My Pet Peeve


I think my number one pet peeve is untrained dogs. There is really no reason for it other than ignorance. To combat this I'm going to give a few hints on how to train your dog.

The first and most important lesson is the walk. You dog needs to go for walks. Not only that but it needs to know HOW to walk with you. Not pulling you, straining at the end of the leash, or walking in front of you in any way, but walking next to you.

When your dog is in front of you it thinks that it's in charge. It's never a good idea to let an animal be in charge. They start to act out in many ways. Most problems start with the dog thinking it's in charge. It's so easy to start when you first get your dog to make sure YOUR top dog not him/her.

EJ and Echo



My next victims were EJ and Echo 6 and 61/2 year old golden retrievers. EJ is a GREAT therapy dog. Unfortunately he developed some mild aggregation towards other dogs. His owner, a first time dog owner, was at her wits ends with them. They were starting to break through the invisible fence at home. On my first visit I helped her establish that she is top dog. It was tough but she got it! When she even walked both dogs at heel for the first time!


Our next session was with her family. We got them under control in the yard. She still has some work to so but they haven't gone through the fence! Her husband and son also learned how to be good pack leaders.

A walking lesson was next. At a local park where you can let dogs off lead in a very safe environment. I took my helpers Remington and Emily, and my son, Eric to help. We encountered a few dogs and I showed Outi how to stop them and how to handle it if they didn't listen.

Recently I met EJ and Outi on a therapy visit and EJ was up to his old tricks. Outi was very proud of herself because she bit him on the neck with her hand. This was the technique I used the first time he went for my dog. I'm so proud of her!!!