Those “Graduation” Moments

This is Firkin. She used to be super reactive. If anyone listens to the Podcast…. She’s the one that snapped the long line and went Zombie style on the door I narrowly exited. But that was then……. THIS. Is now. This was outside a Starbucks in a strip mall. There’s a grocery store, a pet store, and a children’s bus …

Actually…. You Should Treat Your Dog Like Your Kid.

Kind of really sick of the argument that you shouldn’t treat your dog like your kid. Maybe you should. Look, I know what they mean. I’m not stupid. I don’t advocate “babying” your dog. I think the infantilization of dogs (and human kids…. don’t get me started) is a HUGE problem. But it’s not a problem because you’re treating them …

Advanced Socialization Seminar: Saco Maine!

Finish Forward Dogs presents… Pack to Basics™ Advanced Socialization Solutions with Chad Mackin! When: Saturday April 26 & Sunday April 27, 2014 Where: 30 Spring Hill Rd. Saco, ME. 04072 Contact: Shannan Nutting, Jay Jack, and Amanda Buckner info@finishforwarddogs.com 207-251-2296 Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Both days, may run slightly longer.) Fee: $349 per person/dog *All spaces are on …

7 Mistakes You’re Making In Behavior Modification

I found a really cool article on Sacramento Dog Behavior on the 7 common mistakes people make in their Behavior Modification work. It’s really interesting. Check it out: 7 Mistakes You’re Making In Behavior Modification YOU’RE TOO CLOSE Are you afraid of spiders? Me too. But I’m not running around and screaming because of the freakishly large spiders in South …

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 …

Calming Signal Or Stress Signal

Apparently, there’s a little “controversy” going on regarding “calming” signals. Some people call them calming signals, and mean that they are signals that the dog is calming down. As in, they are self soothing, and those are the “tells”. Other people say that they are “stress” signals. As in, the dog is worried and feeling anxious, and those signs are …