Dog Training
The Art & Science of Heeling
The Art & Science of Heeling By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Designed by Kimberly "Kim" Archer, CPDT-KA, CTDI "Heeling is a dance of special connection with my dog. Some view it as merely a mechanical exercise, but for me it is the ultimate connection of our two spirits.” – Ruth E Barish, avid obedience competitor and author [...]
Muzzle Training
Canine muzzle training games to play with your dog.
The Sharing Game
By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., PCBC-A, AABP-DBCT, CDBC, CAP2 Please note that if your dogs have a history of fighting, do not play the sharing game without the guidance of [...]
The Neurological Benefits of Counter Conditioning Leash Reactive Dogs
by Drayton Michaels Counterconditioning and desensitizing dogs when on leash also has neurological benefits © Can Stock Photo/Amaviael Creating new and better associations for dogs on leash when [...]
Health & Safety
Agility equipment safety
When it comes to dog agility training it is important to pay attention to some details to keep our dogs safe. This article by the Agility Nerd highlights some potential issues. Always check agility [...]
Why Are so Many Dogs Going Gray as Early as Age 1?
By Dr. Becker If you're familiar with the term "the graying of America," you know it refers to the fact that the American population is increasingly dominated by older people. In other words, the median [...]
Dog Training’s Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It
Dog training is an unregulated industry although dogs need to be licensed. By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. Dogs and humans beware During the past year I've had a number of emails from people both lauding and [...]
Dog Agility Training
Tampa Dog Trainer: 10 Ways to Stay Competitive in Agility by Brenna Fender
Agility is fun and exciting dog sport for both dog and handler! How do you stay at the top of your agility game? By Brenna Fender Maybe you've reached a high level of proficiency [...]
Courteous Canine, Inc. Instructor and Student Competes in Purina Incredible Dog Challenge
Agility Dog Snitch Competes in Incredible Dog Challenge Courteous Canine, Inc. Instructor and Student Competes in Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Jill Baker and her fast Golden Retriever Snitch competed in the Regional Purina [...]
Courteous Canine Articles
If You’re Loving It, Why Leave?
by Eileen Anderson Is “choice” a code word for negative reinforcement? It can be. Seems like that’s the context where I see it pop up the most. I’ve written a lot about choice. Two [...]
We are ALWAYS training
Kay Laurence is a master trainer who points out the obvious in this blog: We are always training our dogs no matter what we are doing. Happy reading! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- by Kay Laurence I had [...]
A Positive Outlook on Canine Aggression
by Anna Francesca Bradley Reactivity indicates a dog is not comfortable in a given situation. Photo (c) CanStock Photo Reactivity indicates a dog is not comfortable in a given situation. Photo (c) CanStock [...]
Is Calm Really Just Another Behavior?
by Barbara Hodel What is the most difficult thing to teach our dogs? Coming back or a great recall? While I do agree that this is a difficult behavior, I do think teaching calm is [...]
Three reasons to use a clicker, or not.
Here is a blog by the Masterful Clicker Trainer Kay Laurence. Kay brings up some interesting points why it may be better to use a clicker, not because it has some sort of magical [...]
Agility equipment safety
When it comes to dog agility training it is important to pay attention to some details to keep our dogs safe. This article by the Agility Nerd highlights some potential issues. Always check agility [...]
Dominance in Canine Behavior: Reality or Myth?
By Don Hanson BFRAP CDBC ACCBC CPDT-KA The concept of dominance in dog training is still pervasive today in some circles in spite of the advances made in behavioral science. Photo: © Can Stock [...]
Pet Professional Guild publishes open letter to pet industry associations on the use of shock
Calls on organizations representing pet professionals to drive significant change by publicly saying “no” to any training technique that causes pain or fear TAMPA, Fla. – March 6, 2017 – PRLog — Pet Professional Guild [...]
Why Are so Many Dogs Going Gray as Early as Age 1?
By Dr. Becker If you're familiar with the term "the graying of America," you know it refers to the fact that the American population is increasingly dominated by older people. In other words, the median [...]
Dog Training’s Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It
Dog training is an unregulated industry although dogs need to be licensed. By Marc Bekoff Ph.D. Dogs and humans beware During the past year I've had a number of emails from people both lauding and [...]
Update on NEW AKC Trick Training Titles
By Marie Macher Trick training is a fun, engaging, and great way to build a bond with your dog! Not only do you and your pup get to show off tricks to family and friends, [...]
How to teach your dog to jump through a hoop
Here is a great YouTube Channel and tutorial on how to teach your dog to jump through a hoop. Kikopup has many of these videos that are clear and easy to understand. We highly [...]
Insecure Teenage Dogs at the Off Leash Park
Recently I got asked: “What should I do when my dog goes over to another dog, puts his head over the other dog’s shoulder and, depending on the other dog’s reaction, they will start squabbling?” [...]
Pet Professional Guild announces scholarship program for members to further force-free education
Eligible candidates can apply for educational opportunities that support PPG’s stance on avoiding the use of aversive methods and equipment in animal care and training WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. – Jan. 17, 2017 – PRLog — [...]
PPG Publishes Open Letter to Veterinarians on Referrals to Training and Behavior Professionals
Expresses concern that, in an unregulated industry, pet s may be referred to individuals who do not use scientific protocols or adhere to the premise to do no harm, regardless of credentials Pet Professional Guild [...]