christmas puppies (think twice!!) Written on November 30, 2009, by marlene.

A word of advice to anyone who is considering giving a dog as a gift this holiday season:
From the point of view of a trainer whose busiest season is from May to July, which happens to be around 6
months after the acquisition of the Christmas puppy (precisely around the time of adolescence and usually
at the [...]

a few mind-numbers, just for fun Written on November 30, 2009, by marlene.

great article about dogmatic dog trainers! Written on November 20, 2009, by marlene.

Train in Vain – Why dog training fails.

This guy knows what he’s talking about. Almost every single trainer I’ve met has a “special formula”
that they will never deviate from. It’s not that I’m opposed to formulas, I just don’t think they
belong in my profession. You can’t be dogmatic about dog training. [...]

product review- leashes with “suicide clips” Written on November 20, 2009, by marlene.

Take a look at the clip at the end of this leash. Take a real good look and make your
brain remember this permanently. DO NOT USE A LEASH WITH A CLIP LIKE THIS! Divers
call it a “suicide clip” because the springs are sensitive to small amounts of pressure,
which allows the clip [...]

product review- adjustable check choke collar Written on November 20, 2009, by marlene.

The check choke is similar to a martingale collar in that it is a limited choke BUT, when you
want to give the dog or pup a correction, the chain part makes an aversive noise.
Just great.
I mean that.
Check chokes are good for young puppies because they are less harsh, and besides [...]