Taking the Lead News and information about dog training, understanding dog behavior, and more. December 2019

"The dog was created specially for children. He is the god of frolic." – Henry Ward Beecher

Holiday Cheer or Holiday Fear? The Hustle and Bustle can Worry the Furry Ones By Pat Blocker, CPDT-KA Holidays are busy and chaotic, a season when time and patience are limited. Humans view holidays far differently than dogs do. We’re easily consumed by the joys and general hubbub whereas dogs can become anxious and confused by changes and chaos. Therefore, let’s include them in a seasonal stress management plan. Holidays can mean interrupted schedules. Homes are transformed by decorations and new scents. Extra vacuuming happens. People are invading your home. Furnishings, dog beds and even feeding areas might get rearranged to accommodate guests. Edible temptations are abundant bringing potentially more conflict between dogs and humans.

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8 Reasons Why you shouldn't Train your Dog using a Spray Bottle By Mirkka Koivusal Some humans have a little handheld tool they use to stop behaviors they don’t like: a squirt bottle. A sharp spray of water in the dog’s face should stop jumping/chewing/nipping/barking pretty efficiently, right? Plus the gadget is cheap, easy to get and shouldn’t really hurt the dog, right? Well, not in my opinion.

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Give the Gift of Training and Understanding this Holiday Season

Buy Now T aking the Lead without Jerking the Leash The Art of Mindful Dog Training by Pat Blocker, CPDT-KA This is a book for dog trainers, other dog professionals, and dog owners. Intended to educate and entertain, it covers the many aspects of living with, training, and understanding dogs. It is philosophical in voice and versatile as a resource.

Buy Now Letting in the Dog Opening Hearts and Minds to a Deeper Understanding by Pat Blocker, CPDT-KA Communicating with and understanding dogs builds trusting relationships, relieves frustration, and improves lives at both ends of the leash. Apart from simply reading canine body language, this book explores the juncture between hearts and minds, where true understanding begins. 

Schedule your own private 90-minute SITT webinar! SITT Science • Intuition • Trust • Training SITT is a live, interactive webinar hosted by Pat Blocker, CPDT-KA. After the presentation, Pat will consult with you to address concerns about your dog's behavioral issues.   Enroll now to schedule your private session! All paid participants receive a recording of the event for future reference. Mention this newsletter and receive $20 off your registration fee.

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"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." --Groucho Marx  Recommended Reading From the Peaceful Paws Bookshelf

Being a Dog Following the Dog Into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz From the #1 bestselling author of Inside of a Dog—“an incredible journey into the olfactory world of man’s best friend” ( O, The Oprah Magazine), Alexandra Horowitz’s follow-up to her New York Times bestseller explains how dogs experience the world through their most spectacular organ—the nose. Available at your favorite bookseller.

Resources

Got Dog Problems? House soiling? Chewing? Barking? Separation Anxiety? Fear of people? Guarding Objects? Dog-Dog Reactivity? Pulling on-Leash? Jumping-up? No Attention? No Recall? Whatever the problem, Dunbar Academy most probably has you covered with their online courses. Join the Dunbar Academy Dog Lover’s Library today!

Peaceful Paws Ethical & Effective Dog Training www.peacefulpaws.net • pat@peacefulpaws.net * 303-364-4681 Peaceful Paws offers private in-home training and behavior consultations. Call or email for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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