Good Dogs!

#6068-REV: Trainer and Golden breeder Lise Pratt speaks about letting your dog’s individual personality quirks flourish. What less-than-perfect behavior can you allow? How to manage behavior that could make other people uncomfortable? Dogs only understand black and white --- not gray --- so you have to be consistent in what, when and where you allow behaviors.

#6060-REV: Trainer and Golden Retriever breeder Marcy Burke says to make training the “wee ones” a game! It needs to be fun for both of you --- and should include a mountain of very small delicious treats to reinforce commands --- especially the basic “Come!” command.

#6072-REV: Dogs will not forget a bad first meeting with another dog — so we have to make sure it never happens! Gayle Watkins talks about the importance of introductions between dogs — and how we can cause dog aggression between dogs because we are nervous and communicating tension down the leash with how we set up the meeting. Best advice for a successful first meeting is to have both dogs on leash and go for a walk. Keep moving, keep the dogs on the outside and the people next to each other. The dogs should not touch, but walk side by side at a distance from each other and very quickly they will have their noses down and will ignore each other.

#6026-REV: What’s the truth about dog parks? Are they fun or dangerous? Maybe a little of both! Gayle Watkins warns about the serious dangers in a dog park, offers potentially life-saving advice and cautions to never take a puppy before 9 months of age because puppies are not socially wise until then.

#6077-REV: Dog friendships are misunderstood by people. Gayle Watkins discusses whether dogs have individuals they really like — or can't stand? Can a dog have a favorite friend, a “bestie?” What makes dogs good friends? How to judge compatibility. Play styles. Does breed matter in choosing a playmate?

#6044-REV: Does your dog have separation anxiety issues?! What if you had three dogs going berserk when you left the house — even if only to take out the garbage?! Jessica has three rescued dogs with this issue: Felix (German Short-Haired Pointer), Bailey (American Eskimo dog) and little Charlie (Yorkshire Terrier). Marcy suggests that to turn down the emotional volume Jessica first should visit a board certified veterinary behaviorist to discuss what medications she might use short-term, so that she can begin to change the scenario about her departures.

#6065 REV:  Golden Retriever breeder and trainer Dr. Gayle Watkins explains a dog’s “prey drive” — especially when re-directed at other dogs. The dog’s brain focuses only on the prey. They cannot see or hear you trying to stop them when their brain is filled with "feel good" neuro-chemicals. Preventing aggression towards other dogs means “interrupting the hunt” right before it starts, right at the trigger point, to get the dog’s attention back on you.

Mallory Galatzer-Levy (The Right Paw in Auburn, MA) discusses evaluating puppy personalities in Shikari Vizsla litters to determine best fit for potential owners

Housecall veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sarah Cutler on handling "aggression issues" with dogs, avoid demonizing dogs, who are usually reacting from fear

Carol Borden offers tips on how to stop a dog's frequent barking by changing dog's focus, offering treats, practicing frequently in low key situations

Stephanie Rousseau on shortcomings of flat collars with a leash, slip collars, prong collars and "anti-pull" harnesses, and why she prefers ergonomically perfect Haqihana harness

Carol Borden on what can lead to a service dog "washing out" of her training program, and treating reactive issues to feared objects with "bridging" technique

Stephanie Rousseau ("How to Raise a Puppy: Dog-Centric Approach") on inviting new puppy into your bed, how co-sleeping is normal and healthy for all mammals, how dogs are "social sleepers"

Ethologist Kim Brophey confirms certain dog breeds are genetically inclined toward certain behaviors

Carol Borden explains why the winter holidays are the worst time to bring a puppy into a household, too much social activity when a puppy needs predictable routine, close attention

Carol Borden and Tracie discuss how children can be threatening or distressing for a dog, and how to eliminate risk of dog bites

Carol Borden on acclimating your dog to the vet clinic by getting dog used to being handled, give treats, have positive attitude, and advocate for your dog with staff

Carol Borden on how to handle a dog who is fearful, mitigate his discomfort with whatever frightens him, patiently introducing one piece at a time

Dog trainer Kim Brophey (“The Dog’s Truth”) on improving human-canine bond, expectation of each dog

Carol Borden on life-long dream of having their own vet hospital for all their service dogs, which has come true, The Borden Veterinary Hospital at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs