Paw-Z-Tivly Trained

02/04/2025

Many people are not aware of the importance of mental stimulation for their dogs. Simple games such as Find It (you can use Find It to have your dog "hunt for his food"- do in separate rooms if you have more than one dog and there is a potential resource guarding issue).

Be creative... an egg carton with some kibble in it is an awesome "problem solving" game.

Mental stimulation for dogs is important to keep them happy and engaged at all ages, and it's simpler than you might think.

03/02/2025

Yesterday I had the joy of reading David Wroblewski’s masterpiece, Familiaris, on the couch with one of my beloved Canis Familias. Usually I read this magnificent work first thing in the morning, but recently I skipped to his Acknowledgments because I need to start writing my own and wanted ideas.

Imagine my surprise and gratitude when I read: “A great many people educated me on subjects integral to this story … Patricia McConnell showed me what it means to dedicate one’s life to the well-being and happiness of dogs.”
Be still my heart! ❤️ ♥️ 💗

19/01/2025

What do dogs think about? Thanks to science and research we are gaining insights into what our dogs think about, and how dogs think about us.

17/01/2025

I personally have found that many behaviors labeled protection, guarding or jealousy (?) are most likely Resource Guarding and treat it as such.
There is still a debate whether jealousy in a dog is true jealousy but I am sure that it will be settled soon.

Dogs get jealous especially if you’re giving attention to a different canine. So how do you introduce a new dog to a jealous dog?

27/12/2024

22/12/2024

Picking up trash at the Green Monster! And this is just part of it…
Really people?

02/12/2024

They stood by us… always!
Now we need to stand by them… always!

05/09/2024

Cheatgrass is an invasive grass species of grass in the US found on the west coast. It's seeds can cause great harm to dogs.

05/09/2024

Vacuum cleaners are one of many sounds dogs hate. Lightning is another. Desensitizing dogs to these sounds can help lower their stress.

30/06/2024

Many puppies grow up with dog or other reactivity issues because their owner may have misunderstood what proper socialization means…

Exposing your dog (if you have an under-socialized dog) or pup to different situations and people is very important to end up with a well adjusted dog.
What is even more important is to make sure that your dog makes a positive association with the experience.

Introduce at your dog’s pace and level of comfort!

Puppies can be around other dogs at around 8 to 10 weeks, however, they need a week to adjust to their new home before meeting large groups.