Dog Breeds: When is the Discrimination Going to Stop???

I know that dogs were bred for specific traits, and that is what makes each breed different. But there are days when I get a little vexed every time I hear someone say "My (insert name of dog breed here) is so: smartstupidstubbornaggressivedominanttalentedlazyintelligent scared of everythingobnoxiousand the list goes on and on... because s/he's a (insert name of dog breed here, again)."UGH! Okay, yes, there are times when I'll look at my own dog...

AVSAB Finally in "Science" Camp For Dog Training Choice

What a great article to wake up to today! The AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) has just released an official statement on the better choice to train dogs... and it just so happens, they're the same methods I've been using all along here at the Inquisitive Canine!!! It always seemed so ridiculous to incorporate bully behavior to train dogs - I would never learn well that way; I can't imagine a non-human animal learning well with...

This Dog Trainer Needs to Refine Her Skills

Okay, before you start saying "What? Huh? What do you mean?" I'm talking specifically about refining my mini-golf skills, not my skills as a dog trainer - I already do that everyday.Whatever your "skill" is, whether it be dog training, wood carving, snow-boarding, or miniature golf, if you want to do well at something, or achieve the goals you've set...

Taking Your Dogs Meal on the Road is a Win-Win For All

I've been taking Poncho out to Kimball Park and the Ventura State Beach a lot lately, training him to run for longer periods of time while on leash... Yes, running for a sustained period of time is new for Poncho the dog... no "marking or sniffing", just exercise... Trust me, being a dog trainer I know I need to fulfill Poncho's dogginess, I'm not...

Isn't it time to look at how we "treat" our dogs?

Okay folks, heads up! This Ventura dog trainer says it's time we look at "treats" and rewarding our dogs in a new way. I've been doing this myself for quite awhile now, and I'd love for you to join me in this new way of thinking. I think we, as humans, are programmed to look at the word "treat" as that something extra we "earn" doing something that's...

This Ventura Dog Trainer Takes Her Own Advice

For the past month or so this Ventura dog trainer has been spending more time training her own dog Poncho to "run" while on leash, versus sniffing/marking/shuffling along... I know he is a dog, and dogs enjoy doing those things. I would never ever want to deny Poncho his normal doggy-like behaviors, but I also want him to get some exercise - outside of the yard - that doesn't involve fetching his toys and going nuts when the mail-truck comes by...(yep,...

It's all in how you look at it: training versus a chore

Here's a question (or two) for all of you dog folks out there:Do you exercise with your dog? Do you look at walking your dog as a chore? or something fun to do together...? A nice break in the day if you will...I realized that just like me and my running, setting a goal is a great way to stay motivated. I looked around for a dog-friendly race so Poncho and I could go together, and lucky for us we found a few... Thank you Santa Barbara Athletic Association!...

Sunday Pomp & Circumstance: Canine Manners Class Graduates today

What a great day it was today! My first Canine Good Manners class of 2009 graduated today here in Ventura. Such a lovely group. Dogs were showing off their skills by checking in and paying attention to their guardians during discussion time, as well as all the other manners skills, while practicing their loose leash walking, going in and out of the...