Dances with Dogs

04/24/2024

Donate today to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue!

https://www.spring2action.org/organizations/homeward-trails-animal-rescue-inc

04/17/2024

Rescue saves lives!

04/08/2024

Excellent information to keep in mind with the youngsters.

Ever wondered why a puppy's behavior seems erratic during adolescence, which occurs between six months and 18 months of age?

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, s*x hormones are changing which effects the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to modulate sensory processing and subsequent behavior.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control.

So what does this mean? This could mean that your dog, who used to come when called, suddenly cannot. This could mean that your dog, who didn't jump up on guests, suddenly does. Your dog that walked nicely on leash is now pulling. Or perhaps it seems like some days your dog responds to behaviors you ask of them, and some days they don't, without any rhyme or reason.

We also see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, frustration and impatience sometimes cause us to act unpredictably.

This adds to your puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for puppies to adjust.

By understanding this we can gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we can help create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best selves.

04/03/2024

Check out my latest article for The Wildest!

Does your dog lightly nibble on you? Learn more about why dogs nibble on you without biting from our behavior experts.

11/28/2023

We are proud to partner with Homeward Trails today on Giving Tuesday. Help us save lives and give more homeless animals the loving homes they deserve this holiday season.

A donation of any size today will support their year-round lifesaving activities for homeless animals in Virginia and beyond. What’s even more exciting – if Homeward Trails reaches its goal of raising $20,000 today, they will receive ANOTHER $20,000 from a donor challenge. Every donation counts, every dollar gets them closer to raising a total of $40,000 today.

So far in 2023 Homeward Trails has rescued 1,032 dogs and 535 cats giving them the second chance at the life they deserve! Help us support Homeward Trails today on Giving Tuesday to get more animals into loving homes this holiday season and in 2024!

Your donation of any amount will save lives today and in the future. Donate here: https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/story/Match2023

11/28/2023

TODAY IS THE DAY TO SAVE LIVES! Please join Dances with Dogs on this Giving Tuesday 2023 in support of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. A donation of any size today will support their year-round lifesaving activities for homeless animals in Virginia and beyond. We are so proud to be a supportive partner of Homeward Trails and hope you will join us today on Giving Tuesday to get more animals into the loving homes they deserve! Donate here: https://givingtuesday.mightycause.com/organization/Homewardtrails

11/17/2023

Giving Tuesday is coming up!

04/06/2023

Proud to be a graduate of The Academy.

Dog training is a completely unregulated industry, so it's important for us at The Academy to be fully transparent about where we stand on training methods.

You can read our complete position statement here:https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Methods-Position-Statement-1.pdf

04/04/2023

I'm continuing my review of the research on dog training methods. Back in 2017, Ziv published a review of the literature that looked at all the available evidence and made a strong case for only using reward-based training methods, because of the risks of aversives (like prong and shock collars and leash corrections) for dog's welfare. Read all about it here: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2017/04/new-literature-review-recommends-reward.html

02/28/2023

Hey Friends!

It's that time of year! Please vote to help me make the top ten lists AGAIN! I was in the top five for Washington DC and top ten for Maryland last year. Get the whole family involved in the voting!! It takes mere seconds.

https://www.sniffspot.com/blog/dog-trainers/contest?utm_source=trainer_contest

Thank you SO much!!

02/19/2023

"Using punishment in animal training is the equivalent to taking medication that only works sometimes and has humongous, not to mention common, side effects."

Fantastic summary of the very disturbing problems with punishment.

It's like taking medication that only works sometimes - and has huge side effects.

09/14/2022

Check it out! Basil and me strutting our stuff and our opinions!

Brittany Fulton, founder of and sole trainer at Dances with Dogs, gives dog behavior tips to help create positive reinforcement.