The Dog Trainer's Quick and Dirty Tips for Teaching and Caring for Your Pet

Are some breeds smarter than others? Do doggy IQ tests really measure intelligence? The Dog Trainer delves into the smart dog fray. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s how to teach your dog to enjoy wearing a muzzle – and why to teach him! Also: When should your dog absolutely, positively not be muzzled? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A puppy mill dog may have spent her entire life in a cage before being rescued. In a frightening new world, how can you help her adjust and learn to feel safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dogs can detect incredibly faint odors. But what if their human handlers give them the wrong cues? The Dog Trainer explores the complexities in the work of detection dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dogs can detect incredibly faint odors. But what if their human handlers give them the wrong cues? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn 3 tips to help your dog relax around stuff he guards -- even before you start a behavior program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your dog has a behavior problem, you're probably wondering and speculating on what caused it. Did something happen way back in your dog's puppyhood, before you adopted him, to cause the issue? Turns out, it doesn't matter. And here's why... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Service dogs - how to have good manners around them, what they do, what rights disabled people have when using service dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As long as you're making New Year's resolutions, make some for your dog! 6 ways to make your dog happier and better behaved, this year and every year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Domestic dogs don't hunt in family groups the way their wolf ancestors did (and do!). But they're still predators -- sometimes in unexpected ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You'll often hear that a previously friendly dog suddenly bit a person "out of nowhere." But did she really? Or did stressors pile up till the dog just broke? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You've taught your dog to come when called -- congratulations! Except ... forget about it when she's playing with other dogs. How can you get her to pay attention to you then? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More reasons why your cat may be avoiding the litter box -- and how to get her back into good habits once you've resolved those problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cats don't usually need to be "litter box trained" the way dogs need to be housetrained. But if the litter box doesn't match your cat's preferences for a comfy toilet, she may find somewhere else to go. In Part 1 of this series, the Dog Trainer explains what makes an attractive litter box, and what doesn't. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Until recently, there's been no independent safety testing of car harnesses for dogs -- only manufacturers' claims in ads. Now the Center for Pet Safety, an independent nonprofit, reports and names names. Hang on to your seatbelts; it's going to be a bumpy ride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s often said that when we comfort a frightened dog, we’re rewarding fear. Learn whether that’s true, and how best to help out your worried, startled, or frightened dog. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn what to do if your dog is super-friendly, but your guests aren't happy to have him greet them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do some dogs interfere when people are kissing, necking, or having sex? And what should you do about it? Find out Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s more to good dog-walking than just holding one end of the leash. Here’s what to look for in the person you trust to take your dog out – and what to avoid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how to teach your dog to go to her bed on cue, and to park herself there voluntarily. So handy when you can’t bring her to the right spot yourself and when you don’t want to crate her! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's said that there's a dog bite epidemic. And trainers agree that any dog, even a friendly one, can be pushed into a bite. How much risk is there that your dog will bite your kid -- or someone else's? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's more to taking your dog to the beach than just grabbing her leash! Choose a dog-friendly place, keep her safe and healthy (sunburn and salt water can be big problems), and have a great time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A traumatic, painful experience, such as being badly hurt in a car accident, can change a dog’s behavior. Learn how to help a traumatized dog recover as much as possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost all trainers think that when you're using food rewards, it's best to start with a hungry dog. But a new study suggests that isn't always true. Sometimes, it might be best to give your dog a good breakfast before he starts work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In-home boarding, the vet's office, a kennel - what's the best way to care for your dog when you leave home? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you teach a dog tricks when she doesn't know any? Do dogs get bored? Do they dream? And what's the deal with thunderphobia, anyway? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dog Trainer's easy steps to teach your dog to jump through a hoop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dog Trainer and Mighty Mommy get together to answer kids' questions about dogs. Why do they bark so much? What is it with the butt-scooting? And why will some dogs fetch, but others just hang on to the ball? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dogs sometimes chase kids. Here's a simple way for kids to keep themselves safe if a dog chases them. Most chasing dogs will go away if you just get boring! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your dog love water and love to retrieve? Then you should know about the sport of dock diving. Here's how to safely introduce your dog to it, and where to find groups and competitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to keep your dog from urine marking indoors. Learn why your dog marks indoors - and get 8 tips to end indoor marking. Also, The Dog Trainer takes on outdoor marking etiquette. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dogs mark to communicate with each other, and also when they're anxious. Learn why your dog is marking and what you can do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's easy to miss signs that our dog is in pain, and they can't use words to let us know. Learn what signs tell you that your dog may be uncomfortable or in pain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some friendly dogs get so excited to see other dogs that they're completely out of control. Learn how to help these dogs keep their cool - and when friendly excitement might reflect anxiety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dogs often hump each other. But what if a 25-pound dog is humping a 6-pound dog? Learn when it's okay to let dogs hump, and when you should step in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Sneak up on it" is easy to teach and it turns your dog into a ninja. Plus, how to use tricks to help your dog cope in uncomfortable situations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes an old behavior needs a brand-new cue or command. If your dog's 'not listening' an old cue might be part of the problem. Why and how to change your dog's cues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can you expect of your adolescent dog, and why? Learn how to make your dog's adolescence easier on both of you. (Hint: prevention, prevention, prevention.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do dogs understand that people know some things and don't know other things? Or have they just figured out that they get in trouble for stealing food if our faces are pointing toward them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roaming cats destroy wildlife. But if you don't let your cat wander, will she be bored and miserable? No! There are lots of ways to keep cats contained and happy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My listener adopted a sweet stray dog who had to be tranquilized so people could catch her. How can she teach the dog not to run away again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the common advice to "Let your dogs work out their own problems" really make sense? Learn when it's okay to stand back, and when you've got a potentially serious problem on your hands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn how aggression fits into social behavior among dogs - and between dogs and us. Why do dogs have so many ways to signal social conflict? How do "agonistic behaviors" help them survive? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes two dogs will gang up on a third, turning dog park play into something much less fun. Learn what to do, whichever end of this scenario your dog is on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dogs, body language is subtle and complex. They have many ways to communicate that a situation is making them uneasy. You can help your dog out by learning the signals she gives when under stress. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enjoy running with your dog - but first make sure it's the right activity for her. Learn how to keep your dog safe and have fun running with her. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does your dog think walks are time to play Tug with the leash? Learn what to do if your dog bites the leash and plays tug with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn what to do if you bring home a new puppy and it turns out your first dog doesn't want him around. Can you fix their relationship? How? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should you yelp when your puppy nips you? What does it mean when your dog sits on your foot? If you give your dog table scraps, are you teaching him to beg? And are dogs really wolves? Four popular dog myths- debunked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are some reasons people need to find new homes for their dogs? How can you find a good home for your dog if you can't take care of him anymore? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.