Fourth of July – A Dog’s Worst Holiday
The Fourth of July is a dog’s worst holiday. Unlike thunderstorms, where electrostatic charges of the atmosphere and changes in barometric pressure alert a dog to a thunderstorm hours earlier, fireworks do not provide a forewarning. There truly is nothing good about the holiday for dogs. While we advocate sharing adventures and daily activities […]
Can Your Dog Be Mad At You?
As a professional dog trainer for over 15 years, clients often ask “Can your dog be mad at you? Its understandable that people are worried about this, as most of us are programmed to worry what others think of us, including our dogs! The love we have for our dogs is great, and we would never […]
Pet Theft Awareness
ISCDT and your pet want you to know that February 14 is Pet theft Awareness Day! Each year on Valentine’s Day dog parents are reminded to take steps to protect their pets. There are various reasons for pet theft. Two of the most popular reasons are financial gain and breeding purposes. No matter why pets […]
The Importance of a Decompression Period in Dogs
Welcoming a new pet into your home is exciting! No matter how excited you are for your new furry bundle of joy, your new dog requires a decompression period. This is necessary if the dog is eight-weeks, eight months, eight years or somewhere in between. The decompression period provides them the opportunity to relax, get […]
Help your Dog With Daylight Savings Changes
It is that time of year when daylight savings time ends. We turn our clocks back on November 7, 2021 at 2 a.m. Not only are these changes upsetting to many of us, our dogs are affected too. So you may need to help your dog with daylight savings changes. While we are excited for […]
Why Does My Dog Stare At Me While Pooping?
Humans are often bothered when their dog stares at them while pooping. Yet, in a dog’s mind, staring while pooping is natural. I thought my days of talking about poop ended once my sons matured and got past bathroom-themed jokes. Since we’ve had numerous clients question this behavior, we thought why not write a blog […]
Why Dogs Circle Before Lying Down
A common question dog owners ask is why dogs circle before lying down? You’ve likely experienced it. Just think back to the last time you got comfortable in bed or on the couch and your dog came to join you, but, before he laid down, he circled a few times. We see this as odd […]
Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop?
We frequently receiving calls from clients wanting to know why their dog eats cat poop. Dogs eat cat poop from litter boxes, they forage in the yard for it and veer off your walking path to snatch it from grass. To humans, this disgusting habit is unfathomable. However, dogs have a different opinion on the […]
How Open-Mindedness and Flexibility Improves Your Dog Training Skill
Knowledge through education, skill obtained from hands-on experience and growth acquired through continued education are three excellent attributes for dog trainers. Let’s add a fourth that you may not have thought of: Open-mindedness and Flexibility I greatly enjoy listening to podcasts on dog training while driving from one lesson to the next. I recommend that […]
Can You Change A dog’s Name?
Two questions we receive often are: 1. Is it possible to change a dog’s name after you adopt them? Answer: You can absolutely change your dog’s name. Many people change the dog’s name to represent a fresh start for the dog, especially if the dog’s past was negative. 2. How do you teach dogs their […]