A Little Help for Dog Friends

08/05/2023

What's the best dry dog food, and what should you look for when shopping for healthy dog foods? Here's the criteria to look for, read on.

06/14/2023

05/08/2023

Are you pregnant, know someone who's pregnant, or planning on expanding your family in the future? Don't miss our Dogs & Storks - Preparing Families with Dogs for Life with Baby workshop being held June 10th at 2 pm at Sandy Meadow Farm in Westfield, MA. Pre-registration required. https://www.pawsofnature.com/services/dogs-and-baby

03/11/2023

Things people say about their dogs that I can totally relate to.

“She really doesn’t like strange men approaching her”

Same.

“He hates being restrained”

Same.

“She’s super food motivated”

Same.

“When we go somewhere new with a lot of noise, he gets really anxious and wants to leave”

Same.

“If you touch her while she’s eating she gets really stiff and looks at me like she might growl”

Same.

“He doesn’t want to go to the bathroom outside when it’s raining”

Same.

“I can tell when I ask her to do something, she looks at me wondering if she’ll get a reward”

Same.

"He's fine with new people, but gets uncomfortable if they try to touch him"

Same.

“If she’s in the middle of doing something and distracted, and I ask her to come over to me, she doesn’t do it right away she finishes that and then maybe she’ll listen but I usually have to call her again”

Same.

Why are these behaviors that are so totally normal and understandable with humans and other animals not acceptable or “problems” with dogs? Why are we so quick to assume that just because we have dogs in our lives, that their personal preferences, individual personalities and also natural behaviors should just change simply because it’s more convenient for us? Seriously.

Maybe the first step is looking through a new lens. A lens of understanding and empathy and realizing dogs are the ONLY creatures on this earth we do this to….. other than our kids but that’s a whole other can of worms. No one has ever called me in tears after trying to give their cat a bath and told me the cat didn’t like it hissed at them, and they don’t know what’s wrong with it - but I get calls like this for dogs all the time. It’s just assumed that dogs should and will tolerate what we expect and when they don’t, that’s a problem. But what if it isn’t? What if it’s just that dog? Why are we doing this to them? It’s making them crazy…. And making dog trainers even more crazy.

Take a step back. Look through a new lens. Behavior can be worked on, of course. But maybe it’s your behavior that has to change first, then we can talk about the dog.

02/15/2023

SALE ENDS SOON! HURRY!

We’re doing our best to make it really hard for you to say no to a pretty great offer to help you make changes in your dog’s life!
Don’t just believe us – listen to some class alumni:

“Seriously, it’s the most thoughtful, thorough, and comprehensive course with evolving concepts for lasting changes that I have ever experienced. Forever grateful to you both for your patience and guidance in helping us progress with our dogs.” – Pat

“Having access to Mark for direct responses to my questions. The thoughts he shared regarding how to address certain concerns and issues are helping us move down a much more productive path with Buddy in helping him overcome his fears (reactivity of a different kind). Also, there is so much helpful information available in the videos and Q&A sessions, and having the video replays of those Q&A sessions is hugely helpful.” – Susan

Jump in now at today’s very special price - that's 20% off, today only!

To claim your 20% discount, visit:

https://www.trainingbetweentheears.com/reactivity-guided-feb2023

and then input the special code HEARTDOG23 - don't forget to click the button to apply your discount!