Years ago, I climbed a fence at a sheep herding trial to get a bucket of water. As I went to the trough, I turned my back to the sheep in the pen. A ram. The shepherd near by saw … Continue reading
October 29, 2018
by Sarah
2 Comments
Category Archives: Dog Behavior
February 9, 2017
by Sarah
3 Comments
Winter Dog Games: How to Play “Hidden Treasure”
Right now, the Northeast of the US is being hammered by a major blizzard. Many dog lovers are about to be confronted with cold weather and deep snow which can combine to make exercising your dog difficult. But, if you … Continue reading
September 22, 2016
by Sarah
0 comments
My #1 Rule When Approaching Shy Dogs
My #1 rule when approaching shy dogs is don’t approach shy dogs. A major reason I have gotten through 30 years as a professional dog trainer without scars or major mishaps (so far) is that I respect the dog. If a … Continue reading
September 14, 2016
by Sarah
0 comments
Case Study: Clean Adult Dogs Suddenly Have Accidents in House
When clean adult dogs suddenly start having accidents in house, I become curious. Dogs don’t “suddenly” start having accidents unless something has changed. Normally, my first suggestion is to get right to the vet for a check up but since … Continue reading
May 8, 2016
by Sarah
14 Comments
Separation Anxiety or Not? Quick Case Studies
People are frequently worried that their dog or puppy has separation anxiety. Happily, few do. Here are a few of the cases I’ve worked with. Some are SA, some aren’t (read Recognizing What is Not Separation Anxiety first). Now you’re … Continue reading
April 30, 2016
by Sarah
5 Comments
Attachment Training — or how Pip taught me something new (again)
For the first decade plus of my professional dog training life, I kept company with dogs who either came from loving breeders or rehomes who came to us through clients or friends. Each of these dogs arrived with a rich history … Continue reading
April 30, 2016
by Sarah
2 Comments
Going On Vacation: Bring, Board or Babysit Dogs with Separation Anxiety
It is hard for many of us to leave our dog and extra hard to leave dogs with separation anxiety. Where do you leave him? What is the safest, least potentially damaging option? Counter-intuitively to many, it is usually boarding … Continue reading
April 30, 2016
by Sarah
0 comments
Recognizing What Is Not Separation Anxiety
These days, any “home alone” issue seems to be labeled “Separation Anxiety” (SA). To sort out what it is from what it isn’t, here are other reasons for problems unrelated to SA: Breed Normal Behavior Developmentally Normal Behavior Opportunity Inadequate … Continue reading
April 30, 2016
by Sarah
2 Comments
“I’ll Be Back” Game: Help for Separation Anxiety
This is a game a Separation Anxiety dog taught me one day while I slowly walked circles around the kitchen table while on the phone. I was gabbing and, at the beginning of the conversation, the dog was following me … Continue reading
April 30, 2016
by Sarah
0 comments
Creating a Safe Place
Right now, if you have a dog with separation issues, you are probably his safe place. As charming as that is, it may well be the taproot of your dog’s problem, because when you walk out the door, his safety … Continue reading