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At Doggie Adventures and Training our training methods are reward based which means we reward the desired behavior and either ignore or redirect the undesired behavior.  By definition behaviors that are rewarded will increase.  Some ways that we reward the desired behavior is with with food, toys, play, verbal praise, and more.  I find that 95% of the dogs that I work with prefer food over other forms of reinforcement. Why does food work so well for most dogs?  In the early 1900’s Ivan Pavlov inadvertently discovered the power of food for dogs while trying to measure the amount of saliva a dog produced when they tasted meat powder.  He discovered that the dog would begin to salivate when Pavlov’s assistant would enter the room with the meat powder even before the powered was given to the dog.   The dog learned that the assistant had the powder thus creating

Tips to help with your dogs’ behavior Many undesired behaviors can be prevented with physical and mental exercise.  Before your big event take your dog on a brisk 20-minute walk.  When you return home practice 10 – 15 minutes of basic behaviors such as ‘stay’.  For continued mental stimulation you can give your dog an interactive toy such as a kong or a puzzle toy to keep them engaged. Crate training and training ‘spot’ can help prevent problem behaviors such as jumping on guests and begging at the dinner table.  Keep in mind your dog can feel and see the energy and excitement of the holidays as well.  Set them up for success by giving them a safe place to call their own such as their crate.  Once your guests have arrived and your doghas calmed down you can bring your dog out to enjoy the festivities.  If you know your dog

4 Ways To Stop A Dog Fight Witnessing a dogfight can be very scary.  The most important thing to remember is keep yourself safe.   Unfortunately there are no guarantees or sure-win solutions.  However, in the unfortunate event your dog does get into a scuffle here are some suggestions. 1.    Recognize precursors to aggression.  This may be stating the obvious but there are many subtle cues your dog may be giving you that they feel uncomfortable or the approaching dog is a threat.  Dogs communicate with each other through body language.  Learn to read dogs body language.  There are numerous books written on the subject, visit our recommended reading for some wonderful resources.   Here are a few cues to look for. Freeze- A key that I often tell students when dogs meet and interact is watch for the ‘freeze’ displayed by dogs as something, whether it’s play or a fight will start

A big “thanks” to all of those who shared your New Years resolution. Not to my surprise many of your resolutions included more exercise and training for you and your dog.  I’m happy to hear this as that is what Doggie Adventures and Training is all about!  Telling Doggie Adventures and Training your resolution is the first step towards realizing your goals.  Here are a few easy tips on how to keep both your pet’s and your resolutions moving forward. Be realistic.  Do not overload yourself with 5 resolutions.  If you try concentrating on 5 ways that you would like to change there is a good possibility all will go to the waste side.  Limit yourself to no more than 2 new resolutions and stick to them. Make measureable goals.  This is about being specific and tracking your goals.  Instead of saying ‘I want a better behaved dog’ say ‘I

As a trainer I find that many students become very frustrated with their puppies during their adolescents.  Students are confused as to why their puppy, who was eager to please and looked to them for direction a week ago have now turned into this ball of energy who appears to have forgotten what they have learned.  I’ve even seen this in the star obedience students!  This confusion by pet owners is very common and the best answer I can give dog owners at this time is it’s their dogs age.  Do you remember your adolescent years?  I sure do, my body was going through so many changes and many times I didn’t want to be seen with my parents let alone listen to them! As in humans, your dog has critical stages of development, which are: Neonatal Period Birth – 14 days Most critical time for sensory development Transition Period

The warmest months in Hawaii are vastly upon us with temperatures reaching over 80F degrees and over 50 percent humidity.  What does this mean for your dog, they do not have the luxury of taking off their fur coat.  Humans have the ability to regulate their body temperature by sweat glands located throughout our bodies.  When we sweat the evaporation of our sweat cools our body.  Unlike humans, dogs’ do not have sweat glands located throughout their body.   A dog’s sweat glands are mainly located between the pads of their feet.  A dogs’ primary way of cooling themselves is by panting and breathing. Excessive play on a hot day or lack of water and shade can lead to dehydration, heat stroke or even heat exhaustion which can cause death.  A dogs’ normal body temperature is 100.5F degrees to 102.5F degrees.  A dog body temperature that is overheated will exceed 104F