Family K9

03/23/2022

06/14/2021

Training mindfully is so special.

What does it mean to train your dog mindfully? This author writes: Training mindfully is a concept I’ve been cultivating for the past year. When I say training mindfully, I mean paying attention on purpose, and being acutely aware of what’s happening during the training session: Your mechanics, your timing, your location, as well as the dog’s internal state.

https://positively.com/contributors/training-mindfully-reframing-our-approach-to-fear-in-dogs/

04/25/2020

By Suzanne Clothier At the heart of any relationship is communication. On so many levels, how effectively we communicate plays a huge role in the quality, tenor and overall success of a relationshi…

04/06/2020

People go to great lengths to try to achieve what they consider

04/04/2020

NAWS still has dogs in desperate need of adoption, and donations of supplies are badly needed.

03/28/2020

Act now: Add your name to Canine Companions for Independence's public comment on proposed rules addressing service dogs in airports and on airplanes.

03/14/2020

In addition to food, water, and shelter dogs need lots of diverse enrichment.

03/14/2020

Was never a fan... and this is excellent at explaining why.

Why copying the methods of the TV dog celebrity can damage our dogs.

03/13/2020

Cute

What is it about amazing dog people that just manage to get it right? They have dogs fawning all over them, whilst the rest of us look on longingly wanting a bit of the dog for ourselves.

03/08/2020

The stages of your dog’s life and what you need to know about their behavior.

03/06/2020

Nice article!!!

There are two magic factors when communicating with our dogs. I say magic but honestly they are open to everyone, you can grab some magic, and your dog will be so grateful.

03/06/2020

In 2017, Marlin Jackson boarded a cross-country flight. When he got to his row, another passenger was already in the middle seat with an emotional support dog in his lap. According to Mr. Jackson’s attorney, “The approximately 50-pound dog growled at Mr. Jackson soon after he took his seat…and...

03/03/2020

Do you know your dog's safe space and why it's so important to maintain it?

02/26/2020

Often times as a dog trainer I must validate the struggle that owners face when working toward modification of very challenging behaviors. It can be challenging to do the work as described and not to change the work so that it represents only a portion of the described action plan. Another challenge is using one technique and trying to use it for every situation even if the recommendation is otherwise.

The biggest challenge of all is when an owner stops training because they don't think a technique is working, but the dog is actually experiencing an extinction burst and the owner has not completed the process to see it through successfully. This can be very challenging for the trainer as well because we may witness a confused dog who is working really hard and getting it but the forward motion is stopped and the plan is not completed.

I always tell my clients, "A dog will be perfect when we are." Of course, that means that isn't going to happen
So be patient, regroup and re-start training as needed. Take a step back and make sure training is positive.

The goal of any training is that there is an understanding between the owner and the dog of the expected behavior. If your dog isn't getting it, go back and evaluate what might be happening. Check in with a trainer or take a class just to reset.

"Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen"
~~Orhan Pamuk

We wouldn’t be human if frustration didn’t sometimes creep in when managing our dogs, particularly when helping them overcome training and behavior related issues. I don’t think i…

02/25/2020

Last Call for classes starting next week!!

The next round of Puppy and Dog classes start March 3 & 4, 2020! Don't forget to register early.... Call the Darien Park District directly at 630-968-6400 to ensure your spot! You can also register through the Westmont Park District at 630-969-8080.

02/22/2020

When we train mindfully, we pay attention on purpose. We're aware of what’s happening during the session: mechanics, timing, location, the dog’s internal state.

02/15/2020

Dog parks may seem like great additions to the community, but they’re rife with problems — for you, and for your dog. Here’s what to know before you go.

02/12/2020

The next round of Puppy and Dog classes start March 3 & 4, 2020! Don't forget to register early.... Call the Darien Park District directly at 630-968-6400 to ensure your spot! You can also register through the Westmont Park District at 630-969-8080.