Skip to main content

logo

We’re on a mission to provide resources and practical tips to pet people

Ad
Ad logo

Editor’s Picks

Book Review: How to Live with a Dog by Laurel Saville


Stories and Solutions for Humans with Dog Problems and Dogs with Human Problems “Clear and Empathetic” In her new book, “How to Live with a Dog, stories and solutions for humans with dog problems and dogs with human problems,” author and dog behavior consultant Laurel Saville offers a rich mixture of great information and highly personal, compelling, real life case examples, in a style both highly insightful and plain entertaining. Each chapter focuses on an important issue such as leash reactivity, the distorted expectations humans have about dogs, and the… Continued


Latest Articles

Shaping the Future: The Next Generation of Pet Guardians and Pet Care Professionals


by Don Hanson I’m thrilled that The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) has a program designed specifically for young people. The PPG Junior Membership program is not just another program; it’s a crucial step in shaping the future generation of pet guardians and pet care professionals. I’ve been a pet care professional for over 30 years now, and I am always delighted when I see a whole family—the parents and the children—actively caring for and bonding with their pets. That’s why we have always allowed children to participate in our training… Continued


Book Review: How to Live with a Dog by Laurel Saville


Stories and Solutions for Humans with Dog Problems and Dogs with Human Problems “Clear and Empathetic” In her new book, “How to Live with a Dog, stories and solutions for humans with dog problems and dogs with human problems,” author and dog behavior consultant Laurel Saville offers a rich mixture of great information and highly personal, compelling, real life case examples, in a style both highly insightful and plain entertaining. Each chapter focuses on an important issue such as leash reactivity, the distorted expectations humans have about dogs, and the… Continued


Your Guide to Introducing Equids to Each Other


by Michelle Martiya, Jessica Gonzalez, and Abigail Greenwalt From selecting herd mates to knowing when to intervene if conflicts arise, equid introductions require planning, flexibility and, as always, an equid-considerate approach. The checklist below can help guide the process. A Checklist for Introducing Equids to Each Other Are you an equid guardian who embraces the science of equid emotion, learning and behavior? Find informative articles about equid management, care, training, social relationships and more, here. Download Your Equid Introduction Checklist: About the Equid Division of the Pet Professional Guild We… Continued


Stop Walking Your Dog?!


by Elizabeth Friedl I work with dogs who have big feelings – feelings about other dogs, feelings about people, feelings about the world in general. My first instruction when we start a training program is almost always the same: stop walking your dog. No surprise, I get many reactions. Most of which are mixtures of confusion and worry. “But my dog needs so much exercise!” “How am I supposed to tire them out?” “She loves her walks!” “He’s going to go stir crazy!” “Are you sure you’re a dog trainer?”… Continued


Looking for a Dog Trainer or Behavior Consultant? Here’s What You Need to Know


by Niki Tudge Positive reinforcement (R+) and force-free training are based on the scientific principles of animal learning. They are widely endorsed by leading veterinary and animal behavior organizations. However, there are many common misconceptions and outright myths about this training approach, often perpetuated by proponents of older, more aversive methods. So, before you hire a dog trainer, or any professional who will interact with and care for your pet, here are some questions and answers about R+ and force-free training. Q. Is positive training just bribery? (Will my dog… Continued