Meditation For Dogs?

Impulse control is one of the most common problems with “problematic dogs”.  They see the squirrel/postman/dog/bike, and they are gone. You do not exist to them anymore. And, the typical training responses are: A- Correct them big enough so they will listen B-  If you get a high enough value treat, they would listen. C- If they “respected” you, they …

The Only Rehabilitation Philosophy You’ll Ever Need

From the Pack To Basics Facebook page: There is lot of talk about dog rehabilitation these days. We used to just call it dog training, but now we have a fancier word for it; makes it sound more important, difficult and complex I suppose. Nothing wrong with that. But in the end, no matter what methods you are using the …

Freeeeeedom (think braveheart)

Chad Mackin, renowned dog rehabilitation expert, told me once that “The slack leash should be the primary reinforcer”. I know from my stints of wasted time at the various correctional facilities of my youth, that being restrained is infuriating. The problem is, the way most people use the leash, it is strictly a device of restraint. It keeps them from …

Fun Pull Pics/Vids!!!

Got the pics/vids from the Fun Pull last weekend! Check it out- Milo Making it look easy! (ok it was a warm up run, but still): A few Shots of Mabel in Action- Here is Mandy handling- And here we pull out the “Big Guns” and bring in Grandma to handle!!!! She LOVES her granddaughter! And yes Mabel’s weights are …

Michael Ellis Speaks The Truth!

Man, I like Michael Ellis. Very balanced trainer. Very, very clear instruction. Solid science behind his methods. Tries like hell to use softer, enjoyable methods, but understands that “corrections” must be used in some situations. Still, attempts to use them as little as possible. And this is on SUPER high drive performance dogs that are VERY hard to manage. But, …

Hang In There!

We’ve always gravitated towards the difficult dogs. So, we’ve had our fair share of issues. We’re in the middle of one right now. Jax (our newest addition), is just reaching his new home crescendo. He’s been here long enough, and developed enough confidence to really open up and be a shithead. For example, when he first arrived, a sound may …

Dogs Are Crazy Super Fans

I like to use analogies when I learn. When I teach martial arts, I go to the analogy “well” quite a bit! I think they help everyone learn, not just me. So, one I came up with for understanding how some problems develop in dogs, is……. “The Super Fan!” None of the dog trainers that I’ve told it to, like …