Training and Behavior

The holidays are just around the corner, and one of the questions we’re asked most frequently this time of year is how to prevent dogs from “getting into trouble” amidst the food, friends, and festivities. It can take months to train the skills your dog would need to remain on its best behavior arou

Digging is a natural, instinctual behavior for dogs. Depending on the breed of dog, the desire to dig might even be a part of their breeding and hardwired into their instincts. The act of digging can be a source of joy and enrichment for dogs, but a yard filled with holes is likely a going to cause

It’s hot out there! This week’s heat wave has forced many of us back indoors (as if we weren’t spending enough time in the house already…) and has made afternoon walks and trips to the park a bit less appealing. If you’re looking for ways to release some of your dog’s pent-up energy, encourage them

Every dog is different! Which type of class will be better for your dog depends on their needs, personality, and, of course, your preference. With services being modified during Covid, Dogs In Harmony is offering private lessons (dog only, or outdoor private lessons with humans) as well as dog only

Does your dog suffer from selective hearing? Does their training go out the window when you come upon another dog or intriguing distraction? All dogs find it more difficult to be obedient in the presence of distractions. You may find that you have a completely different dog in your backyard than you

Many state and local governments, including the counties in our area of California, have mandated the wearing of face coverings while in public. Adjusting to wearing masks (and trying to talk in them!) has been a challenge for many of us. As you’ve no doubt realized when socializing your dog, it can

Shaping is my favorite training tool. Shaping is just like playing a hot and cold game with your dog. Except that in this hot and cold game, we only tell the dog that they are getting warmer in the form of a click. In this video I am working with Gin on putting away her toys. This is not the first

Size difference is an issue when it comes to dog interaction. Big dogs need to learn how to be calm around small dogs and small dogs need to be confident around big dogs. Small dogs often bark at big dogs most often because they would like more space and are intimidated by the big dog. Big dogs ofte

You don't need a clicker to clicker train. Clicker training is often times referred to as marker training. A marker can be just about anything as long as it's short, consistent and is followed by a treat or reward. I love clickers because I can move quickly, its a mechanical skill for me that I don'

As we discussed in our Introduction to Cooperative Care , this training concept involves training your dog not to just tolerate handling, grooming, and other husbandry procedures, but to empower them to be an active and willing participant in these experiences. The concept of cooperative care has b

Most times dogs display unwanted behaviors because of an emotional need or distress, boredom, lack of knowledge or as a way to get what they want. Consider why your dog is behaving in the way he is by looking at the behavior ABC's. Don't look at a dog as good or bad, consider a behavior as wanted or

Do you struggle with taking your dog to the vet? Is their stress and fear so intense that they tremble, salivate, pant, or even resort to attempts at escape or aggression? In the end, the vet visit is likely essential, so you probably force your dog to complete the visit (and promise to make it up t

If your dog is having digestion trouble or your fish has started fainting, chances are you’ll be taking your pet to a veterinarian who has modified their services to ensure the safety of their clients and staff during the Covid pandemic. Like all of us, veterinarians have had to make changes in thei

California recently released guidelines for restaurants looking to begin offering dine-in services. These guidelines include limited capacity and expanded outdoor seating. As counties begin to meet Phase 2 reopening criteria, many residents are looking for safe ways of venturing out into the world w

The Covid lockdown has forced many of us to make changes to our routines and spend an unusual amount of time indoors. Your dog has spent the past two months adjusting to a new routine that depends a lot on you being at home. The adjustment was likely very easy for them. After all, what dog doesn’t e

There are steps to every behavior. Every dog moves through these steps at a different rate. In this video, you'll see how Savy has learned "Leave It"

The simple answer is yes. They should go where ever is convenient. Dogs don't care that your house smells like pee. They rather like smelly things. The general rule is that the softer and smellier the more fun it is. Fun for what you ask? Well.... from a dogs point of view, its fun to roll in it, e