SitSpot Canine Center

06/11/2025

My computer has been on the blink for the last month. Not sure if I need a new computer or this one is now fixed. If you are trying to reach me the most reliable way is the landline: 530-257-3161

05/29/2025

The kennel has been like a merry go round, with dogs coming and going for both daycare and boarding. In between there is so much cleaning to do I have been busy as the proverbial bee.

We also now have the greenhouse up and running, almost ready to open for business with 10 different kinds of pepper starts, Tomatoes, eggplant, collard greens, sunflowers, other flowers, salad bowls, and lots more, all grown here from heirloom organic seeds, and raised with organic methods. We have different varieties than are offered elsewhere.

So, I haven't gotten on the computer much. I will be posting more often, with training tips and more!

Is there anything in particular you would like me to address???

I am available for private training, and will be offering workshops soon.

05/24/2025

The next time your dog does something you wish he would not, like jumping on a visitor, or stealing something off the counter, instead of responding the same way you always have, i.e., saying "NO!" or grabbing him and pulling him back, try to find another way.

Think of asking your dog to do something opposite of the behavior you don't like. For example, he cannot possibly jump on visitors if his bum is on the ground. Of course a reliable sit response when faced with high level distractions doesn't happen overnight. You build up to that. Bit by bit.

The connection you have with your dog can make a world of difference in your dog's behavior. Every game of tug you play, with rules, every time you call your dog and toss a toy away from you when he arrives, every time you get him to chase you around the couch or table, every time you teach him something new, all these interactions build a more positive relationship and a higher likelihood your dog will want to do what you ask.
Punishment can work but why go there? You don't have to.

Build value for you.

05/12/2025

OK, so you are annoyed with your dog's behavior, whatever it is, stealing food from counters, dashing out any door, not coming when called, whatever.

I have a suggestion: get curious about who your dog is. I mean, really, have a think about why your dog does what he does. From his viewpoint, not yours. Seriously.

Why did you get this dog? Was he a cute little puppy but you didn't put in the time when he first came into your life to really get to know him, to help him understand how to live with humans in harmony? It's not too late to fix that.

Make the time to spend with him. He needs you. He does not have thumbs. He cannot speak English, so it is up to you to learn what he is trying so hard to communicate to you.

Dogs are amazing. Truly. And fun, they are so much fun. Dogs are all about fun. Laugh with your dog, not at him. Watch him move in the yard, marvel at his beauty and grace.

If there is a behavior or two that annoys you, fix it! You have thumbs, you can make a plan on paper of how to modify a behavior.

If you don't know how, call me. 530-257-3161

05/03/2025

Dear PetSmart Leadership,

I’m writing as someone deeply invested in the well-being of dogs and their guardians, recognizing PetSmart’s influential role in pet care practices nationwide.

Your stores provide valuable products and services to millions, myself included. I appreciate your accredited trainers’ dedication to positive, reward-based training.

Yet, a significant contradiction remains unresolved, which we, members of the professional dog training and behavior science communities, urge you to address.

In 2021, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), a leading evidence-based voice in veterinary behavior science, published their position statement explicitly opposing the use of aversive training methods. (Linked below)

AVSAB strongly advises against shock collars, prong collars, and choke chains, citing substantial evidence these devices cause stress, anxiety, and aggression, even when used as directed.

This declaration was our industry’s equivalent to the Surgeon General stating “smoking causes cancer,” or the American Psychological Association declaring “corporal punishment harms children,” prioritizing the mental and physical welfare of dogs.

This stance is unanimously supported by 100% of major veterinary behavioral organizations globally (see comprehensive list below).

Critically, these behavioral science organizations unanimously clarify these tools are unnecessary in any known training or behavior modification scenario, pose significant risks to animal welfare and public safety, fail to produce lasting behavior change, damage the human-animal bond, can increase aggression, and do not address underlying behavioral issues. These are profound, inherent problems, not minor concerns or rare side effects.

Such universal scientific consensus makes aversive tools inappropriate for anyone, pet guardians and those involved in animal training alike. Continued sale of these products exposes PetSmart to potential liability, as there remains no credible scientific evidence, reputable behavioral organization, or expert consensus supporting their use under any circumstances. A lack of awareness is no longer defensible, morally or scientifically.

We urge PetSmart to give this matter the careful attention it deserves and promptly discontinue the sale of these aversive products.

I recognize PetSmart’s continued sale of these products likely reflects policies that have not yet been re-evaluated against recent scientific advancements and evolving ethical standards over the past four years.

Given your stated commitment to modern, ethical training, the continued availability of these harmful devices in PetSmart stores and online remains problematic.

Though many locations secure shock collars behind locked displays and rely on associates to caution customers, this approach falls short in 2025. Availability, however restricted, implies endorsement and directly contradicts expert consensus.

Continuing to sell aversive dog training tools despite overwhelming scientific agreement is like a pharmacy still selling cough syrups containing he**in or diet pills containing amphetamines, products once common but now universally recognized as harmful.

Even with good intentions, stocking such products sends confusing and harmful messages, undermining consumer trust and established science.

These aversive tools suppress behavior through pain, fear, or discomfort, a fact grounded in decades of behavioral research, not hyperbole.

Arguments based on customer demand or educational outreach no longer hold, as modern behavioral science unequivocally rejects these tools without exception.

PetSmart has shown leadership on social issues, promoting diversity, inclusion, and compassion. In that spirit, we, the modern behavior science community, professional dog trainers, and concerned public, urge you to extend these principles consistently to animal welfare by eliminating aversive training products entirely.

Removing these devices from your stores is consistent with PetSmart’s stated values, clearly signaling to pet guardians that modern, ethical, scientifically sound training prioritizes dogs’ emotional well-being and positive reinforcement.

Countless advocates for animal welfare and ethical training stand ready to support PetSmart in making this critical change. Doing so will reinforce PetSmart’s legacy as a compassionate and forward-thinking leader.

A comprehensive list of scientific references follows. Additionally, I am available for good faith private discussions at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Zak George
Advocate for Humane Dog Training and Pet Welfare

Organizations opposing the use of aversive tools:

* American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
* American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
* American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)
* American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
* European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE)
* British Veterinary Association (BVA)
* British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA)
* Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
* Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
* Scottish Government (“Guidance on Dog Training Aids”)
* American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
* Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
* Association of Pet Behavior Counsellors (APBC)
* Dogs Trust UK
* Blue Cross for Pets
* Animal Behavior and Training Council (ABTC)
* Association of Professional Dog Trainers UK
* The Kennel Club (UK)
* Association of Professional Dog Trainers Australia
* Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand
* New Zealand Companion Animal Council
* New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NZSPCA)
* The Gundog Trust UK
* Guide Dogs UK
* Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)
* Edmonton Humane Society
* British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA)
* Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
* Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC)
* International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

Links to statements from the above organizations and additional professional animal welfare and training organizations who have also publicly condemned all aversive training tools, plus an extensive list of scientific references is available at: https://www.zakgeorge.com/general-5

05/03/2025

Do you know the difference between
SD, ESA, and TDs?

Service Dogs (SD) assist with specific tasks for a person with a disability, Therapy Dogs (TD) provide comfort and emotional support to others, and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) offer companionship and comfort.

Have a dog that would be great for therapy training?
Join our Therapy Dog Class, starting Monday, May 5th at 6 pm, which includes a field trip and Alliance of Therapy Dogs testing!

05/02/2025

Here is a suggestion: Start looking for the wins instead of the struggles.

Is your dog giving more eye contact? Buy that!

Did your dog start to fence chase with the next door dog but came when you called???? Buy that and celebrate! Grab a toy and play wildly with your dog!

Did your dog bolt through the door despite the sessions you have been doing to stop that behavior? So what! Everyone makes mistakes - maybe you haven't done enough distraction work!

Send a message to learn more

05/02/2025

05/02/2025

Lucy Loo has come for a week or so and is looking forward to learning a few basics, especially how to walk politely on a leash! I am looking forward to our first session tomorrow.

My first POA, Plan of Action, is to start her on the first 3 levels of Susan Garrett's Crate Games, then some Search games and Reinforcement Zone. Up to now Lucy has not seen much value in walking beside her owner. I will start building value in her mind for being beside me instead of out in front of me.

Send a message to learn more

04/10/2025

We had company!!!!!! Good friend Mark showed up unexpectedly from Oregon Monday afternoon: I was in the greenhouse, just finished a project when I heard a voice from outside the fence, "I drove 4 and a half hours to have my dog trained and there's no-one here!" Puzzled, I came out and nearly fell over. My point in mentioning our visitor on the SS FB page is that while he was here I took advantage to introduce Marvel the Wonder Dog to another new man!!!!! Remember, she is under socialized.

So we played Bungee recalls!!!!!! Marvel had a blast!!!!! Video will follow, gotta edit it down a bit.

Often my clients tell me they didn't do any training because they had company, which always surprises me. I take advantage of extra people on hand every chance I get, which is actually not often. Thanks Mark!

Send a message to learn more

04/04/2025

I am frequently dismayed at how few people have any idea about all the fun things they COULD do with their dogs. When we ply/work with our dogs, teaching them anything, the bond deepens. Dogs are brilliant. Sitting around or just chasing a ball are incredibly boring ways to spend a life.

Send a message to learn more

03/31/2025

Here is another post about Marvel the Wonder Dog. I haven't written about her in a long time. She continues to make progress on many areas. We have a long way to go.

We continue body awareness, basic obedience, retrieving, tugging, following and loose leash walking, agility and more.

What we don't do is a lot of anything. Especially retrieving. She "loses her brains", i.e., goes into a high state of arousal easily, especially in the presence of anything moving.

This is not surprising. The GSD (German Shepherd Dog) has been bred for generations as a working dog, so the stalk, chase, kill sequence is close to the surface.

I want her to learn that other dogs, squirrels, cats, bicycles, etc, are background noise and she should ignore them.

So we focus on our relationship and her ability to stay connected with me.

She is challenging, yes, as well as great fun. I love our sessions. I think she does too. Her eyes light up, her step is light, and she is eager to learn everything.

I would love to hear about your challenges and successes with your dogs. Post here to share.

Send a message to learn more