorized that human behavior is driven by instinct and desires in order to reach an upper level of capabilities, and that the person does not feel the second need until the demands of the first have been satisfied, nor the third until the second has been satisfied, and so on.The hierarchic...

Finally, some “Bling” for the humans...or your dog...

For all of those who have spent time at The Inquisitive Canine dog training studio here in Ventura, guess what? I am now offering some “bling bling” for the humans! It’s not all about toys, treats, and bones any longer! Yep, now YOU can find something for yourself too! I am now offering two different, beautiful, and unique custom jewelry lines. One is geared more towards female humans, and the other - for anyone, pets too (you can get a fun charm...

Stupid & Cheerful... That’s me.

One of the many things my parents taught me was the old adage “If you have nothing nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.” They also raised me to focus on the better qualities of a person, and of course, don’t judge a book by its cover...especially when the media is involved. I often keep this in mind when I’m asked what I think about a certain specific well-known dog trainer...someone very popular, and who has a strong following......

Dogs and Cats Riding in Cars: Please Think Safety First!

Definition of: safety |ˈsāftē|noun1) the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury.I remember the first auto-restraint system I was exposed to during my youth... It was my mothers arm hurling across my chest at lightening speed pressing me back towards my seat while she yelled “hold on!” Yep, those were the good...

How to enhance any relationship?

Besides chocolate? That's easy - through clear communication and realistic expectations! Then what are some great ways to build a solid relationship? Being a great communicator. Which means, communicating in a language the other person or animal understands - remember, with dogs their first language is body language - so be aware of what your body language is saying, not what is coming out of your mouth.... Secondly, be a good “listener” - watch...