A Punishing Phone Call

I received an inquiry call this afternoon regarding training services for this persons brothers dog. The person that called is from out of state. She asked what type of training I offered, and what methods I use. I confirmed what my Web site says: positive reinforcement, reward based training. These are the highlights of the conversation:Caller: "Oh, you use treats."Me:"I use whatever the animal finds rewarding, whether it be food, toys, attention,...

This Inquisitive Canine Now Soaring Proudly With NOOZHAWK!

Wow! Talk about exciting and completely positively rewarding! My rambling, opinionated, common sense, and dare I say slightly smart-aleck mouth (and fingers) has proven to be an advantage once again! Yep, that's right! I'm expanding outside the world of blogging and adding the very informative, local, online news Web site Noozhawk to my ventures - in a new column called "Ask the Trainer"...Since a young girl my mother had encouraged me to speak...

Impulse Control Issues: this dog trainer has them too

Okay, so my lovely sidekick Poncho has totally busted me! He was just posting one of his great answers he adapted from our Noozhawk advice column, and mentioned the "Sees" incident, so I guess I need to come clean. Yes, I admit it, similar to dogs and counter-surfing, I have impulse control issues too... Although, I've been able to restrain myself most of the time, once in awhile, my morals breakdown...as both my husband and dog have pointed out....

The Obama's Narrow Down Their Decision: which puppy is right for them?

First of all, I think it sets a great example for the public that the Obamas are looking to adopt their dog from a shelter. Dogs are the products of their environment, and if a dog is raised in a loving home with loving hands, that dog can be a healthy, happy and loving member of their family, regardless of pedigree.And it's also great that the President-elect has been doing his homework. However, it is important for Obama to keep in mind that breed...

We humans are the worst hosts ever!

OMG it occurred to me tonight while cooking dinner for my hubby and myself, that we humans are horrible hosts when it comes to our dogs! Let's face it, our human world and all of our customs revolve around food. Am I right? Everywhere we go, everything we watch, everywhere we turn there is something about food. Someone dies, we bring food. A baby is born, we bring food. Someone is ill, we bring food. We have meetings, there is food offered. Friends...

Canine College at Ventura College Community Education begins next month!

Canine College Registration is Now Open!Ventura College Community Education course is now open for registration. Class is being offered twice this semester. Please check out their Web site for details and to enroll your dog in one or both sessions.For additional information you may visit our Web site, or contact us via email or phone.Happy 2009 to all Inquisitive Canine's and their Inquisitive Owners!We look forward to seeing you and your dog in...