TLDR? I really, really like this book. Check it out. If you had asked me how you play with dogs around the time that I adopted Nala, I probably would have said something like this: “Oh, you know. You can play fetch (but Nala isn’t a huge fan of fetching). You can play tug, … More Nala Reviews: Dog Sports Skills, Book 3: Play!
When a girl finds a stream running suddenly down the middle of a favorite path, what is to do? At first, she might, feeling a little warm in the remnants of her thick, fluffy winter coat, be content to lay in the stream and wallow a little to cool her fuzzy belly. Soon, … More A Girl and Her Creek
In the middle of Saturday’s idyllic (off leash!) hike, the fella and I suddenly realized that we were in a pretty pickle: we needed to cut our wilderness walk short so that he wouldn’t miss a haircut. We had two choices: cut it very short, and drop me and the pup off at the house, or wander a … More Nala Reviews: THK Proper Toppers
Sorry for the radio silence for a little while, everyone. I’ve started a new job recently, had a monstrous head cold, struggled to find time for blogging when Miss Nala is informing me of the dastardly neglect I am inflicting upon her by not rubbing her sweet little head–and this space has languished for it. … More My Friendship With This Dog
Sometimes, things don’t go the way you planned. Inspired by the Muzzle Awareness Week post at Two Blockheads, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about and show you this week: using non-muzzle, easily available household objects to begin this process of desensitizing and counter-conditioning your dog to wear a muzzle. Why Would Nala … More Can’t Touch This: Positive Pet Training Blog Hop
It’s been a while since I’ve shared an unedited training session, and this shaping session the other day was just too cute not to share. This is our third (I think?) session of Nala learning to rest her chin between her paws on cue. We’re free shaping it and it’s been a few days since we … More Trick Training in Action: Shaping Edition!
A while ago, a post on one of my favorite blogs motivated me to write more on something I’ve been wanting to write on for a long time–choice, and how offering Nala the opportunity to make choices has increased her confidence and comfort out in the world. In fact, offering Nala choices has caused a lot … More Choice isn’t a reinforcer. So why is the behavior increasing?
A couple of weeks ago, I published a post that was a philosophy and methodology statement and a brag concealed behind a pile of prose about a thorny tree: Nala has a terrific recall, even off of prey, built and proofed with positive reinforcement alone. Nala’s recall is something that I’ve poured hours of thought, training, … More Games to Level Up Your Recall!
She even opens it herself. (Those are really great toys, custom made for us by a lovely lady with an equally lovely Etsy shop, if you’re curious.) Thanks for watching! Do your dogs open their own mail?
At the easternmost edge of our yard grows a tree covered in thorns. It yawns unassumingly against the fence during the damp, heavy heat of spring and summer and summer’s dog days, imitating the yard’s other, friendlier trees. Still, even when it is inconspicuous to us on the ground, the squirrels never leap onto its … More The Toothache Tree
nala the wonder dog 