Watch Me, Check In, Eyes, Look At Me: Cues Teaching Dogs to Focus. I Say It’s Nonsense

Teaching dogs to focus on us, with a cue is not necessary and may just undermine all that you are doing to allow dogs to be dogs, offering them the chance to make appropriate choices. It’s a false sense of security in the name of control. Why do we feel we need to control dogs…
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Are We Meeting Dogs Emotional Needs?

When it comes to meeting our dogs needs, we just might be missing the mark, even though we think we’re doing great. I’m specifically referring to their emotional needs. I’m afraid to say that as dog lovers and caretakers, we may be exploiting dogs for our own desires. Follow me on this, because I’m not…
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The Dog-Eat-Dog Industry

As the creator of the Dog Decoder app, which helps people learn how to read dogs’ body language, I have an up-close view of many of the people, organizations and other players in the pet industry. For the purpose of this blog, I’m offering my opinion about the dog industry. Sadly, it’s an industry about…
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Dog Husbandry Skills Are Key To Alleviating Fear During Vet Visits

The whaling coming from somewhere back in the clinic is piercing, so much so that I’m frozen in fear just listening to it and I’m not alone. The sounds are deafening and looking around, I see everyone’s face is sheet white, hopeful that this baby is not hurt as badly as she sounds….
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Leash Reactivity: How to Relieve Your Dogs Anxiety

Just walking dogs on leash poses anguish for many people and dogs. It’s no wonder dogs suffer from leash reactivity. It doesn’t need to be this way. We have domesticated dogs and they have adapted very well to us and our environment, however, we do things with dogs that may perhaps not be in their…
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How To Prevent Dog Bites By Knowing The Signs Of Stress

Is your dog stressed at the vet, on walks, when she sees other dogs, when company comes? If so, you can help relieve her stress by learning how to recognize the signs and things that cause stress. Signs of stress in dogs are many and some not so obvious, but I can’t tell you how many…
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Why It’s A Good Idea To Learn How To Speak Dog

Learning how to read dog body language is not as easy as you think. Dogs are always communicating. They don’t speak our language, they speak dog. A dog’s first language is body language and energy. They have very elaborate ways of expressing how they’re feeling. They can tell us when they’re angry, afraid, anxious, curious,…
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Dear Faithful Facebook Friends

Dog Decoder has reached 10,000 likes and while that’s really exciting, for me it’s more about your eagerness to learn and share for the sake of the human – dog bond. I am humbled by your support and blown away by your thoughtful comments and willingness to speak your mind, ask questions, share your sorrows,…
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What Does “No Animals Were Harmed” Mean And Who Is Ultimately Responsible?

In a world where transparency is going by the wayside, it’s even more important to educate ourselves, especially when we are the voice of the voiceless. This article is my opinion and I encourage you to do your homework as well. To be clear, the investigation is NOT over. It’s still under investigation in Canada….
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Why I Feel Like Spending More Time With My Dogs Than People These Days.

I went to bed feeling helpless and hopeless and woke up feeling angry. Here’s why I’m feeling this way: Dogs are continuing to be abused. Our current administration just rescinded a basic human right to the LGBT community. The dog training community continues to be small minded rather than support each other for the sake…
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