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I use remote training collars. There, I said it. I have now officially outed myself…

I also use clickers and other assorted training markers, treats, toys, leashes, head collars, and prong collars. I’ve even been known to use a bark collar once or twice. I teach my dogs to tug and play. I teach them to make choices. I teach them that there are consequences to those choices. I show them the value in making the right choice. I also teach them how to make mistakes and to recover from those mistakes so that they can try again to make the right choice. I train using operant conditioning (mostly) and a positive reinforcement mindset. I want learning to be fun for my dogs but I also expect them to be obedient.

So what does this say about me as a trainer? Well, some folks would have you believe that because I use training aids that are considered controversial, such as remote training collars and prong collars, that I must be a bad trainer and that, by extension, I must also treat my dogs poorly. But here’s the thing… Continue reading →

There’s an old joke: “My dog always does his business on the newspaper — but only while I’m reading it.” If your furry pal has suddenly decided to alter his toilet habits after a lifetime of good behavior, you have to figure out the underlying issue (of the problem, not of your newspaper) before we can step in with any re-training he may need.

The first thing you’ll want to do is eliminate the possibility of a lurking health issue. Bladder or bowel disorders can cause incontinence without warning, making it impossible for your dog to get his appointed bathroom zone in time. These cases usually respond nicely to veterinary treatment. Dogs may also develop some degree of urinary incontinence in their elder years; again, your veterinarian may also be able to recommend treatment methods or lifestyle changes to help minimize the problem.

An otherwise healthy pet who suddenly disobeys his house training may be “acting out” against something in the home that he finds distressing. Scary sounds such as gunshots, fireworks or thunder, or even an overwhelming chemical or household odor, can drive a dog away from his relief area. Separation anxiety can also cause a dog to go to the bathroom in the wrong part of the house, and a fear of being crated can cause a pet to lose control as well. We can work with these dogs to train the fear out of them and help them become more comfortable in their environment.

If your dog’s break in house training remains a mystery despite your best detective work, contact Sit Means Sit. We know dogs, and we can discuss his behavior with you or even observe him in the home to try and get at the root of the problem. Good luck!

The training succeeded brilliantly. A few sessions with the Sit Means Sit professionals, and your dog was doing a fantastic job of not jumping on you, or avoiding the living room couch, or whatever behavior you’d hired us to get under control. So why is your dog now misbehaving again, as if all that training had simply been swept away? Did the training itself fail — or did you fail you reinforce that training consistently?
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The New Year has just passed and I know many individuals have made resolutions to start exercising. Don’t leave your dog behind! In the United States, over half of all pets are considered obese. Running with your dog is one way to battle the obesity epidemic together and to strengthen your bond with your pet! Here are some tips to help you get started:

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Dogs don’t have to be athletic or “purebred” to be a star in doggie sports. There are plenty of canine sports that do exercise the body, but there are also several that primarily exercise the mind! Some sports are strictly for purebred dogs, but there are many that now allow mixed-breed dogs. If you have a canine pal that is longing for an extracurricular activity, check out these activities to pursue with your pup.
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Your dog is a trusting animal by nature. It doesn’t cross her mind that something could be dangerous. As her owner, it is your responsibility to make sure her environment in the house is free from harm.

How to Recognize Danger

When you look around your house you may think that everything looks perfectly safe. But you and your dog may have very different views on what could be a toy or a tasty snack. When you dog proof your house, try to see it in your dog’s perspective. Hunker down to the height of your dog’s line of sight and take a look at what your dog sees. Look around for any hidden dangers that your dog may get herself into. Simply use common sense and take the same precautions as you would with a child.
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