Friday, December 7, 2012

Dog Toys and Rules that Go With Them

Too Much Access and Too Many Toys?

People seem to understand that a child that is given everything, never learning to earn, and never learning to respect what they have will grow into a needy and selfish child with very little manners.


This also happens with dogs.

Many homes that I visit have a basket full of toys available to their dog at all times, yet the dog is still eating their carpet, furniture, shoes, and house.  People offer toys with hopes the dog will choose to chew on the toys, in lieu of the couch.

A dog does not automatically understand that your stuffed couch is off-limits, and the stuffed duck is a toy. Dogs need to learn what is ok to chew and what is not ok to chew. All dogs are perfectly capable of understanding this when taught with no confusion.

A dog should be offered a toy, for displaying good behavior, like a child is rewarded a sticker on their chart for completing chores. One sticker, not a trip to Disneyland, everyday.


A living room filled with toys for a dog to play constantly, only promotes a dog that must be constantly entertained. Our goal is to create a calm a balanced dog. 

Spoiling your dog and indulging your dog in activity and affection in every moment, creates a dog that will not sit idle for you when necessary.

If your dog is not behaving the way you want him to...try to look closer to see if you raised your dog to be that way. Ouch.

Responsible parenting is important for K9 children too!


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Why does my dog pull and bark on leash?

Barking and Pulling on the Leash

The barking and pulling are symptoms. A prong, shock, or control collar are all band aids. Even the gentle leader halter does not solve your problem long term.

Just like an exterior sore on our arm, may indicate an interior problem. A band aid only masks the true issue, and the illness will grow until correctly cured.

Same with your dog.

It seems like a lot to handle, but try to look at all the little things is what causes the big reactions.

Learning to walk a dog properly on a leash is not hard to physically do, but it very demanding emotionally.....because you can not be emotional for this to work! Please read our leash walking blogs. Pulling ahead of you and barking are all behaviors that are disrespectful of you, rather than reactions to their surroundings. 


Chewing at the pillows on your couch is disrespectful behavior for your dog  to have in your home. Rather than putting the pillows out of reach, teach your dog he is not allowed to touch the pillows. By understanding boundaries, your dog will learn your expectations, creating him to be more respectful in the house.

It is a battle of establishing boundaries and wrestling with your own emotions of feeling guilty for giving boundaries. Dogs don't think of boundaries as you being mean, but view your guidance as displaying signs of leadership.

A dog will love many people, but only follow a leader.